Moments That Matter: Reflection Days 2025

June 25, 2025

Our Years 7, 8 and 11 students pressed pause on their everyday school routines this week to attend their annual Reflection Day. These days are a special part of the College calendar, offering students the chance to step back, reflect and reconnect, with themselves, their peers and their faith.

Facilitated by David Jorna, each day was tailored to the developmental stage of the students involved. With a mix of music, games, storytelling and ritual, students were encouraged to engage deeply with their own values, hopes and gifts in a safe, supportive and uplifting environment.

Year 7 – ‘Who Am I?’

Theme: Identity & Inspiration

The journey began with our Year 7s, who explored the big questions of identity and aspiration under the theme ‘Who Am I?’

They considered:

I Am Enough: Students reflected on their unique qualities and values, recognising the beauty of being themselves.
Who Inspires Me: Through creative and interactive sessions, they shared stories about people who influence and uplift them.
Who Do I Want to Be: A personal letter-writing exercise encouraged students to envision the kind of person they aspire to become.

From laughter during team activities to quiet moments of personal insight, the day helped lay a powerful foundation for self-belief and connection.

Year 8 – ‘The Real Gift’

Theme: Giftedness & Gratitude

Our Year 8s spent their Reflection Day contemplating the unique gifts they bring to the world, and how recognising these in others fosters a stronger, more compassionate community.

Their reflections included:

My Giftedness: Each student took time to identify her personal strengths and values.
The Giftedness in Others: Activities like singing challenges and peer affirmations helped them see the light in those around them.
Gifted Moments: Through ritual and prayer, students gave thanks for moments where they’ve felt a sense of connection and meaning.

The atmosphere was one of joy, encouragement and appreciation, reminding partcipants that our greatest gift is often each other.

Year 11 – ‘Servant Leadership’

Theme: Empowerment Through Service

Our senior students were challenged to think deeply about their leadership style and impact. They explored how to lead with humility, empathy and courage.

Key insights included:

You Are Enough: Students examined the importance of self-worth as a foundation for ethical leadership.
Be The Ones Who Build: Collaborative activities fostered discussions about lifting others up and making space for shared success.
Creating Change Through Service: Inspired by the words of Mother Teresa, students made heartfelt commitments to serve their communities with compassion.

The day culminated in a moving ritual where students made personal pledges about the kind of leader they want to be, leaders who build rather than break, and who serve rather than seek status.

More Than Just a Day

Reflection Days are more than a break from the classroom. They are a meaningful extension of our faith program, supporting our students’ spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing and reinforcing the Mercy values that guide us.

Through storytelling, connection and quiet contemplation, our Years 7, 8 and 11 students were encouraged to develop key life skills and personal attributes like resilience, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and curiosity.

CatholicEducation, Featured, MercyValues, ReflectionDay, ServantLeadership, SpiritualDevelopment, studentwellbeing, Year11ReflectionDay, Year7ReflectionDay, Year8ReflectionDay

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.