Year 12 Retreat: Finding the Treasure Within

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Last week with anticipation, 136 Year 12 students embarked on the annual Year 12 Retreat. Not sure what to expect, they were pleasantly surprised by what would unfold over the coming days.

The Retreat is generally a time of reflection, personal growth, friendship, and spiritual consideration; at the end of it, all the participants would have experienced something new, challenging and worthwhile.

The theme of the retreat was 'the treasure within', students were split into large activity groups led by staff to discuss issues relating to trust, relationships, painful and difficult times as well as the purpose of life. The students also engaged in a session of positive affirmation of each other – a powerful experience for each and every one of the students, including the staff. Tears and hugs were not uncommon during this experience and all participants left feeling affirmed and valued, with a greater appreciation of their unique treasures and the postive impact these can have on others when lived.

The last day saw the students consider spiritual matters and the possibility of thinking about more than just themselves. A recent addition to the Retreat has seen the students open their affirmation boxes that had affirming messages written by their peers and teachers. Having experienced the Retreat many times, every year I have witnessed the wonderful generosity of spirit that the students develop over the course of their time there. Their relationships are enriched, their understanding of themselves deepened and they return ito school with a renewed clarity of purpose.

None of this would take place without the generosity, warmth and professionalism of the staff who gave of their time and shared their personal life journey throughout the retreat.

Mr Wijesekera - Leader of Learning-Religious Education

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Written By

St John Paul II Catholic College
The way passes through this land

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