LIFE Week 2016 was a rich experience for the Year Eight cohort as they explored New Norcia and developed their personal gifts through their retreat days and Camino.
On Monday morning, the Year Eights departed for New Norcia, very excited to spend three days exploring this historic town and spending time with their peers. Thankfully the sun was out on arrival and the students spent three very busy days participating in a range of enlightening tours and experiences ranging from a tour of the town, to an exploration of New Norcia’s art and architecture, to building traditional Aboriginal housing and painting boomerangs. The students enjoyed meeting the staff of New Norcia and learning about the interesting cultural and historical background of the town. The camp focused on the question Culture Unplugged: Can New Norcia Survive Progress? The students gathered information for the documentary they will produce around this topic. They were interested to see just how a monastic town manages to function in a 21st century world.
The students also participated in some traditional camp activities such as the campfire and onesie quiz night. They nominated for a range of morning activities and enjoyed starting their day with something new, whether it be a visit to the old New Norcia bakery - complete with sampling some tasty treats - or stretching themselves with some yoga poses.
The three day camp was a wonderful experience for the Year Eight students and they made the most of the opportunities offered to them. The visit to New Norcia was a very positive experience for everyone involved and is always a lovely way to reinforce the important connection that exists between Holy Cross College and the beautiful town founded by Dom Rosendo Salvado so many years ago.
On Thursday and Friday of LIFE Week, the Year Eights completed the next stage of their Camino along with a retreat day. The retreat focused on ‘Gratitude and Stewardship’ and was led by the talented team from Middle School Ministry. It was wonderful to see the students’ engagement with the leaders and with the topics and to watch them focus on their personal growth. The students also completed the next section of their Camino Salvado, beginning at Bells Rapids. The trek comprised some 17 kilometres and the Year Eights tackled the challenge head on. The cooperated beautifully as a team and demonstrated the positive and responsible attitudes that were characteristic throughout all their LIFE Week activities.
LIFE Week 2016 was a great success and we look forward to returning to New Norcia in the near future to show the monastic community some examples of the Year Eights’ fantastic work.
Miss Emilie Reynolds
Year 8 Innovator
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