Year 12 Retreat – The Power of Listening

August 23, 2024

Our Year 12 students recently participated in a three-day retreat that was designed to meet them at a pivotal moment in their lives. As they stand on the threshold of life beyond school, this retreat offered them a unique opportunity to reflect on who they were, who they are now, and who they aspire to become. A journey into the truth of their being, where they explored their fears, hopes, and dreams for the future.

Held across three sites, each chosen for its peaceful and safe setting, this retreat was carefully timed to coincide with a period when our Year 12 students are naturally beginning to look beyond high school. This is a time when the future, once a distant concept, starts to feel very real. This retreat provided a safe and supportive space for our students to explore their own identities, guided by 24 dedicated staff members who gave their time and expertise to lead them on this journey.

Bullsbrook Retreat Site

The theme of the retreat was ‘Listen’ and the students were encouraged to listen not only to others, but to themselves and the voice of God. They were reminded that to be perfect or holy does not mean being without flaws, it means walking with God despite them. This understanding was woven throughout their reflections, helping them to embrace both their strengths and their vulnerabilities.

The days were filled with activities designed to encourage introspection and personal growth, inviting students to consider what changes they might need to make to improve their health and wellbeing. One of the retreat’s highlights was ‘The Quest’, an engaging series of outdoor team activities inspired by the ancient hero’s quest for the Holy Grail. Through these challenges, students were invited to meet their true, authentic selves, confronting both their strengths and their areas for growth.

Bindoon Retreat Site

The role of the staff facilitators was vital throughout this process. They observed, recognised, and attuned to the needs of the group or individual members. By guiding students with thoughtful questions and gentle encouragement, they helped each person make connections and gain insights into their personal journey. The staff also encouraged students to listen not just to others, but to themselves and to God. They looked back at their past, reflected on their present, and contemplated their future. Some students found the experience moving, while others faced challenges, but all walked away with new perspectives.

As a Catholic faith community, the retreat concluded with a celebration. In a liturgical setting, students were reminded that they belong to God and that when they listen to His voice and return to Him with sincere hearts, His love and forgiveness are always waiting.

The journey toward wholeness that began during this retreat will continue as our Year 12 students move forward into their futures. We hope that the experiences and insights they gained will serve as a foundation for their ongoing self-discovery and personal development. We are excited to see how they carry these experiences with them as they navigate the future.

Baldivis Retreat Site

Marie Sadler, Head of Religious Education and Retreat Coordinator, shared the following:

“The retreat was a time of laughter, reflection, and growth. By stepping away from the usual routine, disconnecting from technology, and embracing the unknown, our Year 12 students had the chance to reflect, learn, and grow in a supportive and nurturing environment. I am very proud of the resilience and openness the students displayed during this retreat. They embraced the journey, trusted the process, and fully engaged with the activities.”

Student Reflections

Despite our individual journeys that have brought us to this point in our final year of high school and the journeys we will take after this year, the retreat has taught me that we are all part of something bigger, united through God’s presence and love for each one of us. The retreat was a powerful, unforgettable escape, which I felt so lucky to experience in my final year at the school. Abigail Mara

Coming into our retreat, I had no idea what to expect, and our teachers were sworn to secrecy about the activities we would be engaging in. In reflection, I’m glad we didn’t know the agenda, as the lack of expectancy made each of us so much more engaged and excited for the sessions. I couldn’t believe how the program enabled such a diverse group of staff and students to come together in a short period of time, and how comfortable and safe we felt sharing our personal stories in discussion sessions. It was so special to hear these stories, especially those of our teachers, whose genuine insight into their life experiences and lessons learned was so touching. Ella Sharman

From being woken up to the ‘Oh Oh Oh Oh Ohs’ of ‘Try Everything’ by Shakira to openly sharing our values, future aspirations, and high school experiences with our group, our Year 12 Retreat was a beautiful, raw, and much needed experience that I will never forget. It was a time to take a step back from our busy lives and reflect on our unique and individual journeys. Listening to staff and students bravely tell stories about their own lives with honesty and vulnerability was inspiring and a chance to realise how every person experiences similar life events in a different way. Colette Robertson

Year 12 Retreat was such a special experience and one that I know will stand out in my schooling journey. It gave me the chance to take a break from the routine and stress of school and spend time reflecting and thinking about who I am and who I want to become. We connected deeply with ourselves, our peers, and our faith, fostering a sense of trust and compassion on so many levels. The shared experiences and vulnerability shown by both students and teachers created a safe and supportive environment where we could all be open and honest, supporting each other through both the highs and lows of our personal journeys. Isabella Morrison

The Year 12 Retreat was an incredible experience. It was a lovely week of reflection, listening, and sharing, and the sheer vulnerability and courage demonstrated by all the students and staff was so heartwarming and truly inspiring. It provided the opportunity to slow down and appreciate our respective journeys before the chaos of graduation and WACE descends! Overall, the retreat kept our hearts full and our stomachs fuller (thanks to the mandatory five meals a day!), and I am so grateful for everyone who made the experience so amazing. Madison Pino

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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.