Marist Student Leadership Gathering

On Sunday 20 November, College Co-Captains, Ava Gibson, Social Justice Captains, Isabelle Mourani, Katelyn Lopez and myself, were selected to attend the Marist Student Leadership Gathering (SLG). This was a two-night retreat at The Hermitage in Mittagong. Leaders from all Marist secondary schools in NSW and ACT gathered together, to learn more about our Marist faith and solidarity, discover our personal leadership styles and forge many new connections with like-minded people.

Throughout our time at the SLG we participated in various forms of prayer, including Taizè, Lectio Devina and Dadirri. We also learnt more about the leadership styles of Mary, Jesus and St Marcellin Champagnat, and how we can imitate these styles and implement them into our own lives.  Bec Bromhead, CEO of Australian Marist Solidarity, told us of ways we can get involved in programs that help the disadvantaged in countries such as Cambodia and Bangladesh. 

On Monday night, Dr Ireland joined us for mass and dinner, where we presented our initiatives for Australian Marist Solidarity and shared many laughs and stories from the retreat experience.

The highlight of the SLG was the ‘Amazing Grace’ competition, similar to the Amazing Race. We also enjoyed the Trivia Night and Talent Show, where many ‘special talents’ were showcased, including the MSCW leaders singing our favourite prayer, the Salve Regina. 

The SLG was a life changing experience, as it opened our eyes to many new perspectives and outlooks on our Marist tradition, leadership and connections with other Marist schools and with each other. We all made many special friendships and memories that we will hold close to our hearts. 

Madison Turri, College Co-Captain