Year 8 Retreats

The beginning of term always sees the start of our dedicated retreat programme, which is delivered throughout the academic year. Year 8 students were the first to enjoy their retreat day at the Loyola Centre with their class tutors and our School Chaplain. Each tutor group explored the theme based on Isaiah 43:7 ‘Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine.’ Pupils were encouraged to journey through the idea that they were created with a purpose in life. A big topic, but one which saw thoughtful contributions by our pupils as we nurtured and guided their spiritual reflection throughout the day. As part of the theme each student researched the meaning of their names and then came up with their personal mission statements for their year ahead. There were also lots of fun games and activities which our students enjoyed immensely, including rock painting and team building exercises. We closed the day with a Christian Mindful Meditation in which children are taken through a relation exercise, followed by a visualisation of a scriptural encounter with Jesus. It was a lovely day in which pupils got to bond together as a tutor group and develop their spirituality which is a key part of the Catholic Life of the school.