Servant Leadership Retreat

The students arrived by bus at the Granger Road site of the original Our Lady Star of the Sea School. We gathered in the old Chapel which brought back happy memories to Ms Pugh who remembers celebrating Class Mass in the Chapel.

Mrs Henkin began the day with a prayerful reflection and then introduced Mr and Mrs Hammond who took us on a journey back in time through the history of our school. They did this while dressed in costumes reflecting the clothes of the time. At one point Mrs Hammond entered the Chapel dressed as a nun. They had a PowerPoint of photographs which showed us just what life was like in the past.  The students listened so well that they could answer all the questions Mr Hammond asked at the end. We then went outside to enjoy our Morning Tea on the grass.

Mrs Henkin explained where the workshops were being held. There were two sessions of workshops that were separated by a shared lunch which Mrs Oliver had prepared at school and brought down to us at Granger Road.

Maori Spirituality was presented by Mrs Rangi Davis who taught the children to sing in Maori. They sounded like angels.
The World Youth Day Experience was presented by Joseph Xulue who shared photos he had taken at this special event.
The Life of Mary MacKillop was shared by Ms Lindstrom. The students looked at what we can learn from this special person who is about to become a Saint.
Bible Reflection led by Mrs De Haast, was an opportunity for the students to spend some quiet time reflecting on God's Word.
Making the Rosary was led by Mrs Dawson and Mrs Hamilton who showed the students how to make a Rosary bracelet.
Nun's Walk and Beach Sculptures was led by Mrs Kubala and Ms Pugh and involved walking down Nun's Walk to the beach where students created sand sculptures.
The Bible Scavenger Hunt of Miss Grey was an opportunity for students to unravel clues in the Bible and collect objects scattered around the grounds.
Liturgical Dancing was taught by Fr Sam and these children performed their dance after Communion at the Mass.
Fr Terry celebrated Mass with us and this was a wonderful way to end a very special day.

We thank all those people who helped to make our Retreat such a success. May this be the start to a very successful and special year.