Our Toonallook (Toona) campus holds a special place in the memories of many Carey students. Their visit may be only a brief chapter in their school journey, but for many, it becomes one of lasting significance. Most students, of course, never realise at the time just how long those memories will stay with them.
The recent Camp Toonallook Celebration Day was a wonderful recognition of the generous community members who contributed to the revitalisation of our Toona campus. The gathering brought together those who donated over $1,000 each to the 2025 Community Giving campaign and whose connections to Carey and the Banksia Peninsula span generations.
Some supporters had never visited Toona before this event. Their gifts were inspired by the hope that their children, and the generations to come, will continue to benefit from outdoor learning and the unique sense of belonging that an experience at Toona fosters. For others, it was their first time back since the Year 7 camps of the 1960s and 1970s, when Carey’s relationship with the Banksia Peninsula first began. Hearing them recount vivid memories from so long ago made it evident that their experiences at Toona had left a deep and lasting imprint – and for some, returning was a moving and emotional trip down memory lane.
For the Outdoor Education staff, the weekend provided a meaningful opportunity to uncover more of the history and stories behind a place we love so much and to weave that heritage into our own Toona story – one that continues to grow as we share it with each new group of students.
Toona Celebration Day
We are grateful to all who have contributed to the revitalisation of our Toona campus and to those who helped make the celebration day so special. It was a truly cup‑filling experience – one that celebrated the remarkable community spirit that has united Carey students and families for generations.
Fiona Sherar
Deputy Head of Outdoor Education – Programming
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