From the Leader of Faith, Mission and Learning

Our Year 11 retreat was held on the 14th and 15th of March. The theme for the the retreat was taken from the famous quote from St Catherine of Sienna, “Be who God created you to be and you will set the world on fire.” 

The morning sessions allowed the students to consider who they are, made in God’s image, and their many gifts and talents, as they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our small group leaders encouraged the students to consider the qualities that they are sometimes afraid to share, the things that make them unique. Then, with the understanding that their gifts are given by God, the students engaged in activities that celebrated these unique gifts as the prophet Isaiah states “ Be not afraid” for it is God who makes us strong.

After lunch the students participated in a guided prayer walk in their small groups, to consider where it is we find God, as we discern who we are. Followed by Reconciliation which was eagerly embraced by the Year 11 students, and then Mass.

 The Friday affirmation sessions are always special for the students. This is a time where the students show their appreciation for one another and the people God has gifted them to be in their lives. Tears of joy flowed from the students as they read their affirmations with realisation that they are loved and appreciated by their friends and peers.

Thank you to all the teachers who generously gave up their time to attend retreat with our Year 11 students. Mr Frankham, Sr Christina, Mr Chiapetta, Mr Kolek, Mrs O’Hare, Ms Corpuz, Mr Culbert, Mr Jayaratna, Miss Misfud, Mr Lewanddowski, Mr Dowers, Mr Cetnic, and Miss Breeze.

Thank you to Mrs Anthony and Miss Tan for running the program at Kiah Ridge and Winmalee.

Thank you to our wonderful Priests who celebrated Mass at the sites and made time for the students to attend Reconciliation, Fr Kevin Redmond, Fr Kevin Medillo, Fr Floyd Gatana and Fr Andrew Rooney.