YEAR 12 RETREAT

The 2024 Year 12 students experienced three days of prayer, faith, reflection, fun witness and friends during their retreat at the Collaroy Centre, on the 28th to the 30th of August 2024. During the retreat, the students considered the moments that shaped them, who it is they were created to be, and how they will bring God’s light to the world after graduation, within the theme of the retreat  “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”  Pope Benedict XVI

Some of the retreat highlights were, our Prayer walks to the beach, Reconciliation and students decorating a candle with symbols that represent who they are, which were used as the centrepiece for our Mass. The Men's and Women's sessions were a moving experience for many, as student considered the value of the human person made in God’s image, and what it means to be male and female in the world today. The afternoon walks to the beach allowed everyone some relaxation, fun and ice cream, and the affirmation sessions during our final session, saw many in tears, as the students realised how much they are valued by their peers in Year 12.  The joy the students experienced over the three days was made evident at the end of day 3 when the students came together to sing the school song. Thank You to Fr Kevin who travelled to the retreat site on two separate occasions for Reconciliation and Mass, and for contributing to the Men's session, thank you to Fr Dennis for assisting Fr Kevin with reconciliation. Thank you to Mr Houseman for his organisation and all of our wonderful teachers who contributed as small group leaders Mr Alata, Miss Breeze, Ms Bade, Miss Rivera, Mr Kolek, Miss Malonzo, Mr WIlls, Mrs Reddy, Ms Rujicica, Sr Christina, Miss Ramzy, Mr Cetinic and Miss Tan for her wonderful contribution. Thank you lastly to our Year 12 students who contributed so well to the occasion, we hope it was an experience that you treasure.

Our students have shared some great insights into their experiences at the Retreat:

“Retreat to me was a reflective journey as it challenged us to reflect on our lives and how these experiences have shaped us to be who we are today, calling us to know that “We are not made for comfort – we are made for greatness.” Retreat facilitated an open atmosphere that called us to open ourselves up to, and meaningfully engage with one another; students and teachers. To me one of the most profound moments during the retreat was seeing the teachers be vulnerable, sharing their rich unadulterated emotions and experiences with all of us, modelling to us students the power in vulnerability and teaching us through what they have learned in their own lives as we venture out into the world as adults. During the three days, we were given many opportunities to not only have fun and bond but to truly engage with our faith and spirituality. Notably, the daily exam Sister Cristina led, to me, was very impactful and I intend to continue to engage with it as a form of prayer throughout my life.  I could really see the impact of these faith formation activities with the whole grade genuinely engaging with the activities on a deep level – I could truly feel the presence of God in and around my peers. These experiences truly shaped and formed our faith and relationships as a cohort, as I  found myself building long-lasting relationships with people I had seldom talked to. This retreat established the tenor through which we as a cohort can continue to truly live out and be grateful for the teachings ingrained into us through our years at St Andrews.”

• College Vice Captain Jeremy Delfino (Year 12)

“I went to retreat with minimal expectations and was sensitive to being emotionally uncomfortable. However, what the retreat offered, surpassed what I had expected and offered me a profound sense of self-assurance and an opportunity to reflect on current & future life. The retreat at times did make me feel uncomfortable... but it was not at all a bad thing. For many like myself, it's awkward to be vulnerable and genuine but in spite of that, key reflection moments during the retreat enabled me to connect with my peers on a deeper level and understand those around me more whole-hearted and truthfully. I think it was the perfect way to unite the cohort during our final moments before we graduate and to positively reflect all aspects of life as well as our relationship with God. This retreat offered me an opportunity to appreciate both students and teachers and moreover the many people who have played a significant role in helping me develop into the person I am today during the past 6 years at St Andrews. This experience granted me the chance to deeply connect with God and a profound sense of gratitude for what God has gifted me in my life. So as year 12's face the end of our time at this college, the retreat had perfectly wrapped up a finished chapter and helped us transition into a new chapter of our lives. In saying this, the memories I have made at this retreat will continue to stay vivid for years to come so I truly thank all staff who have made this retreat happen!”

• College Captain Euleila Barret (Year 12)

We wish Year 12 all the best as they begin to finish up their time here at St Andrews College, as their upcoming Graduation and HSC exams draw near. We hope that this Retreat has given them a wonderful opportunity to be aware of God’s presence in their life. It has been a privilege to accompany them in closing this current chapter as they step into a new phase in life, hopefully knowing that God constantly walks alongside them. 

YEAR 9 REFLECTION DAY

On Friday 6th September, Year 9 was given the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities that helped deepen their faith during the Year 9 Reflection Day. The day was run by the team at Young Lasallians - Damian, Oliver, Emilia and Koe brought a bright energy to St Andrews and shared their energy, personal testimonies and their love of music with our Year 9 students. We were also very fortunate to once again have our Year 10 Youth Ministry Leaders come and help facilitate small group sessions.

 The theme of the day was “The Spirit of it” where students were invited to explore the gifts of the Holy Spirit and reflect on their life journey so far, the important people in their lives who have journeyed with them, and their own gifts and talents that they are called to use to serve others. Students were also able to have some fun with their year group by participating in team-building activities, icebreakers and singing/dancing to some great music provided by the Young Lasallians Team.

Our students gained some insightful perspectives from the day:

“On the Year 9 reflection day, my peers and I had loads of fun. The day was filled with self-reflection and how God sees us. My favourite part of the day was singing as a grade and sharing our personal stories. This helped me connect, relate, and feel more connected with my friends and my peers. A personal memory I got from that day is when they were talking about self-worth. worth. They told a story about a watch, and it made me think about how even though I might not be the best student and I might not be perfect, in God's eyes my worth is a million and so is everybody else's.”

• Alyssa Bettiol, Year 9 

“The La Salle community encouraged students and peers to participate in a day of mindfulness on the value and importance of themselves from God's perspective. The day was full of exciting activities and opportunities for bonding. Our grade was able to connect on a deeper level through games and tasks that day, including singing worship songs and experiencing Christ's heavenly presence. This allowed some students who aren't used to experiencing a holy atmosphere feel welcomed into one. My favourite part of the day was when we danced and sang along to a song about rivers, fountains, mountains, and love. As we sang each line, the pace increased, forcing us to perform the dance moves quickly but accurately. This day not only helped friends and peers, to build an enduring feeling of community but it also taught us that God is the only one we should try to impress or build relationships with because he gives us endless opportunities, forgives us endlessly, and even though we may not be perfect and he doesn't need us at all, he still says that he will be by our sides, helping and guiding us just to have a bond with us. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." - Isaiah 43:2

• Isabella Predescu, Year 9

We are so proud of how Year 9 participated - there was a sense of enthusiasm, willingness to give things a go, a sense of vulnerability, and an openness to what God wanted to reveal to them. It was a great experience overall for both students and staff, and we are looking forward to welcoming back the team at Young Lasallians as well as our Year 10 Youth Ministry Leaders to continue to journey alongside our students in their faith journeys.

Year 9 and 10 Music Ministry Workshop 

As part of our ongoing youth formation program with our students, on Thursday 5th September, some of our Year 9 and 10 students were invited to attend a Music Ministry Workshop run by some volunteers from Youth For Christ. This was an excellent opportunity for students to learn about how music is a form of prayer and were able to understand the role of the Music Ministry Band in leading others to God. Students were able to see how they can use their God-given talents to serve others and learned about the virtue of humility in allowing God to shine through them. They also learned about the importance of dynamics, synchronisation and the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit when they play together as a band.

We were very fortunate to have volunteers from Youth For Christ to mentor our students and run instrument-specific workshops. Students learnt two praise and worship songs - “I Know” and “Hallelujah” by Liveloud Worship. They are very excited to have more opportunities to play these songs for our faith and mission events at the College, especially as it is a dynamic and vibrant way for young people to connect with their faith. The students also gained a lot of insight from our volunteers and were inspired to see young people outside of their school community also actively serving God in their own personal contexts. Some of our students shared an insight into their experience of the workshop:

“I've always been told by my family that God gives everyone a gift, and I've always known mine was music. And as God's glorious creation, our true purpose is to spread the Word of God to the world, so why not use the gifts He gave us to do this? The Music Ministry Workshop was an amazing opportunity for music students to learn how we can use music to praise and worship God. Once we had learnt how to play Liveloud Worship's I Know, all the students played it together as one big family of instruments. It felt amazing experiencing what it's like to be in a full band. Playing music for God is unlike just playing music normally. Each note I played was directed to showing God how grateful I am for my gift and using it for Him. Being surrounded with people who all respect, encourage, and care for each other was the perfect environment for celebrating our gifts. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to participate in this event, and can't wait to do it again next time!”

• Angelo Demian, Year 10

A big thank you to our Youth For Christ volunteers  Kiarrah, Lexi, Ronan, Diego, Jewel, Tristan and Hannah for generously giving their time and talents to our students, and for mentoring them and inspiring them to use their talents for God. Our students are very excited to have them back, and we are keen to see how they will use what they learned in the workshops for the service of the entire College community.