Volume 33 Issue 10 - 23 July 2021

Year 11 Retreat

The central theme for the Year 11 Retreat is based on verse 14 of Psalm 139, “I praise you God for I am wonderfully made.” The following is a number of reflections on the Year 11 Retreat experience written by our Year 11 students.

The Year 11 Retreat was an amazing experience. I was able to bond, make memories and become closer with my grade. All the activities we did were really enjoyable and it helped many girls and I build up our confidence and trust. I was able to let go of all the stress for 3 days and focus on myself and all the amazing people around me who were there to support me and make Year 11 Retreat a memorable one. We were able to share our thoughts and ideas without any judgement and build a closer connection with each other.  By Amisha K.

Year 11 Retreat 2021 was a peaceful and leisurely experience. It allowed us all to unwind, bond and slow down as a year group. Not only was the Retreat site very nice and tranquil, the staff there were very welcoming and accommodating. One of my favourite things about this Retreat was the meditation we did on the second night. This allowed us to connect with each other on a deeper level and reflect on our own spirituality and the relationship we have with ourself. I gained stronger bonds with people that I wouldn't usually hang around and a clearer view of the path and journey I want to follow in my life to find my purpose. In Year 11, I thought I knew every person in our year, however, I was surprised about how much I didn't know about people. The lasting impact that this Retreat made was that it connected our whole year from multiple small groups into one big community. By Annabelle M.

Retreat was an eye-opening experience that connected our year group through faith and reflection. It gave us the opportunity to take a break away from our busy lives and to be free from stress and assignments. The experience itself is something I will never forget. I was able to create new bonds, strengthen old ones, and became more spiritually aware. I felt very in touch with my beliefs and was given the chance to share my views. Also, I gained a clearer understanding of the importance of the relationships I have with others. Year 11 Retreat was the highlight of my Semester 1.  By Tavara S.

Personally, Year 11 Retreat was a great break away from the busy days at school and let me take time to focus on myself. During the three days we did many different activities and created many experiences as a year group, including meditation, our 6 circles, dances and creating our image of God. These activities allowed me to make deeper connections to my closer friends and girls I don't normally speak to. One of the last activities we did was my favourite, writing symbols and positive messages for the other people in our small groups. This truly made a positive environment within our small groups as well as our whole year group. Overall, Year 11 Retreat was an eye opening experience being full of positive and fun energy, creating memories that will last forever.  By Jade J.

Angelo Gattone - Mission Coordinator