Teachers have a clear view of impact
August 18, 2026
Gathering feedback from the children attending our programs is always a highlight for staff.
Reading the children’s feedback is not only important for the staff working with them in programs, but the broader Cottage by the Sea staff
Our chef Kylie and her kitchen volunteers are often mentioned for the quality and variety of the food they provide. Our other staff enjoy learning that their friendly welcome and genuine interest in the children is remembered and valued.
Right across Cottage, we aim to provide fun, adventure and opportunity for the children, so that they can go home and back to school with new skills and memories of a positive experience.
Sometimes the children realise the impact of their Cottage experience immediately.
Often it’s the teachers attending with the children who notice the greatest change in them.
They get to participate and have fun alongside the children while Cottage staff conduct and co-ordinate the activities. This is vastly different to the usual classroom dynamics!
Teachers attending each Take a Break camp are asked a range of questions about the children, their experiences, behaviour and any changes they’ve noticed.
Here is a sample of some recent responses:
“For most of the students we noticed positive changes in behaviour. They have been supporting each other, having a go at all activities and stretching their comfort zones. Trying new food was also an improvement I noticed.”
“Students have been encouraging when others were experiencing things for the first time, especially in the water.”
“It became obvious that many children were able to enjoy themselves with little to no expectations placed on them.”
“I have seen new friendships form with kids that wouldn’t normally hang out together.”
“A definite improvement in willingness to try new, more challenging things, rather than walking away because it was deemed too hard. We have seen individuals shine in different roles and situations. Students have loved being outside, in the water, on the beach … things they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to do and have loved it. They’ve had freedom to push and challenge themselves but feel safe to do so.”
“Some of our students have never had the chance to experience these things before and it was unreal seeing how happy and grateful they were.”
“There were so many firsts for our students. They have experienced so much and interacted with so many wonderful people. From learning about different jobs they never knew existed to seeing the kindness of the people they met walking their dogs on the beach. I have been teaching since 2003 and been on many camps; this is the best one by far.”
“Your program is truly a gift for many because it is, for many, a one-in-a-lifetime experience.”
“The staff are fantastic; they have been able to support our students and encourage them. The love the students feel from receiving their little handmade gifts to having beautiful home cooked meals and nothing ever being a problem. Thank you so much.”