Year 11 spent last week on retreat at The Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills.  It started with a challenging walk to North Brother summit, the views at the top were magnificent, comradery along the trail was just the start for many to unwind from the school routine and to focus on building friendships and not leaving anyone behind!

On the second day, the group tested themselves with a morning surf school experience.  Students continued to embrace the challenge, of learning new skills to ride the wave!  The day was filled with retreat teacher focus discussions, prayer, liturgical reflections, and just enough free time for nourishing shared meals and time to bond as a group.  The sunrise walks, music, basketball, swimming pool, trivia, friendship bracelets, BJJ, cricket, affirmations, and ping pong tournaments will be treasured as this cohort moves to the 2025 HSC year. 

 

Mr Koenig’s inspiring life story encouraged the group to reflect on the well-being of others.  To value friendship.  To consider John 10:10, I came so that they could have life - indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.  ...these values challenge our group for taking risks and consider seizing every opportunity in life that comes your way.  Mr Josh Wood and Mrs Laurie discussed friendship values, life choices and the journey of natural ups and downs and how to move forward, always and be kind to yourself, your peers and support the group as a whole. 

HEART speaks to HEART.  Over the three days, students were asked to bring back from the beach a shell or driftwood, a heart sculpture was crafted with the contributions of the group.  The Conference Centre has commissioned driftwood hearts in the dining hall and Conference Centre walls.  St John Newman chose “Heart speaks to Heart” as the motto to go on his coat of arms when he became cardinal in 1879.  Inspired by these words spoken by St Francis de Sales, Newman calls us to hear God speaking to our hearts and to listen for our mission from God. 

 

A huge thank you, to our Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing Mr Jamie Collins, Ministry Coordinator Mr Jason Koenig, Teacher Team Leaders Mrs Denise Ryan, Mrs Lynette Tilbrook, Mrs Lyndall Laurie, Mr Matthew Hanlon, Mr Jeremy Hobbes, Ms Niko Campbell-Ellis, Mr Josh Wood, Mrs Nicole Lovern and Mrs Bronwen Davidson.

Mrs Nicole Lovern, Mr Matthew Hanlon, Mrs Lyndall Laurie, Ms Niko Campbell-Ellis, Mrs Lynette Tilbrook, Mr James Collins, Mr Jeremy Hobbes, Mr Jason Koenig and Mrs Denise Ryan

Lyndall Laurie
Creative Arts Teacher/Media Team