Leadership Retreat
On Monday and Tuesday, the 25th and 26th of November, the newly elected Student Leadership Team of 2025 participated in a two-day retreat at Kiah Ridge in preparation for the year ahead. Collaboratively the team engaged in a number of icebreakers and goal planning activities led by the Year 12 Captains and College Leaders. Although the day started with a bit of nerves and tension, we slowly began to know each other better and engage in an atmosphere of fun and growth. Everyone was successful in making foundational connections and learning a bit more about taking initiative and being a servant leader.
“It was such a huge pleasure in getting to meet all the leaders of 2025! We had a blast in playing various icebreakers and each of them created new opportunities in interacting and sharing talents amongst each other. It was clear that the brief retreat sparked feelings of security, awe and determination in every single leader. It was an amazing experience to witness why each person deserved their badge and how they used their unique skills and gifts to be one for others.”
- Elyscia Barret & Christabel Gobrial, Year 12 Publicity
“Retreat deepened my faith by putting things into perspective and making me realise that no matter our differences, or even our strengths, we are all made in the image of God. We are His living vessels of His kingdom, showing his everlasting love through servant leadership and giving back to the community.”
- Abbygale Batula, Year 11 Faith In Action
“During the retreat, others inspired me through their courage, kindness and willingness to share openly and express themselves. Watching people step out of their comfort zones and support one another, showed me the power of community and encouraged me to grow alongside them.”
- Micah Makari, Year 8 Wellbeing
“As College Captains, it is our goal alongside the Leadership Team, to create a student voice that can listen and act upon what is heard from both students and staff alike. We strive to address the concerns and challenges in our community for a College that benefits all.”
- Aditya Rawal & Suwanthi Edirisinghe, Year 12 College Captains
“This retreat truly opened my eyes to the amazing community St Andrew’s has built, from all the ice breakers, to making new friends during meals and seeing everyone write each other’s affirmations with such care and love. I created so many new friendships and felt so connected with everyone I communicated with. I was able to see all of the gifts God has given each individual with which were all used in such unique ways to help us grow closer to each other, and with God. It was an experience I will never forget.”
- Ysabella Alfonso, Year 10 Chang House Captain
“The leadership retreat taught me that regardless of how connected you may believe you are, there are always new people to meet, work alongside and converse with. It was a great experience being able to connect with both older and younger students at different stages in their lives who I did not know well in the past. It was truly an experience to remember and one I will look back upon for the future. In addition to this, the ability in our group to inspire and build upon ideas that work for the improvement of our school represents the true commitment of our community to making our learning space a place nothing short of excellence.”
- Joey Ghattas, Year 11 College Events
During the retreat, we were privileged to have our College Principal, Dr. Kennaugh, alongside our Parish Priest, Fr. Kevin, pay us a visit and help nourish the growing seeds of courage and leadership in every one of us. Dr. Kennaugh’s speech, along with his responses to some of our own questions, set the stage for what we had to achieve, what we wanted to achieve, and how to live with making each day better than the last. Although the time spent seemed short, we all achieved so much and 2025 only looks so much brighter. As the retreat came to an end, we are now proud to stand by one another and face any challenges that 2025 may bring!
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Kennaugh, Fr. Kevin, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Parker, Mr. Weaver, the Kiah Ridge team, and especially our own College Captains for their hard work and dedication into making this retreat as astounding as it was.
- Written by Elyscia Barret, Christabel Gobrial & Rhythm Gupta (Members of the SRC Publicity Portfolio)
