Three Days to Reflect and Reconnect – The Year 12 Retreat
The Year 12 Retreat is a much-loved Santa Maria tradition and a significant milestone in our students’ final year at the College. As they approach the end of their Santa Maria journey, it provides a welcome opportunity for Year 12 students to step away from the routines of school life and make space for reflection, connection and faith.
This year, the entire Year 12 cohort came together at one location, Swan Valley Adventure Centre. The natural surrounds provided a wonderful setting for students and staff to share the Retreat journey as one Year 12 community.
There was time for laughter and fun, but also for deeper conversations and meaningful connection. Students listened to the stories of others, reflected on their own experiences and were challenged to be open and compassionate in the way they encountered one another.
A Time to Look Back
As graduation draws closer, Retreat provides a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on the experiences that have shaped their years at Santa Maria. Throughout the Retreat, students considered the people, relationships, experiences and choices that have been significant in their lives.
Students were encouraged to reflect on joyful and challenging moments in their journey and to consider how these experiences have contributed to the young women they are becoming. In looking back, students were also invited to appreciate those who have accompanied, supported and encouraged them along the way.
Making Space for Faith
At the heart of Retreat is an invitation for our students to consider the place of faith within their lives and experiences.
Through prayer, reflection, storytelling and shared experiences, students were encouraged to recognise God’s presence in the ordinary moments of their lives and relationships; in times of certainty and uncertainty, success and disappointment, joy and struggle. They were encouraged to listen deeply, respond compassionately and recognise the dignity and worth of themselves and others.
As young women preparing to leave Santa Maria, this invitation is particularly significant. The values and relationships formed during their years at the College are a part of what students will carry with them as they embrace the opportunities and challenges that are ahead.
Moving Forward
For the Class of 2026, the end of school is now very real. In the months ahead there will be examinations, celebrations, farewells and decisions about life beyond Santa Maria. Retreat offered them permission to remember where they have come from, appreciate those who have walked beside them and consider the person they hope to become.
The Year 12 Retreat is therefore much more than time away from school. It is an important rite of passage in the Santa Maria journey giving students a chance to look back with gratitude, to recognise God’s presence in their story so far, and to step forward with hope.
- Catholic Girls School Perth, Class of 2026, Featured, Mercy Education, Santa Maria College, senior school reflection, student faith formation, Swan Valley Adventure Centre, Year 12 Retreat, Year 12 students
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.
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