Issue No. 11 - May 20, 2011 - Whitefriars

Belong. Believe. Become.
Year 9 OLP Camp
Mr James Box
Middle School Coordinator
On Monday 13 May the Year 9 cohort set off on what was to be, I am sure, a very memorable camp. The Year 9
program was set in three different Alpine areas. These being – Mt Stirling, Mt.Hotham and the Bogong High
Plains. Whitefriars in conjunction with the OEG (Outdoor Education Group) aims to educate through a focus on life
skills which endeavour to equip students with skills that allow them to make positive life decisions and cope with our
ever-changing world. These camps are created to be challenging both physically and emotionally and centre around
resliance, self learning, social and spiritual development. It gives our students the opportunity to show leadership skills
in an environment away from their normal surroundings and gives them the opportunity to interact in a different
environment. I am confident that after the experience of last week these outcomes and aims of the program have
certainly been met.
These young men should be very proud of the way that they dealt with the changing environment and at times quite
severe weather conditions. It was very pleasing to see such positivity and enjoyment of the experience from the boys
as they departed the bus on Friday afternoon.
Thanks needs to go to the OEG leaders, who with many years of experience in such conditions were able to adapt the
plans to make the program for the boys both safe and unforgettable. Also thanks to the staff members from
Whitefriars for their time and effort, both at College, and in dealing with the conditions and making sure that the camp
was a success.
Below are two accounts form students on their experiences throughout the week.
Julian Virgona – Year 9 Lisieux – Mt Stirling
On Monday 9 May, the Year 9 level of Whitefriars ventured for what was, no doubt, going to be a very memorable
camping trip. My group travelled to the cold mountain known as Mount Stirling. It started off nice and sunny, but soon
turned cold and snowy, as 25cm of snow fell on our tents overnight. We were one group lucky enough to go cycling
on the first day, before it snowed, up to a beautiful lookout point where we saw a deer. In the end, the snow provided
us with a lot of entertainment, as we got into many heated snowball fights and made a snowman named Billy. The
camp was a lot of fun.
This year’s camp was definitely a great experience, as many of us who had never been to the snow got to experience it
in a beautiful environment and got to camp in it, as well as hike and slide.
Ryan Malt – Year 9 Soreth – Mt Hotham
At 7:30am on Monday 9 May the Year 9s headed off to their selected OLP camps. On the bus to Mt Hotham feelings of
anticipation and excitement where running high. I think I speak for the whole Year level when I say we were nervous,
and for a good reason. Year 9 camp had earned itself a tough reputation, but no matter what the older boys said
nothing could prepare us for what lay in store for us. The weather was freezing and the wind was relentless. Tents were
weighed down by the snow, shoes froze and clothes got wet. It was challenging and draining, both physically and
mentally and it took a lot of self-determination and perseverance. All in all it was a challenging week for all but a very
enjoyable one.
Learning Enhancement
Ms Tania Sheko
Learning Enhancement Coordinator
Parent resources for the identification and support of gifted children.
How do you know if your child is gifted What can you do to support your gifted child Is there a list of characteristics
to identify gifted children What’s the difference between being bright and being gifted
If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you might like to have a look at the Parent Resources for Gifted
Support in The Friars Factor, Whitefriars’ new website for learning enhancement. Of course, only a professional will be
able to confirm whether or not your child is gifted, but these online resources are a good starting point for parents.
The Friars Factor provides links to a range of information including gifted organisations, checklists, advice on how to
work with your gifted child’s teacher, insights into how gifted children learn, and why gifted children need to be
challenged.
Here is the web address of The Friars Factor:
https://sites.google.com/site/thewhitefriarsfactor/home
If you have any questions, I can be contacted by email tsheko@whitefriars.vic.edu.au or by phone 9872 8338.
Page 4 Issue 11 20 May, 2011