YEAR 12 RETREAT
Mittagong:
From the 27th - 29th of November, Ryan and Chisolm travelled to Mittagong for year 12 retreat. From the beginning, teachers jumped around and sung lyrics, introducing the energy we all needed. We got involved in fun games, ventured to the Marist Brothers burial ground, got involved in deep conversations and personal reflection. We spent lots of time getting to know each other, our teachers, ourselves and we were able to build trust and connection with those around. We were forced to acknowledge who we are as individuals, where we stand with our faith and spirituality and reconcile with anything we needed to out at ease. My favourite part of the retreat was the activities that pushed us out of our comfort zones and made us build connections and friendships. Departure day was a difficult balance between being so glad we had a successful retreat and so sad that it had to end but I know every single person had an amazing time and we’ve all grown closer together, ready for the coming year. This experience truly changed us positively and I am so very grateful.
By Jessica Soh
Before attending the retreat I didn’t think much of it and wasn’t expecting the experience I received. After hearing previous year 12’s mention what they did on the retreat it did not sound very exciting and due to this, I was not ready for the impact it would have on myself. But after the first few sessions, I had already felt a change of mindset on the experience, through building new connections with others I began to become open-minded on what the rest of the retreat held for me. The most enjoyable part of retreat would have to be the activities which involved meeting someone new, for example, pairing up with someone you don’t necessarily hang out with and having lunch with them. Since the retreat, I believe I have built new connections with others as well as having developed a better understanding of where I stand with my connection with my faith.
By Riley Tonna
Retreat was a great experience , initially I was nervous for what was to come because I thought that it was going to be like a 3 day liturgy but upon arriving I immediately felt a sense of relief and was super excited. When we had time to connect with God and tell people why we are grateful for them was extremely powerful and eye opening as people share things that they usually don’t have the courage too. Sharing and spending more time with others was really positive in deepening and strengthening existing relationships or new relationships that we didn’t have before retreat. Also the time we had to spend with God and here about other people God experiences has changed and strengthened my perspective of my faith.
By Katelyn Burnes
I was kind of scared about this retreat and what it was going to be like because I thought that it would focus too much on the spiritual part more than the actual reconnection with others part but when I got there, it turned out that it was actually the other way around. The retreat was more creating a with others and in a way finding a reconnection with yourself. It was a great experience to play pool or ping pong with others and have a great time and it was amazing to spend late nights talking with your friends and having a laugh but don’t tell the teachers that. To put the phone down and open your eyes to the surroundings and people around you and engage with them was an experience I’ll never forget. To realise the friends I’ve made and have makes me appreciate the people in my life more. Bless up to Sam, Riley, Dylan, Mohit, Andrew, Amith, Jay, Liam, Deklin, Ruby, Cameron, Anthony, Daniel and the other guns out there. Love you all.
By Jayden Diaz
