Year 12 Retreat

Retreat is meant to be a time of relaxation, recovery and… food with a healthy dose of Jesus. For all of us, it was truly a time to unwind particularly for our Year 12 girls due to the enforced regulation that they were not to bring any form of homework or study.

On Wednesday March 11, we made our way to Rutherford Park just outside of Daylesford for a three day Retreat away from all things school and decent mobile reception. The trip was just over two hours but the morning buzz quickly died down; resulting in the hazy “I-just-woke-up-don’t-bother-me” look from the girls as they stepped off the buses.

The view was truly breathtaking as picturesque mountains and valleys stretched out as far as the eye could see. However, there was no time for settling in, as our group sessions were already well under way with yoga, meditation and Tai Chi.

We spent most of our time in the sacred space and reflected on the ways in which our school theme, ‘Justice – Be strong, be kind, be just’ could be lived out during Retreat and beyond.

There were many chances to share our thoughts with smaller groups about how our family and friends have moulded our experiences. Thus influencing us into the women we are today and consider how Jesus works through these people as a ’potter’ to craft us into the unique ‘pot’ we strive to become.

Mention must be made about the amazing amounts of delicious food we were fed each day along with many highlights during our two night stay. The arty and fiercely competitive newspaper fashion show where our stylishly recycled models strutted their stuff to a poorly selected Macarena and dubious panel of judges. The Killester based Trivia night that tested our lack of knowledge about the school and the groovy dance performed by some of our less shy and uninhibited girls.

All these bonding activities allowed us the opportunity to both express ourselves as individuals, and challenge us to work with teams of our peers that we may have failed to cross paths within our previous five years of schooling.

Arguably the most meaningful and touching experience of the Retreat was our group-planned liturgy, in which we were dared to construct our own music, commitments, signatures of peace, drama performances based upon a selection of biblical references, and what we as a cohort had learnt through our various workshops and peer sessions. We may have failed to set paper on fire appropriately, walked solemnly enough into our place of worship or receive the friendship bracelet we may have really wanted, but whether you believe in a spirit above or not, it was a truly inspired and an equally inspiring experience we will not forget.

On behalf of Year 12 2020, I would like to thank all the teachers who shared with the students their deepest of feelings and warmest compassion as we took this journey to discover who we are and what we dare to dream to be together.

Special thanks to Mr O’Neil and Ms Cronin in particular, who put so much of their time and themselves into planning and delivering this memorable experience for the blessed students and staff at Rutherford Park.

As a year level, we were truly able to grow closer together, and the laughs and tears we’ve shared are something that will hopefully carry on helping us maintain the strength to cope with this unprecedented and challenging year.

Mr Peter Harte

Year 12 Student Development Leader