ARTICLE BY ANNE-MARIE HUGHES | PRAIRIEMESSENGER.CA | OCTOBER 2010
SASKATOON — “A small but mighty family” describes E. D. Feehan Catholic High School, which held its annual retreat Oct. 21. The high school on the west side of Saskatoon has seen enrolment drop to 290 students in recent years, but enthusiasm and energy made up for fewer numbers.
The retreat was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Saskatoon in partnership with the school. Materials describing the event said that the program promotes student leadership and “champions a culture of non-violence, unity and charitable service.” The day was developed to reflect core beliefs of the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division (GSCS) and E. D. Feehan High School, which has as its motto, “I belong to the Feehan family: who I am makes a difference.” The theme for the day — Who We Are Makes a Difference — was prominently displayed on posters and T-shirts everywhere in the school. Attendance was high and the noise level during energizers in the gym showed the enthusiasm of students.
Students were divided into teams that went through six activities during the day. Each activity demonstrated the values displayed in the school crest: freedom, unity and charity. Freedom was addressed in videotaped interviews with four students and a teacher’s assistant describing their experiences and impressions of Canada after coming from countries such as Iran and Uganda. The new Canadians recounted stories of priests who had died for their beliefs and clergy who had protected the lives of others.
The gratitude they have for their new situation was obvious. “Since I’ve been here I have a smile all the time,” said a young man from Uganda. Motivational speakers Winston Blake and Dean Rutton outlined the freedom to choose how we respond to others through Basic Conflict Management Training. “Look at another’s perspective. They don’t see things the same way. Unpack the tension and listen to the intent,” Rutton advised students while explaining an Intent-Action-Effect Model of Conflict Resolution. Students actors presented the play “Sleeper Awake” six times during the day.
The play, set in the Middle East, included a message about breaking down barriers. Guest speakers added variety to the theme. Lamarr Oksasikewiyin taught youth traditional First Nations games in the gymnasium. Students watched as he demonstrated how hunters started early training by throwing a feather to hit a moving target. African drumming was a favourite among students. The rhythm resounded throughout an entire wing of the school as 38 drummers played in unison. Master drummer Joseph Ashong led the students through a series of more complicated patterns. With each change the group followed his lead to play in unison.
Good attendance for the second annual event demonstrated its popularity with students, giving organizers an indication of the retreat’s success in helping students feel they are a part of a stronger, more united school family.
Source: http://www.prairiemessenger.ca/11_03_2010/retreat_11_03_10.html