Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2010

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UNIQUE TO GIRLS’ SCHOOLS IN QUEENSLAND, OUR SECOND CAMPUS, MARRAPATTA PROVIDES INNOVATIVE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES TO NURTURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENT AND RESILIENT YOUNG WOMEN WHO WILL BE PREPARED TO TAKE UP LIFE’S CHALLENGES AND MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR COMMUNITIES. CHALLENGE MARRAPATTA, MEMORI L OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE

expedition led by staff member, John Stamford. As the bus travelled slowly along the country road, a section of the roadway collapsed under its rear passenger wheels and it rolled several times down a steep slope. John Stamford, his wife Janelle and two Year 10 students – Helen Gahan and Jillian Skaines were thrown out of the bus and killed while the dazed and injured – some seriously hurt – were scattered down the hillside. Only six passengers were in any condition to climb back to the road and seek help from a property some two kilometres distant. This terrible event had a profound impact on all who were associated with the School – girls, staff, parents and even the wider community but the Principal, Judith Hancock remained determined to provide a breadth of educational experiences that included a vibrant outdoor education programme.

Actively participating in a myriad of activities in the picturesque Mary Valley, students develop greater knowledge and appreciation of the environment and are challenged to develop important physical and life skills while exploring their own personal characteristics. Co-operative living and learning through shared responsibilities and experiences develops self-confidence and sensitivity to the needs of others. As well as supporting programmes for all students in Years 8, 9 and 10; the Centre also conducts specialist residential camps – Leadership, Lifesaving, Geography and Creative Writing. The establishment of Marrapatta was born out of the tragic bus accident at Christmas Creek in the foothills of the McPherson Ranges on 21 April, 1979. On that day, nineteen students and four adults were travelling by bus on an outdoor education

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