Year 2 Sleepover

The Year 2 students, parents and teachers (with a small amount of trepidation and crossed fingers) prepared for a sleepover during Week 10 of Term Three. In the lead up to this special event, the Year 2 children completed their menu selections, packed their bags and double-checked their packing list for the big night (making sure to include a spare pair of superhero undies … just in case!)

On Thursday 14 September and Friday 15 September we were ready for our long awaited and much anticipated Sleepover experience. The Year 2 Sleepover is part of the College’s Outdoor Education Program and endeavours to help students develop resilience and problem solving skills in unfamiliar situations when children are away from home.

5 O’clock fast approached and the children arrived back at the College Gymnasium after their typical Thursday school day, but not with their typical school equipment, instead sleeping bags, pillows, and an array of pyjamas, onesies and loved soft toys to keep them company (and safe throughout the night) filled overnight bags.

A pizza dinner under the night sky calmed the nerves and got the Sleepover adventure underway. Children then excitedly filled the Performing Arts Centre to enjoy The Secret Life of Pets Movie on the big screen. In small groups, children participated in stargazing through telescopes and utilised iPads and Apps to locate the nighttime constellations. What better way to top off the night than with a Milo and teddy bear biscuit to prepare for bed!

As eyes started to become sleepy, the children returned to the Gymnasium, changed into their pyjamas, brushed their teeth and enjoyed a nighttime story narrated by Miss Russell. To the amazement of teachers, the Year 2 children were asleep within 20 minutes of lights out. Despite the echoes of snoring that filled the Gymnasium, most of the children had a restful night’s sleep and were up at 5.00am ready for the fun filled Activities Day ahead.

A buffet style breakfast served in the Dining Hall was just the treat needed to get the day kick-started and under way. Students took part in two different outdoor activities, which encouraged teamwork, risk-taking and confidence building. Children completed an hour and a half or Outdoor Boot Camp rotations coordinated by GeckoSports, involving the Year 2 students in fun and interactive sports and fitness drills.

Morning Tea brought a much needed refuel break before the students explored Cultural and Indigenous Studies hosted by Rick Roser. This workshop proved to be not only informative, but also fun and highly engaging. Big shells of ochre, emu feather hair decorations, fire making sticks and boomerang throwing were all memorable experiences to top of our Outdoor Activities Day.

Time flew by as the students had fun throughout the day. We had 73 children attend the sleepover, and ALL 73 Year 2 friends demonstrated impeccable behaviour, making this Sleepover experience an enjoyable and engaging introduction to Outdoor Education for all!

Many of the students commented;

“I love being at school at night!”

“I wish we could stay for longer!”

“The Year 2 Sleepover is the BEST!”

“I would give this event a 10 out of 10 rating!”

After such levels of fun and excitement during this event, teachers and students were ready for a relaxing and recuperating two week holiday break … before the planning starts all over again for the next year!