The recent Year 10 weEmbrace Wellbeing Retreat to Lorne was a great success providing students the opportunity develop an awareness of the importance of communication and community in life as well as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of being one’s authentic self – developing courage to be themselves in life.

Students participated in a number of Emotional Intelligence Workshops that form part of the formal Aristotle Emotional Intelligence program underpinning our wellbeing focus at St Catherine’s School. Working in conjunction with Swinburne University, the sessions served to support students in recognising how emotions are an integral part of life both personally and socially.

Students worked in small groups to develop a deeper understanding of gratitude and acceptance creating colourful ‘Gratitude Bags’ and reflecting on what they are grateful for in life. Balance in life and the significance of allowing ourselves time to be, and to reflect, was also addressed through creative activities such as journal writing and dream-catchers. The premise being here that craft and creative pursuits allow for a rhythmic, almost meditative engagement, away from the distractions of technology.

There was lots of fun in outdoor group activities at the Mantra Resort at Lorne, as well as the vivifying and soulful effect of being so near to, and inspired by, the Great Ocean Road and the Lorne shoreline. A walk to the pier was enjoyed by every group and again reminded students of the many options available to us to take time out from the sometimes stressful demands of adolescence. What retreat would be complete without a Yoga session, which students seemed to really enjoy as it allowed them time to relax even further.

The over-arching context of wellbeing and the importance of wellbeing was most powerfully addressed by our keynote speaker, Ms Meredith Gaston – a well-known Australian writer, artist and wellbeing coach. Ms Gaston addressed a transfixed audience of students and teachers, motivating and inspiring them to have the courage to be themselves, to celebrate their life and be grateful for everything – even looking at the challenges we face in life as opportunities. The students asked probing and intelligent questions which indicated that they were considering the implications and messages that were communicated in a serious and meaningful way in their own lives.

Students’ general knowledge and teamwork was showcased during a very successful Trivia Night and then, looking into the future, a very special moment was experienced by every student as they were invited to reflect on their self in Year 12 – not that far off in the future. As one can see, being in Year 10 is a crucial and complex time in one’s life where it is not so much about the present, but how one has arrived to this moment in one’s life, how one navigates life and its complexities and how one moves forward. Hopefully the Year 10 Retreat provided some strategies and insights to move forward positively and fearlessly.

At the conclusion of the three day retreat, students returned to Melbourne, refreshed and inspired to approach this upcoming examination period, the rest of the year, VCE and hopefully life beyond St Catherine’s School with a deeper sense of self and balance, knowing that they are supported and encouraged to take joy in life.