The Yr 11 Encounter Retreat provided a great experience to try new things and have a break from day-to-day classroom learning. It also provided an opportunity to bond with other boys in your House, who maybe you haven’t gotten to know.

The retreat went for three days, where we spent time listening to many talks providing personal insight from other students and teachers who have had varied life experiences, and they shared them with us no matter how tough it may have been to relive that experience. It also provided for many life lessons and got us to question our own morals and beliefs. After listening to each speech, we had a very deep conversation in smaller groups, allowing us to open up and share within a safe environment with absolutely no judgment and kept in the confidence of those in our group.

This helped me to relate to others, learn from others, and to be there for my peers, showing my support. Over the three days, we were provided with numerous opportunities to grow spiritually and understand “What it means to be a man.” After being pushed outside of our comfort zones, fed heaps of food, and called to learn what kind of men we want to be, we finished the retreat with lots to think about and to take away to use in our everyday life.

Like many things, you only got out of it how much you put. I feel that putting a lot into this experience provided for a really enjoyable and teachable retreat, filled with lots of peaceful meditation and reflection. This retreat was like no other. It came with many surprises, and I believe it is one of the best experiences I have ever had and will be something I will remember for the rest of my life. The retreat refreshed and revitalised us, ready to finish off the rest of the term. It is a great experience not just for us Year 11 boys but also for the Year 12s who came back to share it with us again as mentors, and the many teachers involved. A massive thank you to Dr Kania, Mr Mavros, Mrs Woodhouse, Br Clery, Mr Grantis, Mr Osborn, Mr Copley, Mr Rich, the guest speakers, and all the Cullity boys. You all provided such a fantastic experience.