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BYTE 2010

 

Last week, Year 12 students from all Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay came together over two days for the annual Broken Bay Year Twelve Event (known as BYTE). Organised by the Broken Bay Catholic Schools Office, the annual event was introduced during World Youth Day in 2008.

Now in its third year, the gathering is an opportunity for the students to discuss issues facing young people today and to get to know each other.

On Tuesday 9 March, students from the Central Coast and lower North Shore gathered at St Edward’s College, East Gosford. On Wednesday 10 March, students from the Peninsula and upper North Shore met at St Augustine’s College, Brookvale.

The days began with introductions and a short audio-visual presentation on each school prepared by the Year 12 students. Everyone enjoyed seeing the videos each school had created and finding out more about the other schools in the Diocese.

Afterwards, the students listened to speakers from Reach, an organisation run by a team of young leaders aged from 15-25, who encourage all young people, no matter their circumstances, to believe they can achieve.

The speakers challenged the Year 12 students to believe in themselves. “You can do whatever you want,” said Zac, one of the Reach speakers. “Live your dreams, you can start now with small steps.”

Bishop David Walker also challenged the students to think about who they will become in the future, not necessarily what they will do. “Be conscious and deliberate about the things you choose to do,” said Bishop David.  “There is a distinction between who we are and what we do.”

Two dramatic pieces on the environment and bullying were performed by St Leo’s Catholic College students on the Tuesday and Mater Maria Catholic College students on the Wednesday.

Bishop David Walker, Bishop of Broken Bay Diocese joined the students for lunch and the celebration of Mass, along with Brother Tony Whelan, Director of Schools.

“The day was a great opportunity to meet many of these wonderful students who are now in their final year of school,” Bishop Walker said.

“I appreciated hearing their views and concerns and it was great to witness their enthusiasm and hope for the future.”

Joanne Hack, BYTE Coordinator, added that through gathering together the students’ connection and sense of identity as being part of the Broken Bay Diocese of schools is developed.