Our Year 12 Retreat this year was a wonderful and enriching experience for our graduating cohort. The retreat is a unique experience offered at our College where students are given the opportunity to reflect on their journey through school; think about their relationships, identity and aspirations for the future; and contemplate their faith and spirituality in a rich 3-day program delivered by St Mary’s staff at Eco Beach Resort.
The retreat began on Wednesday as the Year 12s set out from Streeter’s Jetty on a short pilgrimage to Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral where Father Liam guided students on a reflective gospel session which set the scene for the retreat with this year’s theme of My Culture, My Connection.
We then boarded the bus for the trip down to Eco Beach, but not before a hearty lunch stop at Roebuck Roadhouse. Spirits high and stomachs full, we finally made it down to Eco Beach where students settled into their accommodation and we hit the beach for a swim on a postcard-perfect dry-season afternoon. In our main retreat space we continued the program where students heard about Miss Brooke’s journey through high-school as she modelled the reflective activity students engaged in themselves afterwards. Our fearless Head of Year leader Mr Glen, whipped up some delicious burgers for dinner on Night One before Mr Ben shared the journey of his 10 years after graduating high school, focusing on future aspirations and how students can face the unexpected twists and turns in the years to come.
Day Two began with a delicious cooked brekky down before heading down to the beach for the ‘Quest for the Holy Grail’ – a series of team-building problem-solving activities where students had to use communication, team-work and leadership skills to complete the challenges. There was plenty of laughter and wonderful to see the strengthening of bonds between all the 12s. Before lunch Mr Glen talked about some of the different relationships in his life, supporting students to reflect on the ups and downs of relationships, the ‘big rocks’ and ‘small rocks’ that have shaped and continue to shape who we are. Ms Melita shared a powerful story about overcoming challenge and loss, and how recognising the love and goodness of God in those around us can help us to find joy, happiness and peace in life.
Students were given the opportunity for some reflective time in the afternoon, some electing to sit quietly and create some art, others choosing to go for a beach walk, and a few standing mindfully by the water with a fishing line. Father Liam, joined by Ms Antonietta and Ms Coby in the afternoon, led a session on what my faith looks like where students generously shared personal feelings and beliefs about faith. We then made our way down to a quiet spot on the beach for the most beautiful sunset Mass celebrated by Father Liam. After Mass we enjoyed a delicious BBQ feast together before some singing and camp games around the campfire – always a joyful highlight for the Year 12s and staff alike.
On the trip back to Broome, our bus broke down about 100kms out of town and it would be a while until Mr Braden and Ms Anna came to save the day. But as a reflection of the learnings about life’s twists and turns, the kids embraced the unexpected. Our little stop on the side of the highway was enjoyed with games, conversations, laughter, music and joy. Each Year 12 group is different. This one, full of misfits and oddballs, stands out for its kindness and openness. Some have been on the journey since kindy, others only for a very short time, but all are embraced with warmth and acceptance.
A huge thanks to Mr Glen and Mr Ben for leading and planning this wonderful experience for the Year 12s, and all the staff that help make it happen. The Year 12s return refreshed, connected and ready to begin the final part of their schooling journey before they embark on the next exciting chapter of life. We look forward to celebrating this special group again at their graduation.
We are grateful to Mr Ben for his incredible video and photography skills to capture these incredible young people and this experience.
