Year 12 Retreat, Fins Connect, and Reconciliation Week

Celebrating Growth, Connection, and Unity

As the year progresses, students engage with a number of events and activities intended to foster greater connection, awareness and kindness in the community. The first of these events was the ever-successful Year 12 Retreat.

Year 12 Retreat

The Year 12 retreat is a much-anticipated event that offers our senior students a chance to reflect on their journeys, build stronger bonds with their peers, and gain valuable insights that will guide them in their final year of school. The retreat is designed to create a supportive environment where students can share their experiences, aspirations, and challenges, enhancing a sense of community and mutual respect.

The retreat activities are carefully crafted to encourage self-discovery, teamwork, and personal growth. Workshops, outdoor adventures, and group discussions are integral parts of the program, allowing students to explore their strengths, confront their fears, and develop resilience. The serene setting of the retreat provides a perfect backdrop for contemplation and rejuvenation, ensuring that students return to their academic responsibilities with renewed vigour and clarity.

Highlights of the Retreat

• Team-building exercises: Activities designed to enhance collaboration and communication among students.
• Personal reflection sessions: Guided moments for students to contemplate their goals and aspirations.
• Outdoor adventures: Challenges that foster resilience and a sense of accomplishment.
• Group discussions: Forums for sharing experiences and fostering mutual understanding.

Fins Connect

Fins Connect is a pioneering student-driven initiative focused on bridging the gap between senior and middle school students and the broader community, with the intention of offering shared-support systems through a school-wide mentoring and buddy program.

The goal of the program, led by College Captain Orville Jones and Captain of Faith, Dylan Cordero, is 'To break the barrier between senior and middle school students through engaging questions and activities, ultimately making FINECTIONS.'

The program was launched last term, and after an extremely engaging smoking ceremony, students shared reflections with their buddies on the theme of Reconciliation and making CBC a better place through shared experiences of inclusivity.

The Year 12 leaders are to be congratulated on the success of this student-driven initiative, which is authentically CBC!

Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week is a significant observance that underscores our commitment to acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians. This week-long event is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and promoting a spirit of reconciliation and unity within our school community.

Throughout Reconciliation Week, students engage in a variety of activities that highlight the importance of cultural awareness, respect, and collaboration. These activities include storytelling sessions, cultural performances, and educational workshops that provide insights into Indigenous traditions, history, and contemporary issues. By participating in these events, students develop a greater appreciation for diversity and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

The highlight was a smoking ceremony performed by Jack Buckskin, a proud Kaurna man, who told his story and shared his culture to welcome all to Kaurna land.

Jack Buckskin performed the Smoking Ceremony for Reconciliation Week

Conclusion

The Year 12 Retreat, Fins Connect program, and Reconciliation Week are integral components of our school's commitment to nurturing well-rounded, informed, and empathetic individuals. These events provide our students with opportunities to grow personally and academically, build meaningful connections, and develop a profound respect for cultural diversity. As our students participate in these enriching experiences, they are better equipped to face the future with confidence, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards their communities. 

Ms Debra Withers
Director of Students