25 Sep 2019
Monday September 23– Nine students and two teachers from Sir Joseph Banks High joined 31 students, teachers, parents and community members from The Henry Lawson High School (THLHS) in Grenfell, central western NSW for a 3 day camp and the “Weddin Mountain Challenge” last week.
Camping in the Weddin Mountain National Park and on an adjoining sheep and mixed crop farm, all of the students completed the taxing walk over Weddin Mountain. Our reward was the marvellous view from the top of the cliffs, out over the farmscape all around. The walk was around 7km, with a challenging terrain, very steep in some areas.
It was the first time camping for many Joeys’ students, but we were made very welcome by students and teachers from THLHS. All meals were cooked in the open, with dinner made in camp ovens over a pit of hot coals.
Joeys’ students were also treated to an insight into farming life, with a visit to a local farm where we learnt about sheep and crop farming and the impact of the drought on farmers in the area. On our last morning before heading back to the city, we visited the school’s agriculture department, where deputy principal Brad Robinson and a local farmer dad showed us how to shear a merino lamb. Two students, Omar Gharaibeh and Samson Tyrell tried their hands at shearing under the guidance of Mr Robinson. Students were also able to meet the school’s cattle and try leading cattle, Royal Easter Show-style.
Sir Joseph Banks High School students have been working with The Henry Lawson High School for 3 years as part of the ABC Heywire Penpals program which aims to break down barriers between rural and multicultural city communities. Students and teachers at Joeys are now thinking about future opportunities to build the relationship between our two schools, in particular how we can show our solidarity and support to the drought stricken Grenfell school and community.
See the Weddin Mountain Challenge gallery.