Fourth Letter Home to Parents - September 3 2017

Letter Snapshot...

Hello again! We trust you all enjoyed the visiting weekend a week or so back, despite the long distances involved for many of you? The weekend was for you. We have heard many varied and mixed reports from your sons and daughters about the weekend, but more good than otherwise, which is totally normal! Some said, “It was great to see my family, but I couldn’t wait to get back to the Alpine School!” You need to be assured that the time of real settlement at the Alpine School Campus is now happening for your son or daughter. Paradoxically, the time of departure is also rapidly approaching. I am sure you will notice the difference in your son or daughter between the recent visit and the conclusion on September 23rd..

The program following the visiting weekend deliberately focuses upon the concepts of separation, mourning and overcoming aspects of adversity. Many of the challenges of the program are used as metaphors for the part of their “Portfolios” dealing with risk and challenge.

In preparation for the departure day (Saturday September 23rd) I would like to give you a broad outline of the morning proceedings at the Alpine School.

Please take note of the Last Day Departure running sheet as per below….

9.00am – 9.30am - Alpine School staff will hold a departure ceremony for students

9.30am – 10.00am - School doors open for parents to arrive and reacquaint with their children

10.00am – 11.00am

• All parents and students meet into dining room for student presentations.
• Student Presentations will involve each student talking about their key individual learning for the program a summary of their CLP as a group.
• Show the end of term movie.
• Staff to read  a ‘farewell story’

11.00am - All parents and students depart.

NOTE: If you arrive after 10.00am, please enter the school building quietly as presentations will be in progress.

As the departure day rapidly approaches, some parents and families may wish to make arrangements for their son’s/daughter’s travel off the mountain with other families. In the past, some families have mentioned buses and other arrangements. Can I remind parents that if you intend making this arrangement, that you please advise our Business Manager, Sally Doyle at the Alpine School of your intentions.

We look forward to seeing you reunited with your son or daughter on the morning of Saturday, September 23rd between 9.30am – 10.00am in the morning.
Lastly, please note that vehicle snow chains will need to be carried, by law on that Saturday. As always, please travel safely.

With every good wish on behalf of the Alpine School Team

Mark Reeves (Principal) & David Chelbna (Campus Principal - Alpine School)

[This is a snapshot of the most recent letter - please download and read the letter for full information]

• 4th Letter: View Letter 4: 3/09/2017

Third Letter Home to Parents - Pre Parent Visiting Weekend
Monday 21 AUGUST 2017

Hello again from the community of the Alpine School Campus!

What a busy term we have had already. The ‘Blizzard of Oz’ has certainly set up the rest of the snow season, we should have no issues with a lack of snow for our ski days and expeditions. But with an Australian snow season, you never know what is around the corner. After the heavy snow we had beautiful sunshine for the first expeditions in week 3 and then rain for the groups in week 4. They donned backpacks and made their way out to make their way to a camping location known as JB Plain for a night of camping, before returning back to school. The students were well prepared and so full of excitement, apprehension, “coolness” and worry, all mixed into one! We know, however, that what they will learn through their undertaking will put them in great stead. One of the concepts we use in designing our type of educational experience is to move from the known to the unknown. In moving to, and living at, the Alpine School Campus, students initially are in an unknown environment (socially, physically, emotionally, geographically and so on), which they soon become comfortable and familiar with. It is a very deliberate part of the process of learning both leadership skills and to be enterprising.

VISITING WEEKEND
The visiting weekend is this coming weekend by the time you receive this, and we look forward to seeing you again. Can we stress that it is a family occasion, for parents’ benefit, and should be limited to immediate family members? Pick-up times are between 9.00am and midday on Saturday August 26th, and join us for a cup of tea or coffee on Sunday August 27th between 3pm and 4pm..

We ask that you return with your son or daughter by 3pm and depart by 4pm. Some families may wish to arrive and leave earlier due to the travel involved or family commitments. The school will be staffed from Midday on the Sunday. If any families are unable to attend, or wish to seek alternative arrangements, please let us know as soon as possible and we may be able to assist.

The Alpine School experience is ultimately a very personal one for parents and guardians, students and families and each experience is slightly different. We thank you for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you on the visiting weekend and remember to check the Alpine Weather forecast, drive safely and carry vehicle chains if required to do so.

• THIRD LETTER: READ the Full Letter: 21/08/2017

Second Letter Home from The Alpine School Campus (Altitude 1600m),
Tuesday August 8th, 2017

Welcome again to the community of the Alpine School Campus. Congratulations again on the achievement of being personally, as a team, as a family and as a school selected to participate in this Alpine School experience. The purpose of these letters is to provide you a perspective of the intended program here at the Alpine School. What your son or daughter experiences, and then of course what they may communicate to you, may vary! This is quite normal! We will not be writing about individuals, more about the experiences of the community as a whole.

It seems amazing that a few weeks have passed already. As we indicate to your son or daughter, the time here seems to pass at an accelerating pace. I think it is something to do with the familiarization of the living situation here. And familiar they certainly seem to be! I am very pleased at how readily our students this term have settled-in..

Visiting Weekend Reminders

Parents/ Guardians visiting weekend is approaching and this time is specifically a weekend about you as a family and about your relationship to your son/daughter, and is an integral part of the whole Alpine School separation and reintegration process. Give them your undivided attention and take the interest in their experience here and their return and reintegration over the Winter period will be so much better for all of you.

If you are not able to make the visiting weekend of Saturday August 26 and Sunday August 27, or would like to talk to us about any of the matters raised, please do not hesitate to do so

• READ THE SECOND LETTER: Letter 2: 8/08/2017