Instructional Leader – Co-Curricular – Danielle Polson
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Silver Duke of Edinburgh – Practice Adventurous Journey (2026)
– By Becky Ashamalla
Our Silver Duke of Ed practice hike took us into the Blue Mountains for three days of early mornings, long walks, heavy packs, and some seriously amazing views. It was tough at times, but we ended up having a great experience together and learned a lot about what it actually takes to complete a real adventurous journey.
Day 1 – Tuesday 28 April
We met at Caringbah Station at 7:15am, still half asleep, and caught the train into the city before switching to the Blue Mountains line. By the time we arrived at Wentworth Falls around 10am, we were fully awake and ready to start walking.
We headed straight to the Charles Darwin Track, which was a nice warm‑up before the real hiking began. The track took us through bushland and out to a lookout where we stopped for lunch. After eating, we walked back to the station to catch the train to Katoomba.
Once we arrived, we checked in with the local police and rangers to make sure all the tracks were open. Then we walked to Katoomba Falls Campground to set up our tents. Cooking dinner at the campsite and settling in for the night made it feel like the real Duke of Ed experience had officially started.
Day 2 – Wednesday 29 April
We woke up early, packed our gear, and set off for a full day of hiking. The first part was the Federal Pass Walk, which took us through Leura and down to the Cascades for lunch. The scenery was incredible with waterfalls, rainforest, and huge cliffs everywhere we looked.
After lunch, we climbed back up the cliff (which felt like it went on forever) and continued along the Dardanelles Track, passing the Three Sisters and the Visitors Centre. The views over the Jamison Valley were worth every step.
By the time we got back to camp, we were exhausted. We cooked dinner, stretched out our legs, and got ready for another night in the tents.
Day 3 – Thursday 30 April
On the last morning, we packed up our tents and walked to Scenic World. This was definitely one of the highlights we rode the Scenic Railway, walked through the valley, took the Cable Car, and crossed the valley on the Skyway. Seeing the Blue Mountains from above was pretty unforgettable.
After that, we walked to Witch’s Leap, then headed back to camp to grab our packs. We walked into Katoomba for lunch before catching the train home. By the time we got back to Caringbah around 4pm, we were tired, hungry, and very ready for a shower.
The practice journey showed us how important it is to be prepared, pack properly, and support each other when things get tough. We learned how to manage long distances, steep climbs, and early starts and we also got to enjoy some of the most beautiful parts of the Blue Mountains.
Even though it was challenging, we finished feeling proud of ourselves and much more confident for the Silver Qualifying Journey.
SCC Rugby League
Congratulations to Pippa Bacon who has been selected in the Sydney Catholic Schools Rugby League Team. Best of luck to Pippa who will now attend the NSW CCC event.
Little Athletics
Congratulations to Scout Koernig on her selection in the NSW team for the Australian Little Athletics Championships. We wish her all the best for the Championships being held in Brisbane.
Congratulations to Victoria Trajcevski, Chloe McIntosh, Charli Moses and Montana Ayoub who represented Sydney Catholic Schools at the NSW CCC Touch Football. Charli was named in the NSW CCC and will play in the All Schools Competition in August.
Danielle Polson, Instructional Leader Co-Curricular