Over the course of the school year, students in Years 3-6 participate in a number of excursions, including the Term 4 Outdoor Education Camps for Years 3-6, for 3 days.
It cannot be expressed enough that these programs are an integral aspect of your child’s learning. They are not isolated events, but form an essential part of units of school-work and therefore when a child misses any one of these they find it difficult to fully understand the outcomes. Our primary outdoor education program is designed to supplement our school academic programs. It includes activities that obviously cannot be done at school, such as bush crafts, water sports, orientation activities, outdoor team building, problem solving, and collaboration. Camps also involve a social skills element where children live together and learn to help each other. All campsites have their own trained staff who lead the activities, and Claremont teachers assist those staff members. The children always enjoy the camps (even those who may be a little nervous at first) and although the educational content cannot be measured by formal testing procedures, the outcomes at both an individual and group level are most beneficial. Parents will receive detailed information as each camp approaches.
Should your child express nervousness or heightened anxiety about attending a camp, we would ask that you tell us. Every year we support some students prior to camp, to assist them to have a successful and positive experience. Your child’s teachers or our School Counsellor are the best starting points for this conversation.
It is disappointing if some students miss out on these rewarding experiences because of extended overseas trips, or personal reasons. If a child misses a camp or excursion they are at a disadvantage because of their inability to connect the camp/excursion experiences to the follow-up lessons. As noted above, these are not isolated events.
Our school camps are always a highlight for most students - don't underestimate how important they are for them, and what a fabulous experience they are, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Mr Thomas, Principal
