Careers/VCAL

La Salle Green Hills

Early in Term 2, staff and students from La Salle Green Hills continued the tradition of the Cultural Exchange program. During the hectic two-week stay our visitors experienced many aspects of Australian life and sampled many of the sights that Victoria has to offer. I would like to thank all the host families for accepting a guest into their homes as I know it was demanding and tested the generosity of those who committed to the exchange. It was, I hope, an experience that was enriching for all concerned. I would like to conclude with two reflections from two Green Hills students. “This trip made a new man out of me. I am more responsible. It made me realize a lot of things mainly being much more independent in ways that are most basic. My experience in Australia is very relevant to what people say that I can change. I believe that two weeks here makes me homesick but I get a feeling that I don’t want to go back. I am independent in that I can cook stuff and I can take care of myself. Life here in Australia made a big difference in me and made me think that wouldn’t it be nice if the Philippines were like this. Just for once, no maid, you do the cooking, laundry, dishes, mostly everything. Everyone has a life here. Most have a job. Wish we could take this

life back home.” “ I have expanded my views about the world and what it has to offer. In short I have become a better man.”

Mr Murray Eniss

Retreats

Our lives are very hectic these days. It is increasingly so for young people as well — juggling commitments and responsibilities. This is where retreats are invaluable. Leaving on Thursday morning and returning on Friday afternoon, they can be a small window of sanity amidst the hurly-burly of life. This is not to say that they are universally embraced! However, if we are to allow ourselves the opportunity to hear the “still small voice” of God, then we need to listen. We can only listen if we stop doing and allow ourselves to be. Students were asked what they wanted to make sure they did, in the light of the retreat. Their responses are interesting: “Get to know and appreciate my family better” “Keep my Year 12 mates” “Pray a little more” “Help others” “Be a better person” “Respect others and their opinions” “Appreciate what I have” “I want to put stuff in the past more and have ‘no regrets’” “Keep a strong conscience” “Try to be myself all the time” “Treat others the way I want to be treated” Aside from a range of activities such as discussions, games and prayer, the retreats are a marvellous opportunity for Homerooms to mix in informal surroundings. In so doing, they strengthen the relationships that will help them through their VCE years. If they are attentive, these relationships are another way that God speaks to them, calling them by name. Mr Patrick Jurd