Calderwood News

Wedderburn Christian Campsite welcomed 56 enthusiastic Year 7 Calderwood students for an overnight camp experience. The camp theme focused on facing the challenges of life, particularly the four to six years of high school that lie ahead.

Throughout the camp, a strong emphasis was placed on treating one another well and offering support, recognising that while life can be difficult, it becomes far more manageable when surrounded by a supportive community of peers. Students were encouraged to see the value of teamwork, kindness, and perseverance.

The program offered a range of physical and emotional challenges, including the low ropes course, the giant swing (which truly lives up to its name, swinging out over a cliff!), and the tree climb. Many students were stretched beyond their comfort zones, with several only achieving success through the encouragement and support of their peers. Initiative games further challenged students to work cooperatively and communicate effectively as a team.

The camp also included two Christian sessions, where students were challenged to reflect on their faith and consider how taking ownership and responsibility for it now can positively impact their lives both in the present and for eternity.

On a personal note, this was one of the best‑behaved camps I have attended. The students demonstrated excellent behaviour, a willingness to follow instructions, and—most impressively—the ability to sleep! Their conduct was enormously encouraging and bodes well for their capacity to support one another as they continue their high school journey.

Mr Martin Knight

The Year 8 cohort enjoyed an exciting and challenging end to Week 6 of this school term as they pushed themselves through a bushwalk at Mount Keira and an overnight stay at Wedderburn Christian Campsite. Over the three days, the students engaged with the theme of 'Better Together', seeking to identify and celebrate diversity in their year group, and to develop unity amongst the group.

Before heading out, the students were introduced to this theme and had an opportunity to reflect on what kind of place they want Calderwood to be, and the influence they have on building the culture of the school. After this they encouraged one another and worked together to overcome the tricky terrain of Mount Keira and enjoyed a relaxed picnic together afterwards.

During their stay at Wedderburn, the students engaged with a range of stimulating and collaborative activities, such as tent building, crate climbing, orienteering and laser tag. Each challenge enabled opportunities for students to build one another up and cheer their peers on as they overcame obstacles.

A few highlights from the camp were seeing the students use 'quiet time' and 'free time' to open their Bibles and share their reflections on Philippians 2 with their peers, as well as enjoying a campfire together and hearing from God's Word. Mr. Craft shared with the students a devotion about "clothing" ourselves with virtues, such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and, especially, love (Colossians 3).

Mr Tom Whitaker

Year 9 recently embarked on a memorable school camp to Kangaroo Valley, where students were divided into groups of boys and girls for a range of outdoor and reflective experiences.

The girls began their adventure with a canoeing journey, camping overnight in the rain—an experience that, while challenging, fostered resilience, teamwork, and perseverance in less-than-ideal conditions. Meanwhile, the boys remained at base camp, developing practical skills such as setting up tents, and taking part in initiative activities, survival games, and archery tag, all of which encouraged collaboration and problem-solving.

On the second day, the groups swapped, giving the boys the opportunity to canoe while enjoying a much drier evening, and allowing the girls to experience the base camp activities. Across the camp, students were stretched physically, socially, and spiritually, stepping outside their comfort zones and building stronger connections with one another.

A key highlight was the opportunity for teachers to share their personal testimonies, prompting meaningful reflection among students. The theme of “refuge” was woven throughout the experience, encouraging students to consider where they seek safety and security.

Whether facing the discomfort of cold, wet nights or reflecting on deeper spiritual truths, students were reminded that God is our ultimate refuge—our source of protection, strength, and salvation in all circumstances.

Mr Patrick Moss

Year 10 students set off for an exciting outdoor adventure at Bungonia National Park, joined by Mr Patrick, Mrs Sanders, Mr Johnston and Mr Graham. The camp offered a packed program of caving, abseiling, hiking and camping, giving students the chance to experience one of the region’s most beautiful natural environments.

Across the camp, students embraced the challenge to “be their future selves now” by developing resilience, perseverance and grit. Many pushed well beyond what they believed they could do—particularly during the caving expedition and the famously steep White Track, which rises 500 metres over just 1.5 kilometres. Every student completed the climb, backpacks and all!

A highlight of the camp was the strong sense of community that emerged. Students cheered each other on during difficult moments, shared stories and jokes around camp, and celebrated the joy of trying new and sometimes daunting activities. It was a time filled with growth, courage and plenty of laughter – an experience students will carry with them into the future.

Mr Ross Graham

Year 11 Camp was a valuable opportunity to grow in independence, look toward the future, and strengthen our sense of community.

We began by catching the train into Wollongong, where students took part in a photo chase around the beautiful harbour. From there, we travelled to Bulli and worked in groups to budget for and plan our own meals, shopping for everything we needed for dinner and breakfast.

After arriving at Bulli Beach Caravan Park, we settled into our cabins and cooled off with a refreshing swim in the ocean pool after a full day of walking and travelling. Students prepared and cooked dinner together before spending the evening playing volleyball and a variety of group games.

The next morning started slowly as we made breakfast and enjoyed more time together at Bulli Beach and the nearby park. We then travelled to Northern Bowl, where we wrapped up our camp with a fun and energetic session of bowling before heading back to school.

Overall, the camp was a positive and memorable experience; an opportunity to practise responsibility, embrace challenges, and appreciate the importance of community, encouragement, and shared experiences.

Mrs Cassie Gold

Year 12 Camp had two goals - a future focus and a community focus.

On Wednesday, students had the opportunity to consider their future post-school goals when they listened to three Calderwood alumni: Cameron Beddoe, Aaron Brown and Courtney Kadwell (née Greathead). Students enjoyed hearing their stories and had opportunity to ask them questions. Afterwards, students participated in sessions on study and motivation with Elevate Education, learning stress management techniques with Mrs Dearsley – one of our school counsellors – and a reflection session to finish the day.

On Thursday and Friday, students enjoyed community together with an overnight camp at Culburra Beach, accompanied by Mr Brown, Mrs Gillett and Mr Mason-Elliott. Before driving south, students bought clothing from Salvos Wollongong to dress up for our Op Shop dinner that night. Students enjoyed beach games and swimming at Gerroa and barefoot bowls at the Culburra bowling club, before relaxing and enjoying the pool at the Culburra caravan park.

On Friday, after breakfast together, Oscar Wood shared a devotion with the group, encouraging everyone to feed daily on God's word. Afterwards we travelled to Currarong, enjoying a leisurely bushwalk, volleyball and swimming before returning to school.

A highlight of the camp was enjoying a trivia night together, created by Mr Mason-Elliott based on the Year 12 group. It was a true test of how well they knew each other!

Mr Andrew Brown