Over the last couple of weeks, Melbourne has been reminded of nature’s power. The storms that have swept through the city left behind fallen trees and dislodged roof tiles, not to mention the occasional upended trampoline. Sometimes when the thunder passes and we find ourselves in that moment of power-outage stillness that we are reminded that bravery, like learning, is strengthened each time we face uncertainty and keep moving forward.

At Ivanhoe Girls’, bravery is a value that shapes the way our students learn, lead and respond when faced with the unexpected. It is not always bold or dramatic. More often, it shows itself quietly through persistence, curiosity, and the willingness to try again. It is about choosing courage over perfection.

Our Year 8 students embodied this value wholeheartedly the week before last during their Murray River Raft Build Journey, an outdoor education expedition conducted in partnership with the Outdoor Education Group. A highlight of the year, the four-day journey provides students with an opportunity to develop teamwork, independence and resilience in a setting that is both challenging and rewarding and far removed from the classroom.

Set along the Murray River near Yarrawonga, the camp begins with students building rafts to carry themselves and their group downstream. As they travel together, they learn to rely on one another’s strength, coordination and problem-solving. Each evening, students camp by the river, pitching tents, cooking as a team and reflecting on the day’s experiences.

This year, the weather brought its own challenges. Heavy rain and strong winds on the Wednesday meant the group remained at their campsite for an additional night. What could have been a disappointment quickly became a highlight, as the day was filled with team activities, challenges and games that strengthened friendships and created lasting memories. It was a valuable reminder that when plans change, there is often an opportunity to experience something unexpected, and sometimes even better.

The expedition is bookended by short bushwalks through the River Red Gum Forest, providing moments of quiet connection to the natural environment and an opportunity to appreciate the landscape’s beauty and significance. This year’s camp also included a First Nations cultural session, offering students a deeper understanding of Country and the stories of the Murray River region. Through these experiences, students come to understand that bravery is not a single act, but a process of learning through action and finding confidence along the way.

Bravery is not about being fearless but about taking the next step even when uncertainty remains. It is trusting that with every paddle stroke down the river comes confidence in progress, not perfection, a reminder that courage grows through doing.

Just as the weekend’s storms eventually passed, revealing calm skies once more, so too do our moments of challenge give way to growth and perspective. Our Year 8 students returned safely at the end of the week, enriched by their experiences and with a deeper understanding that in a world that often celebrates flawless outcomes, real learning and real courage emerge from being brave, not perfect.

Ms Narelle Umbers
Principal