Leadership Academy Yearbook Flipbook 2019-2020

STUDENT LEADERSHIP RETREAT
In February 2020 we hosted the first ‘Centennialized’ Student Leadership Retreat, an intensive off-campus
leadership development experience. Student leaders spent three days and two nights at the Cedar Glen
Outdoor Centre in Schomberg, Ontario.
Students first met each other at the pre-retreat in mid-February, where we all, facilitators included, learned
about our DISC profiles -- our preferred behavioural styles as related to tasks and people. Students met
their retreat “buddy” and set out on a mission to make the most out of this unique experience.
On Monday, February 24, we boarded a COLTS bus (how fun! with seatbelts!) and soon arrived at the
expansive Cedar Glen YMCA. We all settled into our comfy rooms and began what was a deeply engaging
and unforgettable experience. Through group, team and individual activities, we gained insights into our
emotional and social intelligence, discussed our conflict resolution styles, worked on our personal mission
and self-care practices, and took ample time for reflection and connection with others.
The weather allowed for some incredible outdoors experiences: we had a bonfire, complete with smores
and songs, we tried snowshoeing, archery and a super fun outdoor maze. We played games and talked
until late into the night.
The retreat made us a tighter Centennial community and more capable agents of change and leadership.
The retreat’s facilitators – Ella Bates, Rob Hurtubise, Lynda O’Donovan, Annie Sun and Magdalena
Goledzinowska – express their gratitude to the student participants who made this trip an exceptional
growth experience for all.
Testimonials from retreat participants
“The facilitators did a great job to include the theory with the interactive activities. The
participation of my fellow students was on a higher level than I expected.”
“I got to know about the perspective of different people. I made some amazing
connections and the retreat gave me an opportunity and direction to self-reflect. I
understand and respect everyone’s thinking even more. I was amazed to see the
energy of facilitators. I thank everyone from bottom of my heart to make this retreat
wonderful and memorable.”
“I liked the fact that the students chosen to attend came from all walks of life, all
backgrounds and [had] many different things to bring to the table.”
CLA 2019-20 YEARBOOK | 5