Retreat 2024: A Journey of Reflection and Connection

On 6 March the Class of 2024 embarked on a transformative journey as they departed Kilbreda College with smiles on their faces and pillows in hand, ready for a reflective and connecting retreat.

Arrival and Immersion

We all arrived at Rutherford Park in Blampied later that afternoon. After some housekeeping and a quick lunch, we broke off into our small groups to begin one of the many activities. After a delicious dinner, we all took part in the fashion parade. Besides this activity being lots of fun, it was heart-warming and really brought a modern outlook to our world’s social issues.

Day Two

Our second day started off with a breakfast and then we were off for an eventful day. One of many students’ highlights was the table activity, where we had the opportunity to reflect on our lives and the people in it to create our dream seating plan for a dinner party. After a few more activities and a filling lunch (and lots of free time) we started to prepare for our liturgy. The Class of 2024 had the opportunity to prepare and set up the Liturgy on their own. The room was decorated with the Kildare crosses we made on Day One, candles and beautiful greenery from the park. Father Peter, Ms Smyth and Ms Mangelsdorf took the time to come up and spend some time in the reflection with us. This was a powerful time as we wrote down what we wanted to let go of, made our way to the fire to burn and let go of our past and make a fresh start ready for our final year of schooling.

Departure and Gratitude

Sadly, our last day arrived far too soon. The day started with a 6am sunrise walk up the hill, where we embraced the beauty of Rutherford Park. Once everyone who chose to see the sunrise came back to camp, we shared our last breakfast together and got right back into the last of our activities. Soon enough, we took our group photos and spent some time taking photos with the horses and we said our goodbyes. A bittersweet feeling lingered on the way home as students opened their affirmation bags, reading all the beautiful things our cohort had to say about each other. This retreat was such an enriching experience none of us will forget.  

As we said goodbye to Retreat 2024 and look forward to our last few months of schooling, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this successful and unforgettable retreat. A special thanks to Mrs Dempster and all of the other teachers who took their time to spend retreat with us. Thank you for creating a space where connections flourished and souls were nourished. May the spirit of this retreat continue to inspire and guide us in the months to come.

Megan Maree
Year 12