Senior School News | Camps and Excursions

Year 11

Our Year 11 Cohort went on an all day excursion to UniSC to learn about post-school pathways. The tour included interactive sessions and activities where students competed in business games creating a fun and financially viable music festival. They also investigated crimes by profiling criminals with a card game. Students appreciated the informative talk in the lecture hall, learning about different courses and pathways, and how they all have an element of education. Lastly, the tour around the campus led by a for ACC student was also an eye-opening experience about uni life.

Here are a few quotes about the excursion from our students :

• “I learnt possible new uni courses, and the interactive business course that caught my attention.”

• “The workshops were very engaging.”

• “When we were all together at the end of the excursion in the Uni lecture hall, they told us everything we could do in the future, in AND out of school.”

• “There was insight into what uni will entail. It was a good experience overall and I found it really useful for what my future may hold.”

• “I learnt about the Head Start program and how easy it is to access the scholarship”

• “That there are multiple pathways in life, and your not necessarily stuck to one pathway”’

Danny Scarbrough

Year 11 Year Level Coordinator

Year 12

Our 2026 Year 12s, both On-Campus and Distance Education, started the year off with a bang as they began the term with three days on camp at Emu Gully in Helidon Spa. This ANZAC themed camp combines the stories of our soldiers with themed activities that seek to teach the core values of courage, mateship, sacrifice and perseverance. Combined with a lot of mud, our Year 12s stretched their leadership abilities and learnt to function as a cohesive unit, supporting each other through tunnels and over obstacles. Rather than describe their experiences in my own words, here are the testimonies straight from the pens of a few of our on-campus Year 12s. 

‘I really enjoyed the camp, all of the activities were really fun and very interesting. I loved that they all incorporated history and military activities and it was very good at team building. Getting Conor in the centre of the back in paintball was definitely a highlight.’ Matthew Hyland

The highlight of the camp was… ‘probably how it drew everybody closer together as a cohort. We learnt new skills and pushed each other out of our comfort zones for the better, as well as helping us to get over our fears.’ Nia Aby, Raquel Herrera and Indie Paul

‘Camp was such a good experience. Everything pushed you out of your comfort zone so you walk away from the activities being super proud of yourself for accomplishing big things. Definitely go to Emu Gully because I accomplished so many things I didn’t know I could do. 10/10 would go again.’ Rebeca Vieira. 

‘Camp was honestly a life changing experience and extremely challenging. But I grew as a person from it, with camp providing plenty of bumps and bruises. The mud slide was a total highlight and the night walk was an experience!’ Mitchell Huurdeman

‘Emu Gully was an unforgettable experience that challenged each and every one of us. Camp not only tested our resolve but judged our character in so many ways. I truly believe that this cohort has grown closer over our united ‘suffering’. Declan Bousen

‘Emu Gully camp was awesome. I loved that we had working air cons at night. I enjoyed the activities, especially the mud pit challenge and the night walk (where I definitely didn’t almost die). My team was awesome and gelled together well, which helped with the activities.’ Elizabeth Aitken

It is my hope that this experience will continue to shape the attitude and culture of the 2026 Year 12 cohort as they head into their final year at ACCM. 

Our Year 12s also had their Badge Ceremony in Week 3, where they received their Year 12 badge signifying their roles as leaders within the College. This was also their opportunity to share their Year 12 Pledge with the College and their families. Shaped by their experiences at camp and their dreams for the year, the Year 12 on-campus cohort created this pledge to act as anchor for the year ahead. 

Overall, our Year 12s have started the year off strong. We continue to support and journey with them. Please pray for these young adults as they tackle the year ahead.

Katherine Griffin-Smith

Year 12 Year Level Coordinator (OC)