Excursions

Students learn in many different ways, and often, the learning in the classroom is enriched by first-hand experiences gained on an excursion/camp.  They are valuable for the development of social skills and they provide access to resources, environments and expertise that may not be available in the classroom.  On camps the experience of living away from home with a group of their own age provides students with a unique opportunities for the development of independence and self-care skills under teacher guidance.

Throughout the year excursions and camps will be organised as an integral part of the school’s program.  It is therefore desirable that all students participate in them.  There are classroom activities before and after an excursion and if the excursion is missed, much of the related classroom work is less meaningful to students.  Excursions may include:

• Visits within the local neighbourhood.
• Field trips.
• Country and beach trips.
• Attendance at theatrical performances or cinemas.
• Visits to museums and places of historical significance, exhibits/exhibitions.

Full details will be provided to families before each excursion/camp, including the date and time, cost, clothing and food requirements and travel arrangements.

The greatest possible care is always taken to ensure the safety of students and the success of each excursion/camp.  To ensure adequate supervision, additional staff and/or parents accompany the children when necessary and we will require current and accurate information about each child’s special health needs.  An excursion may conclude or be conducted outside regular school hours.  In these instances particular attention will be given to the coordination of transport arrangements that enable students to return to their homes.

All school excursions/camps ‘approved’ by the Principal, have met strict Department of Education requirements.  Teachers and students will be regarded to be acting in a private capacity when participating on an excursion/camp for which appropriate approval has not been given.  If you have any concerns about a particular excursion, please contact the school.  Families who have difficulty paying for an excursion should discuss the matter in confidence with the Principal.

Student Information

We are required to have current information (emergency contacts, medical history, swimming ability etc) on your child, to be taken with staff on excursions.  Can you please ensure that any changes are noted on the letter you  sign giving your child approval to attend an excursion.

Insurance

For camps/excursions that include an overnight stay, insurance policy covers students to a maximum of $10,000 for medical and ancillary expenses where Medicare or private health insurance does not cover these costs.
Riskcover funding does not cover loss or damage of personal belongings, including vehicles.  Any excursion that is not approved by the Principal is deemed a private excursion and will not have any insurance coverage.

Swimming Ability

Upon enrolment you will be asked to indicate your child’s swimming ability.  Please use the continuum below:

STAGE 1: BEGINNER 1. Enter water safely Shallow. Safe exit 2. Exhale in water Face in 3. Open eyes under water Identify an object 4. Submerge Waist deep 5. Glide forward and recover Waist deep (minimum) 6. Float or glide backward and recover Waist deep, flotation aid acceptable

STAGE 2:WATER DISCOVERY 7. Glide forward and kick 3m Horizontal body position. Face in 8. Glide backward, kick & recover No set distance 9. Swim 5m freestyle Face submerged 10. Scull/tread water Basic hand and leg action, chest deep

STAGE 3: PRELIMINARY 11. Swim 10m freestyle Breathing 12. Glide backward and kick 5m Waist deep (minimum) 13. Swim 5m breaststroke leg action On back with board 14. Demonstrate survival sculling On back 15. Demonstrate a forward roll Extension

STAGE 4: WATER AWARENESS 16. Swim 15m freestyle Regular breathing 17. Swim 10m backstroke Catch-up acceptable 18. Swim 10m survival backstroke Below water arm recovery 19. Swim 5m breaststroke kick Extension 20. Scull head first on back Without leg action 21. Recover an object Chest deep 22. Swim in deep water

STAGE 5: WATER SENSE 23. Swim 25m freestyle Proficient technique 24. Swim 15m backstroke Proficient technique 25. Swim 15m survival backstroke Symmetrical leg action 26. Swim 15m breaststroke Symmetrical leg action 27. Demonstrate a surface dive Chest deep. Recover an object

STAGE 6 — JUNIOR 28. Swim 50m freestyle Proficient technique 29. Swim 25m backstroke Proficient technique 30. Swim 25m breaststroke Proficient technique 31. Demonstrate a dive entry Deep water required

STAGE 7: INTERMEDIATE 32. Scull feet first on back Sculling hand action 33. Demonstrate eggbeater kick Water polo kick 34. Swim 150 metres Proficient technique 25m Backstroke 30m Breaststroke 30m Freestyle 25m Survival Backstroke

AGE 8: WATER WISE 35. Swim 25m sidestroke Scissor kick required 36. Demonstrate dolphin kick Extension 37. Swim 200 metres Proficient technique 30m Backstroke 30m Breaststroke 30m Freestyle 25m Survival Backstroke 25m Sidestroke

STAGE 9 — SENIOR 38. Swim 10m butterfly Extension 39. Demonstrate a tumble turn Extension 40. Swim 300 metres Proficient technique 30m F/style (or 25m B/fly & 25m F/style) 30m Backstroke 30m Breaststroke 30m Freestyle 30m Sidestroke 30m Survival Backstroke 41. Basic principles of EAR