Storm disruption reveals adaptability and leadership in Year 11 cohort

POSTED June 5 2026 , News, Senior School

Last week’s severe storm along much of the WA coastline caused unexpected disruption to our Year 11 Kaartdijin camp, which is traditionally held at our Metricup campus. Unfortunately, power loss and damage to the property meant the program could not proceed as planned. While this was disappointing, the response from our Year 11 cohort was exemplary and in line with the theme of this program: Leadership.

Rather than being defined by what could not occur, the week became a powerful demonstration of adaptability, resilience and leadership in action. Kaartdijin, meaning “knowledge,” is designed to prepare students for their role as senior leaders in Year 12. Central to the program is the development of self-awareness, understanding of others and the capacity to lead with confidence and integrity. Although the setting shifted, these core aims remained firmly in focus.

While there was understandable disappointment at not travelling to Metricup, students took the change in their stride, embracing the revised schedule with a positive mindset and a willingness to engage. This collective response spoke clearly to the group’s strength and readiness to lead.

Importantly, the week highlighted that leadership is not dependent on ideal conditions. It is revealed in how individuals respond when plans change, when expectations are challenged and when uncertainty arises. In this regard, our Year 11 students demonstrated commendable maturity. They supported one another, engaged fully in each opportunity and maintained a strong sense of community throughout.

The reimagined program provided meaningful opportunities for challenge, connection and growth. Activities included:

• Mountain biking in Kalamunda with Rock and Roll Mountain Biking
• Hiking the Bibbulmun Track in Kalamunda
• Leadership workshops led by Youth Leadership Academy Australia
• Interactive leadership games with OTech Consultants
• A school-adapted Survivor challenge thanks to Be Challenged
• Canvas painting sessions
• A whole-cohort quiz afternoon
• Dinner together in the boarding house
• Zumba
• Mindfulness sessions

Each of these experiences contributed to the development of essential leadership capabilities: communication, collaboration, adaptability and perseverance.

The success of the week is a credit to both the students and staff, whose flexibility and commitment ensured that the spirit of Kaartdijin remained intact.

This was a different kind of Kaartdijin, but no less impactful. In many ways, it offered an even more authentic platform for leadership to emerge.