Safety is the number one priority of HGG and they have been consistently diligent during previous programmes, with SPCC staff describing their care as excellent. The following list contains a summary of the key ways in which safety is maintained.

HGG is one of the biggest providers of Outdoor Education to school groups in Australia and as such they have extensive experience.
HGG has well documented and implemented safety policies and practices and their instructors are qualified for the activities they are leading.
Each group of 15 students will have 2 instructors with them during the programme.
Whilst on expeditions HGG group instructors use both mobile telephones and satellite telephones to maintain communications with their support staff.
HGG has an active senior and support staff team who work closely with the instructors throughout the programme.

Are there any dangerous animals or insects in the programme areas?

Yes. There are a number of venomous spiders and snakes that live in some of the areas that the students will travel to, but due to the winter season they are largely inactive and rarely seen. Students will still be briefed by their instructors, who are aware of the possible risks, about the precautions that should be taken. It is worth noting that the likelihood of seeing snakes in Australia is perhaps less than that of seeing a Chinese Cobra, Burmese Python or Bamboo Viper in the New Territories of Hong Kong.

Will there be any SPCC teachers on-site in Australia?

Yes. There will be at least 2 SPCC accompanying teachers at each campus and our Experiential Learning Coordinator, Mr Paul Yuen as the on-site overall teacher in charge in Australia for the whole programme period to coordinate and support the staff of HGG.

What about homesickness?

Homesickness is always a concern for certain students and parents and can at times cause some discomfort. However, we have found that during previous programmes homesickness did not cause students great discomfort, although, naturally they miss their home and families. This is partly due to the positive environment they are in and the fact that the staff are tremendously supportive. Homesickness is something that will be discussed with students and parents at a later stage in the year, but in preparation it’s a good idea to talk through these emotions with your child during the months leading up to the programme. Everyone gets homesick at some time in their life and understanding this and developing coping strategies is an important thing for each family to consider.

What will happen if my child gets sick or injured?

Students are expected to report their health condition to their instructors in an accurate and timely manner if they have any problems whilst in Australia. Students with serious, moderate, or persistent mild conditions will be taken to see a GP. If a student is injured they will be transferred to a local clinic (20 minute’s drive) or to either Gympie or Nambour hospital (30 minute’s drive). In all cases where professional medical attention is sought, every effort will be made to contact parents and inform them of this decision beforehand. If there are any medical concerns after students have returned to Hong Kong, regarding illness or injury sustained whilst on RoP, parents are strongly advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours of their child's return.

My child cannot ride a bicycle. Is that a problem?

No, the wide grassy areas at the HGG camps are a great environment in which to learn how to ride a bike safely and HGG staff are trained and experienced at teaching non-riders. That said, your child might get more out of the experience in Australia if they have a basic level of bike riding before they come.

My child cannot swim. Is that a problem?

No. It is NOT NECESSARY for students to be able to swim. During every water activity on the RoP programme all students are required to wear a lifejacket.

Will my child be forced to do any activities?

No. HGG operates a policy of ‘challenge by choice’. This means that students will have the opportunity to choose to which degree they will participate in any given activity. Students will, however, be required to do two things: firstly, their instructor will want to discuss their choice with them and, secondly, the student must be involved in the activity in a supporting role of others. E.g. Students may finally choose not to rock climb, but they will need to talk this through with their instructor and also they will be required to support others during the rock climbing session.

Will there be any sightseeing activities?

No. There are no tourist style sightseeing activities.

How do I contact the teachers in Australia if there is an emergency back at home?

In the event of an EMERGENCY in Hong Kong parents can call the SPCC Student Affairs Office at 2523 0910 during office hours; OR the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Mr Paul Yuen who will be staying in Australia with your child from the arrival day of batch 1 to the departure day of final batch. The contact number will be included in the final parent’s letter closer to the scheduled departure dates.

Can my child bring Chinese herbal medication (中藥) to the RoP?

Due to Australian Customs restrictions any Chinese herbal medication will need to be declared by the students when they arrive in Australia. Students carrying herbal medications should declare this on the HGG medical form and ensure they speak to Mr Paul Yuen before the programme departure date. You should also check the following links for information on what can and cannot be taken into Australia:

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/travelling/bringing-mailing-goods/

What are the arrangements regarding hygiene maintenance on expedition with respect to toilet opportunities and menstruation issues?

Expeditions are an important aspect of the RoP programme and whilst access to bathrooms will not be possible a variety of provisions are made by HGG to ensure an acceptable level of personal hygiene is maintained. This includes, but is not limited to the following.

Alcohol hand sanitizer after toileting and before meal preparation and eating.
The provision of the tools and a briefing enabling students to toilet hygienically and in line with ‘Leave No Trace’ principals.
A separate briefing delivered by a female member of staff to all female students that covers thoroughly how to deal with menstruation whilst on expedition.

Can my child bring medication with them on programme just in case they get sick?

Students may bring medications they are currently taking, as well as travel medications, provided these are prescribed by a doctor. Over-the-counter medications are allowed only if they are in their original packaging and include clear administration instructions. Additionally, parents should check the Australian Customs restrictions to verify whether the medications can be brought into Australia and whether they need to declare these medications upon entering the country. Parents will be asked to fill in the Google Form on or before 8 July 2025 to provide information of the medications that their children will be bringing to the RoP.

All medication will be put in zip lock bags clearly labelled with the student’s name, medication name and dosage instructions. On campsite days, camp coordinator or SPCC staff are to monitor the intake of medications for students. On expedition days, group instructors are to monitor the intake of medications for students and be sure to bring out their students’ medications (only the regular prescribed medication, not the travel medication) to the expedition.

Will my child be taken to a doctor if they get sick?

SPCC and HGG staff, acting together ‘in loco parentis’, will determine whether or not a student’s symptoms warrant a visit to see a doctor. Parents will be notified immediately about any intended visit.

What sort of length and thickness of clothing should my child bring?

Temperatures in Queensland during the RoP vary greatly throughout the day. At times it can be as low as 0 degrees Celsius overnight and yet still reach 25 degrees Celsius during the day. As such it is important to bring several layers of lighter clothing that can be added or removed to adjust to the ambient temperature. Lightweight long sleeves tops and long trousers are an important defence against sun burn, insect bites and minor cuts and grazes and are strongly recommended. For the very cold periods early in the morning or evening it is recommended to bring one thick and warm jacket, such as those required on the outdoor activity equipment list. Fleece or wool hats, scarves and gloves are also highly recommended.

When will my child be able to purchase souvenirs?

The only time students will be able to purchase souvenirs will be at the airport on the return trip to Hong Kong.

Can my child be exempted from the RoP?

The RoP programme is a school-wide commitment to our belief in providing a holistic education. Thus, students must have either specific medical reasons or other special circumstances that prevent them from attending the programme. These must be reported in a letter to the Principal and will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

Can my child arrive at the programme late or leave earlier?

No. It is important that a student experiences the entire RoP process as a lot of the initial experiences are important for forming the group. Likewise the experiences at the end of the programme are very important to consolidate their learning.

Page updated

Report abuse