Outdoor Education

As we reflect on Outdoor Education during 2021, we can really appreciate the importance and beauty of the great outdoors that we are so fortunate to have on our doorstep here in Melbourne.

Although some of the scheduled activities were cancelled or postponed this year, we can be thankful that we did manage to get so many students out of the College and completing activities around Victoria. This hopefully gave them an insight into a new activity or experience that they may not have done otherwise. These experiences seem to always form such a huge part of the students’ reflections, as they move on to other pathways after Year 12. Whether it was an underwater stare off with a seal, a spectacular wipe out on a big wave, or a clean bowl of a teacher in a game of beach cricket, they are a fantastic way to bring together students and staff and build on character strengths such as teamwork, leadership, bravery and resilience.

It can often be hard for the students to put themselves in situations where they might not feel comfortable, and as parents we are sure it is equally hard sending your sons when they have reservations about several things such as the groups they are with or the camp they are on. However, having been part of the Mazenod Outdoor Education program for many years now, we have no doubt that it has a huge benefit for each and every student. Sometimes, that little push or word of encouragement from a friend or family member, can help reduce this anxiety and ensure that no lifelong memory or experience is missed.

Michael Pearson and Dee McDonald The Year 8 snorkelling in Portsea was one of the best experiences and overall fun memories I have had this year. With COVID-19 we have not been able to do much, but at least we were able to enjoy snorkelling at the start of this year. Personally, I have never done snorkelling and the experience of being able to put the snorkel on, getting into a wetsuit and being able to look underwater and see all the sea creatures was an amazing sight to see. We got to see a colony of seals and traveled in a boat that was going really fast and looked outside into the ocean. I was given the opportunity to steer the boat and overall it was such an amazing experience which we all enjoyed. Patrick Klonis (Year 8)

The Year 9 surf camp in Term 1 was an excellent experience for Year 9 students to get a feel of surfing and a great time for them to get to know their classmates. The camp was great because we got to get in the water and have a go at surfing with mates. Although the surfing was excellent, I think everyone enjoyed just being able to go on camp especially after the long lockdown in 2020. Kai Russell (Year 9)