From the Director of Mission, Phillip Davis
Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 25-27 October 2017, all Year 12 students enjoyed the experience of the Senior Retreat.
The senior students attended either the Benedict XVI Retreat Centre at Grose Vale (Aungier and O’Connor Houses), Kiah Ridge Christian Conference Centre, Tahmoor (Green and Quinn), Lutanda Toukley Centre on the Central Coast (Brennan and Lacey) or the Winmalee Christian Conference Centre in the Blue Mountains (Conlon and Green).
Using games, activities, large group input, small group processing, meditation and liturgy, the Retreat program saw students reflect on self, family, peers, relationships, spirituality and their connection with God. The students are to be commended for their excellent cooperation during their Retreat. Staff commented that student participation was very positive in all aspects of the Retreat.
I would like to sincerely thank the following staff who gave of their time to facilitate the Retreat Program:
Benedict XVI: Mr Barr (Supervisor), Mr McCoy (Presenter), Ms Batterham, Ms Binyamin, Ms Cullen, Mr McCormack, Mr New, Ms Walker
Kiah Ridge: Mr Coleman (Supervisor) Mr Hearne (Presenter), Mr Balkizas, Mr Chen, Ms Cooper, Ms Kite, Ms Knowles, Ms Stewart
Lutanda Toukley: Mr Horrocks (Supervisor), Mr Thompson (Presenter), Ms Attard, Ms Della Marta, Mr Elliot, Mr Mosna, Ms Ryan, Mr Smith
Winmalee: Mr McCallum (Supervisor) Mr Davis (Presenter), Ms Downey, Ms Falkinder, Mr Newbury, Mr Reidy, Mr Rowlings.
I would also like to thank the staff who remained at school and took classes for those staff on the Retreat.
Some student comments from their evaluation sheets:
“The Retreat was a very good experience as it gave me time to reflect on myself and my past, as well as learning things about myself now that I don’t normally think about, through the small group activities.”
“It was a nice relaxing venue (Winmalee) with really good food. Personally, I thought the Retreat was excellent and I learnt a lot from it.”
“Good experience; great stress reliever. I recommend more being done in the future.”
“It was good to make new friends and get to know them.”
“The Retreat was a good experience to learn more about ourselves, our friends and God.”
“I was actually surprised by the overall experience in a good way.”
“Was not only fun, but extremely beneficial for our mental health.”
“I had a great time and got a lot of positive outlooks on life.”
