In keeping with the spirit of the Franciscan Jubilee, our Year 8 students recently took part in their annual Retreat, centred on the theme “The Hero Within.” Throughout the day, students journeyed through a Kolbe Pilgrimage, exploring different moments in the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe and reflecting on the courage, faith and selflessness that shaped his life.
The retreat invited students to consider that heroism is not always found in extraordinary moments, but often in the quiet choices we make each day – choosing kindness, compassion, courage and service to others.
Reflecting on the experience, Imogen shared, “The theme The Hero Within made me realise that heroism isn’t always dramatic, sometimes it’s choosing kindness, courage, or generosity in small everyday moments. Kolbe showed that ordinary people can make extraordinary choices, and the retreat helped me see that we can each be a hero for someone else.”
Students also participated in a range of activities designed to connect Kolbe’s example to their own lives, including preparing care packages for those in need. These experiences helped students recognise that faith is lived not only through prayer, but through action and care for others.
The Year 8 Retreat was a meaningful opportunity for students to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reflect more deeply on the person they are becoming.
