YEAR 12 RETREAT 2022
Last week Year 12 attended their final retreat as a community at two venues, Mulgoa and Mittagong. The retreat is a significant event for all students and as such they shared in a valuable retreat program to begin the 2022 HSC year well. The Retreat is a catalyst for growth and the student’s were invited through large and small groups as well as personal reflection opportunities to respond to God’s call in their lives. Most students were amazed how they were able to connect with each other and more importantly themselves and they left the retreat with something more than they came with. This is a reality that goes far beyond “good feelings” and will be evident through a change of attitude and life practices that shows they are living more fully. The significant disruption of last year and the associated disconnect from everyday relationships definitely impacted the students, however, they found a way to contribute meaningfully and walk gently with each other ensuring a very successful retreat. I personally need to thank the staff that gave up their time and talents to facilitate this worthwhile and somewhat critical event and I pray that all participants are blessed for their presence at the retreat.
Below are some thoughts from a few of our students. Have a great weekend.
- Personally, retreat was an experience that had a significant impact on me. Looking back at all the experiences, I am really grateful that I attended and engaged in retreat. The activities allowed myself and everyone to come together and open up. It was amazing to talk to new people and get to know them and understand their experience. 10/10 experience. - Grace
- Retreat to me was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to so many new relationships with my peers and my teachers. The activities allowed me as an individual to open up spiritually and emotionally to become more in tune with my grade. (Leyla)
- Retreat was an experience that I wasn’t sure how to take on. But, it was a truly amazing time getting to know others that I hadn’t spoken to before, my teachers and getting closer with my friends. It was great to hear stories from those around me and get to understand them some more, something I never thought a retreat could do.
- For me, retreat was not an appealing experience that I wanted to engage in. I must say that now after coming back from it and looking back, I can strongly say that I had an astonishing time. The entire experience was fulfilling, fun and enjoyable. New opportunities, opinions, friends and experiences were all gained.
- Retreat was truly a fulfilling experience for me. It encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, open up and develop new relationships with my peers. Engaging in retreat deepened my understanding of my own intuition, and allowed me to develop greater appreciation for the things around me. Most importantly retreat brought me back to the present, and established a new perspective for me. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to engage in retreat. – Tahlia
- Year 12 retreat allowed our year group to become closer with one another and our teachers. We were able to form new bonds and step outside our comfort zones while in a supportive environment. The activities gave us the opportunity to engage with our spiritual and emotional self, and I am very grateful that I was able to go to retreat as it was a different and new experience. - Jess