Mission Team __________________________________Page

2014 for the Mission Team has meant a review and redevelopment of our Renewal program. In a Catholic school renewals are a distinctive opportunity for our students to experience growth in a personal and spiritual sense not often found in the classroom. 2014 has also meant an awesome opportunity for Year 8s to attend the Courage to Care exhibition at Deakin Waterfront which was focused on the need for everyday people to be “upstanders” against injustice to avoid evil such as the holocaust ever happening again. Therefore, our report this year comes from the students who participated in these events.

We’d also like to thank all the staff who have been involved for their assistance on these days.

Jo Hart, John Harmon, Vicki Mills, Claire Wrigley & Kylie Pretty

YEAR 7 RENEWAL

On 20 and 21 of August, the whole of Year 7 completed renewals over a two-day course. During the two days, we participated in activities that would help us learn and understand the meaning of the three College values; Compassion, Innovation and Integrity. With these words, we were split up into four groups; black, white, red and yellow. The forth activity was preparing for the liturgy at the end of the day. Not only was this day educational, but the school made it fun.

“I am more Patrick Viccars & Zac Tucak - Year 7 grateful for YEAR 8 RENEWAL things in life On renewals day the Year 8’s went to Simonds especially my family and where Stadium for the day. The theme for the day was ‘Courage to be’ and the main speaker, Travis Dempsey, previously of the band The Living

I come from.” End, was able to portray this through his own - Year 12 student life experience. Five sessions later, we had all experienced Mr Hale’s Extreme Fitness Regime, Travis’ thumping beat lesson, Ms Hart & Mrs Mill’s journaling session inspired by mind opening quotes, Brother Damien’s demo on how to pick yourself back up, and finally, a bollard making class in which we made bollards representing ourselves and the theme using magazines as well as writing utensils. The highlight of the day was learning about Travis’ experiences as a troubled Jackson Harlock was moved by meeting and young child and how he turned into what he is today. hearing the story of a “Courage to Be” instilled

Holocaust survivor.

Year 7 Renewals - Levi Irving, Bradley Jepson, Jett Mitchell

a life message into everyone who attended and at the same time was an enjoyable experience.

Matthew Zulumovski, Elliott Horan & Fletcher Wilson - Year 8

YEAR 10 RENEWAL

This year’s theme was “Who am I?” as the boys were encouraged to contemplate who they really are and who they want to be. Indigenous singer songwriter Scott Darlow kicked off the day with his energetic take on life. His message of FLUTE (Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy) struck a note with all the boys (pun intended!). The students participated in a physical challenge in the beautiful surrounds of Kardinia Park and a spirituality session in the Grandstand. Other sessions encouraged our young men to explore their personal identity through their favourite music. This was one of the few occasions when students were actually encouraged to bring their mobile phones!

YEAR 12

As always, the Renewals in Activities Week were a highlight on the Year 12 calendar. The boys spent three days together with their mates pondering the deeper issues in life and generally having a lot of fun. This year there were six themes to choose from, namely Challenge, Arts, Values, All about Me, Street Retreat and Resilience. Typical comments from the students included: “Helped my spiritual development.” “I feel closer to my mates and made some other mates as well.” “A nice break from the pressures of Year 12. I feel better equipped to deal with stress in future.” “I feel motivated to strive better in life and I am more grateful for things in life especially my family and where I come from” The most common suggestion for improvement was that the Renewals should go for longer!

COURAGE TO CARE

When the Year 8s went to Deakin University, we learnt about some key parts of the Holocaust and the modern/ Holocaust heroes. The highlight of the day was of course when the French Holocaust survivor Paul told us his story, the story about what he had to do to survive.

Hamish McManus - Year 8