Exodus

1

2 3

YEAR 3 EXODUS

On 20 October the Year 3 students packed their sleeping bags and overnight luggage for our 2022 Exodus, which was held at the School. The students arrived with excitement and eagerness to start their first Exodus journey at St Michael’s Grammar School. The students had a fun filled day of team building activities and cheered loudly as the dismissal bell went; it signalled our camp had started! The students and staff set up tents in Wilma Hannah Hall and made sure their lanterns were turned on for an exciting night of team building activities with friends. We had visits from many staff and Mrs Armatas and Mr Houlihan enjoyed watching the students organise the camp site. The team watched a movie in their sleeping bags and enjoyed some popcorn, then headed off with their tent buddy to get comfy and sleep soundly, waiting for the early mornings adventure. The morning began with the packing up our ‘camp site’ and heading to Dolly’s Café for breakfast. We then went to the bus to take us on an exciting adventure to the Werribee Zoo. A big thank you to all the students for their enthusiasm, care and compassion for one another. And an especially big thank to the staff, Mrs Klose, Mrs Munro, Mr Sanderson, Mrs Barklamb, Mrs James, Mrs Bennett, Ms Pagnani and Mr Thompson for their time and effort, arranging such a special experience for everyone involved. Thank you also to Dolly’s Café for their delicious food on Exodus. What wonderful memories were made during this special time in Year 3.

Year 3 Classroom Teachers YEAR 4 EXODUS

Our Year 4 Exodus returned to our traditional site at Aireys Inlet for our two-night Exodus experience from 4-6 May. The theme of the Exodus was Collaborative Connections. Each of the activities allowed the group to extend their connections and collaboration skills in a range of settings. The students had a program of Archery, Giant Swing, Low Ropes, Climbing Wall, Canoeing, Hut Building, Initiative Activities, Coastal Environmental Investigation and a tour of the Split Point Lighthouse. It was also recommended to our Year 4 Students that they might look at the television program, Around the Twist during their holiday break as the show was filmed at the Split Point Lighthouse. It was pleasing to see our cohort enjoy the Bush Dance on the second night, with their themed outfits and dance moves! We do look forward to this tradition continuing in 2023! We would like to thank our Year 4 students for embracing the challenge of Year 4 Exodus, and I extend my thanks to the staff for their involvement in this experience.

Director of Experiential Learning

1. Year 4 Exodus 2. Year 10 Exodus 3. Year 8 Exodus

YEAR 6 EXODUS

In May 2022, the Year 6 students went on Exodus to Marysville for four nights. While we were there, the students undertook teamwork and leadership building activities, such as bouldering where we would work in a group to overcome different physical obstacles. We also did some teamwork building activities like cooking, where we would prepare a meal for the rest of the class. On days two and three, we spent the nights in tents rather than in cabins. It was a lot of fun attending Year 6 Exodus this year!

I think the best thing about Exodus was the rock journey. It was scary at the start but it was fun at the end. The thing that was the worst about camp was sleeping in the tent, it was so cold. I was a little sick there and I did not have two good sleeps. Sleeping in the cabins were so fun. Lastly, the talent show was awesome.

Year 6 camp was my best camp by far, from the sharing cabins with my friends to climbing massive rock walls. I loved all the activities we did and I learnt how to do so many new things. I became closer to my classmates and was able to push my limits. My favourite part of camp was the rock journey, where we climbed actual rock walls and walked through caves. I’m so glad that I got to enjoy the true beauty of Marysville. Camp was by far the highlight of my year.

Camp was one of my highlights in Year 6 because I was able to do fun activities and be with my friends for five days! My favourite part of camp was the rock journey because you could go for a walk on a mountain and through a cave and you got to see some of the best views. But all the other activities were still great and we all had lots of fun. I really think Year 6 camp was the best camp.

Exodus was, overall, a truly brilliant experience only made possible by our teachers and OEG helpers. From the moment we left on Monday to our return on Friday, we were all excited and nervous. But despite the weather, we made some memories that will stay with us forever; the talent show , and every spectacular person that was brave enough to volunteer to perform. Other memorable moments were telling stories around a crackly campfire, keeping out the cold wind, the kangaroo and her baby that visited our campsite every day. And of course, let’s not forget all that time spent playing Gaga Ball. Year 6 Exodus has been successful, and we all bonded together even more.

YEAR 8 EXODUS

Our Year 8 Students experienced the magic of the Murray River for their Exodus experience. The journey, on Yorta Yorta Country, is built around the theme of Action and Reflection and students are encouraged to reflect on each environment and discuss and explore their differences, uniqueness and how connected they felt to each location. Despite challenging environmental conditions at times, our students showed great determination and positively and fully immersed themselves in the trip. “I loved the canoeing section of the trip – it was peaceful and a great mode of transport.” “Our group was pushed and challenged at times, and sometimes it felt like we wouldn’t make it! The only downside was the washing once home!” “I had fun with my mates – we learnt so many skills and laughed along the way”

Director of Experiential Learning

YEAR 10 EXODUS

In 2022, our Year 10 Students travelled to Gariwerd for their Exodus journey. The experience involved the cohort selecting the type of program for the week ahead. Some of our Year 10 Students chose the Kosi to Coast Training Hike, which involved a bush walking journey in preparation for Kosi to Coast in Year 11. These students were supported by Old Michaelians – Evie Craig (OM 2019) and Max Bainger (OM 2017). While they faced challenging weather conditions at times it was pleasing to see the resilience and courage shown by these students, all of whom embraced the challenge! Our remaining students, participated in a multi-activity, base camp program that was designed to provide them with the opportunity to reconnect with the natural environment and each other, through a range of outdoor activities and experiences. Divided into groups, the students participated in activities such as Day Hikes, Initiative Activities, Abseiling, Mountain Bike Riding and Mini Golf. In addition, Father McKie presided at a Eucharist which encouraged the students to reflect on their experiences. I would like to thank our Year 10 Students of embracing the new challenges of Exodus, and the staff who attended the journey. We look forward to supporting their Year 11 Exodus experience.

Director of Experiential Learning