Year 11 Bennelong Retreat

On Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th of March Year 11 students attended their Retreat. The Bennelong Retreat was held at the Edmund Rice Retreat and Conference Centre, Mulgoa. This was a time for students to reflect on their life journey thus far as well as deepen their relationship with their God and their peers.

The Bennelong Retreat theme was “I Think - I Feel - I Desire” and was led by Mr Hoare. His presentations were both inspirational and life changing for many students. Students' comments about their Retreat experience included “if I try a little harder my anxiety towards speaking reduces and I am able to feel confident about myself”, another ”we have much in common - building the courage to start the conversation has great rewards”.

Mr Rodriguez engaged the students with many ice-breakers and games. One in particular that Ms May found very challenging and was so impressed with students when they were about to solve the challenge. Through his wonderful ice-breakers Mr Rodriguez was able to prepare students for meaningful engagement in the Retreat program.

A feature of the Year 11 Retreat is the activity called  “Testimony of Life’s Journey”. Mr Ison was very willing to share his life journey with the students. He shared his sad times and his happy times and explained to the students how life experiences can shape you into a better person.

The activities that the students particularly enjoyed were walking the Road to Emmaus and discussing who in their life they turn to for inspiration and support. Another was illustrating their life journey thus far. Students found that there is lots to learn by reflecting on your life’s journey. Whilst these were both wonderful activities the one that I think the students enjoyed the most was writing affirmations about their friends and peers. Capturing the student’s facial expressions when they read the affirmations they received was truly a special moment.