From the Director of Identity and Mission

During September, the Year 9 students headed out on their annual Retreat. This year's theme, People of Pilgrimage, explores the concept of life as a journey. Students began by drawing a map of their lives, reflecting on their ups and downs so far and identifying the people who have walked alongside them. 

They then heard an amazing account from Leanne Prichard (CET Education Officer and frequent visitor to St Mary’s College) about her experience walking the Spanish pilgrimage, the Camino de Santiago, a month-long Spanish pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Leanne shared the many challenges and rewards of her trek, along with pearls of wisdom such as "the journey is the destination" and "dream big". 

Inspired by Leanne's talk, the students set off on their own mini pilgrimage along the banks of the Coal River, across the Richmond and up to St John's Church and the old Schoolhouse. They also visited a nearby monument to the Presentation Sisters: a stone cross commemorating the nine women who founded St Mary's College as the first Presentation School in Australia. These brave women, who travelled from Fermoy in Ireland in 1866, spent 18 months at Richmond teaching at St John’s school and supporting the Catholic community there while they waited for our iconic St Mary’s Convent building to be completed. Along the walk, students collected stamps in their Pilgrim Passport and carried stones representing their burdens, which they placed at the foot of the cross. 

The day concluded with a liturgy where students reflected on their experiences and prayed for guidance on their ongoing journey through life. As part of the service, students added a symbol from the day to their Class of 2029 banner. Updated each year on Retreat Day, this banner will take pride of place in the Senior Common Room when the year group reaches Year 12 in 2029. 

Many thanks to the Year 9 Life and Faith team for supporting the day, to Leanne Prichard for giving her time and energy to each Retreat, and to all other staff members who assisted.