Located in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, SMA Lokon St. Nikolaus Tomohon is a distinguished private boarding school founded by Mr. Ronald Korompis and Mrs. Mary Wewengkang. Serving 344 students from diverse cultural backgrounds across Indonesia, the school operates under a unique educational model. With a blend of the national K-13 curriculum and its proprietary “Life-Based Curriculum,” the school emphasizes holistic development through its motto: Veritas, Virtus, Fides—Latin for Truth, Virtue, and Faith.

Emphasizing Character Development

Character development is central to SMA Lokon’s mission. Boarding life, while enriching, presents unique challenges for students. Their structured schedule includes a 4:30 AM start, school from 6:45 AM to 3 PM, extracurricular activities until 5 PM, and study sessions in the dormitory from 5:30 to 7 PM, five days a week. Students typically return home only twice a month, on weekends or during holidays.

For Year 12 students, the intensity builds as they face critical milestones: final school assessments, university major selection, and entrance tests. Moreover, they often encounter personal challenges, including negotiating career choices with family expectations. Under this pressure, some students may show signs of disengagement, like tardiness, uniform infractions, or missing classes. Noticing these patterns, the staff recognized the need for an intervention to help students recharge.

Introducing the Retreat Program

The Retreat Program, developed by the school’s guidance counselors, religious instructors, and dormitory staff, offers Year 12 students a much-needed opportunity for self-reflection and renewed motivation. This annual program provides guidance, motivation, and practical strategies for navigating high school’s final stage while preparing for the challenges ahead in university life.

Traditionally, the retreat is hosted at the scenic Alamanda Retreat House on Mahawu Mountain, offering students a break from their routines to connect with nature. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, recent retreats have been adapted to the school campus.

Program Structure and Activities

The Retreat Program is designed with two main components: spiritual growth and character-building exercises.

1. Spiritual Activities: The program includes group worship, Bible study led by a priest, and personal faith-sharing among students. Reflection sessions, such as Eucharistic Prayer and adoration, allow students to engage in self-reconciliation, providing a grounding experience.

2. Character and Community Building: Through team games and discussions, students cultivate collaboration, discipline, and resilience. Divided into groups, students participate in activities like creating a group song, navigating game stations blindfolded, and competing in points-based games. One favorite game, the “fighting over seats” challenge, encourages friendly competition and teamwork, as students vie for chairs in a musical game that underscores quick thinking and agility.

After each activity, facilitators engage students in discussions about the values learned, such as resilience, teamwork, and friendship, reinforcing character lessons from the games.

Positive Outcomes and Student Feedback

The most recent retreat saw 103 participants, with half responding to a post-retreat survey. Their average rating of four stars reflects strong support and appreciation for the program. Students returned to their daily routines with renewed motivation, ultimately achieving a 100% graduation rate for their cohort on May 5, 2022.

This initiative demonstrates how SMA Lokon’s Retreat Program not only supports students academically but also fosters personal growth, helping them build resilience and emotional well-being during a pivotal time in their lives.

Reflection for Other Schools

As highlighted by Martha Goni, SMA Lokon’s staff recognized that students often feel stressed and in need of guidance. Reflecting on SMA Lokon’s approach, consider what programs your school might offer to support student well-being. How do these initiatives impact their motivation and success? Investing in such programs can help students thrive academically and personally, preparing them for future challenges with renewed vigor.