Just four weeks ago, one of our students sat their Year 12 examinations at school, supervised by volunteer teachers wearing PPE because a member of the student’s family had tested positive for COVID-19.
Since then, much has changed.
This Monday we welcomed to Senior School many of the students and families who are joining Carey next year. Until now, COVID-19 restrictions have meant most had only met with us and seen the school online. Being able to meet in person with Heads of House and other key staff, to hear about Senior School from some of our 2022 student leaders, and to be given a tour of the Senior School was a very welcome return to normality.
The relaxation of restrictions also meant our Year 11 students were able to meet this week with members of the Reach Foundation, a youth not-for-profit organisation established by Jim Stynes OAM and film director Paul Currie. With Reach, the students explored their individual and, importantly, collective passions and dreams to help set them up for a fantastic Year 12 experience in and out of the classroom. A highlight of our Year 10 Enrichment Program is a session also run by Reach, and we were fortunate to be able arrange for them to work with our Year 11 students this week.
November has been a very busy time for our Year 10 students. While COVID-19 prevented our Semester 2 Outdoor Education camps, those who were not able to go on camp were able to go on a coastal day walk. Those who participated in a Semester 1 Outdoor Education camp participated in a day of enrichment activities. All Year 10 students participated in a Leadership and Connection day at Bulleen and we were also able to take them to Kinglake for a one-day ‘Survivor Challenge’ where ‘tribes’ engaged in a number of activities, some creative or meditative, others more physical and some competitive.
Such experiences are very important, and highly valued by our students. We are grateful to be able to provide these experiences for them, and to see out the end of their school year in such a positive manner.
Graeme Young
Deputy Head of Senior School – Student Learning
