Year 12 Greenhills Retreat

Year 12 2022 Retreat explored the theme: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one, wild and precious life?

Despite the rain and cloudy weather, the enthusiasm of Year 12 2022 shone through in their small and large group activities. They collaborated to find solutions to challenges, shared some of the story of their lives, healed their hurts and transformed into ”Who is your hero?” to tear up the dance floor.

Additionally, with the Burn Bright Leadership Team, Year 12 explored how everyone can be a leader, through being real, authentic and genuine in order to “Live your Truth!”

A presentation created by Steph Garrod, demonstrated to Year 12 2022 just how far they have travelled from Year 7. The students embraced an opportunity to create their future through writing themselves a letter, reflecting on their time together and planning the next six months. Year 12 will receive this letter on their last day of Year 12 before their HSC Exams.

Reflections from Year 12 Students:

What were standouts?

I loved my group I was in and think they played such a key role in my time at retreat! I wish we did more activities in our groups! The coloured bandanas are such a nice touch to the groups, it makes everyone feel like they belong to their group and makes people proud to show off their group in a fun way.
One standout was the roadmap activity - at first I thought it would be a waste of time, but it ended up being so interesting and I learnt so many things about people that I would have never known. Everyone was so honest and respectful which made the activity so special and worthwhile.
Another standout was the affirmation letters! This was such a heartwarming activity that really brought all the kindness out of people which they then channelled into letters for others. I personally found it so nice to reflect on what I appreciate about others and send them nice letters, and receiving them was just as heartwarming and it made me feel appreciated back which was very nice.
Groups: the group exercises were brilliant, as they combined students, who would otherwise not typically come together and gave students the chance to expand their social horizons and share experiences and learn from one another.
The larger group exercises: the singing and dancing activities were very fun, and gave everyone a chance to leave their comfort zones and enjoy themselves as a whole year group. The activities involving public displays of discomfort, such as the task where students had to 'step over the line if they...', and the candle lighting, allowed for us to come together, without fear of judgement or ridicule.

Key Messages

Be more confident about yourself and never judge others cause you don't know what they're going through.
I want to do my best to live out my most important values.
Everyone is always going through something.
The main message I walked away with was simply be kind. Learning about the hardships of others really reiterates the need to be kind as you never know what people are going through.
That it's okay to be vulnerable, and often vulnerability is a way to strengthen a relationship as opposed to straining it like I previously thought.
I appreciated how people opened up to each other as it strengthened the trust in our friendships. I enjoyed everyone getting along and taking it seriously during particular activities so no judgement was present.

Learnings from the Buddhist Temple and Canberra Islamic Centre

Importance of faith over material gain.
Buddhist temple : be grateful and all about enlightenment.
Islamic centre: learnt about being selfless and grateful for what we have.
From visiting both places I learnt to be grateful, giving, resilient and generous. It also gave me a newfound perspective on other peoples religions and how it can connect communities.
I learnt how important it is to respect different cultures and their beliefs and values. I enjoyed how they were so passionate about what they believe in.

Thank you to the Year 12 2022 Retreat Team: Steph Garrod, Ryan Price, Caitlin Fahey, David Kenendy, Crisa McCartan, Max Pilon, Elise Campbell, Ben Colenso, Nicole Goggin and Tom Hull for your enthusiasm, commitment, care and support of our unique Year 12 2022 leaders. It was wonderful to have Chris Browne present with us for our healing ritual.

What a privilege it is to work with such a professional team and to accompany an exuberant group of young leaders. Please continue to keep Year 12 2022 in your prayers as they continue their HSC journey.

Christine Savage | Leader of Faith, Formation and Mission