Year 8

Year 8 Camp at Myall Lakes

Year 8 Camp at Myall Lakes is a great opportunity for students to step away from their usual routines, leave technology behind, and immerse themselves in the great outdoors. It was a fantastic week and a great opportunity to see students extend themselves beyond their comfort zones in the best way possible.

One of the highlights of the week was watching all students embrace new challenges. Some faced their fears on tricky mountain bike trails, others stepped up to lead their group in cooking challenges or group games, and many surprised themselves with what they could accomplish when they gave something new a go. Every challenge taken on, big or small helped the students grow in confidence and resilience, valuable skills that will stay with them far beyond camp.

Shout Outs

Yolanda Bai for her exceptional dedication to each activity
Josie Perry for being an all-round superstar with activities
Helena Lewis for her commitment to bike riding
Bear, Mac, Pearl, Niamh, Mark, Kody and Tom for their epic run club performance with Mr Walker and Miss Stafford
Sammy Halliday for her amazing teamwork
Group 8 for their incredible cooking skill and collaboration. They all worked hard to create a fantastic group dynamic and we know this will have a fantastic impact for years to come.
Group 10 – memorable animal encounters and seeing a dolphin in the river.

Myall Lakes National Park is the perfect setting for this unforgettable experience. With its stunning landscapes, peaceful waters and winding trails, every moment spent outdoors was a reminder of how beautiful and important the natural world is. Whether hiking through the bush, gliding across the water or simply sitting under the stars, students gained a new appreciation for the environment and their place in it.

As teachers and Year Advisors, we couldn’t be prouder of our Year 8 students. Their enthusiasm, courage, and willingness to embrace the experience made this camp an incredible success. We know they will come back with stronger friendships, new skills and stories that will be told for years to come.

Year 8 Camp wasn’t just a trip away from home. it was a journey of growth, adventure and discovery. Parents, you should be incredibly proud of your children for embracing every moment, supporting one another and making the most of this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to see how they carry these lessons forward in the years ahead!

Group 7 Reflection

On Wednesday, Daniel and Arlo woke up to the eerie howls of dingoes, a unique experience they will not forget. For the rest of the day, Group 7’s canoeing expedition from Dees Corner to Tamboi North turned into a lesson in teamwork and resilience. As strong winds picked up near Mungo Brush, the tides rose and the canoes started to rock with the waves. Without hesitation, everyone instinctively stayed together, holding onto each other’s canoes and supporting one another. Molly and Amelia said it was the highlight of the camp because it was a moment where the whole team came together to make sure everyone was safe.

When the conditions made canoeing too difficult, the group decided to switch to an alternative activity. Lina, Jasmine and Miriam took the initiative to pull the canoes back to shore and neatly stack them. Harlow, Annabelle, Miranda and Tom quickly got to work chopping vegetables and preparing an early lunch.

Instead of continuing on the water, the group took a short walk to Mungo Beach, learning about sand dunes, native vegetation and how these ecosystems help protect the unique landscape of Myall Lakes. Xander, Miles and Tom found a coconut on the beach, cracked it open and took a sip, only to discover it was salty! Others collected shells and worked together to create beautiful sand art.

Along with the outdoor adventures, many students came to appreciate the little things in daily life. Annabelle says she truly values her mum’s cooking more. Miles realised how much we take technology for granted. Keaton cannot wait to sleep in his own bed again and Daniel has a whole new appreciation for Sydney’s transport system.

This camp has been a memorable experience full of learning, teamwork and adventure. Whether it was facing rough waters, exploring the beach or discovering the joy of a warm meal, the students will take these lessons and memories with them long after camp ends.

Showcasing Jake Ikin – Camp Photographer

Jake has spent the last few years perfecting his photography skills and we are privileged to showcase three of his favourite photos from camp. I am sure you will all agree how stunning these photographs are. Thank you for sharing Jake!

Year 8 Shout Outs

Well done to Enrico Viese Vivaldi who is competing at the Australian Youth Beach Volleyball Championship in Coolangatta this week.

Jade Kwan is traveling to the Gold Coast to compete in Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Good luck with the next stage of this competition and we look forward to sharing more successes next week.

Kyra Benoliel and Pearl Brown, two fantastic Year 8 rowers who are competing in the Rowing Nationals in Tasmania this week. We wish you both all the best and can’t wait to hear your achievements.

Stella Brock has been invited to play in the East Mallorca Cup in Spain over Easter this year. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in Term 2.

Well done to Annaliese Beatty won in the first round of the Rostrum public speaking competition at Ascham yesterday evening! She gave a fantastic speech on the topic of “Stepping Stones” and will now move on to the semi-finals. Good luck in the next round of the competition.

We are very proud of our Yr 8 students, keep up this incredible commitment to your passions.

Ms Abby Walker
Yr 8 Advisor
9968 9818
awalker@redlands.nsw.edu.au