Second Beginning Teachers’ Retreat
On the 23 and 24 October, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) hosted its fourth and final retreat this year for all teachers in their second year of employment with SCS. I had the opportunity to attend this retreat alongside a fellow colleague at St Ursula’s, Ms Katrina Zenere.
At the Mary Mackillop Spirituality Centre in Baulkham Hills, we underwent a meaningful two-day immersion that was designed to cultivate our shared vocation as SCS teachers. We participated in lengthy, interactive seminars on two notable theological topics – The Power of the Cross and The Significance of the Eucharist – which made us reflect on how the spiritual dimension and ethos of Roman Catholicism is being made prevalent in our classrooms and beyond. The significance of the Cross and Holy Eucharist were further emphasised through a celebration of Mass and the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We were also granted time to consider the gifts and charisms that we possess and how they can be optimised in our work and broader life.
After an enlightening two days full of meaningful dialogue with colleagues in both the primary and secondary Catholic schools of Sydney, we returned home with insight and energy for the remainder of the school year.
