Our Year 9 students embarked on a powerful and purposeful journey during their annual Retreat Day, themed `Building Our Best Selves: The Foundation of Success’. Set against the stunning backdrop of our town’s coastline and rich cultural heritage, the day was designed as an Amazing Race style experience, blending physical activity, historical reflection, and personal growth.
Designed using aspects of Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success as a guiding framework, students navigated a series of four interactive stations, each encouraging them to explore key character traits such as Initiative, Team Spirit, Self-Control, and Competitive Greatness. The retreat aimed to help students develop a personal philosophy for living, grounded in respect, resilience, and community connection, all linked to our College values of Courage, Love, Empathy, Acceptance and Resilience.
Our Year Nine retreat coincided with the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, whose life of service and compassion echoed the day’s themes. We started the day with a special mass celebrated by Father Liam that reminded students that their values and actions are the true foundations of success and foundations of their faith in action.
Station A: Successful Strengths – Bedford Memorial Park
Our first station commenced at Bedford Park, where students were introduced to the Pyramid of Success and challenged to reflect on their own strengths and values. Through team-based activities, they explored how traits like Intentness and Friendship contribute to both personal excellence and strong relationships.
Station B: Walking with Strength – Jetty to Jetty Trail
Students then walked the historic Jetty to Jetty Trail, pausing at landmarks such as Streeter’s Jetty and the Woman Pearler statue. These stops offered stories of courage, cultural resilience, and Broome’s diverse heritage. Students reflected on how these narratives connect to their own lives and the importance of walking respectfully in the footsteps of those who came before.
Station C: Choices in Community – Johnny Chi Lane, Chinatown
In the heart of Chinatown, students learned the story of Johnny Chi, a Chinese cook turned pearler and community leader. His legacy of integrity and service inspired students to consider how their own choices can positively impact their communities. Activities here focused on Alertness, Action, and making ethical decisions.
Final Reflection – Town Beach
The retreat concluded with a reflective walk to Town Beach, where students paired up for a “walk and talk” to discuss the day’s lessons. They shared moments of resilience, teamwork, and personal growth, before gathering for a closing prayer and shared lunch.
One of our Year 9 students shared “It wasn’t just about racing to the finish, it was about learning how to be our best selves — for ourselves, our families and our college community.”
As students returned to our college, they carried with them not only memories of a meaningful day but also a renewed commitment to kindness, respect, responsibility and striving for their personal best — the true spirit and values of our college. We are grateful to our Head of Year, Mr Nik and our Year Nine Homeroom teachers for their hard work and dedication to our commitment to our students.
