This year’s Year 10 Alpine Camp was a remarkable blend of adventure, camaraderie, and personal growth. Held at the picturesque Falls Creek Resort and Howman’s Gap YMCA, the camp offered our students an opportunity to escape the classroom and embrace the great outdoors.
From the moment students arrived, the excitement of seeing snow was palpable. For many students, this had been their first time to go skiing. With snow-capped mountains as their backdrop, they quickly swapped their school uniforms for ski gear. The camp kicked off with a comprehensive safety briefing.
Throughout the week, students engaged in a range of activities designed to enhance their skiing skills, build teamwork, and foster resilience. Daily ski lessons led by experienced instructors helped participants refine their techniques and gain confidence on the slopes.
Whether they were novice skiers or seasoned enthusiasts, every student found a challenge that matched their abilities.
The camp also featured activities such as: rock climbing, archery, a giant swing and group challenges, promoting a sense of friendly rivalry and encouraging personal bests.
Beyond skiing, the camp was an opportunity for students to bond with their peers and teachers in a relaxed, informal setting. Evenings were filled with engaging group activities, including a liturgy, trivia night, a VIP dining experience for the lucky trivia winners and a pyjama dress up. Students also met with their ski groups every night to debrief and reflect on their experiences of that day. These moments helped forge stronger bonds and lasting connections within the year level.
The camp also emphasised the importance of responsibility and self-care. Students took on various roles and responsibilities, from managing their own gear to participating in team-building exercises. These experiences not only enhanced their practical skills but also nurtured their independence and leadership qualities.
Overall, Year 10 Alpine Camp was a tremendous success, leaving students with cherished memories and new skills. As they return to their academic routines, they carry with them the lessons learned on the slopes - lessons of perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of embracing new challenges. We extend our gratitude to the staff, parents and students who made this camp such a memorable experience. Here's to many more adventures in the future!
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.
Darren was appointed Principal of Sacred Heart College in January 2019. Darren has had almost 30 years experience in teaching and leadership across a number of Victorian Catholic secondary schools. These include eight years as Principal of Mercy Regional College, Camperdown; nine years as Deputy Principal and Director of Mission at Mount Lilydale Mercy College; seven years as a Chemistry, Religious Education and Science teacher as well as REC at Sacred Heart College, Geelong.
Darren has been committed to a lifetime of study and professional development. After completing his initial degree of Bachelor of Science and Graduate Diploma of Education at the University of Melbourne, he continued his study by completing a Graduate Diploma of Religious Education, a Masters of Religious Education and a Doctor of Education, all at Australian Catholic University. In 2018, Darren participated in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity programme in Leuven, Belgium.
Darren has a deep and passionate affiliation with the Mercy tradition and charism and believes that Mercy schools must be “…committed to holistic education; determined to ensure that each student flourishes academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically”.
The purpose of the Catholic school is to provide “… an authentic Christian education, where students are called to embrace the essence of the Gospels, to flourish as whole human persons” and “… to provide exemplary learning experiences for the students who attend”.