YEAR 7 ADVENT RETREAT – EMMAUS YOUTH VILLAGE

As we journey through the season of Advent, our Year 7 students travelled to the Emmaus Youth Village for a retreat centred on preparation, joy, and the hope that Advent brings.

Rooted in the Catholic values of belonging, service, and shared experience, the retreat offered a series of creative and interactive activities designed to help students reflect on the meaning of Advent. Students took part in Manger Making, building simple cribs as symbols of welcome and readiness. They also created and swapped friendship bracelets, a gesture that highlighted the Sacred Heart Goal of Community and reminded students of the importance of supporting and uplifting one another.

Through drama and dance, students explored modern interpretations of the Nativity story, discovering how the timeless message of Jesus’ birth continues to speak to our world today. These expressive sessions encouraged teamwork, imagination, and thoughtful engagement with scripture in a way that felt fresh and meaningful.

The retreat also included a joyful Christmas disco celebration, giving students the chance to relax, bond, and enjoy time together as a year group. The experience concluded with a peaceful Liturgy of the Word, drawing together the themes of the retreat and offering students a moment of prayer, reflection, and gratitude as they returned to school ready to continue their Advent journey.

Together, the retreat helped Year 7 students grow in friendship, faith, and opportunities to light the way for a hopeful and meaningful Advent season.