Your child is participating in the Photography school-based camp during Activities Week.
This camp takes place at Woodleigh School Senior Campus from Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August 2025.
In Photography Camp, your child will develop their understanding of photography as an art form and acquire technical skills to develop their own personal style. Each day they will use a DSLR camera, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom Classic to edit. We will explore nature and landscape photography, street photography, portraiture and use skills learned to develop a folio.
The students will refine their skills in composing images, lighting, editing, and printing their best photographs. They will then set up an exhibition at the Woodleigh Gallery. If your child has access to a DSLR, compact or mirrorless camera, it would be great if they bring it along.
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 camp, so please read through this carefully. We hope this information clarifies any questions you may have in relation to this camp. If there are any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week.
Yours sincerely,
Mr David Benton Photography Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Bunurong, Boonwurrung, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, and Wurundjeri people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Activities Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
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 swimming 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 these camps 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, i.e. 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.
ARTS: PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 18 - Friday 22 August 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
If you believe your child needs to take medication during the school day on camp, please contact the School Nurse before Monday 11 August.
COST
The cost of this Activities Week Camp is approximately $650, which will be charged to student accounts.
TRANSPORT
Rosa Bus driven by Mr Benton or another Woodleigh staff member. Please meet in the CAD room each day at 8.55am.
On Wednesday 20 August, students are to meet at school in the CAD room at 8.55am. We will then take the Rosa bus to Frankston Station. Students will then be travelling by public transport and will need to bring a topped-up MYKI card with them for this day.
Parents can collect students at 3pm on Wednesday and 3.45pm all other days from Woodleigh campus.
LOCATION
The camp is located in Woodleigh's CAD rooms and around Melbourne.
MEALS
Students should bring snacks, a water bottle and lunch each day. The school canteen will be open in a limited capacity during Activities Week, and there may be opportunities to buy lunch if students would like on certain days, so they may wish to bring some money.
ACTIVITIES
In Photography Camp, your child will develop their understanding of photography as an art form and acquire technical skills and develop their own personal style. We will be visiting the Monash Gallery of Art for photographic inspiration. They will work every day with a DSLR/mirrorless camera, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom Classic to edit. We will explore nature and landscape photography, street photography, portraiture and use skills learned to develop a folio.
The students will practice their professional process of composing images, lighting, editing and then printing their best photographs and setting up an exhibition in Woodleigh Gallery.
EQUIPMENT
Students are encouraged to bring their own camera, however a selection of DSLR cameras, tripods and lenses will be available for students to use during the week. During the camp meetings in the lead up to camp, we will collect information on whether you need to use any school equipment.
Bring your laptop and make sure you have Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic installed before camp starts.
DO NOT BRING
Valuables or any articles that you wouldn't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, or any other electronic/digital devices that are not required for this camp.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone policy will be in effect throughout the week. However, mobile phones will be needed for communication when we are off-site, to document trips and behind the scenes on shoots.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this camp and whilst safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Getting lost in the city.
• Injury due to a vehicle accident in the city.
To mitigate the above risks, the following safety precautions will be taken:
• Lost procedure and stranger danger will be discussed with the students, and they will always be in groups.
• The professional instructors at the various facilities visited are well regarded for their safety record, professionalism, and knowledge of the locations.
• Daily assessment of weather and conditions will dictate locations used.
• Staff will carry first aid kits and have first aid training.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATION
• As a participant in the Activities Week Camps program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• It is a courtesy to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect you but also others on camp.
• Never leave school grounds/off-site venue 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.
PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP PROGRAM
DAY Time Program
Introduction to the week/itinerary.
Monday
Tuesday
8.55am - Meet in CAD room (Arts building)
11am - Bus to Frankston
12.00pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Return to Woodleigh
3.45pm - Dismissal from Woodleigh
8.55am - Meet in CAD room
10.00am - Departure for Vic Market
12.35pm - Lunch
2.30pm - Depart Vic Market
3.45pm - Dismissal from Woodleigh
Starting a folio/blog.
Photography 101 workshop - optional.
Off-site photo shoot: Location based photo shoot in Frankston, focusing on street photography or the murals.
Lunch in Bayside – bring a packed lunch & water bottle, or some money to purchase lunch.
Photo review and editing.
Goal setting for photo shoot at Vic Market.
Possible focus: Exploration of compositions, such as leading lines.
Lunch at the market – bring money or a packed lunch & water bottle.
Return via Mini bus to school.
Wednesday
Thursday
8.55am - Meet in CAD room
9.30am - Depart for Frankston Station
11.15am - Hosier Lane photo shoot
1.15pm - Lunch
1.30pm - Begin travel by tram/train back to Frankston
3.00pm - Dismissal from Woodleigh
8.55am - Meet in CAD room
9.30am - Departure for Healesville Sanctuary
12.35pm - Lunch
2.15pm - Depart Healesville Sanctuary
3.45pm - Dismissal from Woodleigh
Meet to discuss goals for city visit and street photo shoot, including graffiti on Hosier Lane.
Catch the train from Frankston station to Flinders St, and Trams/walking to Hosier Lane.
Lunch in Melbourne – bring topped up MYKI card, money or a packed lunch & water bottle.
Return to school by train and minibus from the station.
Friday
8.55am Start - Meet in CAD room
10am - Recess
12.35pm - Lunch
3.45pm - Dismissal from Woodleigh
Please note: These times and/or activities could be subject to change.
Meet to discuss goals for Healesville and check camera gear. Bus, driven by David Benton, to Healesville Sanctuary
Lunch in the park – bring money or a packed lunch & water bottle.
Return to school by bus.
Today will be for editing and printing and pitching any ideas. Students can also print 1-2 large format prints (A2-A1) on archival papers.
Bring packed lunch & water bottle.
Students are invited to display their work in the Woodleigh Studio.
BUS LOCATION - DEPART/RETURN
2025 ACTIVITIES WEEK CAMP BUS LOCATIONS
WOODLEIGH SCHOOL
SENIOR CAMPUS
Please make sure you refer to your camp booklet for departure and return dates and times.
Parents, please park in designated parking areas when dropping off/collecting your child to avoid congestion around the buses on Monday departures and Friday returns.
