Retreats

At St Johns College, all students are given the opportunity to participate in a cohort Retreat. Retreats aim to assist students in recognising the importance of holistic development, and give further understanding to the ideal of 'living in the light of Christ'. Activities are designed to open students to where they are on their own “faith journey” as well as fostering a sense of community and a heightened awareness of their own giftedness and that of others. The main goal of all Retreats is to provide an opportunity for an experiential component of faith development that can foster a closer relationship with their God. Retreats are a time of reflection and personal searching and a time to develop both peer to peer and student to teacher relationships. The central retreat experiences are small group work; large group experiences, liturgical experiences and the opportunity for an experience of Reconciliation. Retreats are compulsory and an integral part of the Religious Education program. They allow for the effective aspects of students' spiritual development which cannot easily be addressed within a classroom environment.

Stage 4 (Year 7 & 8)

Retreats in Stage 4 explore relationships with God, self and others.

Year 7 students participate in a one day Retreat at the start of Year 7 to get to now only get to know their peers, but to explore what they have to offer to the St Johns College community. Students are also asked to consider where they are on their individual faith journeys. Year 7 students are given another opportunity for Retreat later in the year. This is done to give our students to compare where they were at the start of the year to where they are after two terms of high school.

Year 8 students are given the chance to participate in a one day Retreat once a term. These Retreat days focus on the example Jesus gave of how we should treat one another. Small group activities and discussions are used to help students consider how their words and actions impact others.

Stage 5 (Year 9 & 10)

Retreats in Stage 5 explore our school motto "Christ is My Light". Students are asked to explore not only the example set by Jesus, but how they can let their own lights shine.

Year 9 students participate in a one day Retreat at the start of the year. Our students gather to think about our missional value of 'respect' for self and others.

Year 10 experience a 3 day Retreat at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre. Students work in groups to face challenges and work as a team, all the time thinking about their God given gifts and how they intend on sharing these gifts with others. There are some physical challenges, but students also have the opportunity to dicuss faith and experience Liturgy.

Stage 6 (Year 11 & 12)

Retreats in Stage 6 ask our students to explore how they plan to make a difference in the world beyond schooling. Who have they become as people during their schooling and how do they plan on taking that into the world?

Year 11 students experience a one day Retreat that focuses on both who they are and an opportunity to celebrate who their peers have become.

Year 12 students experience a 3 day Retreat that focuses on how they can take compassion and empathy into the world. It is also an opportunity to experience peer affirmation.