Grade 9 Lumut

Airport Pickup will be at 21:15 on Saturday, March 16th

The Grade 9 Team is excited to leave for Lumut!

This video shows a lot of what we'll be doing during the week and some of the activities students will be participating in.

Students will be encouraged to do regular check-in's with their parents and we will update this page daily with photos and videos from each group.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Ms. Hartmann via email or Google Chats.

Hello Parents - The Lumut team were delayed by the rain in Macau but were waiting patiently at their gate. Updates to follow.........

Breaking news.....Team Lumut have landed safely!! Clearing immigration then onwards to their hotel

Day 2- Kuala Lumpur

The day has started off early with breakfast and a bus ride to our first destinations. The students are groggy but eager to get on the road to the first activity!

We arrived at the airport last night and split into our three groups which will meet up periodically throughout the week.

The students were surprised at the humidity in the air and we have been packing them full of water and electrolytes.

Stay tuned for more updates and photos tonight!

Group 1

Ms. Hartmann/ Mr. Anderson

Group 2

Mr. Ryker/ Ms. Sabina

Group 3

Mr. Ritchot/ Mr. Mo/ Mr. Jalland

Day 2 Team Updates

Today group 1 woke up really early to get from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut. Even though the trip was long and the hours were early it was nonetheless a memorable trip. The trip was 4 hours and during that time students played games, watched movies and sang along to karaoke. Once in Lumut students sat down for a delicious lunch and prepared to work with the mangroves.

 Students learned about the importance of mangroves and what they do for the environment. After a quick tour and information session on the mangrove forest they got ready to plant mangrove seeds. The students all worked very hard and managed to plant a grand total of 512 mangrove seeds. They all felt very proud of themselves but the hard work exhausted them so they headed back to the hotel to rest.

Once back at the hotel the students had time to relax and swim before they went to dinner. The students took a five minute walk to the restaurant where they had a hearty dinner. After dinner they went to watch the sunset and take photos with their friends.

[Written by Carolina Morgano & Natalie Ng- Quinn]

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Hey Parents!

Quick update from Malaysia - Team 3 is having a blast! Started with a bus trip from Kuala Lumpur to Gopeng, then hopped onto a truck for an off-road adventure up a trail. We dived into Malaysian games, promoting lots of teamwork and laughs. Nature was our playground today; splashing in a river was the cherry on top. It’s been amazing watching the kids bond and tackle challenges together. They’re making memories they’ll never forget. More adventures await!

Catch you later,

Team 3

Team 2- Today we traveled to Pangkor island by ferry. The students had the opportunity to volunteer with the conservation team for sea turtle preservation. We had a thorough introduction to the different species of sea turtles that inhabit the waters of Malaysia, their life cycle, and the threats they face. We then did costal tree planting to reduce the risk for sea turtle hatchlings and reinforce the beaches from sand erosion due to rising water levels. After all the hard work, we had a barbecue dinner and a campfire with games and marshmallows to end the night !

Day 3 Team Updates

On day 3 of the grade 9 experience week in Malaysia, our group, group 1, sets off to the mangrove planting site to plant mangroves. We started the day with a nice breakfast at the hotel and got on the bus at around 10:30 to drive to the planting site. Once we arrived, we met the locals. Students got an opportunity to ask them any questions they had. In the afternoon, after lunch, we rode on small boats to reach the planting site where we would be working at for the entire afternoon. When we got off the boats we immediately knew this task was going to be challenging. The ground was wet, muddy, and infested with bugs and crabs of all sorts. Planting mangroves is not an easy task, but with determination and perseverance we were able to end the day off with great success. We headed back to the hotel afterwards to rest and wait for dinner. As for tomorrow, we will head to Pangkor Island for our next adventure! [Written by Louie Tang & Karlos U]

Hey everyone!

Wow, what a day we had! We kicked things off by exploring some incredible limestone caves. It felt like stepping into another world, with all those cool formations around us. Then, we took the adventure up a notch with water rafting - talk about an adrenaline rush! The kids were amazing, paddling like pros and laughing through the rapids. The energy was just infectious. Days like these are what memories are made of. Can't wait to tell you all about our next adventure!

Take care,

Team 3

Team 2 - Tuesday included a mix of adventure and environmental awareness. We kicked off the day with homemade Malay breakfast, followed by a kayaking tour around the corner of Pangkor island. We had some fun and crazy moments learning to work together trying to paddle straight! We paddled around the side of the island to a place that has a lot of trash -ocean currents drive thousands of single-use water bottles to an otherwise picturesque beach. As we collected litter and debris, there remained a nagging sense of helplessness - the beach will be awash again tomorrow. While we pulled a lot of trash (100 kilos) from the beach, conservation started making more sense - simply using our own refillable bottles keeps trash from being thrown into the sea. We made temporary art projects on the sand and finished the day with rest and play on the beach.

Day 4 Team Updates

Hey there!

Kicked off today with a bit of a sleepy vibe on the bus from Murni Camp to Lumut, despite the blistering sun outside. Things got way more lively after a good lunch, though! Then, we dived into the world of mangroves, learning loads before getting our hands dirty sowing Mangrove seeds. It felt super rewarding, doing our bit for the planet and all.

Ended the day indulging in some awesome local cuisine. Tomorrow, we're out planting those seeds, to help save the world. Looking forward to making a difference!

Catch ya later,

Team 3

Team 2: During my experience week in Lumut, Malaysia, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in planting mangroves, and it was a truly eye-opening experience. As a grade 9 student, I had learned about the importance of mangroves in school, but actually being there and getting my hands dirty made me appreciate their significance even more. The whole process, from wading through the muddy waters to carefully planting the saplings, taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. It was amazing to witness the positive impact that our small actions could have on the environment. The mangroves not only provided a habitat for countless species but also acted as a protective barrier against erosion and storms, safeguarding the coastal communities. This experience made me realize that even as individuals, we have the power to make a difference in the world. It inspired me to become more involved in environmental conservation and to continue advocating for the preservation of our natural resources. Overall, planting mangroves in Lumut was an unforgettable experience that deepened my connection to nature and instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards our planet. [Written by Marcus Shi]

Team 1: Breakfast on Day 3 was at the hotel, a new addition to the buffet was very welcomed, hashbrowns!! After breakfast we stored our luggage on our bus and took our day bags, now night bags, onto the ferry to Pangkor Island. The ferry was smooth sailing, the ride lasted for about 30 minutes. After we got off the ferry, the kids were sorted into mini vans and were transported to Camp Kampung Penyeu for their beach and water activities. They had an hour and a half of free beach partying, some kids were swimming, some playing volleyball, and some digging holes in the sand. After the party, they were soon called to participate in their first activity, kayaking. The kids were challenged in this activity because of the heat and the inexperience some people had. But they soon learned to push through and reached another island to proceed to their second activity. Although they disliked the idea, they were tasked to do a beach clean up to ensure that the trash doesn't get washed back to the ocean and effect the marine life. They collected a total of 181kg worth of garbage in just a span of 30 minutes and were asked to kayak to the next island for their next activity. They arrived on land tired and exhausted but they held their emotions together and pushed through a 15 minute hike in the jungle to reach the snorkelling area. In the water they saw countless marine creatures like tiny fishes, crabs, and coral. The kids were astonished by the marine creatures and were all filled with curiosity due to the lack of opportunity they have back in Macau. They took a hike back to the kayaks and started paddling back to the camp for a nice relaxing shower. They soon continued for the last activity and sat around a camp fire as a group and they were gifted marshmallows as a congrats to surviving the day. They sang nostalgic songs, danced next to the water, and gazed at the stars until the were called up for the final meeting of the day. They were all motivated by Ms Hartmann's speech and were sent to their dorms for a nice sleep. [Written by Mia Lau & Mr. Anderson]

Day 5 Team Updates

Team 2: During my 5th day on experience week in Lumut, I embarked on a trip to a mangrove forest. I was immediately greeted by the sense of tranquility and connection to nature. In the mangroves forest, I finally had the opportunity to observe and witness the mangroves' roots. When it's quiet I could hear the sound of a kingfisher, and the forest has a unique and distinct smell that is often described as a combination of saltwater, earthiness, and vegetation. We then walked through the hanging bridge, which was pretty fun. One fun fact that I learned from the instructor was that the mangroves tree produced 10 times more oxygen than other types of trees. I found this very interesting because the mangroves really help our environment! As I conclude this trip, I find myself filled with a sense of appreciation for the mangrove forest's remarkable resilience and ecological significance. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impression, inviting me to reflect on the delicate interconnectedness of nature and the need to preserve and protect these precious habitats for future generations. [Written by Yoyo Si]

Today started on a slower note, giving us time to recharge for a day packed with learning and hands-on conservation work. Our adventure began with an insightful session led by local fishermen, teaching us about the invaluable benefits of mangroves, from their role in water filtration to their use in cosmetic products, and the time they take to regenerate. It was a real eye-opener to learn about the decline in water levels due to environmental destruction and how we're stepping in to help restore and rejuvenate the area.

A huge thanks to Marco, with a bit of help from Dennis and Graham, for breaking down the language barriers and translating for the group. It was impressive to see the curiosity and enthusiasm from John, Marco, Kobe, Lukas, Mr. Ritchot, Jayden, Dennis, Harry, and Jason, each asking insightful questions that showed their deep interest and understanding of the topic.

The latter part of our day was spent getting our hands dirty (and a bit naughty with the mud fights) in the mangroves, planting new trees. Despite the blistering heat and the mucky conditions, the students tackled the challenge with an admirable enthusiasm. Their dedication to making a positive impact on the environment was truly inspiring.

Catch you later,

Team 3

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Team 1- It was a great day today. As waking up on Pankour Island after a day in the sun yesterday hurt a lot for all of us , but we really enjoyed the beautiful ocean view. We learned from the Turtle Conservation group about the nesting beaches and potted trees to plant on the beach for the turtles. Planting the trees today was way easier than planting the Mangroves! Then we had some free time for ourselves and we played on the beach or sat in the sand and watched the monkeys. After lunch, we traveled back to Lumut and went to Murni Camp for more activities, and the trip there was very interesting. We had a flat bed truck and it took us to a camp site that is surrounded by nature.

Murni camp is nice, the smell of plants and soil made me feel alive and happy because we finally experience a time without our phones. Little streams would run beside the land where we stay on, and we spotted a few monkeys around the way. Our dorms were very cozy and comfortable, and the AC makes it even better. It’s just a nice place to get away from our phones for once, and enjoy the world around us. [Written by Gabriel Kow]

Day 6 Team Updates

Team 1 - Day 6 was a highly anticipated day. For most of us, waking up at Murni Camp in a cold room was a very refreshing experience compared to the camp at Pangkor. Wake up time was at 6:45, which was quite late compared to the days prior. We had breakfast before traveling by pickup truck to our first activity: exploring caves! After a short 15 minute trip, we made it to Gua Tempurung, the area the caves are at. Gua is the Malaysian word for mountain and Tempurung means coconut. We first cruised through a more touristy, developed part of the cave that was lit up and lined with walkways and stairs. We got to observe flowstone and the history of communist occupation there. We then decided to go deeper into the cave. Geared with helmets and headlights, we went into the dark caves. We followed the river which directed us through the caves. It led us through some tight passages which we had to crawl through. Along the way, there were many carvings of dates and names of people who had previously been there. We eventually made it back to where we started, where we were treated with ice-cream. Caving was, unexpectedly, a very unique and interesting experience for everyone.

After that, we went back to camp and ate lunch, preparing us for the next activity: white water rafting! After arriving at the location, we were briefed on the rules and how to stay safe. We then rafted through a river, with an experienced guide helping us with directions and what to do. We got to experience different currents and how the water clashed against the rock. We then got on the same truck that took us back to camp. At camp, we showered and were offered snacks before dinner, which was a couple of hours later.

Ultimately, most of us agree that today lived up to the title of the “most anticipated day of the week” as it contained what many consider to be the 2 most fun activities of experience week. It was definitely a well-deserved reward for the service work we have been doing. [Written by Lester Wong and Carol Gomes]

Team 3

What a day we've had hopping from Lumut to the ridiculously beautiful Pangkor Island! The students kicked things off with some kayaking, slicing through the waves and soaking up the sun with so much energy. But it wasn't all just splashing around; we got serious for a bit with a beach cleanup, making sure this slice of paradise stays as stunning as we found it. And yes, there was plenty of beach playtime - laughter, naughty splash fights, and some ridiculous attempts at sandcastle engineering.

As the evening rolled in, we rounded off the day with a cozy bonfire on the beach. It was the perfect wrap-up to a day packed with fun, learning, and a bit of giving back.

See you in Macau at 21:15!

Team 2- On the sixth day of our Grade 9 experience week, we all went and participated in white water rafting and exploring a cave. Both activities gave us all a chance to have fun and learn new things at the same time. My group first went white water rafting, where we went along the Kampar River. We were taught a lot, including how to act if we fall off the raft and all the code words. After we came back to the camp and had our lunch, we headed off to the cave called Gua Tempurung. The name means the shape of a coconut. We learned about three formations of limestone: stalactites, stalagmite, and column. An interesting fact I learned was that this cave used to be a hideout for the Japanese and communists. [Written by Breana Taylor]

Final Thoughts

The experience week has finally come to an end, on our very last day we arrived at KL Central Market for shopping. Some bought souvenirs for friends and family and some bought souvenirs for themselves that reminded them of Malaysia and the memories they had during the week. The mall was full of amazing items, I really enjoyed shopping there. When the plane finally took off, I looked out the window and took one last look at Malaysia, suddenly all those memories from this week played in my mind like a movie, cleaning the beach and realizing how bad it is for the environment when others litter, planting mangroves to provide a better future for us and the earth, challenging ourselves and overcoming our fears like walking in a small, dark, wet area during caving, sleeping and showering with bugs flying around in the dorms. It might be challenging for some of us during this experience week, but we all have stepped out of our comfort zones. All in all, this was a very meaningful and fun week. [Written by Osana Ho]

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