GILRAY HOUSE AT THE TOP OF MT ST LEONARD FOR THEIR COMMISSIONING .
BELOW : CONTEMPLATIVE PATH
about the change he made . Maturity doesn ’ t come by accident , waiting around , or just getting older . It requires a choice , a vision , and action !
The Year 9 Retreats have finished for the year , but it is these essential ideas that we are encouraging our boys to embrace as they begin the last phase of their journey through Senior School , and the next phase in their journey to adulthood . Breaking away from the busyness and distraction of everyday life , boys spent two days at the Healesville campsite where they could take some time to consider who they are , who they want to be , and even who they can be , if they dare .
The early winter rain added to the challenge , as boys undertook a range of activities designed to help them learn about themselves – their inherent value and endless potential – and their peers . Two fantastic young men – Old Boys of the school – shared their stories , allowing the boys to see that they ’ re not alone in whatever journey they find themselves on ; Rucci ’ s Circus returned to uncover hidden talents of coordination ( hopefully !); Josh Pearse (’ 17 ) took them through activities designed to stretch their minds and patterns of speech ; and the Christian Education staff helped the boys to value the importance of downtime and silence .
Drawing all these threads together was our long-term presenter Brenton Killeen , who invited the boys to consider three key questions : What am I like ? What am I worth ? What can I do ?
The retreat culminates in a walk to Mt St Leonard where the Chaplain leads them in a commissioning , welcoming them into the journey towards manhood . Mt St Leonard is on a watershed , and as they stand atop the mountain looking across the valley back towards Melbourne , the environment casts a beautiful picture of choice , pathways , vision , and opportunity . It challenges them to create a watershed moment where they can set their sights , take control of their own journey , and choose to move forward . The Head of House , Tutor and Year 11 Leaders also participate in the commissioning to show that boys are not on their own in the journey .
We know that healthy manhood does not happen overnight , just as fitness does not occur because we declare it on New Year ’ s Day ! But these moments of declaration become that first proactive step that Paul or Stephen Covey talk about – we learn of ourselves that we have the power to choose . All we have to do then , is set a vision and start to move . Imagine who these young men will become when they grasp these truths ! Just watch …
CAMERON CUTCHIE – HEAD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 35