Retreating with Middle School

Two weeks after the successful High School Christian retreat, it was the turn of the middle school. Two years ago, it was decided to change this retreat from being a compulsory part of the religious education programme to a voluntary chaplaincy-run activity. The first couple of retreats were low on numbers, but this year the retreat was over-subscribed, and we had to squeeze 45 lively students from grades 7 and 8 into the Hanifl Centre. The popularity of the retreat is a tribute to the middle school teaching and residence staff who work tirelessly with the students not just in the classroom but in after-school clubs, advisor groups and so much more.

The retreat was led by a team of these staff: Science teacher Beth Boven, Social Studies teacher Dave Boven, St. Olaf intern Matt Groen, Music teacher Nicole Farley, ESL teacher Julie Husthwaite, with husband Ray from high school, dorm parent Thamini Van Opstel, RE teacher Dot Wildman with husband Pete, who led the lively singing.

The weekend featured sessions by the various leaders looking at people who met Jesus, from the apostle Paul to the unnamed little boy who shared his lunch of fish and bread with 5,000 others. Interspersed with the talks and discussions were games and free time - and the consumption of more food than would be thought possible. The school caterers always make a special effort for these events, as do the many staff who bake snacks, and - to stave off the remaining pangs of hunger - Saturday afternoon is spent at Char Dukan topping up on wai wai and chips. Suffice it to say that, for my part, I fasted all day Sunday to recover!

Pete Wildman, Communications Office