Dunlop Reflection

From the Coordinators

Congratulations on winning Cluster Sport for Term One Dunlop and being declared the Ultimate Frisbee Champions! Our students showed great determination, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the entire competition. We are looking forward to Cluster Sport this term!

Year 11 Cluster Leader - Katherine Bruzzesi

The Year 11 Dunlop retreat was one to be remembered as a major highlight of our senior school years. Being away from school for two days allowed us to not only reflect on our mind body and soul, but to form closer relationships with our home groups and develop our team spirit. Over the duration of two days we all encountered new experiences and were faced with a challenge, enabling our courageousness to flourish. It was wonderful to see my fellow peers step out of their comfort zones, especially for those who had never experienced being on camp before. As we arrived at the camp we had the privilege of listening to an inspirational guest speaker named Michelle Newland. Her story had emotionally touched our hearts and inspired us to never give up on our hopes and dreams. Soon we had wrapped up day one by achieved something, whether it was facing a fear of heights or even trying to overcome a fear of falling into muddy water! After sharing a lovely meal together, it was time to wind down and begin our reflection through creating rosary beads, participating in a home group discussion and even going on a bush walk during the night. Throughout these activities new relationships were formed and the students had become more confident and comfortable around their homerooms. As the second day arrived we reflected upon our cluster patron Edward “Weary” Dunlop and how he lived out the three values of courage, commitment and forgiveness. Throughout the two days year 11 Dunlop had learned how to uphold these values whilst being actively engaged in the activities. As year 11 students we were faced with a challenge transitioning from year 10 to VCE, as we are now learning to become mature students, being surrounded by a stressful environment. Year 11 retreat was a perfect way of enabling students to feel more at ease during their senior school journey, as they learn to overcome their fears and form new positive relationships. I would like to thank our wonderful cluster coordinators, Jenna and Amanda, along with our home group tutors, Annika, Christelle and Marina for sharing this exciting experience with us and for being so kind-hearted.