1988 School Magazine

The lmbil Committee has again been active and mucl has been done to iacilitate better movement around the centre through the building of much needed stairs anc retaining walls. Unfortunately, the introduction of the seven-day camps has tended to limit the number of f ree weekends available for working bees. An adventurous Broup of mothers also visited the centre during the Year Eight program. The girls certainll appreciated seeing some familiar faces and were able tc "down tools" and share in some morning tea. lt wa: tremendous to see such a large group of mothers sc interested in the f unctioning of the Outdoor Educatior Centre. Although it has eventuated as a somewhat busy year i has been encouraging to witness the positive response o students towards the introduction of a seven-da1 program. Both staff and students are most appreciatt of the support given to the centre by the Parents anc Friends' Association. Much in the way of additiona equipment is necessary to run such a facility (safely anc efficiently). The Parents and Friends have been mos generous in providing the essential backing to achievt this aim.

returning to the Centre on the Thursday afternoon. The lead-up to the expedition involved a mixture of climbing, abseiling, navigation and initiative problems. These activities enabled the students to be as self- sufficient as possible before being let loose in the "wilds" of Borumba Dam catchment area. Despite some difficulties and trials, they responded extremely well to the challenges and added responsibility of the expedition and coped well with a variety of learning situations. The Year Nine camps signalled the arrival of the winter westerlies which threatened to send 9A hurrying for the shelter of the indoors. However, all persisted despite the conditions and managed to survive the elements. These camps were locally based where students were totaily self-sufficient and provided their own transport (foot and paddle-powered). The three-day campout involved a canoe trip down Yabba Creek where the girls were treated to a variety of bird and animal life. They also managed to navigate their way back to the centre via the rainforest and pine plantations of Ryan and Branche Creeks. The Year Nine boarders also visited the centre for a weekend during first semester and all girls seemed to enjoy their visit. The weekends are offered to boarders as an opportunity to relax and study in a different environment and activities can be arranged depending upon student interest. 34