SCHOOLS: St Dominics Newcastle braves the Orange River

St Dominics Newcastle is breaking new ground, or rather, new water.

The school’s adventure team paddled the iconic Orange River during the September holidays, with learners, teachers and parents setting off from Vioolsdrift in the Northern Cape.

The team covered 100 kilometres in just five days.

“The team showed real determination, braving rapids and some tough conditions,” said teacher, Eian Marillier.

One of the learners involved with the expedition, 15-year-old Mohammed Kader said he loved spending time in the wild.

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“Some people just play on their phones during the holidays. I can honestly say I didn’t miss my phone one bit.”

The trip also offered a chance for some family bonding.

Thea Groenewegen paddled in the same raft as her son, Ross, and said: “More moms should go on adventures with their sons, especially when they’re teenagers. It’s not just for dads!”

A group of St Dominics learners paddled the same route in 2014, but left the river after about 80km.

This year’s effort has set a new record for the school.

“We’ve hiked, biked and rafted around the country over the last few years,” Marillier continued. “We enjoy the scenery but we also work hard – that’s how pupils grow and develop.”

The team is already planning its next adventure.

Marillier said it might involve a mountain – possibly the highest peak on the planet.

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