Congratulations to the group of Year 10 students (Nicola B, Caitlin Y, Riona C, Mia C, Ella C, Sarah F, Bridget G, Catherine H, Hayley H, Mia I, Carly L, Molly L, Sophie M, Maisie N, Aislinn P, Jasmine S, Sophia VR) who are enrolled in either the Gold or Silver level of the award and have just returned from a trip to New Zealand where the hiked they Routeburn trail. The girls were required to rise to a variety challenges throughout the trip and should be commended on their enthusiastic nature.
Good luck to the group of Year 11 girls that head off to Cambodia on Sunday where they will engage in a community service activity by assisting at the Happy Days Village School. This is an initiative that the D of E program at Stella Maris supports through various fund raising activities.
2017 has been an extremely successful year for the program at Stella and every student who has been involved should be commended on their involvement.
Four Year 12 Stella Maris students have been successful in completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and should be extremely proud of their efforts – Isabella H, Hannah B, Rebekah O, Alison G
The following students have also been awarded either their Silver or Bronze level award: Silver – Aislinn P, Madeline L, Lily-Rose H, Hayley H, Catherine H, Carly L, Riona C; Bronze – Ella M, Madison C, Laura B
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is well known at Stella Maris, and is recognised globally as a significant award scheme, engaging young people in community service, skill development, physical activity and expedition or exploration. The Award consists of three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold. Such is the rigour of the Award scheme and the exponential hours required to complete each section as a student progresses through the levels, that only a small percentage who commence Bronze, ever go on to complete Gold whilst still at School.
The Duke of Edinburgh program teaches life-long skills of organisation and time management. Students are challenged and often participate outside of their comfort zone, but this in turn develops character and instills in them a sense of adventure and the knowledge that they can achieve if they take the first step.
Excerpt from one of the Duke of Edinburgh girls:
“Duke of Ed has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. From those 6am starts every Tuesday for volunteering, to hiking in 90% humidity in Malaysia, I will never forget these memories and will utilise the skills I have learnt for the rest of my life.” Alison G – Gold award
