Sixty-one GT Online students, from as far afield as Christmas Island, Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Esperance and Denmark, recently attended a five-day camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre. The students enjoyed a jam-packed program of activities to enhance their learning and build social connection, promoting positive interactions between like-minded peers and teachers.

Students participated in a variety of subject extension workshops including a laboratory session using the latest technology in DNA Biobarcoding , STEM Outreach sessions conducted by Curtin University, a visit to the Holocaust Institiute and Boola Bardip Museum. A day at Perth Modern School, provided an opportunity for small workshops in each learning area with the students’ specialist teachers. It was a great opportunity to get into the science laboratories and put theory into practice and receive hands on guidance on the use of graphics calculators. The students were warmly welcomed and enjoyed the opportunity to see Perth Modern School firsthand. Several GT Online students have continued their Year 11 and 12 education at Perth Modern School, boarding at the City Beach Residential College.

Dr Jane Genovese of Learning Fundamentals presented a lively session on Habits of Happiness.

I learnt the different ways I can try to change my mindset by using more positive language and phrasing, plus how social media can warp my sense of identity and overall mental health. I thought that the presentation was wonderful and I’ll be implementing more of her strategies in my daily life to help myself such as practicing gratitude and thinking like a bronze medallist.

A consultation session with the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, Lucy Stronach, provided an opportunity for our regional students to share their views and answers to the question, “What would Australia look like if young people were the key drivers of decision making?”

A quiz night and bush dance gave students and teachers plenty of opportunity to have fun together and build the social connection that helps to make GT Online a close and supportive community.