The Global Gateways Program, designed along major interconnected themes, is part of a two year cycle for Years 9 and 10. It is the Alphington Grammar School way of approaching international education. The program has been operating since 2014 and has become one of the most powerful catalysts for truly effective international education.
“We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.”
John Hope Franklin
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS
AUSTRALIAN GATEWAYS
Below are the requirements students must accept and comply with to participate in the trip.
The Australian Gateways Trip is being conducted as part of the school’s experiential program. Accordingly, all school rules, as set out in the Behaviour for Learning Policy, apply. Smoking, vaping, consumption of alcohol and the use of any illicit substances, possession of such paraphernalia are forbidden at any time during the trip. If students are caught in possession of any of these items, they will be sent home at the parents’ expense. Mobile phones will be collected each night by the staff at a designated time. Students must not use their phones while staff/tour guides are presenting or giving instructions.
You are expected to be good world citizens and ambassadors for your school, family, community, and country. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not offend the local culture, citizens, or other travelers/tourists or challenge the authority of the staff and contractors leading the trip.
At no stage of the trip should any student depart from the main group alone. When students are given free time visiting an attraction or outside their accommodation quarters, they must always be accompanied by at least two other members of the group. Students must be able to make contact with the supervising staff at all times. Students must not allow anyone other than a member of staff into their accommodation. Boys and girls are not permitted to visit or stay in any room/tent other than their own bedroom/tent. Public areas are available for students to socialise.
Please remember that when travelling in a group it is essential to keep in mind that all activities are carefully planned for the benefit of the whole group as well as the individual and as such you are expected to participate fully. There will be times when compromise on the part of the individual student may become necessary. Participants are expected to be courteous and respectful of the needs of the whole group and to conduct themselves accordingly.
Your health and safety are the main priority. Please do not do anything without express authority from the staff that endangers you, the group, or the integrity of the experience.
Dr Vivianne Nikou
PRINCIPAL
PACKING LIST – AUSTRALIAN GATEWAYS 2025
Below is a detailed list of the items you will need for your trip. Please understand that the seasons while travelling will be different to Melbourne, especially in Outback Australia, therefore it is essential to bring all items of clothing listed and ensure that they are clearly marked with your name. Please remember that clothing, which is torn, revealing, short, or sleeveless is not culturally appropriate in the places we will be visiting. You may be asked by staff to purchase more suitable garments to wear whilst travelling as part of a school group.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
Luggage:
· 1 sport/duffle bag weighing no more than 15 kg when packed.
· 1 day pack (e.g. AGS school backpack or equivalent), which will be used for cabin luggage and on short single day and multi-day trips. When packed as cabin luggage it should weigh no more than 7 kg.
Sleeping
· Sleeping bag
· Pillow
Clothing:
· Summer weight waterproof jacket
· full-length pants/chinos/leggings/jeans/track suit pants
· shorts (girls may wear long skirts, trousers, or shorts). Note: as a minimum, shorts must reach the midpoint between the knee and hip.
· Gateways Polo Top
· T-shirts (no singlets, midriff tops, low neck, or wide neck cut tops). *Note: tops must cover shoulders
· Underwear
· Socks
· pyjamas/Nightwear
Swimwear:
· Bathers / boardshorts
· Beach towel
Footwear:
· 1 pair of sturdy walking boots / shoes
· 1 pair of runners
· 1 pair of thongs/Slides
It is compulsory that all students bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes as their primary footwear. These need to have good insulation and tread, be lightweight, comfortable, and sturdy. Volley, Vans, and Converse style shoes are not suitable as primary footwear.
Camping:
· Plate, bowl, cupand eating utensils
· Dily bag
· Tea towel
· Torch
Other Items:
· Wristwatch
· hat / cap, sun cream, sunglasses
· toiletry bag with soap, brush/comb, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, mosquito repellent, lip balm, moisturiser only, basic make-up (foundation, mascara, lip gloss)
· Tissues, anti-bacterial hand wipes / hand sanitizer (enough for daily use)
· Basic traveller’s first aid kit (band aids, paracetamol, travel sickness tablets, throat lozenges, cold and flu tablets, hydrolyte, gastrostrop)
· Jewellery – as per the school uniform requirements
· Water bottle
Optional Items:
· iPad, iPod / mp3 player and charger
· Hand-held games and batteries or charger
· Portable charger
· Cards, travel games and books
ITEMS WHICH ARE PROHIBITED:
· Cigarette lighters/matches/Vapes/e-cigerettes/alcohol
· Knives/camping tools
Liquids, aerosols, and gels:
The Australian Government’s security measures limit the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people flying within Australia.
All containers with drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, toothpaste, and similar substances should not exceed 100ml each and will have to be carried in a re-sealable clear plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm and be inspected separately. There is a limit of one bag per person. Exceptions will be made for medication; however, these items may be subject to additional security checks.
When you get to the screening point, you will have to surrender any liquids, aerosols, or gels greater than 100ml that you still have with you. The new rules also introduce random frisk searches as part of security.