Year 12 Camp

Nervous energy, laughter and chatter filled the Hall on an early Monday morning. Four hundred Year 12s set off to Phillip Island Adventure Resort for our final school camp. Camp started off hot, literally, with Monday and Tuesday both boiling hot as we roasted in the sun on the flying fox and giant swing. I have to say this camp was one of my favourites, a particular highlight of mine was Smiths Beach, a saving grace on a piping hot day. The waves, cool water, and clean sand are a sure mix up from the Melbourne Bay beaches we enjoyed during the summer break. 

We had many typical camp activities such as flying fox, archery, and team rescue but the one that stole the show was canoeing. I had canoeing on the first day following raft building and did not yet know what I was in for. As we hopped into the canoes and pushed ourselves away from shore, we could see the danger looming ahead, Mr Blackmore. Tipping people left, right, and centre on a manoeuvrable paddle board that far outshone our canoes. On the bright side, our many swims in the lake cooled us down which we most certainly needed. We did get our revenge, however it also led to us tipping yet again. This embodied the fun community-centred focus of Year 12.

We had several speakers, including the School of Play, who taught us the importance of having fun in Year 12 rather than making it purely about studying and working hard. We truly bonded as a group over the three days, and I am extremely grateful for all of the staff who organised and attended the camp as it was a fantastic way to kick off the year. 

Despite the joy of camp and the fun activities that we enjoyed there was also nerves and anxiety because we all knew that, on Friday the captains were being announced. As Year 12s, we all put a great deal of effort into our applications and went through a very comprehensive process. It was amazing to see the support and joy of the captains across the entire cohort as each name was announced one by one followed by an enormous cheer. 

I would like to congratulate all those who were announced in student leadership positions and wish them the best of luck in their new roles, and I know they are all fitting candidates. 

I would also like to express my gratitude for my own position and commend everyone who applied. When the names were being announced I was sitting in the Hall, extremely nervous and awaiting to see the results of my efforts. First, the East Campus Captains were announced which was particularly special for me as my sister Yael was selected for East Campus Captain. Then, after Music, Sport, and Deputy Captains, a wave of joy, relief, and gratitude washed over as I heard my name. 

I hope I can serve our community well and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity.

Jake L

School Captain