Year 11 Outdoor Education & Environmental Studies
The Year 11 Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies class of 20 hiked up the peak of Mt Stirling over Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th May. Student started at Telephone Box Junction and walked up the east side of the Mountain staying at Crickets Pitch Shelter, then Bluff Spur on the second night before trekking home down the west side of the Mountain. Students had to carry their sleeping bags, cooking, food, clothing and safety equipment for the three days, which weighed in around 15-20kg per person.
Students were totally engaged in learning about the Alpine Environment first hand outside the four walls of a classroom. Not only did students engross themselves into the Taungurung Country, which was heavily used by Cattlemen in the late 1800s, they showed real teamwork and leadership to make sure everyone was safe, dry, warm and fed as temperatures dropped as low as minus 3 during the night.
The camp fires at night with the full moon shining down and students laughing together was the highlight of each night. On the last morning, the students woke up early and faced the cold as we hiked back up to the peak under head torches to have breakfast during the sunrise. Their hard work was rewarded as we were greeted with an amassing sunrise over the Alpine and a full moon in the background, perched above Mt Buller Town. Epic!
I have to say I am extremely proud of the group as each and every one took pride in ‘leaving no trace’ and even cleaning up rubbish left behind by others. They are all becoming true lovers of the beautiful natural world we have.
Grant Olarenshaw
Assistant Principal
