Our Year 10 students recently stepped beyond the classroom for their two-day Retreat, From the Inside Out, inspired by Jesus’ words: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Across the two days, students were challenged to consider how their gifts, talents and presence can make a difference in the lives of others.
Students spent one day visiting local primary schools, where they prepared and led Religious Education activities centred on the Franciscan Jubilee Year. Maria reflected, “The highlight of the retreat was getting to see the students’ faces light up with smiles when we arrived at the primary schools.”
On the alternate day, students participated in a variety of service experiences across the local community, discovering that service can be found in simple acts of generosity, effort and care.
For Emaan, the experience provided an opportunity to “truly learn about how much of an impact we can make on others and our community.” She also reflected that serving others helped students become more grateful for what they have and more aware of the struggles experienced by others.
At the heart of From the Inside Out was the invitation to recognise that faith is not simply something we believe, it shapes the way we choose to live. Through teaching, serving and encountering others, our Year 10 students were encouraged to look beyond themselves and consider how their God-given gifts can be used in the service of others.
