For the remaining lessons for Religious Education in Year 9, the boys have been invited to participate in a retreat experience. This experience has been planned and facilitated by Mr Trent Masters. As the four part retreat experience comes close to an end, it has been amazing to see the boys tranform in their interactions with each other. Our retreat was divided into sessions about the past, present and future. Each session focuses on one of these parts of the lives of our Year 9 cohort.
Session 1: “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers… who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:11-12 )
Year 9 started their retreat experience with sharing their earliest memories. Feelings of nostalgia overwhelmed the boys as they were quizzed about logos they identified with, games they played or even food they ate. They were then asked to reflect on who influenced them the most. We heard the powerful story of Mr Trent Masters and his earliest memories and then they were invited to share in small groups, to speak positively to each other, to listen with intent and to respect each individual and their journey to here.
Session 2: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Our second session examined the timeline of their lives to this point. Highlighting events and people who made an impact at difficult times as well as during the good times. This activity allowed the boys to write down and name events and people whom they may have only thought about. By writing it and sharing it with their closest peers, some of our boys were able to make connections between who they are and what has influenced them. In addition to that, they were challenged to think about when they experienced God, perhaps in a person or an event.
Session 3: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Our third session focused on who we project ourselves to be to the outside world. Our boys were asked to draw their masks and show what it is they want the world to see of them compared to what may be happening behind the mask.
Following this activity, our boys watched an Ashanti Branch TED talk which speaks about the masks we wear and the societal expectations we feel we need to meet. Branch shares his story about who he felt he was meant to be growing up, with certain rules he was meant to follow. He also speaks about how young men in school wear ‘masks’ which covers up their authentic ability, their passions and their identity. He encourages young men to take off their ‘masks’ and find their passion, and most importantly, feel safe to do so. Likewise, this was discussed with our boys and they were invited to share their thoughts and feelings with their closest peers.
Session 4: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Our final sessions are looking to the future. Our boys listened to Mr Joe Zavone on Tuesday about his journey. Mr Zavone presented a valuable lesson about change and the impact people, events, locations and jobs have had on his life, “with change, there is opportunity to grow” he said to the boys. His personal story of family, life and challenges was eye opening for the boys and humbling. We are so grateful to have had Mr Zavone be so open with the boys, for that we sincerely thank him. With a view to the future, the boys will be asked to reflect on what has brought them to this point and what it will be that carries them through. With a final session to be held on Thursday, the boys will invited to set goals and new horizons for where they may want to be in their remaining years at St Edmund’s College and also who they will be.
With faith at our core as a Catholic school, we invite the boys to be open to an encounter with Christ along their journey. To be open to those around them and to let their light shine for all to see.
A special thanks must be said for Mr Trent Masters who orchestrated this experience for the boys. His energy, passion and vision for this retreat was exceptional and such a blessing for all of our boys to be a part of. We look forward to hosting more of these valuable experiences in all year groups in future.
Carmela Wilson (Head of Religious Education)