Year 7 mentor group

FRONT ROW: Seraphine Cullen Feng, Daisy Brenac, Isabella Needle, Kayla Heng, Pati Harbilas, Araminta Scott, Aylin Barry, Miss E Togher, Olivia Schey, Abbey Lissenden, Amelie Blondin-Bayly, Lily Wood, Jenny Kaing, Mia Williams, Alicia French

SECOND ROW: Olivia Finn, Sophia Kelley, Ashana Mason, Alice Lee, Emma Johnson, Caitlin Hobbs, Jessa Ballard, Charlotte Wadds, Elizabeth Branighan, Olivia Doble, Matilda Brownie, Sienna Price, Bethany Ling, Holly Palmer

THIRD ROW: Zara Scholten, Heidi Unger, Lucia Parker, Chloe Clark, Vanessa Li, Jasmine Ruffa, Madison Clifton, Charley Hearne, Charlotte Skeffington, Valerie Wu, Madeleine Chambiras, Ada Saydam, Lara Webber, Jade Perica, Erini Kiousis, Olivia Giuffrida, Sarah Teitler

FOURTH ROW: Amelie Cointrel, Elenor Craven, Alessi Fletcher, Meg Wotherspoon, Mackenzie Lee, Ashleigh Doran, Emma McDonald, Jade Bliss, Alice Uhd, Sophie Burgess, Acacia Ngu, Sophia Rikard-Bell, Lies den Hollander, Ellie Cooper, Elena Caredes, Orlanda Golfin, Janna Martin-Cooley

FIFTH ROW: Summer Sarin-Hall, Madeleine Griffiths, Charlotte Pitt, Sky Cohen, Isobel Eshuys, Mackenzie Wiseman, Priscilla Chia, Emily Dingle, Siennah Morgan, Skye McDonald, Madeleine Parshall, Annaliese Freeman, Maya Ivison, Arabella Amirian, Ava Langenbach, Jamie O’Sullivan, Emmanuelle Cushway

SIXTH ROW: Lola d’Orlan de Polignac, Cameron Fatouris, Annabel Penny, Millie Moar, Emily Allton, Annabel Beckett, Sarah Sassine, Dimitra Mavrocordatos, Camilla Kowaleczko, Niamh Morris, Scarlett Smart, Evie Cook, Isabella Morgan, Cintra Maldonado, Natasha Chryssafis

SEVENTH ROW: Samarah Issa, Leila Carr, Missy Callaghan, Sophia Jones, Yathima Jennings, Samantha Pollett, Solange Fadel, Lucy Haydon, Madeleine Vanderplank, Luna Coyle-Beeche, Paige Kluck, Helena Irmer, Isla King, Jordan Alp, Erin Kara

ABSENT: Courtese Charlie

We journeyed to Lake Macquarie for our three-day camp and had a warm welcome from our camp leaders. The cohort was split into two groups: one did land activities and the other did water activities, before swapping on the second day.

The land activities consisted of abseiling, rock climbing, mission impossible and archery. Mission impossible was, frankly, impossible! We had a series of ‘missions’ to complete, with all of them challenging different skills, such as teamwork, concentration and balance. Rock climbing was scary for many, but everyone conquered their fears and made it to the top of the climbing wall and abseiled down the mountain. The abseiling stairs were famous around the camp for being so steep and tall. But, it was worth the hard work because abseiling down the wall was a thrilling experience.

The water activities were raft building, sailing, canoeing and log rolling. There was fierce competition to see who could build the best raft and perform the best log rolling. This was in contrast to canoeing and sailing, which were rather relaxing. We learned the ropes of sailing while taking in the beautiful landscape. We occasionally leaned back into the water to feel the water brush through our hair. In canoeing, we paddled in pairs around Lake Macquarie and tested our skills in a race. Though some of us capsized, everyone enjoyed canoeing.

After our long day filled with exciting activities, we were treated to lovely meals. Every night, the camp leaders would put on night activities, including dancing and ‘minute-to-win’ games.

All the activities developed skills we will use throughout our lives. We learned problem solving and teamwork, and made friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime.

Year 7 was very enjoyable and we were fortunate to have these wonderful opportunities and new experiences. So much knowledge has been gained and fun times enjoyed. We overcame stress in Academic Care, formed strong relationships at camp and made connections with our Year 10 ‘Big Sisters’, through our senior school adventures. Thank you to our teachers for preparing us for the years to come.

Lily Wood, Evie Cook and Elenor Craven