Over the weekend of 21–22 March, our Year 7 students participated in their first Madalah camp. Held at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre, the camp provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect with one another, build meaningful relationships, and engage with Madalah staff in a supportive and engaging environment.
The weekend commenced with a Welcome to Country delivered by Jayden Boundary and Dylan Shillito from Mirliny Aboriginal Cultural Education, who shared powerful stories that grounded the group and fostered a strong sense of connection. This was followed by an afternoon of activities where students developed teamwork and resilience through challenges such as archery and crate stacking. These experiences encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones while working collaboratively towards shared goals.
Students also participated in cultural workshops facilitated by Jayden and Dylan, including Darp/kotj making and rope making. These sessions provided an opportunity for students to connect with culture through hands-on learning, creativity and storytelling.
The day concluded with the Year 7 Disco, an evening filled with music, games and celebration. Students enthusiastically participated in activities such as musical chairs, limbo and a lively dance battle, even encouraging staff to join in. It was a memorable night that brought everyone together through fun and laughter.
Sunday began with the arrival of the 2026 Student Council, attending their first event as newly elected leaders. The morning activities included letter writing, where students reflected on their goals and aspirations. These letters will be revisited in Year 12, offering a meaningful opportunity for reflection on their journey with Madalah and through secondary school. Students also contributed to a collaborative art piece, creating a shared moment of mindfulness and expression, alongside participating in team-building games that reinforced cooperation and leadership skills.
We were honoured to welcome our camp sponsors, KingKira Group, who joined us for lunch and afternoon activities. The ongoing support of our sponsors is vital in making opportunities like this possible, and their presence at the camp added to the sense of community and celebration. The afternoon concluded with student council lead sports activities, including capture the flag and volleyball, bringing the camp to an energetic and inclusive close.
As the weekend came to an end, students departed with lasting memories, strengthened friendships and a deeper sense of belonging. We extend our sincere thanks to KingKira Group for their generous support, and to our students, whose enthusiasm and engagement make these experiences so rewarding. Thank you to Jayden and Dylan from Mirliny Aboriginal Cultural Education, for facilitating meaningful cultural sessions and sharing valuable knowledge with our students. We are proud to be part of such a strong and connected Madalah community.
