Year 10 Emmaus Retreat

Staff Reflection - Yan Jin

Created with Purposeful Relationships: A Reflection on the Year 10 Retreat

As the College Counsellor, I found the Year 10 Retreat led by the Youth Mission Team a powerful reminder of our theme—Respect and Appreciate—especially in relation to mental health and wellbeing.

The retreat focused on three key relationships: with God, with ourselves, and with others. In Catholic education, we believe our relationship with God shapes our true identity, which is crucially important in a world that can be very distracting, ever-changing, confusing and sometimes broken. Knowing we are loved and created with purpose gives us inner strength and self-worth.

Respecting and appreciating ourselves—including our differences and limits —is essential for healthy self-esteem. When young people understand their value, they’re more confident and resilient.

Social wellbeing grows when we respect and appreciate others. Embracing differences and relating with empathy helps create a school community where everyone feels accepted and included.

The retreat gave students space to reflect, reconnect, and grow in self-awareness. They were reminded that each life is unique, valued and part of God’s bigger story.

Yan Jin

College Counsellor