Year 12 Retreat

Year 12 Retreat - An Unforgettable Experience

The Year 12 Retreat was a truly memorable event for our Year 12 students. Over the course of three days, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery, bonding, and personal growth.

Set against the backdrop of a serene natural environment, at the Francis Retreat Centre in Bonny Hills, the retreat provided a much-needed respite from the academic rigours of their final year. It offered a perfect opportunity for students to reflect on their journey, set goals, and foster lasting friendships before venturing into the next chapter of their lives.

The retreat program was carefully crafted to engage and inspire our students. Through a combination of team-building activities, workshops, and reflective exercises, they were challenged to step out of their comfort zones, explore their strengths, and identify areas for personal development.

Guided by experienced teachers, students delved into topics such as relationships, resilience, and goal-setting. They participated in thought-provoking discussions and activities, the lessons of which will serve them well beyond their high school years. I’d like to offer my gratitude and thanks to the stellar team of teachers who so willingly gave their time and talents in support of our students. Thank you to Shane Hyland, Matthew Bushe, Fiona Jensen, Gordon West, Steve Manning, Mahni Lewis, Dylan Sainsbury, Lisa Mahon, Anne Twomey, Jeremy Buckley, Kellie Croft, Sean Jennings and Emily Burg.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with peers on a deeper level and gain a fresh perspective on their future paths. The Year 12 Retreat undoubtedly left an indelible mark on their lives, empowering them to approach their final year with renewed motivation and a strengthened sense of purpose. Students were asked how the retreat may have impacted them. These are some of their responses:

• “I am usually very nervous, but it encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone”
• “I feel a lot closer to many of my peers”
• “I now see people differently, as I know them personally rather than just as students in my year”
• “I learned that everyone has their struggles and we are all in the same boat”
• “100%. It made a major difference. I will forever see this group differently”
• “I definitely feel we are more connected with each other. The sing-long on the second night was just carefree fun and we could let for and enjoy the moment”

My final thanks must of course, go to the wonderful group of Year 12 students who, as I often remind them, only ever get out of an experience what they are willing to invest; so, it’s thanks to Year 12, 2023 that these retreats were the memorable and enriching experiences that they were. I look forward to walking with you on the remaining part of your journey towards graduation and life beyond school.

Well done Year 12, you’re doing yourselves and your parents proud! 

Congratulations

Successful Transitions

We invite Year 12 students and their families to attend the Successful Transitions evening. This evening includes valuable information for school leavers. 

Ms Flanagan
Leader of Student Wellbeing Year 12