iServi News | 28 August 2020 | Term 3, Week 6
Year 12 Retreat
In what has been a challenging year for our Year 12 students, we continue to encourage them to maintain momentum in moving toward their graduation next term. Our students have shown resilience and camaraderie in working together to navigate an unprecedented year. They have maintained a positive outlook and involved themselves well in the planned initiatives aimed at supporting their overall wellness and ongoing development as whole persons.
One such activity was the recent Year 12 Retreat which was held on Tuesday this week in Perth City and involved students having to work together in groups to complete set tasks around the CBD. Students enjoyed moments of respite during their travels to pause and reflect on what it means to be a Servite and the influence that God has in their lives.
Life is busy and we don’t often have the time to pause to consider our own identity and how we utilise our strengths and gifts to work collaboratively with, and in support of, others. A key aim of the Retreat therefore was to provide this time and allow the opportunity for the students to better understand themselves, how they act in certain situations and how they connect with others. Students where challenged within an unfamiliar environment to achieve certain goals within a tight time frame. To make quality decisions in pressure situations is sometimes difficult – something which can be overcome through the support and input from others.
The Retreat also provided the opportunity for students to escape from the rigours of the classroom to spend an enjoyable day together away from the regular College environment. It was terrific to see such joy and energy throughout the day amongst the students as they navigated their ‘Amazing Race with Christ’.
Lessons learned from the Retreat should stand the students in good stead as they prepare for upcoming activities, assessments, tests and exams to conclude their year. Finding balance is important, as is having the capacity to manage one’s own wellness. Taking time, like the students did this week, within a busy schedule to pause and recharge is critical in maintaining one’s focus and drive. This philosophy is not only important for our students during their remaining time at the College but also for later life.
Likewise, the capacity to self-regulate and persevere in one’s studies is a critical element for success. It often challenging to work through issues to find the right solution, but maintaining a growth mindset and positively managing one’s behaviours and attitudes will support a quality outcome – just as many students discovered in working through the Amazing Race tasks on Retreat.
The Retreat activities also showed us the importance of reaching out to others in search of a solution to a problem. Utilising the collective wisdom of the group enabled students to effectively navigate the tasks presented to them during the Race. This same philosophy would apply for any task or activity set within the classroom environment, with students reaching out to teachers and peers to support their educational growth and development.
At this time of year, we continue to build momentum in preparing students to successfully complete their courses and to be ready for their upcoming exams. We look forward to updating students and families of these important preparation initiatives in the coming weeks.
This is an exciting time for our Year 12 students as they model the required expectations to achieve success in their chosen pathway. Taking full advantage of the many pathways and support mechanisms available at the College is an important message for students across all year levels. This requires a positive mind set, high levels of effort and application and of course strong levels of self-regulation and perseverance.
Parent and Caregiver Survey
Our Parent and Caregiver Survey closes today, Friday 28 August. We welcome feedback and encourage families to complete the survey, available here.
Mr Jeff Allen
Principal