This past week in Stage 2, the students that weren’t able to go to New Zealand have enjoyed getting out and about in the community, as we went on a series of fun-filled excursions. We took on a different venue every day, including Terrigal Beach, the Peninsula Leisure Centre and SBS Studios, learning about different careers like lifeguarding and television production and building skills including swimming, bowling and team work. EVERYONE had a blast, including the parent helpers and teachers. But the greatest thing that I came away with from this week, was PRIDE!
Pride in the students: For being total legends! They conducted themselves with maturity well beyond their years and really made some fantastic impressions on the general public almost everywhere we went. We constantly had people telling us how well-behaved and well-mannered these little people were. It was so great to be able to spend quality time having fun with the kids and it gave them the opportunity to shine in areas that we don’t often see at college. There were definitely some hidden talents that came out, like Kai and Ella B’s tenpin bowling skills, Marcel’s amazing waterslide acrobatics, Jabin’s underwater swimming prowess and many many more!
Pride in the college: For being open, flexible and innovative enough to embrace a whole week of excursions AND for zero cost to parents. “Some people” say that excursions are a waste of time, but to them I say this week was anything but. CCSC is all about truly preparing our students to be informed, responsible and contributing members of the community and what better way to get them there than to have them interacting with the community more often and seeing how people behave in the workforce (we saw a lot of examples of collaboration). But it’s not just about that, the kids not only learned some practical skills, they also learned things about each other and most importantly they learned things about themselves – to me, that’s invaluable and totally worth it.
Pride in our team: For pulling off what has to be one of the best finishes to a college year EVER (but perhaps I’m biased). Excursions take a lot of time, effort, planning and input from different people to make them work. Thanks to everyone who helped to make this week happen, both parents and staff, especially Patrick for all he has organised. And of course, thank you to Todd and Rod, firstly for all the experience I gained as a new teacher – from planning and completing these excursions and secondly for constantly reminding me to be creative with the way we teach – which, as those of you that read my last blog will know, can be a challenge. And while I’m gushing… Thank you “Toddney” for everything you have both done for me and taught me over my first semester with CCSC. I couldn’t have wished for a better start to my teaching career! Woohoo, GO STAGE 2 TEAM of 2015!
Terrigal Beach
SBS Studios
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