2023 REEF graduation!

2023 REEF graduation!

Cottage by the Sea’s REEF program is designed to support students in Year 6 as they transition into Year 7. The program provides them with opportunities to push themselves out of their comfort zones and help foster growth in confidence, resilience and leadership.

Our graduating Reefies came from St Leonards and Clifton Springs Primary Schools and we started with a group of 30. After 10 camps, 22 Reefies graduated. Their families came along and they gave them a grand tour of Cottage. Family members were going down our famous indoor slide and marvelling at the amazing setting on which Cottage is placed.

A big part of the ceremony involves the speeches the Reefies write about their time at Cottage – sharing their favourite memories, their biggest challenges and a whole lot of “thank you” mentions to staff, volunteers and families. Public speaking is always a nerve-wrecking experience, but they all did an amazing job sharing their stories. One of the biggest highlights for the Reefies was definitely the snow camp, as most of them had not been to the snow before. They all expressed how they had made new friendships and that the program had helped them to increase their confidence.

But the journey doesn’t stop here. All of our Reefies are welcome to join our Mentor program next year and build on what they have learned and continue to explore new opportunities!