YEAR 9 IRONBARK CAMP: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT
For the first five weeks of this term, Year 9A and B students embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Ironbark – a working farm designed to challenge and inspire young minds to go above and beyond (truly, ‘Plus Ultra’). This unique five-week experience, filled with diverse activities and hands-on learning, pushed students to their limits, fostering personal growth and resilience.
Ironbark is not just a farm; it's a community where students strive to achieve and grow. The farm's diverse environment, home to horses, sheep, cows, pigs, chickens and dogs, provided a rich backdrop for learning and development. Students were immersed in the daily routine of farm life, gaining practical skills and a deeper understanding of rural living.
Cronins – a time warp of the conditions the original Ironbark groups endured – also played a crucial role in the students' development. This experience, involving teamwork and problem-solving, helped students to grow as individuals and together as a group. It emphasised the importance of cooperation and the power of collective effort, through its various activities, including leatherwork, blacksmithing, survival preparation, cooking and a group project – building a fence for a temporary cattle-holding pen.
One of the camp's highlights was the range of challenging activities designed to test endurance, teamwork and self-reliance. Students participated in a 52-kilometre hike, navigating the rugged terrain and learning the importance of perseverance and mutual support. This hike was more than a physical challenge; it was about the journey that strengthened friendships and built lasting memories, not the destination.
The survival experience was another standout. Students learned essential survival skills, including building structures that would form their housing for two nights. In addition, surrounded by the peaceful serenity of the Australian bush, the solo experience provided a time for personal reflection of our five-week journey.
Overall, the Ironbark camp has been an extraordinary journey for Year 9A and B students. Through hard work, determination and the support of one another, we have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, more confident, and more resilient. The lessons learned and the bonds formed at Ironbark have been undoubtedly influential in shaping our personal growth, both at school and beyond.
Michael L (9A)
Junior High Vice-Captain
ASSESSMENT
For most students their homework over the remaining week or so is to revise for their exams or to complete assignment work. For some students, there are valid reasons for being unable to complete assessment on time or for having missed a scheduled exam. Please note the following:
Music Lessons and Exams
The College requires music lessons to be rescheduled if they occur at the same time as an exam. Students are told well in advance when their exams will be and parents are asked to assist them with rescheduling their music lessons.
Illness
‘Special Consideration’ is available for students who have been ill in the lead up to or on the day of assessment. However, the College asks that applications for Special Consideration be accompanied by a Medical Certificate or other appropriate support material. If a student is absent on the day of an exam, the standard procedure is for a Medical Certificate be provided. If they are absent on the day an assignment is due, students are still expected to make every effort to submit their assignment, either in hard copy or electronically.
Injury or other conditions
‘Special Provisions’ are available for students who have injuries or other medical conditions/ requirements that are impacting on their attendance at school or their completion of assessment. Special Provisions are usually applied for prior to the due date because the condition is known about in advance. These provisions ensure opportunities for eligible students to demonstrate their learning on the same basis as other students.
Please note that an application for Special Consideration does not guarantee approval. Early departures for family holidays or events, will generally not meet the criteria for special consideration and adjustments being approved. Every application is considered individually on its merits. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s ability to complete upcoming assessment, please contact your child’s subject teacher, the relevant Curriculum Leader for that subject or Mr Ross Boyle, Head of 7–12 Curriculum - Students (P: 07 3377 6523 Email: R.Boyle@stpeters.qld.edu.au). Special Consideration/Provision forms can be accessed on Firefly.
SAFE BEHAVIOURS
As a College, a key priority in caring for our staff and students is to provide a safe environment for them. Further to my article in last week’s edition of The Rock, I would like to again highlight that students have a part to play in acting responsibly and are continually reminded of the need to ‘think before they act’ in order to consider how their actions impact on others. This is part of creating a broader environment within the College where treating others with care, dignity and respect is not only an expectation but should be the norm.
We recognise that young people are heavily influenced by the media and St Peters students are not immune, particularly to the impact of social media. Unfortunately, teenagers sometimes forget that the inappropriate language and anti-social or negative behaviours they see on their screens or hear in music are very often the opposite of what is acceptable in the real world — and are certainly considered unacceptable in a Christian school environment such as St Peters. Students have again been reminded that any form of bullying or harassment of others, whether that be using racist, sexist or other inappropriate language, or making unkind or hurtful comments to or about others in relation to their individual characteristics (such as their gender, ethnicity, family dynamics, body size, height, skin colour, hair colour, or even if they wear braces or have freckles or acne etc) will not be tolerated.
We will continue this conversation with students in a variety of forums — in the classroom and as part of our Chapel services and our Assembly presentations. Parental support in reinforcing our Christian values, inclusive attitudes towards others and positive behaviours, at home is much appreciated.
Kelly Fox
Acting Head of Junior High
