St. Bernards College 2013 Yearbook #1 | Page 18

Special Character Retreats & Special Character Onwards M Upwards ountain climbing, mountaineering or the practice of ascending to new elevated points or peaks is not for the faint hearted and is at times challenging. Mountain climbing is for the most part a group activity that requires a lot of team work, skill and certain qualities such as perseverance, resilience, reliance and courage. The concept of climbing a mountain is parallel to our life journey in order for us to become the best version of ourselves that God has created us to be. It is for this reason that the St Bernard’s Retreat programme has been based on the idea of climbing a mountain. The programme is outlined from Year 9 – 13 as follows: along the way and most importantly they learn what it means to be a Bernard’s man. The retreat experience is unique to the Catholic education and one we hold as vital to the holistic education we offer at St Bernard’s. It is a day set aside for personal growth, to develop our relationship with God, with each other and with ourselves. Our hope is that the retreat experience is one that enables our young men to be confident explorers; people who are able to work successfully as a team and be leaders who are strong of heart and strong in faith. It has been my pleasure to develop such a successful retreat programme at St Bernard’s College and I am confident that it will continue to grow and strengthen. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at St Bernard’s and know first-hand the pride of being a Bernard’s man. I wish the students, the staff and the parents of our community all the very best over the coming years. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) Mr Nick Wilson (Assistant DRS, Year 10 Dean) At each stage students are called to reflect on their journey so far. They look at the different challenges they have overcome, the skills that they have learnt 16 St Bernard’s College 2013