Year 12 Retreat

Our Year 12 cohort headed to Howman's Gap on May 18 - 20 for their Year 12 Retreat. 

We share some student reflections below:

Macy Larkin

The Year 12 Retreat was such a great experience to connect and create new relationships with our peers and teachers in our last year of schooling. The 3 days consisted of laughs and smiles that I will remember forever, it was truly something I will never forget. The first day consisted of small group activities which made one another connect with new people on a different level we have been with since year 7. We chose to share who we are as individuals and bonded on a deeper level. The second day was a big day of challenges, small group activities and an Op Shop Ball to finish off the night. The activities involved fun challenges as a small group and brought one another even closer, this was one of my highlights of the retreat to see all the smiling faces and the teamwork involved. The Op Shop Ball was such a fun night, getting coupled up with new people and having dinner with them, laughing and talking about all the fun memories we have made. The night then finished with a disco which was so much fun being amongst the whole year level. We attended numerous liturgical ceremonies that were a time to thank, reflect and give praise for the time we had together. Overall, Year 12 Retreat was an amazing, memorable experience I will never forget. 

Callum Walker

Howman's Gap was a unique and exciting trip that we as a year level were lucky enough to experience. The retreat allowed students to connect with other peers on a deeper level as well as giving us the opportunity to make new friends outside our respective friend groups. Although we didn't get to go at the beginning of the year, this experience was still greatly beneficial and brought the cohort closer together. As you would expect on a camp, we had the opportunity to participate in activities such as giant swing and high ropes which was exhilarating for some, yet nerve-racking for others. Separating this retreat from previous year levels was the inclusion of the Op Shop Formal. Seeing everybody dressed up in $15 dresses and suits was the right level of whacky-fun needed to add an overarching joyful tone to the retreat and I am so glad to have been apart of it. 

Kate Parker

Howman's Gap was a retreat to remember, where we all had new and exciting experiences. Some people saw snow for the very first time, while others faced their fears on the high ropes and giant swing. The challenges allowed us to work together as a team, and we all grew closer as a result. In the small group activities, we learnt new things about others and shared some of our own personal stories. We also dressed up for the Op Shop Formal and all of the boys had to be the perfect gentlemen for the night. Overall, Howman's Gap brought a better sense of community to our year level and left us with memories that won't be forgotten for a long time.

Cleo Oberin

On Wednesday May 18 the year 12 cohort set off on a very early trip up to Howman’s Gap. Unfortunately for us, we were delayed for part of this trip for 2 hours behind a malfunctioning railway barricade - but apart from turning a 5-hour trip into a 7 hour one, by the time we arrived at the camp site we were so glad to be there. All of us took part in so many activities, including the giant swing and high ropes - a very good way to test your fear of heights. We were also lucky enough to be invited to the Op Shop ball by our ‘lucky dip’ partners, decked out in the best outfits that St Vinnies could provide. Our last day we spent our last activity with our groups and attended a liturgy before heading back down the mountain, a lot less of a chaotic trip than previous. Overall, the trip allowed for so much bonding between us all, despite being postponed due to COVID, it really was a big influence upon the year level - also couldn’t have been possible without all the teachers who took time to let this happen for us, big thanks to them!

Sam Deola

Retreat was a fantastic opportunity for the year 12 cohort to form new relationships and gain the ability to be able to be pushed outside of our comfort zones. I think the retreat was a special experience as it allowed me to gain a deeper connection with my peers and teachers and learn to understand them in a more meaningful way. The experience was a great way for all of us as the class of 22 to come together and understand how alike we all are as we strive to finish our schooling journey.