AIMS OF THIS RETREAT EXPERIENCE
In a literal, military sense, a “Retreat” is a strategic move away from the action to take stock of the situation, to reconsider strategies that are working and those that are not, to rest and recover, and to see things from a different perspective (typically from high up on a mountain!).  A school retreat is similar.  It is taking a step back from everyday life – school work, part time jobs, after school commitments, family chores etc. to reflect on important aspects of a student’s life – how they view themselves, how they interact and communicate in their relationships with their family, friends and their God and what is important to them now and for the near future. “Getting away” is an essential part of a retreat experience.

The Retreat is NOT an opportunity for counselling.  It does not involve “group therapy.” The students will participate in a combination of large group and small group activities, games and liturgies.  There will be times of high energy and fun and other times of quiet and reflection.

In free time, students will also have the opportunity to participate in bushwalking, swimming and sporting activities.  All of these activities will be supervised.

EXPECTATIONS
Experience has shown that the retreats can have a positive impact on the lives of the students both at school and at home.  With all such experiences, however, the students need to enter into the activities in a positive manner.  All regulations applied by Camp Bornhoffen, as well as normal school rules, must be observed.  The normal school requirements and regulations relating to illegal and illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco apply.  

Other expectations relate to:

1. Care of property with appropriate compensation for any damage caused.
2. Punctuality for meals and activities.
3. Following instructions regarding activities, use of mobile phones, disposal of rubbish, etc.
4. Adhering to the list of items provided below under “What to Bring” and “Do Not Bring”
5. Remaining within the specified camp boundaries.
6. Adhering to practices expected in a living with COVID-19 environment: regular hand-washing, coughing/sneezing into elbows. not sharing drink bottles etc.

Students are expected to behave in a responsible manner at all times while on retreat.  If at any time a student or students fail to adhere to the standards set by the College in regard to their conduct, the College reserves the right to withdraw the student and send them home.

THE RETREAT IS COMPULSORY
All students and parents were advised quite explicitly on enrolment that Retreats are compulsory for all Xavier Catholic College students in Years 10 and 12.

As a Jesuit Companion School we strive for Cura Personalis - the education of the “whole” person.  This philosophy includes academic excellence, but recognises the need to ensure that each student who joins our school community develops an awareness of their own spirituality, the need for good relationships with others and an understanding of themselves and their giftedness.  Our annual retreats for Year 10 students are focal times in the “holistic” aspects of your son/daughter’s education.

Consequently, all students are expected to attend the retreat and parents are urged to encourage them to participate as fully as they can in this unique opportunity.    

CHANGING GROUPS
Changing students from one group to another creates difficulties for the activities scheduled at school and for transport and accommodation arrangements on retreat.  It also negates the potential to build house spirit among our emerging leaders if students are not on retreat with their own house. Changing Year 10 retreat groups can only be considered for the most pressing cases.
 
MOBILE PHONES
Ideally, all students should leave their mobile phones and other devices at home.  This would be a refreshing break for many of our students who spend far too much time on their mobile devices.  If students are genuinely unable to be away from their mobile phone for two nights, they need to be especially mindful of the following:
1. The use of cameras on these devices is prohibited without the express permission of staff and the subjects being photographed.  Under no circumstances may photographs from this school function be uploaded to the internet or forwarded to a third party.
2. The use of mobile phones is restricted to brief and specific times each day.  Many important retreat activities occur in the evening and at night and mobile phone use will not be permitted during these times. Failure to adhere strictly to this policy will result in the device being confiscated for the duration of the retreat.
3. Mobile phone coverage is poor in this area.  Parents who need to contact their son/daughter whilst on retreat should contact the College Office. The College Mobile contact no. for staff on retreat (emergencies only) is 0439 876 482.

WHAT TO BRING
Students need to bring the items listed below.  Parents are encouraged to check off this list before your son/daughter leaves home.  In past years, missing items have caused inconvenience and discomfort for some students.

 Morning tea for the first day (to be eaten at Murwillumbah)
 A pillow, a sheet or sheets, sleeping bag or blankets (those in sleeping bags still require a sheet)
 Appropriate clothing for three days and two nights away.
 All students should have appropriate sleepwear for cool mountain nights in unheated cabins!
 All students should bring a warm jumper or jacket
 All students must bring a hat
 If the weather is warm during the day – swimming activities may be an option for free time. Only students
        who remember to bring swimmers will be permitted to participate in swimming activities.
 Students are advised that, in general, very brief shorts, skirts, singlet tops etc. are not appropriate
        for school excursions and such garments are not suitable for the various games and other physical
        activities that occur on retreat.
 Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste deodorant and brush)
 Bath towel and swimming towel
 A water bottle – bubblers may not be available under current COVID-safe protocols
 Sunscreen and insect repellent
 Medication (if needed).  If a student needs to take medication during the retreat they must notify a staff
        member of this fact, as per the attached Medical Form.  This is to ensure correct information in an
        emergency.  

DO NOT BRING
• Bluetooth speakers or any other amplified music system
• Chromebooks, laptops or tablet computers
• Hair straighteners
• Expensive jewellery
• “Energy” drinks, caffeine products or large amounts of ‘snack food’

These items may be confiscated for the duration of the retreat.