Semester one exams are over for the Year 12 students at Cornerstone, so a two day retreat has been provided to help each of them as they gear up towards the last phase of their secondary education.

Organised by College Chaplain, Debbie Robinson, with input provided from Mr Will Meyer and members of the YWAM team, the students headed for the hills and spent two valuable days together.

Sessions were arranged to promote discussion amongst the group about mechanisms they can engage which will help them prepare for the coming months.  Practical topics, such as determining strategies for dealing with study, keeping a positive attitude, coping with stress and ensuring they keep some balance in their lives were a large part of the focus.  However, the spiritual elements that can be engaged to help on this coming journey were also discussed, with some meaningful dialogue coming from what was presented.

At a point over the time together, students were presented with letters from parents and mentors, who offered encouragement for the recipients.  These letters are a personal and emotional moment in the time away, but pivotal in preparing the students the changes they are facing in their lives in coming days.

As well as the more serious elements of their time together, there was a lot of fun.  Board games, table tennis, and inventive games that brought more laughter than competitiveness helped the students blow off some steam.  Of particular note is the game of ‘Irish Snap’ which whilst having some resemblance to the traditional card game, also involved jacket swapping, jumping in the air and racing to pieces of furniture.  Jigsaw puzzles and even a bit of pampering were all acceptable activities.

The atmosphere was fun, inclusive and obviously successful.  Special thanks must go to Debbie Robinson for her organisation and relaxed manner which aided in bringing the desired outcomes.

This is an annual event on the Cornerstone College calendar, and is considered a necessary part of the Year 12 education offered here.