2003 School Magazine

Co- CURRICULAR

ROCK CLIMBING Rockclimbing is a problem solving physical activity for thinkers, giving physical, mental and social benefits. This Year has brought many new faces, including members from Year 9 and Year 10. After much patience and waiting, the Year 85 were eventually given the opportunity to climb at the beginning of third term. The wait was well worth it as they had a great time The great challenge for all climbers this Year has been to conquer the 12.5 metre overhang "Catt's Walk" named after Gillian Catt, Class of 1996, the first climber to achieve this feat. For many of the Year 10 12 this was their Year to conquer this climb with a few from Year 8 and 9 who are very close The social side of climbing has come to the fore this Year with regular visits from the senior climbers from next door. They are always welcome and every now and then we actually get to climb. For the first time in a few Years we were able to climb on "real" rock with two sessions being held at the 20 metre cliffs at Kangaroo Point. We were fortunate to climb the "classics" of 'Anonymous', 'Mission Impossible', 'Tombstone Row' and 'Bloody Oath: For most climbers this was their first taste on the real thing and most noticed that there were not any colour coded holds to help them. This took us by surprise but made it far more challenging. Open Day also provided a change from previous Years. With glow stick bracelets, necklaces and anklets, the climbers and belayers climbed for the first time in the dark providing an impressive show for their a udience Overall it has been a very successful and enjoyable Year of rockclimbing with enthusiastic attendances, a wide variety of opportunities and many successes. The Year would not have been so successful without the help of the assistant coach Dimity Trelaw and co- ordinator Mr Barry Greatorex. On behalf of all climbers, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to both for their help this Year, without which climbing could not continue. All students have enjoyed climbin and have improved_greatly since the beginning of the Year. Jennifer O'Brien Honoursry Rockclimbing Captain