What a great pleasure it was to spend three days and two nights with our amazing students, their teachers, and some very brave parent helpers!
The students eagerly boarded the bus and settled in for the long 90 minute drive to Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra, some for their longest sleepover away from parents ever!
Upon arriving at Fairbridge, the students eagerly went to their cottages: Glasgow, Cook, Kitchener or Fairbridge. They chose beds, arranged their bedding and then quickly got changed so that the activities could begin, but not before eating lunch, this excitement made them all very hungry.
On Wednesday there were two rounds of activities and a refreshing swim in the afternoon, before some free time before dinner and bed. On Thursday, there were three rounds of activities and another refreshing swim. The temperature was warm, but not hot enough to stop us doing anything. Thank goodness for the large trees that provided ample shade. Too bad that our cottages weren’t air conditioned, this was another first for some of our students! Friday was all about team games and involved three rotations.
So, what were the activities I hear you say? Archery, Indoor Climbing Wall, Low Ropes & Games, Flying Fox and Leap of Faith. I was amazed by the willingness of all of our students to have-a-go, despite their fears. They all demonstrated persistence, excitement, respect, kindness and support for each other.
And what did they eat, you ask? Well, a cooked breakfast each morning, in addition to toast, cereal, yoghurt, fruit – as many helpings as they liked. Lunch was yummy wraps and a sausage sizzle. Dinner was fish & chips on Wednesday night and a delicious roast on Thursday night. You will have to ask your children all about the desserts and morning and afternoon teas.
I would like to thank all of the staff that gave up their time away from their own families to enable our students to participate in this terrific experience. Mr Patel, Mr Pestell, Mrs Gifford and Mrs Sutherland, from the bottom of my heart – thank you! Also, Mr Wood thank you for coming down to visit us.
To the parent helpers, Dean Skelly, Norae Fisher, Louise Lippiatt, Sarah Gunn, Mark Fallon, Paul Jones and Aimee Bresland, thank you for doing whatever was needed, we couldn’t run our camps without your assistance. Your smiles, courage and humour were greatly appreciated.
To our unbelievably, incredibly, amazing students you have made me so proud and I thank you so much for letting us all get to know you a little better. For showing us just how grown up you are, it was a privilege to learn alongside you. You are all champions in my eyes and I can’t wait to see what else you can achieve this year.
Finally, to the parents left at home, wondering what your children were up to, thank you for trusting us with your precious children. I’m sure you all enjoyed the updates from Claire Long, so a huge thanks to Claire for making sure you were all kept informed. I do believe your children have come home stronger, more resilient, and full of excitement about their achievements.
Please enjoy the photos, I’m sure the children will explain in great detail where they were and what they were doing in each photo.
Kind regards,
Nicole Brown