A sunny 27th of January was the day that teams
of fresh-faced year 10 students made their way to McCaskie Park, ready to board
the three buses that would take them to the Maroochy Waterfront Camp &
Conference Centre. Excited silence, broken most sharply by the clatter of
suitcase wheels against the pavement, pervaded. The three days of camp that
were to follow were the first three as part of a new generation of QACI
students, affectionately known as the 'qack pack'. It facilitated, among other
things, the familiarisation of students with their connect groups and mentors,
members and managers of their pod and houses as well as several of their
teachers.
Upon leaving the buses, students were
assigned rooms and had a quick morning tea, and then were off for an 'Amazing
Race' with their pod. It was during this time that students first began to open
up as they engaged in a variety of activities, including blind drawing, riddle
solving and Yahtzee/Boggle.
House and pod spirit was also built through
the performance of House war cries and Aquafest planning during 'Secret House
Business', alongside the creation of house themed artwork and pod mottos.
Dinner soon became conversation walks, in
which students unknown to each other went for a 'rumble', sharing their
stories. Through these walks, students made connections with different people,
further opening up students to one another.
The eventful day ended with a highlight of
the camp: the 'big ups'. It was during this time that students voiced their
gratitude for the kindness of others, regardless of the magnitude of the act.
In the early morning, a selection of
students somehow managed to drag themselves out of bed for a river view walk
around the campsite. The rest of the cohort, yawning and bleary eyed, proceeded
down to the breakfast hall sometime later where any weariness was replaced with
excitement when the day’s activities were laid out. Split into house groups students
completed three rotations: busting out some dance moves for the highly
anticipated Aquafest, competitions with the year 11 connect mentors and the
biggest event of the day… Dragon boating. An Èveiller student explained that
this was a really beneficial team-building exercise. Vivezza was the last house
to experience this sport. Students learnt to coordinate their strokes and speed
through the water whilst they were drenched from above and below as rain poured
down around us. Once the final race within the house was completed, a champion
boat was selected to verse Matjiin and Èveiller. Three boats were lined up side
by side with war cries and chants reverberating across the river. The race was
a blur of water and oars but Vivezza’s boat was the one that emerged
victorious. The days adventures did not end here however, as dinner and dessert
were quickly consumed and the talent show for Year 10 students began. From
singing, to dancing, to stand-up comedy routines, the confidence and skill of
the acts blew everyone away leading to numerous standing ovations. This
enthusiasm shown by all present flooded over into loud music, group dance moves
and choruses shouted at the top of their lungs as part of a late-night rave
party. It didn’t take long for everyone to fall asleep that night, energy at
last drained.
The final day of the trip came all too
soon. With new friends by our side and new stories to tell, the students took
the bus down to the beach singing along to Bohemian Rhapsody and ABBA. The
strong tides prevented swimming in the waves but much enjoyment was found
dipping toes into the cool water and hitting cricket balls across the park. The
day was bright with a cloudless sky and after three days surrounded by the
supportive QACI community everyone was prepared to take on anything that the
school term could throw at them. By the
time the bus arrived back at school, all fears about the following week were forgotten
with everyone was glad to be part of such a supportive crowd and ready for a
long sleep in their own beds.
Throughout the
three days, students became close with others in their pod, as their meals,
cabins and activities were shared. This created strong camaraderie and respect,
as well as a greater understanding of each other’s stories; connections which
will undoubtedly be lifelong. This was especially strengthened in the
aforementioned ‘Your Story’ activity, wherein students discussed with their
connect group how they came to be at QACI. One student described this process
as, “a good experience to meet new people and connect with others.” In addition
to making great friends, grade ten students learnt about QACI culture, the
foundation on which our school thrives. This included but is not limited to the
concepts of acceptance and belonging, elevator and stair etiquette, house
spirit and collaborative teamwork. Ms Joubert highlighted this beautiful
culture throughout the week, leaving everyone optimistic about their future at
QACI. One student explained that, “QACI culture genuinely seems amazing... it’s
like everyone is looking out for everyone else,” a sentiment which has so far
proven itself true. Even though camp is over, the lessons students learnt and
the friends they made persist. QACI culture now thrives with its newest
members, who will one day pass this knowledge on to future cohorts, thereby
completing the cycle. Camp truly was an exceptional experience which matured
everyone emotionally and socially, preparing them for their future in the
“quack pack” and as custodians of the QACI culture.
Article written
by Hannah Burgess, Una Stanic and Jess Stone, Year 10.