October 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Year 8 Baw Baw Hike will be held on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 December 2025.
As part of the Outdoor Education curriculum, Year 8 students will be taking part in a Bushwalking and Lightweight Camping Program in Term 4. This is the first step in preparing for the Year 9 Outward Bound journey and Hattah expedition, which culminates the compulsory aspect of the Woodleigh Outdoor Education program, in Year 10.
The camp will involve Year 8 students spending two days (one night) in Mount Baw Baw National Park. Preparation and information sessions will be held during Term 4. These will include instruction on basic navigation, tent pitching, gear management, camp-stove cooking, food planning and environmental care.
The hike is undertaken in Homestead Groups. Students in Homesteads 1, 2 and 3 will walk from Mt St Gwinear to Mt Baw Baw Resort (approximately 10km) and Homeasteads 4 and 6 will walk from the Mt Baw Baw Resort to Mt St Gwinear. Each Tutor Group will take a slightly different route across the Plateau and will camp independently. The Baw Baw Plateau offers exceptional sub-alpine bushwalking, including excellent views, snow plains and an enormous variety of alpine flora. However, the area is subject to rapid weather changes. Such changes can turn a warm sunny December day into cold, wet and even snow conditions. We have had snow conditions on this camp a number of times in the past. It is imperative that each item on the gear list is checked for quality and double checked that it is packed to ensure safety and personal comfort.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
In this booklet you will find further information regarding the hike so please read through this carefully.
If there are any further queries you may have, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week!
Yours sincerely,
Ms Lucy Clapham
Baw Baw Hike Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Ganaikurnai People as the traditional custodians of this land and their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
PARTICIPATION
All Year 8 students are expected to participate in the Baw Baw Hike, as this is the preliminary preparation session in the lead up to Year 9 Outward Bound, then the continuation of the Year 10 Hattah program.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of water based activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022
RESPOND TO OPEROO EFORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of this camp will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at their own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, ie. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
FIRE SEASON SAFETY
Please be aware with the unpredictability of weather patterns within Australia, this camp will be held at the start of fire season times. In the case of a dry season, it is important that students should:
• Plan at least one non-cook meal for an event of a Total Fire Ban day/s.
• Bring fire ready clothes (longs made of natural fibres).
2025 BAW BAW HIKE INFORMATION BOOKLET
STAFFING
Each group will be accompanied by 3 staff. Usually this will include one or more members of the Homestead staff and qualified outdoor trained staff from within the school or fully qualified outside professional. Ms Lucy Clapham will oversee the trip, providing additional staff support if required.
MEDICATION
Students taking medication to the Baw Baw Hike will need all medication (in original packaging) provided to School by no later than Tuesday 25 November 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
CAMP DATES
Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 December 2025.
TRANSPORT
Students will be driven via Driver Coastal Buslines.
Departure Meet at senior campus on Wednesday 3 December by no later than 7.30am for a bus departure of 8.00am. Return Bus returns to Woodleigh on Thursday 4 December at approximately 2.30pm.
ACCOMMODATION
We will be camping on the plateau in hiking tents. Four season hike tents will be hired from Outsports for all students to ensure their safety in an Alpine Environment.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE - SCHOOL CONTACT
Each group has a qualified first aider, carries a comprehensive field first aid kit, and carries a mobile phone (for emergency use only). The local authorities, including Baw Baw Resort, Parks Victoria and Local Police, will be notified of our presence and location. Staff will monitor weather alerts and modify the program accordingly. Campsite and walk route safety assessment has been conducted.
In the event of parents needing to contact the teacher in charge of the camp, please ring the school contact person, during office hours on 03 5971 6100 or after hours on mobile 0482 888 022. Please make sure your child’s Operoo medical information is up to date.
HIRE EQUIPMENT
It is essential that all students are equipped with good quality outdoor personal and camping equipment including robust wet weather gear. To ensure that all students have this equipment, the following gear will been hired on behalf of every student from Outsports Pty. Ltd.:
• Light weight 4 season tent (shared)
• Trangia cooking stove (shared)
• 4 season sleeping bag (responsible feather down)
• Sleep mat
• Hiking backpack
• Waterproof overpants
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Pair of gaiters.
This approach will also address our aims of commonality of experience for the students and contributes to the educational objective of
teaching about appropriate gear for alpine outdoor travel. We recognise that some families may have equivalent appropriate equipment (rated to Alpine conditions). Should you wish your child to use your/their own equipment, you may request that we delete items from the hire order. Your child needs to come and speak with Lucy Clapham or Andrew Peach and collect an ‘Equipment Hire Opt-Out Form’. The items you wish to Opt-out of hiring should be clearly indicated on the form and signed by parents/guardians and returned to Lucy Clapham by no later than Tuesday 11 November 2025
The relevant piece/s of opt-out equipment/gear will need to be checked by Outdoor Ed staff (Lucy Clapham & Andrew Peach) on Monday 10 November 2025, to ensure students safety and comfort in an Alpine Environment. The value of the non-hired item will be deducted from the total cost of equipment hire charged to your account. We will not be able to extend this Opt-Out option beyond the cut-off date as the gear will have to be processed with our external hire company.
It is important that parents read and check all items on the attached equipment list below. HIRE GEAR WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS AT SCHOOL on Tuesday 2 December 2025.
COST
All transport, staffing and group equipment costs will be met by the school. Personal equipment hire has been organised as detailed below. The cost of equipment hire is $250 which will be charged to your account.
FOOTWEAR
While it is not imperative that students have walking boots for the hike to Baw Baw, they must have sturdy shoes that offer a good level of support to ankles and arches, not old or damaged runners. Remember they are carrying a pack, putting stress on their feet. Hiking boots are, however, encouraged for the Year 8 Baw Baw Hike and are mandatory for the Year 9 Outward Bound journey in early March next year. It is important that hiking boots are worn in for weeks (or even months!) to ensure that they mould to your child’s feet and helps to reduce the chance of getting blisters on the school hike. No working boots, old/worn out runners, flat soled shoes (Converse, Dunlop’s etc.) should be worn on this hike.
SELF-CATERING
Students will be instructed on cooking methods and how to cater for the walk during their preparation sessions this term. Students will be provided with a hire stove for each cooking group and methylated spirits (cooking fuel) will be supplied. A suggestion list will be issued in the preparation lessons.
Menus must cover:
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
Students attended an information session on Wednesday 8 October at school during Week 1 Term 4. Families have been invited to a Year 8-9 transition information evening on Thursday 6 November. Once you have had a chance to speak about the Baw Baw Hike as a family, if you have any questions or are concerned about any aspect of the above information contained in this booklet, please feel free to reach out via email: lclapham@woodleigh.vic.edu.au or call Lucy at school.
YEAR 8 MT BAW BAW BUSHWALK - EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
No Personal Items
1 Back Pack (hired from Outsports)
1 Back Pack waterproof liner (strong garden bag)
1 Sleeping bag: down or synthetic. Must be small enough to fit in back pack. Minimum temperature rating: at least 0° Celsius comfort level and -5° Celsius limit level (hired from Outsports)
1 Closed cell foam sleeping mat (hired from Outsports)
1 Waterproof jacket: must have a hood, be durable and waterproof: shell only - not lined (hired from Outsports)
1 Pair overpants (hired from Outsports)
Check Packed
1 Pair of gaiters (hired from Outsports)
1 Jumper – woollen
1 Jumper – polar fleece or woollen (not cotton)
1 Long sleeve collared shirt (lightweight and quick drying)
1 Set of thermal underwear / long johns (polypropylene or wool)
1 Pair long pants - loose fitting, comfortable, lightweight, quick drying pants to walk in
3 Pair woollen socks – Explorer type
2 Pair underwear
1 Pair of walking boots or sturdy outdoor runners. Must be durable, good condition, well broken in. (it will be wet underfoot)
1 Woollen hat (beanie or balaclava)
1 Pair wool gloves or mittens (or waterproof/snow gloves if snow is expected)
1 Torch with spare batteries (reverse batteries)
1 Small amount of toothpaste, toothbrush
¼ Roll toilet paper
1 Sanitary items zip lock bag - to bring back out and dispose of back at school/home)
1 Tea Towel (1 between cooking group)
1 Mug, plate or bowl (plastic) knife, fork and spoon (lightweight)
2-3 Water bottles (to hold a total of 3 litres)
1 Small notebook and pencil in plastic bag
1 Whistle
2 Spare garbage bags (garden waste bags are the strongest) to waterproof items
1 Personal first aid kit (to include safety pins, roller bandage, strapping tape, Fixomole/moleskin, band aids, sunscreen 50+, lip balm)
1 Sunglasses
1 Sun Hat (wide brim)
MEDICATION: Students taking medication to the Baw Baw Hike will need all medication (in original packaging) provided to School by no later than Tuesday 25 November 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
Optional Items:
• Compass
• Camera (not a smart phone)
• A very small musical instrument
• Please note fuel for stoves and washing up needs will be supplied, however a tea towel is required for each cooking group.
PLEASE NOTE: It all has to fit in the backpack and students have to carry it. Don’t take anything unnecessary or leave out any item listed item.
Extra Shared Equipment
You are sharing a stove and tent. You will be expected to carry your share so leave space if you haven’t already packed it. Some group items, such as maps and trowel, will be distributed on the camp.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want getting lost or broken, an excessive amount of money or junk food, mobile phones, electronic devices, laptops, game consoles, or tablets.
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones must be left at home and not brought on the hike. Mobile Phones will be confiscated if seen/heard and locked away. These will be returned at the end of the camp. All care will be taken but no responsibility accepted for confiscated phones.
MANAGING RISK
As we prepare for the upcoming Baw Baw experience, I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of your children are our top priority. Outdoor adventures offer incredible opportunities for growth, connection with nature, and personal development, but they also come with certain risks.
Woodleigh School - Baw Baw Hike 6
We want to be transparent about the potential risks involved in this trip, including:
• Environmental factors such as extreme weather, wildlife encounters, and natural hazards like uneven terrain or falling branches.
• Physical risks such as slips, falls, dehydration, or exhaustion.
• Health and safety concerns, including medical emergencies, allergic reactions, and food safety.
• Group dynamics, such as the possibility of conflicts or group separation.
• Equipment and logistical challenges, including potential equipment failure, misuse or transport issues.
• Psychological aspects, such as anxiety, homesickness, or fear of new environments.
To minimise these risks, we have put several safety measures in place:
• We will conduct thorough safety briefings, provide constant supervision, and use a buddy system to ensure that no student is ever alone. The area has been checked thoroughly by staff before the hike.
• Our team is fully trained in first aid and emergency response, and we will be carrying well-stocked first aid kits as well as communication devices to contact emergency services if needed.
• We have carefully planned our routes and activities to suit the students' abilities, and we will monitor weather conditions closely. In case of extreme weather or other unexpected challenges, we have alternative plans ready.
• All equipment will be checked before the trip, and we will carry extra supplies to handle any unforeseen situations. Students will have training on correct equipment use in the weeks preceding the camp.
• We will also take steps to ensure positive group dynamics, promote inclusiveness, and provide emotional support throughout the trip.
We are confident that these measures will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for your child. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• Particular adherence to the advice of staff.
• Adherence to meeting times is very important.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on the Hike.
• Normal school rules apply. Involvement with drugs, alcohol, smoking/vaping is strictly prohibited, and any other forms of inappropriate behaviour is also unacceptable.
• The safety of all participants is paramount.
• Never leave the campsite without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's tent before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's tent if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
• Students will be required to maintain individual and group equipment.
