On Friday of Week 8, the Year 11 students took part in the annual Mount Lofty Challenge Day. Emulating the journey that the students will take in Year 12 next year, the students hiked through the Piccadilly Valley, taking a lunch break ('mid-year holidays') in the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. They then faced a steep climb up to the top of the Gardens ('Term 3 summative tasks'), walked along an old Bullock Track and joined the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty track for a final climb to Mount Lofty Summit ('Final exams'). Whilst the climb was challenging at times, there was a great sense of achievement and satisfaction upon completion. The students also took part in group reflections and challenges along the way, with each group ably led by a pair of 2026 Student Leader candidates. 

One of the aims of the day is to help students to realise that with perseverance and encouragement from peers and teachers, they can overcome challenges to enjoy a great sense of satisfaction. Many of the students (and teachers) also commented on the value of the day as a chance to 'reset' away from the classroom and computers at a busy time of the term. 

Well done to all of the Student Leader candidates for their leadership on the day, and congratulations to Team Light Green, the winner of the team challenges.

Judy Harris
Year 11 Leader