During the week, Year 10 students at Merici College participated in the 2020 Transitions Forum. The Forum is held every year and is dedicated to Year 10 students moving into their final years of education, providing them with an opportunity to consider their course choices for Years 11 and 12 and to think about career pathways.
The students considered how to make decisions, reflected on what is important in their lives, tried out a few different careers, learnt about the job market, prepared for senior study and much, much more.
The first day of the Forum, ‘Day of Hope’ provided knowledge, understanding, values and attitudes that form the foundation on which participants can build a hope-filled future. The day developed an understanding of the effects that external influences and personal cognitions have on the individual. By encouraging critical thinking, it provoked participants to counteract negativity and make informed, healthy choices. The day was run by Glen Gerreyn, Co-founder and Director of the HopeFull Institute.
Presentations continued the second day with participants attending workshops on:
- Introduction to Senior Study
- IB Diploma Programme/BSSS Program
- University degree pre-requisites
- Extra- curricular academic activities available in Senior College
The students also welcomed some of our ex-students back to the College, participating in the Experts on Tap session. The girls shared their knowledge and experiences with our Year 10 students.
The final day of the Forum was dedicated to the Year 10 Reflection Day run by Ms Amy Connellan, Head of Mission and Community. The Reflection Day was called “Heart of Wisdom”, looking at ‘Where have I come from?’ to ‘Where I am called to’, addressing issues of limiting values and motivating students to create loving relationships with themselves, their families and their peers; while exploring their own needs and dreams. The second half of the day involved meditation, reflection through art and an affirmation exercise with the whole group – focusing on the scriptural theme: Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
The Transitions Forum was extremely successful and feedback received from all the students has been very positive. Students found all the information sessions and workshops very helpful and informative and noted that they feel more confident about the transition into Year 11 and more informed on the choices available to them for their future career paths.
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