Catholic Identity and Mission
Year 11 Retreat
I am writing my Emmaus article from the Phillip Island Adventure Resort on the final day of the Year 11 Retreat. It always amazes me how transformational three-days can be for the students who attend and embrace the experience. And it’s hard not to, the program is designed for this life stage and run by a team of experts, supported by teachers and staff.
So rather than me tell you, I have asked some staff and students to share their thoughts:
“It’s an experience that has brought me closer to all the people I care about.”
– Ethan Richardson
"The experience has been enriching and better than I thought it was going to be. Not that I thought it would be bad – I’ve never been on a Retreat before.
– Jo Johns
“Getting to know everyone at a more personal level. Being in a group with no prior cliques was beneficial because we then have been able to get to know each other from scratch essentially. The retreat has been 10/10!”
– Mikaela Reeves
“[Retreat] has been different to what I expected. A highlight has been able to interact with a lot of different people that I don’t usually get to talk to. Crate stacking was lots of fun.”
– Inara Wilhelms
“I think our year level really needed a week. What we have had has been a lot better than I expected. I got a lot more out of it then I thought I would. There was a lot more honesty and openness than I thought there would be.”
– Cody Geary
“I feel like we definitely needed it considering the impact that COVID-19 had on the start of our schooling. Might not change everything forever but I think there has been a definite improvement. It has been heaps of fun. It would be great to build on it next year.”
– Claire Schultz
Students have come away really positive, surprised at the impact that an increase in communication and awareness of the feelings and experiences of others in their Year level has had on them. They have a stronger feeling of connectedness and a greater empathy for those around them.
Heritage Day
Heritage Day Mass is a beautiful celebration for our College community incorporating the Marist and Sion Charisms and shared on the Feast of the Assumption. We were also blessed with the presence of former student Laura Jenkinson who is an incredible ambassador of our College and a wise and inspiring presenter for staff and students alike.
First Holy Communion
Our Catholic communities of Warragul, Drouin and Neerim South are about to begin preparation for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
If your child is baptised, has received the Sacrament of Reconciliation and is ready to receive First Holy Communion please come along to a Parent only Information Meeting on Thursday 29 August 2024 at 7.00pm in the Marian Room, St Joseph’s Church, Warragul. Our guest presenter is Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SD.
Information packages with enrolment details will be given out on this night.
For more information contact Liz
Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
Ph: 5623 1642
What's Coming Up for Families Within the Parishes of St Ita's and St Joseph's?
On Friday 30 August and Saturday 31 August we have an exciting Parish Retreat running which will bring opportunity for youth, families and people of all ages to explore faith through a variety of talks, testimonies, drama, music, games, reflection and adoration.
This will run at St Joseph's School Hall on Friday 30 August from 6.30pm – 8.30pm, and then will continue on Saturday 31 August from 9.30am – 5.30pm. Please bring a plate to share for lunch on the Saturday.
We also have a Movie Night for all people in Primary School and High School Aged Youth on Friday 6 September from 5.30pm – 8.00pm at St Joseph's School Hall. We will be watching "The School of Rock". This will be $5 per person to cover the costs of food and drink. Please note, this is a PG rated movie.
For any further details, please contact the Youth Minister Olivia Daly on 0431239637 or via email on warragul.youth@cdsale.org.au
Mrs Jacinta Johnston
Deputy Principal: Catholic Identity and Mission