On Monday 25 August, Year 11 students participated in the Road Awareness Program (RAP), presented by the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS).  This powerful presentation aims to educate students in road awareness, targeting licence-aged drivers and road users at secondary schools across South Australia. The presentation was both brutal and heart-wrenching at the same time with students understanding that you ’choose the risk, but not the consequence’. Not one person was unmoved hearing directly from car crash survivor Brett, who, once a promising footy player now faces life ahead significantly impacted by an acquired brain injury. Hearing Brett talk about having to learn to walk, talk, feed and dress himself over a period of around three years was confronting to say the least.

CBC proudly works with the MFS each year to deliver this Year 11 program, aiming to teach students to take responsibility for their decisions and motivate them not only to practise safe driving but also demand it from their peers. Some comments from the students are below:

'The program allowed me to understand the dangers of driving while taking risks.' – Domenic M

'Coming out of this presentation, I am very moved.  The engaging discussion and actually hearing from someone like Brett gave the presentation a lot of meaning.  It has made me reconsider my actions and strive to become a more responsible road user.' – Nikos P

'Brett – very brave mate, saving lives.  Not all heroes wear capes.' – Eddie G

'I think I definitely needed this presentation, as in less than 2 months, I will get my Ps and will be driving on my own and with friends.  I am grateful that Brett came out to speak to us today to show the reality of driving recklessly and how it's not a joke to be on the road. Thank you.' – Max C

'I enjoyed the program.  I think that road safety is very important and that this was great to make more young people like me aware of how dangerous for yourself and others on the road can be.  Thank you for your speech Brett!  You are very brace for recounting your personal story/accident.  What you are doing is important and you should be proud of yourself!' – Lachlan H

'Brett's story really put it into perspective and was great to hear.' – Ethan F

'Brett is super brave and made me realise how lucky I am to be able to live the life that I do.' – James A

CBC vs St Mary’s College Annual Netball Match

Score – loss to St Mary’s (by a lot – so not going to write the score)

The Year 12 lads once again trained hard to learn the rules of netball and eliminate the basketball techniques to attempt to defeat the always strong St Mary’s netball team. Despite a valiant effort by Thomas Bondza who scored most of CBC’s goals, the girls were simply too strong and the boys (possibly) too polite. This resulted in a score which was ‘respectable’ – well, by CBC boys anyway! However, most importantly, fun was had by all and a positive community connection was made stronger by the way in which students from both schools interacted. Well done, boys!

Ms Debra Withers
Director of Students