Year 9 Emmaus Retreat

Last week, our Year 9 students took part in a retreat run by the wonderful Youth Mission Team. The Year 9 Retreat continues to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on self-image, identity, and personal dignity. Building on the strong foundation of previous years, the retreat invites students to recognise their unique gifts and to develop confidence in being authentically themselves, rather than seeking acceptance through conformity. 

Throughout the day, students engage in a variety of interactive activities, discussions, and personal reflections designed to deepen their understanding of how they see themselves and how their actions impact others. Small group sessions encourage honest conversation, allowing students to explore their strengths, challenges, and relationships in a supportive environment. 

A central theme of the retreat remains the importance of recognising the dignity of every person. Students are challenged to build others up through their words and actions, understanding the powerful influence they have on each other’s sense of worth. 

The retreat also emphasises the message of God’s unconditional love, reminding students that their value is not defined by achievements or appearance, but by who they are. This experience aims to strengthen both personal identity and the wider Year 9 community.

James Castiello

Head of Year 9