Orientation Camp
Gold Coast 2008

This year Yalari has 39 students from 22 different communities around Australia on our scholarship program. All students attended our three day orientation camp at the Tallebudgera Sport and Recreation Centre on the Gold Coast in January.

I attended the camp to inspire the kids but what I found was that I was more inspired by them. All I wanted to do was watch them absorb everything that was going on around them; new friendships, new environment, learning about what to expect when they arrive at their new schools, watching their excitement turn to nerves and then back to excitement and watching the quieter students turn into the leaders of their little groups that were formed by the second day of the camp.

The quality of guest speakers at the camp was so high that the new scholars went away feeling safe, secure and ready to take on their new lives.

There was no question left unanswered for the kids. And the older Yalari scholars were reinspired and full of new ideas.

We were lucky to have Mrs Debra Kelliher, Head of School at PLC Armidale and Rae Kelly, Head of Boarding, with us to talk about boarding school preparation. They gave the students a clear cut overview of the roles, routines and expectations of everyone at the school. Jacquie Harvey, Deputy Head of Abbotsleigh Junior School in Sydney talked about boarding school life and being an author of children’s books.

Debbie Jackson had the grueling task of Camp Coordinator which she did with ease as the camp ran smoothly and students and support staff were informed of activities and rules. Scott Magann, Chaplain Scotch College Adelaide, discussed strategies for boys to deal with aggression and Karla McGrady from DISCO in Toowoomba talked about the types of support available to students while they are at school.

Matt Plant took the dual role of photographer and talked to the boys about the effects of alcohol and drugs. A special thank you to our extra support staff Chris Lamb and Warren Roberts.

Jason Thatcher, ex School Principal & professional athlete talked about feeling like a fish out of water during his life and careers. Scott Sattler, ex Titans Administrator, talked about his life as a professional sportsman and life after sports, and Sean Choolburra entertained and amused all.

Kelly McKellar-Nathan, Australian softball representative, talked about sacrifices required to follow through with goals, Brooke Prentis talked about her role with Ernst and Young and Mary Nutall-Ryan talked about her road to becoming a lawyer with Freehills When school started in January, one of the comments from a boarding house mistress was that the Yalari students seemed to be settling in and adjusting to boarding school life a bit easier than the other students. She credits this smooth transition to our orientation camp.

And when the students were asked at the end of the camp for feedback... 'Can it be seven days next year'.