The role of a Head of Year is a very special one. Few roles in education allow for a primary focus on a student group over a three-year period. The longitudinal nature of this role enables one to witness significant growth and change within each individual, through every learning moment, educational context, academic bump, friendship worry, and subject selection period. 

In the Middle Years, the Beyond Boundaries Program consistently provides students with challenges and rewards, each year building upon the last, to offer opportunities for personal growth, leadership, teamwork, a connection to Country, and memory-making.  

This fosters connection and creates a sense of belonging, especially for the newest members of our community. These camps are transformational opportunities, and after 32 months, countless House Tutor Groups and Wellbeing periods, four camps, and 18 overnights, the trip to Far North Queensland truly served as the pinnacle of the students’ Middle Years journey thus far. 

There were moments of adversity – an uncomfortable tent, a cold shower, a steep hike, or feeling seasick. Moments of being pushed beyond a comfort zone – being away for seven nights, choosing to sleep without a tent under the stars, building a team with students beyond familiar friendship circles, or snorkelling for the first time.  

Moments of stepping up – comforting a homesick friend, encouraging each other to snorkel, teaching each other tricks for putting up a tent, putting on a snorkel mask, avoiding seasickness, and skimming stones. Looking after each other in the rain, ensuring everyone was included at meals and in activities. 

There were moments of wonder as the students connected with Country, wandering through the Daintree with the Kuku Yalanji people, learning about their traditional ways of living, medicines, shelter, weapons, and food.  

At Cooya Beach, the students learned how to catch crabs with a spear and enjoyed a delectable feast of their labour. They discovered the beauty and importance of the Great Barrier Reef and Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, the tranquility of Fitzroy Island, and the joy of simplicity at the Woodleigh Cattle Station. It was a fitting culmination of their experiences, leaving them with lasting memories and a strong foundation for their future endeavours. 

The Year 9 camp to Far North Queensland was not just an educational trip but a journey of self-discovery and growth. 

It allowed students to reflect on their previous experiences, apply what they had learned, and emerge as more confident and capable individuals. As they return to their daily routines, we hope the memories and lessons from this camp will stay with them, shaping their perspectives and inspiring them to take on future challenges with enthusiasm and resilience. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 12 dedicated staff members who accompanied, supported, and guided our students through this extraordinary experience. We are immensely proud of our Year 9 students for their courage, curiosity, and camaraderie throughout this journey.  

Thoughts from the Year 9 students  

“This was such an amazing cultural experience. Going through the Daintree made me understand who the people were that had lived here thousands of years ago and those that live here now. Doing things with people that I hadn’t done much with, and having to interact with them on camp also made this experience. I definitely made new connections and developed new friendships through the camp – this was a highlight.” Alekhya Akella – 9BB  

“I really enjoyed the time hanging out with my friends without the internet. We were able to learn about Aboriginal culture and learn new skills like snorkelling. Sleeping under the stars was incredible. It was the first time I had ever done this, it was so special. I could talk with my friends and enjoy the peace of the cattle station. It was hard at times because I was a bit afraid of the water, but with the encouragement of the staff and the people in my group I was able to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, and it really was quite something.”  Yihan (Natalie) Chen – 9DS  

“I loved this camp. It was constantly busy, filled with fun activities, and there was always something to be excited about! I would do it all over again if I could. Fitzroy Island was so special, I didn’t even feel like I was in Australia. I didn’t realise that these kinds of places existed in Australia, it was amazing. The beaches were beautiful, it was kind of like an action-packed holiday with 22 of my best friends.” Saskia Gelbak – 9BB  

“When we touched down in Cairns I was so excited, but upon learning about my group, I was a bit disappointed not to be with more friends. In the end, this was actually what made the experience so special. This was my first St Cath’s camp. I got to get so much closer to other students, who at the time I didn’t know well, but are now good friends. If I had been with all of my friends, I wouldn’t have made any new connections. Swimming with the turtles on Fitzroy Island was incredible. The vista was beautiful, the water was warm, and the beauty of what was under the water blew me away, and then you would look up and know you were sharing a special moment with the people I’d become closer to in my group.”  Claudia Hudson – 9BB  

“This was my second camp at St Catherine’s. I loved snorkelling. At first, I was so scared, I don’t really like swimming, but Fania and I were partners, and we kept each other in check, and this helped me to overcome my fear and thoroughly enjoy the experience. To be around people I didn’t know that well, meant that I could create better connections across the whole of Year 9. It surprised me during the camp how well we all got along. Now I feel that it is easy to chat with a much wider range of students coming into School each day and I really enjoyed the time with my good friends.” Ruby Kim – 9HK  

“This was my first camp. I was a little surprised by the experience. Snorkelling was easily my favourite part of the camp. I’ve never done this before and I am not a strong swimmer, I never thought this was an activity that I would manage, but I felt a great sense of achievement when I was able to enjoy the snorkels. When the turtle swam just past me it was truly amazing!” Hei Lui Rosamond (Rosamond) Liu – 9DS  

“I loved it. The Cattle Station was my favourite. Being in a room together with everyone was really special. We all just got around each other, we were able to have so much fun together. The teachers played music for us, and we had a runway dance! I only knew some of the people in my group well, and that is why this night stood out because I was able to have so much fun and connect with everyone. The food was spectacular, and it seemed like an oasis far from the busyness of Melbourne. Yes, there were hard parts, a leaky tent, and choppy waters, but we made it work and found a way to get around each other and enjoy each moment anyway”  Grace Mitsikas – 9DS   

“My highlights on the camp were snorkelling and staying on the Cattle Station. I have never snorkelled before, I was a little scared, but it was a great chance to try something new. This experience made me more resilient, and it was worth it. Camp also allowed me to make new friends. I am new to St Catherine’s this year, and though I wasn’t especially close to everyone in my group, after the camp I found I had new friends and connections with girls I didn’t know before.” Yicen (Season) Shi – 9BB  

“It was so fun. It was a great opportunity to interact with others. You could access all of the activities at different levels, and what you put in, meant it was a different experience for everyone, but in a good way. Everyone was able to have a go at everything, you could spear a crab, eat a crab, or just enjoy the beautiful location and listen to the stories of the Indigenous people. My favourite memory was sitting on the pontoon with friends and considering the vastness of the ocean and where we were in the world.” Mirabelle Thomson – 9DS