BAppSc BEd (UniSA)

Previously working as an outdoor education teacher in South Australia, Kate moved to Western Australia in 2007 and joined Christ Church, taking up residence in the School’s outdoor education centre in the bush at Kooringal, near Dwellingup.

Boys from Year 5 through to Year 9 spend time at Kooringal throughout the year, which results in Kate’s role being extremely varied. “Primarily I spend time educating the boys in the ‘outdoor classroom’, using bushwalking, canoeing, abseiling, the high ropes course, navigating, the environment and solo experiences as our tools,” Kate explained. “My role also entails being involved in the Year 10 Venture experience and Venture Plus with the Year 11 students.”

Aside from the hands-on work with the boys, Kate organises catering and is also involved with property maintenance at Kooringal.

Kate said the emphasis at Kooringal was on the four Cs – Co-operation, Compromise, Care and Communication. “We aim to equip the boys with these important life skills through providing challenging experiences, stretching their comfort zones and allowing them to develop a sense of resilience. A large part of our continually developing programme is focusing on Earth Education, especially within the Prep School. And, of course, all this is while having a sensational time!”

The Kooringal experience is extremely important for the Christ Church boys, in terms of progressing through school, but also for later in life. But Kate explained that each student responded to their time at Kooringal differently. “What each student learns and takes away from the Kooringal experience differs greatly,” Kate said.

“It may be things they learn about themselves, their personal strengths or weaknesses. It may be associated with learning how to effectively work as part of a team or with others. Or it may be learning how to live cohesively and appreciate their natural surroundings. Perhaps it is more practically orientated – learning outdoor skills that they develop further each year, personal organisation or even cooking for themselves… Regardless, these life skills apply to their school years and beyond.”

Kate said she loved having an opportunity to assist and guide boys to extend their comfort zones and achieve things they thought impossible. “I thoroughly enjoy watching boys being ‘turned on’ to the outdoors and the natural world.” She highlighted working with the Year 5 students on the Earth Keepers programme as being particularly special because of all the magic it involves.

Kate’s passion for the outdoors is obvious and she is very appreciative of the life her job enables her to live. “I am lucky enough to live in a beautiful environment, as well as enjoy a simple, active and healthy lifestyle in the outdoors,” she said. “Spending countless nights in my tent, out in the bush, or in the rain keeps me grounded and teaches me to really appreciate the creature comforts we sometimes take for granted.”