Year 12 Retreat
From Wednesday, August 20th to Friday, August 22nd, our Year 12 cohort embarked on their final Retreat, a meaningful and reflective milestone as they approached the closing chapter of their journey at St Andrews College. This three-day experience offered students a rare opportunity to pause, step away from the demands of school life, and engage deeply with their faith, their peers, and their personal growth.
The theme for this year’s retreat, “You are not made for comfort, you are made for greatness,” drawn from the words of Pope Benedict XVI, served as a powerful invitation for students to reflect on the legacy they’ve built during their time at the College. It challenged them to consider not only what they have achieved, but who they have become, and how they might carry their values, convictions, and faith into the next stage of life.
Throughout the retreat, students participated in a range of activities designed to foster spiritual connection, personal insight, and communal bonding. Times of prayer and worship encouraged students to reconnect with God and find strength in stillness. Music and liturgy created moments of shared emotion and unity, while reflective exercises prompted students to consider the experiences that have shaped them, the relationships that have supported them, and the voices that continue to guide them. In small group discussions and quiet contemplation, they explored their identity as children of God, made in His image and called to live with purpose and courage.
It was a time to honour the friendships, challenges, and triumphs that have defined their years at the College, and to look ahead with hope, clarity, and faith. We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff who accompanied our students with care, wisdom, and encouragement throughout this journey. Their presence and support helped create an environment of trust and openness. To our Year 12 students, thank you for your wholehearted participation, your vulnerability, and your willingness to engage with the retreat in a spirit of reflection and growth.
As you prepare to leave the gates of St Andrews College, we pray that the lessons, memories, and spiritual insights gained during this retreat will remain with you. May you continue to seek greatness—not in comfort or ease, but in the courage to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose.
Mrs Emily Parker
