B R O A D E R H O R I Z O N S - St Hildas School

Year 8 explores beyond the classroom
The Middle School places an emphasis on providing
opportunities for learning within and beyond the classroom.
Far from the classrooms of the Gold Coast campus, the Year 8
Outdoor Education program is set in the beautiful surrounds of
Lake Moogerah.
“This experience encourages the girls to achieve their
potential, to believe in themselves, by making the most of
opportunities on offer,” said Head of Middle School,
Mrs Susan Sanburg.
“It is an integral part of their holistic education in preparing
the girls for their role in a global community.”
The camp offered students different perspectives through
learning experiences that presented them with unique
challenges, while promoting problem solving, resilience and
leadership.
The girls spent time doing team building activities that
challenged and extended each girl in the areas of self-esteem,
decision-making, responsibility, teamwork, cooperation and
communication.
The highlight of the program was the overnight expedition
to the gorge campsite at Yarramalong, with its focus on
challenge and teamwork.
These activities give the girls the opportunity to acquire new
skills and to demonstrate teamwork and initiative, as well
as developing self-confidence and equipping them with an
awareness and respect for the environment.
The following comments demonstrate some of their learning
experiences:
The hiking and canoeing camp-out adventure was really
enjoyable as it forced you to challenge yourself and set small
achievable goals. - Cassie Grant
Something I learnt about myself was that if I persist through
my fears or problems then I can succeed. With encouragement
from other girls I found the courage to have a go at the high
ropes - surprisingly I made it through feeling accomplished
and proud. - Hannah Brealey
Working with new people and spending time in an unfamiliar
environment helped me learn about what I was capable of.
- Mia Sandgren
“The Year 8 program enables the girls to build upon the positive
experiences of Year 7 camp,” said Mrs Sanburg.
“The addition of an overnight expedition aims to prepare
them for the Year 9 Outdoor Education experience at Cooloola
National Park which is expedition-based.”
Year 9 Pancake Races.
Stacks of fun for
pancake day
St Hilda’s Middle School celebrated Shrove Tuesday by cooking
pancakes and serving them to the school community.
Based on an old English tradition, the Year 9 House Leaders
organised ‘pancake races’ which saw the girls balancing pancakes
on spatulas and jumping through hoops!
“The girls enjoyed the opportunity to compete in relay teams
for the golden spatula trophy,” said Head of Middle School,
Mrs Susan Sanburg.
“It was fun to watch as the girls balanced pancakes on spatulas
while negotiating an obstacle course, cheered on by the support
of their peers.”
Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration and repentance when
historically, Christians cleared their cupboards of all treats such as
fats, eggs and cream, to begin 40 days of fasting before Easter.
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