Mission & Identity 

• Year 12 Retreat Day #2

Year 12 Retreat Day #2

Following the Trial HSC St Pius has always reserved this time for the Year 12 cohort to go on retreat to consider their time at school as well as their lives as St Pius Old Boys. To give the year group a chance to consider what their time at St Pius has meant, Year 12 travelled to Oxford Falls for a day with a difference.

Our motto of “Fide et Labore” – Through Faith and Hard Work, is held very dear to us. St Pius Old Boy, Anthony Bradstreet, Assistant Director of Corporate Planning, Risk and Learning for the Rural Fire Service gave fitting opening to the day. Anthony spoke of how his time at St Pius has shaped not only his career path, but also the decisions he has to make in his role with the Rural Fire Service. Recently in January during the horrendous fire season, he worked to ensure that people were kept informed and safe, even when it meant telling them what they did not want to hear. Year 12 were challenged to consider their expectations and motivation, what being a Pius Old Boy means; about how the experiences they have will help shape their perspective in life. Anthony truly lives by Faith and Hard Work and provided an example for our graduating class. 

To affirm one’s peers is not such a common act. Year 12 were given time in their homeroom classes to share their opinions of Anthony’s presentation, as well as to affirm their peers for actions they had witnessed at their time at St Pius. Many found it hard to genuinely acknowledge what others had done for them. The young men were asked to continue this practice beyond the day. 

Mr Couani spoke to Year 12 about how they had changed during their time at the College and that their lives will continue to change as they grow beyond secondary school. This led into a reflective time for the boys.

Our day concluded with an informal celebration of the Eucharist on Chaplain 1 Oval. Our readings asked the boys to consider the values of humility, compassion and kindness and to clothe themselves in these ideals. While the Gospel focussed upon the words of “knock and the door shall be opened”, Fr Jim McKeon from OLD Parish spoke of how our faith is a faith of action. Just like someone could go to a driver trainer facility to prepare themselves for what they would do if they lost control when driving, retreats provide the time away from our lives when we can think about how we would react to a difficult situation in our lives. We should continue to plan how we can remain faithful given any situation that confronts us. 

While not the Retreat Program that had been planned, the Program for 2020 was just as reflective and provided what Year 12 need as they look to conclude their formal lessons and commence the HSC examinations. Given the time to “put things into perspective” the young men of The Class of 2020 should feel equipped to go and live their lives Through Faith and Hard Work.

Mr Nathan Mulheron - Assistant Principal, Mission and Identity