General News
13 October, 2026
Letting nature be the teacher
TRINITY Anglican School (TAS) has secured three major national accolades after the 23rd National Outdoor Education Conference in Cairns.
The school’s outdoor education program received the national exemplary program award, while head of experiential learning Darren Osmond received the national service to outdoor education award. Outdoor education teacher Mia Blashki was named a finalist in the emerging practitioner category.
The recognition came after TAS hosted outdoor education professionals from Australia and overseas at the conference from 28 September to 1 October 2026.
Mr Osmond said the recognition reflected the school’s team-based approach to outdoor education.
“To have the program recognised alongside both established and emerging practitioners is particularly meaningful because outdoor education at TAS has always been a team effort,” he said.
“It is about creating experiences that complement classroom learning while building confidence, resilience, independence and an understanding that perseverance leads to success.”
The outdoor education program is sequenced from year 1 through to year 12, with students undertaking increasingly challenging experiences as they progress through school.
A typical student spends around 54 days participating in outdoor education programs during their time at TAS, with additional opportunities including the outdoor recreation and leadership program, Duke of Edinburgh Award and international expeditions.
The conference was held in a regional location for the first time and attracted more than 300 delegates from across Australia and over 10 countries, with 80 workshops and concurrent sessions featuring 70 speakers.
