Team Building Day: Celebration and Appreciation
Notre Dame College Holds Successful Retreat and Wellbeing Day
Notre Dame College recently hosted its annual Retreat and Wellbeing Day, a day dedicated to reflection, spiritual growth, and community building. The event, held on Thursday, 11th July, aimed to foster a strong connection to the values embodied by St Julie Billiart, the founder of the Sisters of Notre Dame.
The theme for this year's retreat was 'joy and gratitude', reflecting the virtues exemplified in the life of St Julie Billiart. The theme was chosen by the chaplaincy group and provided a focus for the various activities and exercises throughout the day.
During the retreat, staff and students participated in a range of activities designed to nurture body, mind, and spirit. Options included touch rugby, bootcamp, summer reading, creative writing, home fermentation, line dancing, wellbeing planting, a FIFA tournament, a walk through Hyde Park, and a gel nail activity.
One of the highlights of the day was a dance class led by Sophie Simpson from SSD Dance and Wellbeing. Staff also enjoyed a shared lunch during the retreat, providing an opportunity for everyone to come together and connect.
The retreat also included a short liturgy led by Lay Chaplain, Agnes Colantuoni, and the Examen exercise led by Maria Coyle. Staff were given the opportunity to reflect on what brings them joy and what they are grateful for, with many expressing gratitude for God's faithfulness, peace, teachers, friends, and their belief in them.
The Principal, Justine Barlow, asked students to write a prayer or reflect on what brings them joy. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity for staff to reflect on gratitude and joy, stating that it was a valuable experience for all involved.
The day concluded with the regular Notre Dame quiz, led by Steve Johnston, Head of Digital. The retreat was well-received by all, with Sophie Simpson expressing enthusiasm for the retreat concept and her positive experience with the staff.
Overall, the Retreat and Wellbeing Day at Notre Dame College embodies the holistic care and faith-centered education championed by St Julie Billiart. It provides a dedicated environment for spiritual rest, personal wellness, and communal connection, promoting presence, inner wisdom, and heart-led vision.
- To rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit, one could consider attending workshops focusing on fashion-and-beauty tips, home-and-garden design, or even food-and-drink preparation during personal-growth days at Notre Dame College.
- For those seeking a soulful connection with their pets, they might find joy and gratitude in spending time with their beloved companions during outdoor explorations, such as walks through Hyde Park, which are part of the college's annual retreat and wellbeing events.
- To foster a well-rounded lifestyle, the students of Notre Dame College may find value in exploring educational resources and self-development workshops, as well as engaging in shopping experiences that cater to their intellectual and emotional growth.
- As part of the retreat's focus on joy and gratitude, participants can take a moment to appreciate the beauty of travel, perhaps envisioning a future adventure while appreciating the memories made on the day's excursion through Hyde Park.
- Following the retreat, one may find it fulfilling to invest in a new car, symbolizing personal progress and independence, as they look forward to applying the lessons learned about joy, gratitude, and self-reflection in their everyday lives, following in the footsteps of St Julie Billiart.
