The students of Nelson Street Girls’ RC.School recently held their annual retreat at the school’s compound on Friday, March 9. Prior to the retreat, classes pondered on this year’s theme Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity, and launched class displays based on the theme.

The displays showed the pupils’ thoughts on their Catholicism and chronicled their Lenten journey. Most notable among the entrants were ”I Will Cherish the Old Rugged Cross,” by Standard Four (Sr Sandra Xavier), the interactive “Stepping Stones to Christ” display by Standard Five (Ms Lynch/ Ms Martin,) “Grow and Change,” by Second Year (Ms Joseph), “On the Cross” by Second Year (Ms Phillip), and “ Our Lenten Promise” by Standard Four (Ms Davis).

The retreat was conducted in small group seminars with 19 facilitators. Sessions dealt with diverse topics such as “Self-Esteem and identity in Christ”, “I am a child of God” , “What do you want to be called by Jesus?” and “The Stations of the Cross in My Life”. The sessions proved to be deeply moving and highly emotional for both pupils and teachers as students were moved through the media of music, art, film, drawing, sculpture and song to deeply examine their consciences and contemplate their relationship with God and their fellow man. Indeed, for some students, a sense of catharsis was reached and healing tears purged many participants of past pain and hidden angst.

Nelson Street Girls’ RC School, with Principal Kathleen Mitchell at the helm, has long been at the forefront of catering to our students’ social, emotional and spiritual needs. We believe in the holistic development of the child and foster this by partnering with parents to develop in our charges an enduring character that will govern their behaviour. Within our school a major emphasis is placed on nurturing goodness and allowing our young ladies to experience firsthand the contributions that a virtuous lifestyle can make to personal happiness and spiritual fulfilment. Thus, we know that it is only through the abundance of love for God, and the charity that they have for others, that students who have been formed in Christ will be distinguished.

The principal, staff and pupils would like to thank Sr Sandra Xavier,OP for organising such a unique retreat. It was a wonderful experience to have the entire school on retreat at the same time. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the facilitators. Indeed we were blessed to have a facilitator in every class. Thanks to everyone who assisted in ensuring that “Retreat 2012 – Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity” was a resounding success. – Lisa Hinds, teacher