Over the past two days, all expo groups have taken part in their first surfing lesson. We were taken down to Cape Conran and we were introduced to our two surf instructors from Lakes Entrance. The lesson started out with a quick stretch followed by a brief safety talk. We were then taught how to lie on the board and what to do when catching a wave, which was at first just arching your back and letting the wave take you in. After spending fifteen to twenty minutes in the water practicing this, we came back to shore and they showed us two different ways to stand up. We then had a break for morning tea and soon after we were back in the water and trying to stand up. Most people fell off quite a lot, but as the lesson went on almost everyone succeeded in standing on their board. The entire time in the water was filled with dunks, wipe-outs and a few gnarly waves.  Mr Dooley went along with 2A and he definitely showed us up. Everyone had loads of fun and is keen to go on a rest day, which has already been organised for this coming weekend.  Although we all loved the experience the showers definitely suffered with all the sand that we brought back from the beach.

Other classes we have taken part in include: intro to bikes, presentation skills, CLP planning, sustainability, thinking and learning and beliefs and values. 

So far the experience here at SRC has been really enjoyable and we’re all anxious to see what they throw at us next.

Nathan-Diamond Valley and Violet-Northcote

On Saturday we had a rest day. A big group of us decided to go surfing. We left that morning in our vans and headed to East Cape Conran. When we got there we all unpacked the trailer and started walking down to the beach. The waves were awesome. They weren’t too small and they weren’t too big, just right. Everyone had heaps of fun catching lots of waves. Although the weather wasn’t exactly perfect (pouring rain) it was still a blast. Because so many people wanted to surf that day we had to take turns with who was in the water, having fun and who was standing on the beach, freezing their toes off.  After an awesome surfing sesh, some of us went for a quick swim and body surf. After we had all our fun it was unfortunately time for us to take the boards up the sandy steps and pack the trailer to come back home.

Sam - Northcote HS and Selena- Trafalgar HS

Today, instead of having a morning and afternoon class, we had Local Learning Project Day. This morning 25 odd grade six students from Hazelwood Primary came in for the day. We taught them about some stuff that goes on here at Snowy and also some topics to do with the local community. The day seemed to go fairly smoothly with a few minor hiccups that were easily rectified. As far as my presentation went I think I did fairly well. I projected my voice in a clear manner and didn’t speak in a monotone. The one thing that let my group and I down was a massive lack of preparation. We had much better things planned than what we ended up showing, but didn’t use the provided class time wisely at all. We still presented the content we had prepared well, and filled the time limit, but we weren’t as happy with how we went as the final result showed. We have now leant that preparation/organisation is key in pulling these things off and will be able to put that into practise when the next opportunity arises.

Today gave me an insight into how learning is from the other perspective, the teacher’s role. It helped me to understand how different people learn in different ways and how a teachers’ role isn’t as simple as it might seem.

This was one of many great experiences I have had here at Snowy. I am excited for what is to come.

Max - Diamond Valley College

On the night of Saturday the 14th of February, there was a market night. This is how it worked, everyone got given $50 in fake money, and some people opened stalls. People would buy items from the stalls and the stall at the end that gained the most money would be declared the winner. People did stalls involving card games, ice-creams, cookies, palm reading, dance lessons, massages, face-paint and more! It was a super fun night where everyone enjoyed themselves. We even all got dressed up in amazing business clothing! Market night was definitely my favourite part of my ‘Snowy River Campus’ adventure so far, hopefully there’s more to come.

Lachlan (Sunbury Downs SC)

Throughout the week in small groups we all took turns in surfing. Even though the waves were small it was still good practice and I still managed to stand up a few times! The water was chilly and it felt like I was swimming in ice! My time at Snowy River has been great so far and there is no doubt that it’s going to continue being the time of my life. I’ve met so many great people and I would recommend this experience to everyone!

Phoebe  (Wonthaggi SC)