Last week, our Year 12 students participated in their annual retreat at Arrabri Lodge, accompanied by the Passionist Youth Team and OLMC staff. Over three days, students stepped away from the demands of school and everyday life to reflect on their experiences, relationships and hopes for the future.
Retreats hold an important place in the life of a Catholic school. They provide opportunities for young people to pause, listen, pray and reflect, creating space to encounter themselves, one another and the presence of God in their lives. In a world that is often busy and demanding, retreat experiences invite students to consider what truly matters and how they are called to live with hope, compassion and purpose.
Throughout the retreat, students engaged in meaningful conversations, personal reflection and community-building activities. Many spoke about developing a deeper appreciation of their peers and discovering that they were not alone in their fears, challenges and aspirations.
One student reflected, ‘I realised everyone is going through something, even if they don't show it,’ while another shared, ‘For the first time in a long time, I felt like I could be myself.’ These comments capture the spirit of the retreat and the strong sense of belonging that developed throughout the three days.
A special thank you goes to the Passionist Youth Team, whose warmth, authenticity and skill created an environment where students felt safe to participate fully and reflect deeply. We are also grateful to the OLMC staff who generously accompanied our students throughout the retreat, embodying the Mercy tradition of walking alongside young people as they grow in confidence, compassion and hope.
The retreat was a powerful reminder of the strength of our Year 12 community and the importance of creating spaces where students can pause, connect and grow.
