On Thursday 6th and Friday 7th students from Year 12 participated in their Retreat. This took place overnight at Camp Clayton, Turners Beach and was an opportunity for the students to gather for one of their last times as a cohort to reflect on their time at Marist. The theme of the Retreat was “Run Your Own Race”, with students thinking about the sorts of people they want to be when they finish school. The students reflected on their past and future, considering the values they are living out, the Catholic teachings that have formed them and how they want to be remembered in life.
The inspiration for this Retreat came from the book of Jeremiah:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
The camp consisted of students breaking into small groups, discussing their lives and beliefs with their teacher and Pastoral Care Group. They also took part in a range of fun activities, including some team challenge activities to see how well they could work together! In the evening they battled it out in a fun trivia competition, which included some exciting games to gain extra points! On the Friday, they had the opportunity to do some choice activities, including indoor rock climbing, a flying fox and giant swing, as well as a relaxing walk along the nearby beach.
The Retreat concluded with students writing a letter to themselves to be opened at their Graduation Assembly in November. These letters have become a tradition for students to write about their dreams, aspirations and personal goals and then opening them at the end of the year to see how they have strived for these. The SRC put together a short liturgy to end the camp down near the beach, with a reflection offered on Jesus’ teachings and a testimony of what they had learned in their time on camp.
The students did an amazing job during their time away and were a delight to spend time with. They truly reflected our College values of respect and responsibility, demonstrating the fine young men and women that they are growing up to be.
Patrick Fabian
Director of Faith & Ministry
