Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience

Last week, our Year 7 cohort journeyed to the Tallong Outdoor Education and Retreat Centre for a transformative three-day experience. Guided by the pastoral theme ‘Being New, Making Friends,’ students stepped out of their comfort zones to build the foundations of their Santa Sabina identity.

The week was a true testament to the resilience we aim to foster in our students. While the first half of the week brought persistent rain, the damp weather did little to dampen their spirits. Students embraced the challenge, proving they were truly ‘Ready!’ as they navigated trails and campsite setups during their overnight hike. Whether it was mastering mountain biking skills, scaling the Giants Ladder, or paddling through canoeing sessions, the cohort showed incredible grit and a ‘can-do’ attitude.

A highlight of the week was the Tallong House Adventure Race on Wednesday. This mid-week event served as a bridge between both programs. It brought the entire year group together in a sea of House colours. With House colours striped on their faces, the energy was electric as students collaborated on group challenges, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and inclusion.

The success of the camp was bolstered by our incredible staff and the delicious catering from Chef that kept everyone fueled for adventure. From the student-led Liturgies to the evening activities like Giant Pictionary, every moment was designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships and develop a deep sense of belonging to Tallong and Santa Sabina.

The students returned to school with new friendships, a stronger sense of community, and the shared memory of overcoming the elements together.

Christopher Walker
Coordinator of Outdoor Education & Experiential Learning