It has been a fast-paced, positive start to Senior School at Thomas Hassall for Year 7. By now, students are making new friends and becoming familiar with their timetable, house group and layout of the College. Students, parents and teachers have given encouraging reports on the start of the year and are looking forward to the many challenges and opportunities still to come in 2018.
However, after an exciting and information-filled first week of school, 150 of our Year 7s embarked on one of the highlights of their first term at Thomas Hassall – the mighty Year 7 camp!
The days we spent at Deer Park, in the Royal National Park, were so exciting and exhilarating. All Year 7 students were introduced to this wonderful and enormous landscape full of interesting and daring activities such as the skyweb, water slide, dragon boating, sailing, fishing, survival skills, rock-climbing and many others. The skyweb (high robes and flying fox course) certainly proved that this year group are fearless, courageous and will give anything a go. Through facing their fears and stepping out of their comfort zones our Year 7 students, along with their Pastoral Care teachers, learned to overcome challenges both as a group and independently. Their encouragement of one another and resilience proved to be a highlight of most group activities.
This fabulous camp was truly something to remember. It encouraged our students to build on the initial friendships they had developed in Week 1, as well as giving them an opportunity to challenge themselves through a range of activities. The momentum this camp generates for our year group, together with the positive life lessons of friendship, the importance of encouragement, teamwork and honesty ensures that our year group starts the year in the best way possible. The last day of camp ended with smiles and no regrets as everyone said our farewells to the camp staff.
The camp was certainly a success with many of the students sharing their positive experiences of the trip:
- “The food was amazing… and the activities were engaging and fun” Brandon Solis and Justine Gallarde
- “Camp was a wonderful bonding experience with students and our PC teachers” Charlee Collier
- “The best experience I have ever had, especially the basketball games!” Elan Latifi
- “Dragon boating is harder than it looks, but persistence is key” Aram Zamel and Jimmy Tang
- “We got to make new friendships and work together as a team” Emma De leeuw and Elliana Collyer
Special thanks to the Youth Works staff, the Pastoral Care teachers and our fantastic Year 11 Peer Support students who led the Year 7s with enthusiasm and cared for them with patience and understanding. They make a great team and Year 7 is certainly in for a memorable year ahead!
Mr Robinson and Miss Mugridge
Year 7 Advisors