Welcome to 9 ASPIRE 2016

Year 9 is a pivotal year in the transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood. The 9 ASPIRE Program aims to provide a challenging yet safe and supportive realistic environment in which students are encouraged to aspire to new, positive and stimulating challenges and opportunities. This innovative program encourages and assists all Year 9 girls to develop the skills to grow in independence, maturity, self-belief and to become more resilient and responsible global citizens. The 9 ASPIRE Program provides the opportunity to learn through self-directed projects, group programs, outdoor education, community service learning programs and volunteering. The 9 ASPIRE Program offers a range of diverse learning opportunities beyond the classroom that provide a practical and experiential approach to learning. The Program is based on three key themes: exploration, expedition and service learning. Expedition refers to activities that are mainly about journeying from one place to another using mostly self-propelled power, and which provide a clear objective and destination. The focus of the experience is on the day to day journey and the voyage of personal self-discovery. These experiences are often more physically challenging than ‘explorations’. Service-learning engages girls in meaningful and rewarding relationship-building with a number of local, inter-state and overseas communities. These opportunities seek to offer a balance of formal instruction with opportunities to serve in the community in order to provide a pragmatic, progressive learning experience. Through real life lessons students reflect on their service experiences in order to grow in character, problem-solving skills, and a better understanding of civic responsibility. Service-learning gives our girls the ability to directly apply what they are learning in a way that makes a positive and significant difference to others. Exploration aims to awaken the sense of personal and group endeavour and pioneering spirit in our students. These experiences seek to place the onus of discovery on the students to search and find information, access resources and participate in activities within a defined budget. A key aspect of the 9 ASPIRE Program is the transfer of learning from a girls’ experience to her ‘normal’ life at school and home. Personally realising this while in a challenging and stimulating environment is a catalyst for change to begin the transformation from adolescence to emerging adulthood. All program options offer tangible links to the following Australian Curriculum cross-curricular priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture; Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia; and Sustainability.

 

 

This information booklet should assist parents and their daughters to make informed decisions about the type of experience best suited to their learning program and individual requirements and desires. An Information Pack for each 9 ASPIRE activity in Terms 2 and 3, including a parent letter, permission form and an equipment list will be available at the beginning of Year 9 in 2016. The Information Pack for the 9 ASPIRE Camp timetabled for the beginning of Term 1 in February 2016 will be handed to all Year 8 girls on Monday 26 October 2015. It is my hope that each girl, through her participation in the 9 ASPIRE Program, is encouraged and inspired to choose an option that offers a mix of different themes and level of challenge. I look forward to your daughter’s involvement in this unique, challenging, fulfilling, fun and highly rewarding program. Please do not hesitate to contact me throughout the year should you wish to discuss any aspect of the 9 ASPIRE Program 2016. Yours sincerely,

Mr David Witcomb Director of Outdoor Education 9 ASPIRE Coordinator Telephone: 6211 4407 Outdoor Education Office / 6211 4911 School Reception Email: david.witcomb@collegiate.tas.edu.au

 

 

9 ASPIRE Program 2016

The following is the proposed 9 ASPIRE Program for 2016. More information about each of these experiences is provided later in this booklet.

Term 1

Friday 5 to Thursday 11 February 9 ASPIRE Camp (for all Year 9 girls)

Term 2 Expedition Focus

o Overland Track Bushwalk Service Learning Focus

o Bruny Island Community-Based Camp o Solomon Islands Community-Based Trip

Exploration Focus o Sea-Kayak and Activities Camp o The Tarkine Exploration

Term 3 Expedition Focus

o Square-Rigger Sailing Expedition Service Learning Focus

o North Stradbroke Island Community-Based Trip o Laos Community-Based Trip

Exploration Focus o Flinders Island Exploration o Rock Climbing and Abseiling Camp

Term 4 9 ASPIRE Camp (for all Year 9 girls)

 

 

TIMELINE FOR 9 ASPIRE PROGRAM 2016

TERM 4 2015 Week beginning Monday 26 October: All Year 8 Parents will receive a letter detailing the various options for Term 2 and Term 3 in 2016.

Students are required to select 2 activity options from the 9 ASPIRE Program 2016; 1 from Term 2 and 1 from Term 3. There are a range of activities on offer with varying levels of challenge, each with a different focus.

Each girl is required to choose 2 preferences per term: 1 is first preference and 2 is second preference.

Week beginning Monday 2 November: Prior to girls selecting their preferences, current Year 9 girls will meet with Year 8 girls to talk about their 9 ASPIRE experiences and to answer any questions the girls may have about the program. Please note that while we will do all we can, we cannot guarantee that each girl will receive their first preference. We encourage girls, where possible, to select a different focus for their Terms 2 and 3 choices.

Friday 6 November: 9 ASPIRE Camp Term 1 2016 Information Pack handed to all Year 8 girls.

Friday 6 November: Student choices for 2016 Term 2 and Term 3 are due to the Middle School Office. These will be sorted according to preferences and an invoice for the deposits will be sent to parents.

Monday 16 November: 9 ASPIRE Camp Term 1 2016 Permission form due to Middle School office.

Friday 20 November: Non-refundable deposits for each first preference activity are due. This money is used to secure bookings with our external providers. If a camp / trip does not go ahead due to insufficient student numbers the deposit will be transferred to another camp / trip (second preference) for that term.

2016 Parents will be billed by the School for each term activity via a payment schedule of regular instalments. More detailed information, including a payment schedule, will be provided in a communication to parents.

PLEASE NOTE: The 9 ASPIRE Program 2016 is yet to be finalised as we await confirmation from some of our external providers. All program options require a minimum number of students for each to go ahead. Costs are yet to be finalised and have been provided as an approximation based on 2015 costs. We endeavour to minimise costs to parents to provide greater opportunities for students. The total cost per program is based on present-day costs such as employment of staff, hiring gear, activity fees, accommodation fees and transport.

 

 

9 ASPIRE Program 2016 TERM 1

9 ASPIRE Camp (7 days) Recherche Bay / Cockle Creek, South-West Tasmania

Our aim is to explore, discover and be challenged; it matters not which

means of transport is used. We have decided to use bushwalking, sea-kayaking, caving / abseiling and square-rigger sailing as modes of transport to journey in the beautiful and rugged South-West of Tasmania. A key focus of the camp experience is to understand and practise appropriate levels of sustainability in this unique natural environment. While we discuss how healthy ecosystems and environments are necessary to the survival and flourishing of humans and other organisms, we focus more on the ways in which our group can reduce negative human impact without compromising the ability of future Year 9 groups to enjoy similar experiences. Bushwalking: A two-day walk from Cockle Creek to South-Cape Rivulet, a distance of approximately 11 kilometres one way averaging 3 to 4 hours. The walk is classed as ‘easy‘ by Parks and Wildlife and is on a well formed, if at times rocky track. We prefer to class it, ‘relatively easy‘. The track crosses a series of beaches and headlands to nearby Lion Rock and a bluff overlooking South Cape Bay; a magnificent view of the awe-inspiring Southern Ocean. The group camps in 3-person tents at South-Cape Rivulet, cooks food provided on Trangia stoves and returns the following morning to an afternoon of rest and relaxation, and often, games, at a campsite on the National Park side of Recherche Bay.

Sea-Kayak: A day paddle in stable expedition double kayaks in and around Recherche Bay. Focus on paddling techniques, safety and fun. At times throughout the day there are opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. The group may venture towards Coal Pit Bight, The Pigsties, Quiet Cove, Stony Bight and Rocky Bay (activity and route are weather dependent). The group camps at an established campsite at Recherche Bay.

 

 

Caving: A day activity based at Exit Cave near Lune River / Ida Bay. Exit Cave, at 23 kilometres long, is the longest known cave in Australia. It is a wet and muddy cave with entry via a 20 metre abseil; entry may also be gained by walking through an alternate entrance near the abseil site. Exit Cave is a stable cave with very little and easily identifiable water rise. This cave is located in a World Heritage Area and is home to the Blind Cave Beetle, a threatened species. The group will also have the opportunity to cave in the nearby Bradley Chesterman Cave, a horizontal cave system, part of the Ida Bay karst area and only a short stroll from Exit Cave. Focus on abseil and caving skills, Leave No Trace and group cooperation. The group camps at an established campsite at Recherche Bay. Solo: An overnight activity based at The Deep Hole, a beach accessed via the Ida Bay Railway. This activity involves a short walk to Southport Bluff and a visit to George III monument (1694) with a focus on environmental interpretation. Students are given an opportunity to camp ‘solo‘ under 1-person tarps. The group camps at a campsite near Deep Hole in the Ida Bay State Reserve. Square-Rigger Sailing: A hands-on day sail in and around Recherche Bay and beyond aboard the replica tall-ship Lady Nelson (activity and route are weather dependent). Focus on sail handling, climbing the masts and rigging, manoeuvres, helming, and useful knots. The group uses a motorised tender to access the Lady Nelson at anchor. The group camps at an established campsite at Recherche Bay.   A program for 9 ASPIRE Camp will be made available to all girls on the first day of camp. Every girl will have the opportunity to participate in all the activities during the 7 days. Further information regarding the 9 ASPIRE Camp Term 1 2016 will be distributed to all Year 8s by Mr David Witcomb on Friday 6 November 2015. Cost: included in School fees. Accommodation, transport, food, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

TERM 2

Overland Track Bushwalk (7 days) Expedition Focus Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair / Cynthia Bay and / or Lake St Clair / Cynthia Bay to Cradle Mountain This iconic bushwalk, at times challenging, is a unique journey along the world famous Overland Track, within the beautiful and rugged Cradle Mountain National Park and Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The aim of the expedition is for girls to explore this beautiful environment and to discover things about themselves that can only be gained through learning to be independent and self-reliant young-adults in a challenging environment, as well as to complete a significant bushwalk of approximately 65 kilometres from Cradle Mountain to Narcissus Hut, taking the ferry across Lake St Clair to Cynthia Bay to complete the journey. This pristine area provides an excellent opportunity to focus on sustainable practices such as planning and preparing ahead, walking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly, respecting wildlife, leaving what you find and being considerate of hosts and visitors. The challenges faced are not only about getting from the start to the end, but also involve social, community and group cooperative issues, as well as the weather. In winter, days are mostly fine and clear, although cool – excellent for bushwalking! Please note, however, that this alpine area is susceptible to extremes of weather – a challenge in itself. Girls are required to carry all their gear in backpacks and walk approximately 3 to 6 hours from camp to camp, and averaging 10 to 16 kilometres per day, staying in simple but comfortable Parks and Wildlife huts with the option to also camp in tents. Although walking distances may vary from day to day there are opportunities for ‘side’ trips, such as climbing up Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff and Mount Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain at 1,617 metres (if weather permits!), and visiting a number of spectacular waterfalls.

Girls must be physically and medically fit and seeking to challenge themselves – those with problem knees, ankles or lower backs will be discouraged from participating. Girls will be required to provide all their own food for the 7 days and may wish to shop and cook in a group of between 2 to 3 or,

better still, as a whole group. Mr Witcomb is only too happy to assist with food menu planning and preparation, including the use of a dehydrator at School. A number of specialist winter alpine walking gear such as tents, -25oC down sleeping bags, packs, sleeping mats, waterproof pack covers, walking poles, gaiters, rain jackets and waterproof pants are able to be borrowed from School.

 

 

In the last 2 years this walk has proved very popular and, due to group size restrictions imposed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife, we have chosen to program two groups; one heading north to south and the other south to north.

All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings in Term 2 in the lead up to the bushwalk and a comprehensive 2 hour equipment check at School on the Friday prior to the bushwalk.

Cost: approximately $490.00 per student

Group Size: 6 minimum and 10 maximum (1 group); 20 maximum (2 groups)

Accommodation, transport, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided. Food provided by students.

Sea-Kayak & Activities Camp (5 days) Exploration Focus Freycinet National Park / Coles Bay This is a 5-day experience based around the Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park area, which aims to offer an extension to the sea-kayak activity in Year 9 Camp at the start of the year. Girls will learn more advanced paddling strokes and techniques, as well as the science and art of packing double sea-kayaks for an overnight journey. As this is a weather-dependent activity, there are a number of route options including paddling to Cooks Beach, Bryans Corner, Passage Beach and campsites at Schouten Island such as Moreys Bay and Crocketts Bay. Other options include more sheltered areas such as Moulting Lagoon, Honeymoon Bay and Richardsons Beach. Other activities may include learning to surf kayak, walking to Wineglass Bay Beach via the Isthmus Track or Wineglass Bay Track; walking up Mount Amos or Mount Freycinet; snorkelling, fishing and beach games and activities.

Girls will be required to provide all their own food for the 5 days and may wish to shop and cook in a group of between 2 to 3 or, better still, as a whole group. Mr Witcomb is only too happy to assist with food menu planning and preparation. All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings in Term 2 in the lead up to the camp.

Cost: approximately $600.00 per student

Group Size: 8 minimum and 14 maximum

Accommodation, transport, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided. Food provided by students.

 

 

Bruny Island Community-Based Camp (5 days) Service Learning Focus Bruny Island: Murrayfield Station, Bruny Island District School The aim of this 5-day camp is to provide an opportunity for girls to be immersed in an indigenous rural community located at Murrayfield Station, learn about Aboriginal culture on Bruny Island, and to continue to build a relationship with students and staff at Bruny Island District School.

Murrayfield Station is an iconic Tasmanian farming property operated by the Indigenous Land Corporation. The farm grows premium lamb and fine wool from sheep that have not been mulesed. Murrayfield works to the ideals of valuing rich Aboriginal cultural heritage while working as a sheep station and respecting its biodiverse environment in conjunction with Weetapoona Aboriginal Corporation. The station is also a venue for Aboriginal people undertaking agriculture and land management training. Activities at Murrayfield might include a tree planting project, weed removal, and a Tasmanian Aboriginal History and Cultural Workshop with a group of local Aboriginal educators. At the Bruny Island District School (K – 6; approximately 50 students), Tasmania’s, and Australia’s southernmost school, girls will assist staff in leading activities in sport, art, and performing arts. Other programmed activities include a 3-hour wilderness cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island, and visits to areas of cultural and tourist significance.

The group will be accommodated at Murrayfield Station in bunks in the shearer’s quarters and will have access to toilet and shower facilities. In keeping with the Year 9 focus on developing greater independence and responsibility, all students will be required to assist with a number of duties associated with managing a 5-day base camp, including food preparation and cooking, cleaning and other domestic chores as required.

All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 2 in the lead up to the camp.

Cost: approximately $150.00 per student

Group Size: 6 minimum and 12 maximum

Accommodation, transport, food, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

Solomon Islands Community-Based Trip (12 days) Service Learning Focus Solomon Islands: east of Papua New Guinea and north-west of Vanuatu The girls will spend four days of the trip teaching Solomon Island’s children in two partnership schools while developing their confidence and appreciation of the issues and struggles that face Solomon Islands’ schools. Students also spend four days living in a village on a secondary island where they are fully immersed in village life. The girls visit a domestic violence centre run by the Community of the Sisters of the Church (the same order of nuns that founded Collegiate), as well as visiting the Sisters’ headquarters. A specialist teacher from Collegiate also attends this trip to deliver numeracy and literacy professional development to our partner schools’ teachers. 2016 will be the sixth annual trip into the Solomon Islands led by the School Chaplain and is accompanied by other School staff. All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 3 in the lead up to the trip. Cost: approximately $2,900.00 per student Group Size: 8 minimum and 16 maximum Insurance, flights, in-country transport, accommodation, food, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

The Tarkine Exploration (7 days) Exploration Focus The Tarkine: bounded by the Southern Ocean to the west, the Arthur River to the north, the Pieman River to the south, and the Murchison Highway to the east. As the greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in Australia, and the second largest in the world, the Tarkine delivers a very special experience. Unlike many places in the world the Tarkine remains as a hidden treasure and a forgotten wilderness. This expanse of uninterrupted 477,000 hectares of Tarkine wilderness holds ancient relics of both plants and animals dating back millennia, and unique habitats not found anywhere else. This exploration provides opportunities for girls to connect with nature and absorb the power of this ancient landscape. This camp puts the onus of discovery and planning on the student group; hence an ‘exploration’. Under the supervision and guidance of staff, students will be given an outline of available activities in the Tarkine and will be tasked with planning a program for the week, and designing a food menu within a set budget; including shopping, preparation and cooking. The group will make daily decisions about what to do, and plan the day accordingly. There is a lot of flexibility and given the size of The Tarkine, the group may opt to set up a base camp for the week or, alternatively, move camp to new locations. This is a unique opportunity for girls to practice a higher level of managed independence, yet within a safe and supportive environment with staff acting as mentors and advisors.

Activities may include walks among the mountain forest trails and coastal beaches, paddling down the majestic Pieman River, mountain biking to the abandoned town of Magnet to see the mine ruins from booming times past, white water rafting the exciting King River, taking the scenic Abt Railway from Queenstown to Strahan, and cruising up the Pieman and Arthur Rivers in historic Huon pine ferries.

All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 3 in the lead up to the trip.

Cost: approximately $780.00 per student

Group Size: 8 minimum and 12 maximum

Accommodation, food, transport, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

TERM 3

Square-Rigger Sailing Trip (5 days) Expedition Focus Circumnavigation of Bruny Island This 5-day expedition is a hands-on journey of discovery aboard the Lady Nelson, a historical replica square-rigger. This trip follows the route of early French explorers and mariners such as D’Entrecasteaux and Bruny who charted many of the well-known channels and waterways around Tasmania. The exploration includes all facets of square-rigger sailing as well as an investigation of marine biology, maritime history and navigation. Girls will be functioning members of Lady Nelson’s crew and will be expected to stand watch, set, trim and furl sails, go aloft, perform galley duties, helm, scrub the decks, man the yard arm… as well as learn how to splice and whip rope, tie and use a diverse range of knots, and create decorative plaits and sennits. The sailing route is weather dependent but the plan is to complete a circumnavigation of Bruny Island.

Girls will gain invaluable experience and skills in learning to live day to day on-board a boat, exposure to the weather while working the sails on deck and aloft, and with strict guidelines on waste management. All this under the watchful and experienced eyes of Lady Nelson’s Captain and crew; a high crew to student ratio of 1:1. The expedition is fully catered. Girls will sleep aboard the Lady Nelson in bunks below deck.

All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 3 in the lead up to the voyage. Cost: approximately $800.00 per student Group Size: 7 minimum and 9 maximum Accommodation, food, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

Laos Community-Based Trip (11 days) Service Learning Focus The Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR), South-East Asia This program provides the girls with the opportunity to be immersed in the culture, history and traditions of Laos. Visiting one of the poorest Southeast Asian countries, students will have the opportunity to support the work of a local community development organisation through an education project. Building relationships with a school community and supporting an Education Academy, as well as visiting development projects in rural Laos, are the key focus of the program. The girls will be encouraged to immerse themselves in the local community and learn from young people their own age about life in a diverse culture.

The program will also involve trekking through some of Laos’ beautiful mountain regions, including meeting members of minority villages who have retained their centuries-old traditions. The French colonial influences and relatively recent history of political unrest provides an opportunity for students to learn rich historical and life lessons. The journey will also see the girls learning to cook some Lao cuisine, exploring the colourful markets, life on the Mekong River and some of Vientiane’s ancient temple compounds. This trip is run and managed by Destination Dreaming, a Victorian provider that works with schools to create sustainable community partnerships that teach young people about global citizenship, self-awareness and social justice.

All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 2 in the lead up to the trip.

Cost: approximately $3,600.00 per student

Group Size: 10 minimum and 18 maximum

Insurance, flights and in-country transport, accommodation, food, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

North Stradbroke Community-Based Trip (8 days) Service Learning Focus North Stradbroke Island, Queensland This program is based on North Stradbroke Island off the coast of Brisbane and offers an opportunity to engage with the local Quandamooka people, learning about their culture, traditions and way of life. The girls will immerse themselves in the indigenous culture with Aunty Joan Hendriks, a local Ngugi woman, island elder and educator in Aboriginal education, and with Salt Water Murris, a local Aboriginal cultural organisation. The girls will also visit the University of Queensland's Moreton Bay Research Station to meet with Marine biologist Dr Kathy Townsend, the station's manager of research and education, who this year won an international Earthwatch emerging scientist fellowship for her work on marine turtles and the pollution they ingest. The Research Station monitors manta ray ecology, great white shark movements, humpback whale health and the impact of ingested marine rubbish on sea turtles. Dr Townsend will lead the girls in how to be a ‘citizen scientist’ while on the island, and how to transfer this knowledge and approach back in Tasmania. Other activities on North Stradbroke Island may include sea kayaking and sandboarding, learn to surf with the North Stradbroke Island Surf School, and walking the heritage trail to points of historic significance and interest.

All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 2 in the lead up to the trip. Cost: approximately $2,500.00 per student Group Size: 10 minimum and 16 maximum Insurance, flights, transport, accommodation, food, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

Flinders Island Exploration (6 days) Exploration Focus Furneaux Island Group, North-East Tasmania This camp puts the onus of discovery and planning on the student group; hence an ‘exploration’. Under the supervision and guidance of staff, students will be given an outline of available activities on beautiful Flinders Island, such as walking to the summit of Mount Strezlecki; rock bouldering on nearby sea cliffs; panning for Killiecrankie diamonds; mountain biking; highland dancing; snorkelling, and sea-kayaking, as well as camping /accommodation options including tents, local shacks and even the local pub. The girls will also be given a number of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal history and culture found on Flinders Island, such as the Wybalena settlement, one of the most historic Tasmanian Aboriginal sites. Students will be tasked with planning a program for the week and designing a food menu within a set budget; including shopping, preparation and cooking. The group will make daily decisions about what to do, and plan the day accordingly. There is a lot of flexibility and given the size of Flinders Island, the group may opt to set up a base camp for the week or, alternatively, move camp to new locations. This is a unique opportunity for girls to practise a higher level of managed independence, yet within a safe and supportive environment with staff acting as mentors and advisors.

Students will be transported by School bus to and from Launceston Airport and to Flinders Island by Sharp Airlines. On Flinders Island the School hires a 5-seater car and a 12-seater minivan and trailer. All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 3 in the lead up to the trip. Cost: approximately $1,300.00 per student Group Size: 8 minimum and 14 maximum (1 group); 28 maximum (2 groups) Flights, transport, accommodation, food, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided.

 

 

Rock Climbing & Abseiling Camp (5 days) Exploration Focus White Water Wall, Freycinet National Park

This camp is based at the beautiful White Water Wall campsite close to Cape Tourville lighthouse in the Freycinet National Park; an area acknowledged as a climbers’ paradise. The camp introduces girls to top-rope climbing (on a fixed safety rope), with an emphasis on rock wall climbing technique and rope skills. The camp program provides students with a range of diverse climbing and belaying opportunities within a framework that enables varying degrees of challenge. The focus is on a hands-on application of skills work on the rock face, as well as working as part of a team in support of

the climber. Girls will learn to belay and be exposed to various climbing techniques and ‘crux moves’, beginning on easy, short climbs and moving up to higher and more challenging technical climbs. Other challenges involve an exposed abseil to a rock ledge from which the group will set up and launch themselves across a 40-metre gap above sea waves using a tyrolean traverse / zip-line, and the opportunity to sleep overnight on a ledge overlooking the Tasman Sea below. There will also be opportunities to learn basic ‘lead climbing’, where girls place devices in the rock that offer protection from falls as they ascend, and how to safely set up anchoring systems for climbing. A top-rope safety belay will still be used as the primary safety. This will be under the guidance and close supervision of staff and at a level appropriate for the girls’ experience and ability. As the camp is set in a pristine National Park, our climbing and camping activities can have an impact on the surrounding environment. We will follow ‘Leave No Trace’ and minimum impact ethics and practices so girls develop an appreciation of the need for more sustainable patterns of living and working in such an environment; and to provide for a more sustainable future, not just for our schools groups but for all visitors to this area. Girls are responsible for providing and cooking their own food using School gas stoves and will camp in School tents. As a base-camp with access by School 4WD and trailer, ‘luxury’ items such as eskies, folding chairs, blow-up mattresses and pillows may be packed. All students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 3 in the lead up to the camp.

Cost: approximately $600.00 per student

Group Size: 8 minimum and 14 maximum

Accommodation, transport, activities, specialist activity and safety equipment, and specialist staff are provided. Food provided by students.

 

 

TERM 4

9 ASPIRE Camp (6 days) Arm River Forestry Camp: 40 minutes north-west of Mole Creek The 9 ASPIRE Camp in Term 4 provides a range of outdoor activities that provide a challenging yet highly rewarding, meaningful and fun culmination to the 9 ASPIRE Program. We have booked the Arm River Outdoor Education Camp as a base-camp from which to venture out. The camp is located on the banks of the Arm River, a 40 minute drive from Mole Creek. The camp is well known to the School and allows a number of diverse outdoor activities within easy reach. Activities are yet to be finalised but may include rafting the nearby Mersey River; an overnight walk to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park; exploring Honeycomb Cave near Mole Creek via a 26 metre abseil and walk into the cave; kayaking across Lake Parangana to Fisher River; walking and swimming up the Arm River; River-Bugging down the Arm River on inflatable inner tubes; a visit to Devil’s Gullet, a viewing platform with magnificent views across to the Overland Track; a walk to an amazing set of waterfalls on the nearby Upper Mersey River; and a walk to the summit of Mount Pillinger or Cradle Mountain. All Year 9 students will be required to attend a number of planning meetings scheduled in school time in Term 4 in the lead up to the camp. Cost: included in School fees The School will provide all dinners, accommodation, transport, all specialist activity and safety equipment. Students to provide all breakfasts and lunches.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Australia) In 2016 Collegiate will be offering Year 9 girls the opportunity to take part in this Award. The Award program was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1956. The aim was to motivate young people aged between 14 and 25 to become involved in a balanced program of voluntary self-development activities to take them through the

potentially difficult period between adolescence and adulthood. The program was designed by a small team, led by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh; Dr Kurt Hahn, German educationalist and founder of Outward Bound and the United World Colleges; and Sir John (later Lord) Hunt, the leader of the first team to conquer Mount Everest. The Award has been operating in Tasmania since 1962. The Award has three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and has 4 sections (5 for Gold): Physical Recreation, Skill, Volunteering, Adventurous Journey, and a Residential Project (Gold only).

 

 

The main criterion for gaining an Award is individual improvement through persistence and achievement, taking into account the participant’s initial capabilities and without any element of competition between participants. Girls in Year 9 undertaking the 9 ASPIRE Program can use their School experiences to gain recognition towards the Bronze Award. The Award is very well regarded by employers and tertiary institutions. Cost for entry at the Year 9 Bronze Level is $125.00 and payable to the School at the beginning of Term 1 in 2016. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Australia) will be managed by St Michael’s Collegiate School as a licensed operator, and coordinated by Mr David Witcomb (Director of Outdoor Education / 9 ASPIRE Coordinator). For more information about The Award please refer to the following website: www.dukeofed.com.au

Collegiate Exchange Program Collegiate’s International Exchange program empowers the aims of the 9 ASPIRE Program by promoting independence, responsibility, resilience and adaptability. Girls will travel internationally usually in a small group, or, on rare occasions, individually. Girls will apply for the Year 9 Exchanges in Week 6 Term 3 of Year 8, and the Year 10 exchanges in Week 6 Term 3 of Year 9. Girls who are unsuccessful in their application for Year 9 Exchanges are encouraged to resubmit their application for Year 10 Exchanges. The application process will consist of a written application form, an interview and a reference which is obtained from the applicant’s Pastoral Contact or Mentor. The Exchange Program will be coordinated by the Coordinator of International Education. Dates: The dates for the different Exchange opportunities are negotiated with the partner schools, usually during Term 4, although this can sometimes extend well into the following year. The following tables outline dates which are a guide only and based on Exchange dates from the previous year. Dates for 2016 are yet to be finalised. Places: Whilst every effort will be made to place girls in the school of their choice, places are dependent on the number of applicants from our partner schools. As such girls should apply for Exchanges with flexibility in mind. Cost: $100.00 application fee, Working with Children registration, cost of the return airfare, insurance, spending money, visas where necessary, and the cost of hosting an Exchange student in your family for the duration of the Exchange period.  

 

 

 

Collegiate Exchange Program (2015 dates)  

Year 9

Exchange School Partner School

at Collegiate Collegiate

at Partner School Places

Woodbridge, England 14 February to 20 March 17 April to 22 May 2

St Margaret’s, New Zealand 23 April to 23 May 15 June to 12 July 2

St Mildred’s, Canada 21 July to 31 August 6 January to 14 February

Year 10 2

 

 

 

Year 10

Exchange School Partner School

at Collegiate Collegiate

at Partner School Places

St Stephen’s, Hong Kong 30 July to 30 August 15 September to 15 October 2

Owada School, Japan 11 March to 4 April 7 September to 7 October 2

Ethel Walker School, USA 22 July to 16 August 6 January to 31 January 1

Laukaan Lukio, Finland 24 February to 28 March

(Year 11) 7 January to 14 February

(Year 11) 2

Liceo Foscarini, Venice 24 July to 31 August 7 January to 14 February 2

Havergal, Canada 7 March to 4 April

(Year 10) 9 January to 14 February

(Year 10) 1

St George’s, Scotland 20 July to 24 August 14 September to 13 October 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further International Opportunities These opportunities DO NOT follow the same application process as the Exchanges. Please see your language teacher for more information.

BJR German Exchange In March of Year 9 (2016) girls who are studying German will have the opportunity to apply for the BJR German exchange. This exchange is organised by the Bayerischer Jugendring, a youth organisation in Bavaria, Germany. This is a ten week reciprocal exchange which gives girls a wonderful opportunity to improve their German language skills as well as experience German culture firsthand. For those girls intending on studying German in Year 11 it gives a great opportunity to achieve at the highest level because of the language improvements made during the ten week exchange. Girls who have participated in this exchange have often had the opportunity to then study High Achievers’ Program German at the University of Tasmania in Year 12. Dates: The German exchange partners will visit us from around 14 February to 20 April of Year 10. The return visit will take place at the end of Year 10 from around 17 November to 29 January. Cost: approximately $3,000.00 which includes airfares and insurance. There is also an optional trip to Berlin which costs around €550 (approximately $955.00 AUS at current exchange rate). Spending money as required.

French Trip For those girls studying French in the Senior School there is the opportunity to participate in a language and culture trip to France. Girls will spend around 4 days in Paris sightseeing, then 13 days in Tours, an hour south-west of Paris on the TGV (France’s high-speed rail service) where they will have a homestay while attending French classes at the Institut de Touraine. The group will then spend another 3 nights in Paris and then take the Eurostar (high-speed train that crosses the English Channel) to London for a few days sightseeing before flying home. Dates: TBC Cost: approximately $5,000.00