On Thursday 11th July, all Notre Dame staff came together for our yearly Retreat and Wellbeing Day, a time for the staff to reflect on the past year. The theme 'joy and gratitude' this year was chosen by the chaplaincy group. These are two key virtues exemplified in the life of St Julie Billiart, the founder of the Notre Dame order of the sisters who started our college. Staff had the opportunity to reflect on and discuss what brough them joy and what they were grateful for in any area of their lives.
In preparation for the retreat, the Principal, Justine Barlow asked that students write a prayer or reflect on what brought them joy. A number of students responded from a variety of faiths and none, and staff were asked to pick out something that was meaningful to them. See some responses below -
'To me joy is friends and family, as they fill me with joy and make me grateful for their presence.'
'I am thankful to God's faithfulness in my life when I myself have not been faithful. I am thankful that despite all the challenges I have faced I have managed to pull through, and for the peace me and my family have. I am thankful to all my teachers and my friends for both knowingly and unknowingly helping me through hard times and their belief in me, even when I did not believe.'
'Joy is finding the fun in everyday activities; it's making the most of what you currently have. However, some people can't find joy because they're too caught up in the negatives of everyday life. That's why I hope everyone today will be able to experience at least a little spark of joy.'
'Dear God, fill my heart with joy, let it overflow in my life, and help me spread happiness to those around me. Guide me to find joy in the little moments and embrace the beauty of life. Amen.'
Staff were then given the opportunity to do the 'Three Good Things' activity, a simple gratitude exercise that can help increase well-being and positivity, then reflected on in the Examen exercise led by Maria Coyle. The first part of the day ended with a short liturgy led by Lay Chaplain, Agnes Colantuoni. After a break of coffee and biscuits, staff could choose to do a wellbeing activity such as 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. Staff enjoyed a shared lunch and the day ended with our regular Notre Dame quiz, led by Steve Johnston, Head of Digital.
Sophie Simpson, who came in from SSD Dance and Wellbeing for a dance class for staff, shared in their newsletter 'Notre Dame Retreat Day - I love the idea of this concept, it's definitely something that I can support. In July I attended the Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College to work with a group of teachers as part of their 'Staff Retreat day'... Not sure how much of it was a retreat, I put them through their paces dance wise! They embraced it and loved it! I hope to go back again in 2025 as I made a lovely connection with all of them, one saying after the class that "I have inspired her to get back to dancing for herself." I love that!'. Thank you for coming in Sophie - it was great!
Justine Barlow said 'It is a wonderful for staff to have the opportunity and space in our busy lives to take a moment and reflect on the things we are grateful for and that brings us joy'.
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