June 2010 . . SAMFORD VALLEY STEINER SCHOOL NEWS
WHAT A RIDE!
Class 8 students from Samford Valley Steiner School recently loaded up their bikes, thermals and supplies and headed out towards Queensland’s Western Downs.
Following a four-hour minibus drive north-west of Samford, they began their cycling adventure from the small town of Mundubbera. Away from the comforts of home for four nights, the enthusiastic 13/14-year-olds set themselves the goal of reaching Australia’s melon capital, Chinchilla, nestled in the heart of the Western Downs. This trip, which is part of the Outdoor Education Program run by Samford Valley Steiner School, has been attempted twice before by previous classes, but this year’s Class 8 students were the first to make it all the way to Chinchilla in the allotted five days. They were so determined to reach their destination, that despite the biting cold they set off especially early on the last morning to cycle the remaining kilometres to Chinchilla.
Although accompanied by their class guardian, an assistant and parent volunteer, the students were divided into a number of small ‘food groups’ and were responsible for purchasing their own food before leaving on their excursion. During the ride they were responsible for cooking for themselves and allocating their food supply to ensure it lasted the trip. Despite having a support truck to carry all the gear, food and water, this was a tent-free adventure: overnight camps were set up at suitable stops along the route and the teenagers slept out in the open.
“I thought the bike camp was great,” says Anthony Logan-Michel, “It was fun and challenging at the same time. We were riding all day for a week and slept under the stars.”
The students cycled a total of approximately 250km along quiet rural roads, some with smooth bitumen, some gravelly and pot-holed. “We are incredibly proud of these students. This trip required planning skills, lots of physical exertion and team work, and they achieved their goal of reaching Chinchilla in the allocated time,” explains High School Co-ordinator, Robyn Maggs. “Of course, there was the odd stack and resultant grazed knees and the inevitable punctures. But in the end they made it, after many hours peddling, they returned home triumphant – and in desperate need of a shower!”
ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
High School students from Classes 10 and 11 at Samford Valley Steiner School experienced the many joys and challenges of working for a living during their recent week of work experience. Temporary occupations ranged from tennis coach to child care assistant and, without exception, were all positive experiences, for both the student and the ‘employer’.
Zac Crookes, a Class 10 student, spent his week glimpsing a tradesman’s life. “I had an amazing week – I learnt a lot about carpentry and what I will do for a career,” he explains. “I also met amazing people and got a job working for my employer on the holidays and weekends.”
A week learning the ropes in the hospitality industry at Samford’s Buzz Stop Cafe was also lucrative for Rebekah Blackburn. “The people I worked with were fun and made sure I was never bored. After only working four days, I was offered a job – just what I was looking for!”
If you would like to know more about how a Steiner education could benefit your child, please visit our website at www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au . Or contact the school on 3430 9600 to take a guided tour of the school.
Although accompanied by their class guardian, an assistant and parent volunteer, the students were divided into a number of small ‘food groups’ and were responsible for purchasing their own food before leaving on their excursion. During the ride they were responsible for cooking for themselves and allocating their food supply to ensure it lasted the trip. Despite having a support truck to carry all the gear, food and water, this was a tent-free adventure: overnight camps were set up at suitable stops along the route and the teenagers slept out in the open.
“I thought the bike camp was great,” says Anthony Logan-Michel, “It was fun and challenging at the same time. We were riding all day for a week and slept under the stars.”
The students cycled a total of approximately 250km along quiet rural roads, some with smooth bitumen, some gravelly and pot-holed. “We are incredibly proud of these students. This trip required planning skills, lots of physical exertion and team work, and they achieved their goal of reaching Chinchilla in the allocated time,” explains High School Co-ordinator, Robyn Maggs. “Of course, there was the odd stack and resultant grazed knees and the inevitable punctures. But in the end they made it, after many hours peddling, they returned home triumphant – and in desperate need of a shower!”
ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
High School students from Classes 10 and 11 at Samford Valley Steiner School experienced the many joys and challenges of working for a living during their recent week of work experience. Temporary occupations ranged from tennis coach to child care assistant and, without exception, were all positive experiences, for both the student and the ‘employer’.
Zac Crookes, a Class 10 student, spent his week glimpsing a tradesman’s life. “I had an amazing week – I learnt a lot about carpentry and what I will do for a career,” he explains. “I also met amazing people and got a job working for my employer on the holidays and weekends.”
A week learning the ropes in the hospitality industry at Samford’s Buzz Stop Cafe was also lucrative for Rebekah Blackburn. “The people I worked with were fun and made sure I was never bored. After only working four days, I was offered a job – just what I was looking for!”
If you would like to know more about how a Steiner education could benefit your child, please visit our website at www.samfordsteiner.qld.edu.au . Or contact the school on 3430 9600 to take a guided tour of the school.
