On Tuesday 19 May, the Year 7 cohort participated in their Encounter Day: Mercy in Every Moment - Connection to Country.

Building on our Connect Week where Year 7 students and staff were immersed in activities connecting students to faith, community and each other, Encounter Day provided an opportunity to Connect to Country, exploring how we live 'Mercy in every moment' through exploring their own personal connection to the land; what we can learn from our First Nations people; and what we are called to do as people of the Catholic faith.

The timing of the day was in perfect alignment with Laudato Si’ Week, with Reconciliation Week, coming up.

All students participated in a workshop with Mr Scott Darlow, an Aboriginal singer, songwriter, public speaker and educator from Yorta Yorta country. Scott speaks in 100+ schools and corporate settings every year, using his music and his incredibly engaging speaking presentations to share his culture and his heart for Reconciliation. His workshop on Tuesday was incredibly dynamic.

The Year 7 students participated in a variety of activities over the day, including River Detectives, Bush Cooking, Bush Chapel, Traditional Games, Bushwalk and Christian Art.

Please enjoy our gallery of images.

Year 7 Encounter Day Activities

Student Feedback

“I enjoyed connecting to country and becoming closer to friends and trying new things.” Sophia

“I enjoyed doing the Bush Chapel activity and bush cooking.” Matilda

“I really enjoyed Scott Darlow because he was really funny and great at making and singing his songs.” Willow

“I enjoyed the atmosphere of the day, Scott Darlow was super nice, the bush cooking was super fun and just being with your friends is super fun.”

“I loved wearing sports uniform.” Finn

“...I enjoyed going out into the bush.” Mackenzie

“The Bush Chapel was really good cause we had to find things in the bush to make a circle thing (mandala) relating to nature.”

“I loved Scott Darlow’s guitar so much.” Axis

“I liked doing River Detectives and looking at water bugs.” Molly

“I enjoyed being able to design and create a picture on the tile.” Miley

“I enjoyed meeting new people and having fun.” Alex

Bush Cooking