In Week 3 of Term 3, the Class of 2026 spent three days in Collaroy for the Year 12 Retreat. Two students reflected on their time away:
Last week, Year 12 travelled to the Collaroy Centre on Sydney’s northern beaches, a nostalgic return to the site of their Year 7 camp, which actually took place in Year 8 due to COVID restrictions in 2021. The familiar surroundings set a reflective tone as students considered their journey from Year 7 to 12 and wrote positive affirmations for one another.
Across three days, students engaged in individual reflection, PC group activities, and whole cohort moments. A liturgy on the first night, centred on the Beatitudes, grounded the retreat’s themes, followed by inspiring talks from Ms Sullivan and Mr Bootes. Day two offered extended time in PC groups, strengthening connections built over six years, and students opened letters they had written to themselves in Year 11, a meaningful moment to recognise growth and change.
On the final night, Principal Mrs Heffernan addressed the cohort before everyone came together for a celebratory disco and learnt the graduation dance. The last morning included PC photos, teacher thank yous, and the iconic Year 12 cohort photo.
After two sunrise walks, six excellent meals, and plenty of emotion, Year 12 headed back to Canberra ready to continue their final semester.
The retreat was a wonderful success, and Year 12 extends their gratitude to all staff who made it possible. We are thankful to have experienced the retreat in such a meaningful way and hope future cohorts gain just as much from it.
- Alec McLennan and Matthew Andrew
