It did not take long for the students to adapt the gentle rhythms of the island. Our time was focussed on enjoying the spectacular scenery, swimming, snorkelling, spending time with friends and cooking up feasts for each other three times a day.

This wonderful group of peers really looked after each other so well. Away from home, they became each other’s support network. Away from their usual entertainment, they created their own spectacular performance evenings! They became a unified team.

On our final island day, whilst waiting for the ferry, it was an absolute pleasure to see how their willingness to serve each other and their community had grown. A young family arrived to the shore in their boat, surrounded by toddlers, laden with luggage and camp gear. One by one our students offered their help. They carried gear across the beach and into the campsite. The family were overcome with gratitude for our wonderful, helpful students.

We returned to school tired, but with a wonderfully renewed sense of purpose, community and togetherness, ready for the challenges of High School ahead.