Year 8 has just returned from a magical camp on beautiful North West Island, surrounded by pristine turquoise waters and an amazing reef. We observed turtles nesting, walked around the island, snorkelled and went tubing and skurfing behind the school boat. The students created wearable art garments from nature and the recycling bin. Billy ran 120 kms - 25 times around the island in one day! We saw tiger sharks, lion-fish and octopi and swam with stingrays and turtles, and we discovered many other species of fish.
We tried to save some of the shearwater birds from the pisonia or "birdcatcher" tree (the seeds of which are so sticky they are known for fatally entangling birds seeking insects that feed on the fruit) and nursed chicks blown out of the nest after a windy night.
We were accompanied by a excellent team of teachers and parents, who shared their skills and knowledge with the students. Greg, one of Shearwater’s maintenance crew, who also happens to be a marine biologist, shared a wealth of information about marine life and currents, as well as information on the reef and the changes brought about by climate change. Josh organized an epic treasure hunt, which sent the students running all over the island to find clues. Grant shared his knowledge of turtles and sea birds and engaged the students in a guessing game as to how many loggerheads and green turtles nested on the island each night. Emma brought a wealth of outdoor education skills to the camp, from sun safety to snorkeling to volleyball and cricket and the ‘Ooga Booga’ game! (You had to be there!). Anna fed us sumptuous camp food from sushi, curry, dips and crackers to pancakes, rice paper rolls and cacciatore. Nick was the man who had everything camping and fishing (and a sewing kit) and Margaret and Luke were a gentle but firm support throughout and always there when we needed them.
A hearty thank you to all our remarkable students and our wonderful team.
April Galetti and Tony Van den Driest
Year 8 Guardians
We tried to save some of the shearwater birds from the pisonia or "birdcatcher" tree (the seeds of which are so sticky they are known for fatally entangling birds seeking insects that feed on the fruit) and nursed chicks blown out of the nest after a windy night.
We were accompanied by a excellent team of teachers and parents, who shared their skills and knowledge with the students. Greg, one of Shearwater’s maintenance crew, who also happens to be a marine biologist, shared a wealth of information about marine life and currents, as well as information on the reef and the changes brought about by climate change. Josh organized an epic treasure hunt, which sent the students running all over the island to find clues. Grant shared his knowledge of turtles and sea birds and engaged the students in a guessing game as to how many loggerheads and green turtles nested on the island each night. Emma brought a wealth of outdoor education skills to the camp, from sun safety to snorkeling to volleyball and cricket and the ‘Ooga Booga’ game! (You had to be there!). Anna fed us sumptuous camp food from sushi, curry, dips and crackers to pancakes, rice paper rolls and cacciatore. Nick was the man who had everything camping and fishing (and a sewing kit) and Margaret and Luke were a gentle but firm support throughout and always there when we needed them.
A hearty thank you to all our remarkable students and our wonderful team.
April Galetti and Tony Van den Driest
Year 8 Guardians
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