Year 10 News

Year 10 Retreat

Last week, our two-day Year 10 Retreat went ahead at Mackay Turf Club’s Function Centre. We warmly and excitedly welcomed Michael Fitzpatrick once again as the facilitator. He engagingly utilised music and drama to bring forth genuine student reflection on qualities and values, both from an individual and a cohort, group level. The aim of the Retreat was for students to discover their potential and critically reflect on their attitudes, with a particular focus on pushing students outside their comfort zones and to see the perspectives of others. This is crucial at this point in our students’ lives and was of great benefit to our Year 10 students and their growth as young adults.

Students were given many opportunities to identify their strengths and build their character. They reflected on their own identities and on what factors might hold them back from reaching their true potentials. Topics such as peer pressure, popularity, freedom and self-image were discussed in interesting and engaging ways. Some students even overcame barriers to publicly speak their minds, or even sing renditions of popular and classic songs, to their cohort. I particularly commend those students (and staff!) who stepped out of their comfort zones in doing this.

Not only did students receive time to reflect on their inner selves, but they were also encouraged to acknowledge others within their midst. They reflected on who they want to become as a whole cohort and demonstrated admiration for qualities that they already possess, with examples of peers within the group. They were also able to offer words of gratitude, friendship, encouragement or forgiveness to their peers during conversations and a respectful ritual, during which students received blessings from Father Andrew Hogan. They worked on strategies to create greater dialogue between themselves and others, and to respect other perspectives and understandings.

For this reason, students were asked to work with peers outside of their normal friendship groups. The goal of this activity was to form a more united cohort. They were spoken to about the importance of a strong support network heading into Years 11 and 12.

Thank you to all involved in making the retreat what it was. We hope now that our Year 10 cohort continues to build as a united group that can offer each other support and dialogue heading into our introduction to senior studies next semester, and beyond.

The Year 10 Retreat was certainly not what I was expecting. Michael had an effective way of ensuring the cohort was continuously engaged and listening, and breaks for lunchtime and morning tea were greatly appreciated. Was it awkward and uncomfortable? Yes. But it was the exposure to these challenges that encouraged resilience and growth. When asked the question, "Would you like this group to be different come Year 12?" Only three students voted no. Through honest surveys targeting controversial topics, stepping out of comfort zones, complementing each other and apologising to those we have wronged, it was evident that by the end of the two days, revelations occurred. In the days since, as an SRC Representative, I can start to see things. The changes may be small, but as most people know, good things take time. I know this coming change will undoubtedly be a very, very good thing for the Year 10 cohort. Elsie B - Year 10 SRC Representative

Matthew Baisden - Dean of Students (Year 10)