Year 8 LIFE Week

On Monday, 20th August, Year Eight students excitedly arrived at Holy Cross College, eager to commence LIFE week. After completing the roll, we boarded two buses, heading for New Norcia and the annual Year Eight LIFE week camp.

Upon arrival at New Norcia, the students were allocated beds, with girls within the dormitories of St. Ildephonsus’ College and boys within the dormitories of St. Gertrude’s College. We could then commence the activities which had been arranged.

The students all rotated around six activities over the three days spent at New Norcia. These activities included a self-guided tour of the New Norcia museum, to learn about the history of the town. We were also given guided tours of the town, explaining the heritage of the town and a cemetery study. Students learned about the aboriginal heritage of the area and New Norcia by exploring the Prendiville room and the six seasons art panels.

Students were also able to complete some hands-on activities, including boomerang painting. We also explored slightly further afield through a river walk.

Evening activities included learning about the life of a monk, a quiz night and a movie night.

The students had to reflect upon their work through all of the activities, as they were to make an iBook of all of their work in Big Ideas and LIFE week, to show how they can be their best and how New Norcia can be the best. All students completed the activities enthusiastically and have created some interesting and informative books. A book expo will be held in week 10 of Big Ideas, where visitors will be able to vote for the best books created by the students. The students who create the best books, with the most original ideas on how to improve New Norcia will be selected to return to New Norcia to show their books to the Benedictine community.

On the Thursday and Friday of LIFE week, students either completed a stage of the Camino Salvado, walking from Bells Rapids to Shady Hills, or they completed a retreat within school.