Time of Reflection for Saint Paul’s Students
Students from Saint Paul’s Catholic High School were able to take time out from their busy lives to reflect upon what values were important to them. They reflected on themselves, their hopes and dreams and their relationships with those around them when they took part in a year group retreat.
The retreat gave the Year 9 pupils the time to develop their relationships with one another, focus on prayer and reflection and it also allowed them to work as a team during various games, activities and role plays so supporting the pupils on both their physical and spiritual journeys throughout Saint Paul’s.
The retreat provided a break from the routine of everyday school activities, where the young people were given the opportunity to look deeply at their own lives and the nature of their own belief. This was done through games, discussion, craft-activities, prayer and liturgy.
The theme of the retreats was Living Treasures.
Mrs Timkovicova, Head of RE, explained what the students did on their retreat: “The students started with the morning reflection, deciding what value is and what is most valuable – either – Bible, credit card, photo in a photo frame or a phone. They then created their own planet working in groups and were asked to bring values from the earth into their own planet. This was followed by a values auction.”
“After break the students took part in real life Game of Life where they needed to achieve their hope based on what they value. The retreat ended by writing a letter to themselves on what they value.”
“The students spent time reflecting on their time at Saint Paul’s so far, focusing on the strong foundations of the friendships they had formed, the difficulties they have faced and the strengths and talents they have celebrated,” explained Miss Hazlewood, Lay Chaplain at Saint Paul’s. “We were able to give the students a positive faith experience in an atmosphere of welcome, friendship and respect, in the hope that each individual will be able to focus on God and their potential for spiritual growth.”
Mr Whiteside, Headteacher, said: “The students had a very enriching time, giving them the opportunity to evaluate what is important to them and to reflect on their roles in the school community and society. They were able to enhance their appreciation of spiritual values and consider the role that Christ does and can play in their lives.”
