The next stage of work at the beautiful Kaadadjan Centre is progressing apace, with students and staff alike already lining up to use the new facilities!
We are currently constructing a camping kitchen, water tank, drainage, toilet and storage improvements which will make Kaadadjan even more valuable to the St Stephen’s School community!
The Kaadadjan Centre is used during holiday periods by members of our community and is well-used by many learning areas, including secondary Outdoor Education classes from both campuses. The new amenities mean that we will also be able to run camps for our younger students at the site too.
Head of Campus – Duncraig, Mrs Rosemarie Dunn, explains that Year 6 students will be among the first to make use of the new spaces for their camp in Term 4.
“We are very excited to have our inaugural Year 6 camp at Kaadadjan Centre this year. Almost 100 students will be exploring, camping, and learning more about the heritage, and sustainability on the land. We look forward to hearing about the experiences from the Year 6 students on their return. We are truly blessed to have a facility which provides our students with opportunities to be engaged in authentic, eco-friendly experiences in the great outdoors,” said Rosemarie.
Kaadadjan is much-loved by students from both campuses, and Head of Campus – Carramar, Mr Bennet Andrews reflected on enormous future potential for the site.
“The possibilities for learning at the Kaadadjan Centre are endless. One would be forgiven for only linking Outdoor Education when planning educational experiences at the property. For this learning area, the setting is perfect to apply the classroom learnings in a wild setting, but there are so many more opportunities,” said Bennet.
“Consider also the potential for other learning areas to realise some hands-on learning goals. Science might see the potential for a ‘Green Lab,’ where ecology, water and air quality, astronomy, arboriculture and sustainable land management may be taught. The local area has also borne witness to key events from post-colonial Western Australian history. The Pinjarra massacre, the internment of foreign nationals at Marrinup during WWII, the 1961 bushfire that razed Dwellingup and 70 years of child migrants living at Fairbridge all happened nearby. Other learning areas such as Visual Art, Music and English may see the potential for Kaadadjan to be a place of learning that breaks away from the traditional classroom setting.”
The roof of the camping kitchen has now been completed, and the slab was laid in the second week of May (after these photos were taken). The kitchen will feature gas barbecues and sinks with fully compliant grey water drainage to maintain the integrity of the beautiful bushland and protect local wildlife.
We have also installed a 38,000 litre water tank which will be connected to the roof to collect any precious rainfall. If you’re planning on camping at the Kaadadjan Centre please note that all guests will need to bring their own water supply for drinking, bathing and doing dishes.
We anticipate that works will be completed in the Spring. Members of the St Stephen’s School community are very welcome to use this beautiful site during the school holidays and weekends. Full details of rates, facilities available for public use and how to book are available on our website.