From the Middle School
From the Head of Middle School Jenny O’Donnell
Well, that is a wrap for Term 3! Thank you to all our Middle School parents for your ongoing support across the last 10 weeks. It was great to catch up with some of you at the Garden Party on Saturday. What a successful Basket Stall we ran for Middle School. There were well over 140 baskets of all shapes and sizes that were generously and creatively put together by the girls. From Friday night movie night to beauty pamper packs- all sold with the help of the student and staff volunteers in attendance.
I would like to again acknowledge all the staff involved in making the Year 8 Outdoor Education program such a success. Sarah Budd- our Deputy Head- in particular did an outstanding job with organising groups and logistics across the week. The girls stepped up to their challenge by choice activities, proving their resilience and at times surprising themselves. Below we have invited four students to reflect on their experience.
Camp was a truly memorable experience that combined both challenges and highlights over the five days and four nights. Each evening around the campfire was a highlight for me, as it created such a warm, comfortable, and cheerful atmosphere where everyone could come together and reflect on the day. The meals were also consistently enjoyable, with each dinner, from nachos on the first night to a steak burger on the last, becoming something to look forward to and providing the energy needed for the activities ahead.
There were certainly challenges, but each provided opportunities to learn and grow. Abseiling was confronting, and while I did not complete the full slope, I was proud that I could still go through the practice section. The 10k and 5k hikes were physically tiring, but with the encouragement and positivity of my group, I was able to persevere and finish. Canoeing turned out to be less difficult than I had expected, even though I did have a minor mishap with a tree. Activities such as the raft building, where my group’s raft unfortunately did not hold up, and the obstacle course, where I struggled with the monkey bars, were nonetheless enjoyable because of the teamwork and laughter involved. The wombat hole and river run were challenging in their own ways, but I appreciated having the chance to step outside of my comfort zone, even if I did not fully complete all of them.
Most importantly, I learned the value of teamwork and connection, even in a group where I knew very few people initially. By the end of the camp, the bonds we created made the experience feel supportive and rewarding. While I did not have one single favorite activity, I would say that the evening campfires and the shared meals stood out the most to me, as they combined comfort, community, and the simple joy of being together. – Jiatong Liang
I never thought I’d survive five whole days without my phone, but camp ended up being the highlight of my week. My favourite activity was definitely Base 7, I loved working together as a team and helping earn points through strategy and collaboration.
Out of all the nights I spent in Somerset, the third night was the one I’ll never forget. Stars above and the glow of the campfire below, my group sang hundreds of songs, and shared laughter (especially the Congo line to the other camp group!) – Summer Zhou
On Monday, the 15th of September, Year 8 attended a 5-day trip to Somerset Camp, at Colo River. In my opinion, I love going to camp, so the experience I had at Somerset was unforgettable and enjoyable. The activities I loved to do was wombat hole and mud slide, because though it stinks and obviously very easy to get very dirty, I think it was a good experiment, especially trying things your not comfortable with or want to have a go.
The wombat hole was honestly scary at first because I didn’t really know what was under there but without too much thoughts I decided to give it a go! The overall thought of the wombat hole was pretty fun, like even though it was near pitch black, I thought it was something I would try again if I had a chance.
The mud slide was something I wouldn’t have imagined, though it was never in my program, my base camp was right next to it so my instructor thought it would be a good idea for the people who were interested to have a go. I volunteer with 2 other students. When I looked down at the mud slide, I felt a bit nervous but with my friends cheering, I sat down and nudged myself down, the feeling of being splashed with dirt was quite unpleasant and gross but I didn’t want to waste any time so I went again, and again and again, about 6-7 times. Even my instructor Daniel went down the mud slide!!
Overall my camp experience was truly amazing! – Sydney Zhou
One of our incredible artists Naomi Chan has also shared a sketch she did of her campsite during camp.
We also celebrated the end of Outdoor Education Program with recognising girls who have were outstanding leaders throughout the experience:
- Jenny Xu
- Olivia Chan
- Georgia Friedel
- Olivia Sheldrake
- Summer Zhou
- Ariana Singh
- Baheshta Rahmoni
- Malalai Karimi
- Lexi Whitton
- Hailey Judd
- Dimity Loeve
- Aliya Singh
- Mia Wen
- Lucy Liu
- Arabella Hoang
- Estelle Macolino
- Sophia Wong
- Zahra Craig
- Anita Kang
- Lillie Oldfield
- Isabella Yu
- Madeleine King
- Jasmine Kee
- Ruby Thomas
- Gloria Yang
- Neve Anderson
- Daysie Leahy
- Ruby Stoodley-Williamson
- Chloé Shires
- Olivia Hicks-Duncombe
- AMelia Quarmby
- Emma Fogale
- Ishana Viswanathan
- Jade George
- Sydney Zhou
- Imogen Marquez
You can read here what they were awarded for.
Leadership for 2026 will launch in Term 4. Girls who are keen to apply for Leadership roles will be able to submit their applications early Term 4. We encourage all girls to apply.
All the very best for a wonderful term break. I know the girls are certainly ready for a change of pace and a break in routines. Travel safe if you are heading away and enjoy some down time if you are staying at home.
Jenny O’Donnell
Head of Middle School