Veritas - From the APRIM

Veritas - From the APRIM

Year 12 Retreat

On the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Week 3 our Year 12 cohort attended their Retreat. The accounts of the students suggest that the experience lived up to their expectations. These expectations were formed over many years of schooling at Blackfriars as they have witnessed their older Year 12 peers from the past go away to Retreat, then return to display some level of transformation. Additionally, they report to their younger peers positively of the experience.

Since the passing of student Nasir Ali Anwari on Christmas eve of 2014, Blackfriars Year 12s have attended the site of the drowning tragedy, Petrel Cove, as they arrive at Victor Harbor for Retreat. This year was particularly significant in that Nasir Ali Anwari’s younger brother, Nasir Abbas Anwari was himself a Year 12 attending Retreat. Our young Blackfriars men are renowned for their solidarity and this was evident as they gathered for a commemorative ceremony at Petrel Cove. Nasir Abbas Anwari and several of his closer friends led prayer and were well supported by the cohort. This honouring of Nasir Ali Anwari clearly holds its own significance, but it also served as a reminder to all present just how precious life is, and this theme was evident in the way students lived their lives to the full over the three days.

In a break from previous years, all students could stay at Adare Conference Centre instead of two separate venues, and this allowed meal times and the famous talent show to be celebrated as a full cohort. However, to cater for the size of conference rooms and to create a more personal environment, the cohort was split into two groups of about 50 students for the various sessions.

Sessions included time reflecting on nature at the beach, the sacred walk of life, meditations, mateship and community, scripture and prayer, the ups and downs of life, journaling, the masks we wear and “The Dash” poem (which focussed students to think about how they’d like to fill their lives). The sessions were expertly delivered by staff who bravely shared their own interesting life stories. Students also went to Mass which was led by Fr Matthew. I’ll never forget the musical interlude vocally produced by students between the verses of the Hymn to St Dominic.

Students created and decorated their own journals, masks and affirmation bags. The affirmation bag activity is a much treasured one, as students and staff place a message of affirmation to the owner in their bag. Students collect and open their bag on the last day and no doubt treasure the affirming messages of their peers.

The final night of the Retreat is the most significant manifestation of life’s ups and downs. Firstly, in a candle-lit room with a central sacred space, students sit on the perimeter and take turns placing their own sacred symbol in the centre. They share a story as to what makes the item sacred. This is a very emotional experience, as students bravely share their sometimes-tragic life stories. They share because of the trust they have in each other and the safety the environment provides. They experience the love and care of their peers and certainly grow stronger together as a result. This is then followed by the Talent Show. This year, Mr Bob Becker, Mr Jak Francis and Mr David Ruggiero showcased their musical talent. I also showcased my lack of talent! Several students contributed their skills too with many highlights including Adam Nguyen singing and on piano, and Nick Sianis as the accomplished rapper. As much as the students cried and were touched during the sacred symbols liturgy, they laughed during the Talent Show.

A few things from the Retreat stand out for me. Firstly, the amazing spiritual experience for all those present, even for those who are sceptical about spiritual experience and don’t understand what is ‘happening’ to them and others. Hopefully this translates to a deeper and stronger connection with God. Secondly, the way our students love each other, which is evident through their support during challenges and the sharing of joy. Hopefully the bonds are sustained beyond school. Finally, the deep care and commitment of our staff: Mr Brett Knowles, Mrs Amelia Eagle, Miss Alison De Souza, Mrs Caitlin Graziano, Mr Bob Becker, Ms Anthea Osborne, Mr Dan Winter, Mr Peter Fear, Mr Jak Francis, Fr Matthew Boland, Mr Simon Cobiac, Mr David Ruggiero and Ms Cathie Oswald. On my behalf and the behalf of the students, thank you for your sacrifice and commitment to this experience.

Can Drive Competition

Our YCS students are currently promoting an inter-house and interschool can-drive competition that aims to support St Vincent de Paul’s Winter Appeal. Please support this worthy cause through sending a can or two to school with your son.

Upcoming Solemnities

Friday 8 June: Sacred Heart of Jesus

Saturday 9 June: Immaculate Heart of Mary

The following link – an article by lay Dominican Gretchen Filz - explains the theological significance of these solemnities, as well as linking them to Corpus Christi (of Sunday 3 June):

https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/what-you-didnt-know-sacred-heart-of-jesus-2/

Mr Matthew Crisanti

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: RELIGIOUS IDENTITY AND MISSION