At Nazareth, we prioritise the holistic development of students by offering retreats and faith formation days tailored to each year level. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for spiritual reflection, personal growth, and community building.
Last week, our Year 7 students embarked on their annual Faith Formation Day at the Monastery, immersing themselves in foundational Catholic practices while also reflecting on their own unique faith journeys. With a diverse student body representing various religious and cultural backgrounds, the day encouraged students to explore the similarities and differences between their personal beliefs and Catholic traditions.
Guided by our College Theme – Your Story, Our Story, The Story – students engaged in activities that connected their own faith journeys (Your Story) to the way we live out spirituality at Nazareth (Our Story) and broader Christian beliefs (The Story). Across two days, all 400 Year 7 students took part in meaningful experiences designed to deepen their understanding of scripture, worship, and the traditions that shape Nazareth’s Catholic identity.
One of the standout activities was the visit to the Monastery’s church. “I found the church calming and relaxing,” shared student Mishika. “It was interesting for me as I didn’t know much about the Catholic faith before.”
The scavenger hunt, where students worked in teams to solve clues from Bible verses, was another highlight. “It was fun because we got to explore the Monastery more,” said Marcus. “It was exciting to learn about the Catholic faith and see statues that told the story of Jesus.”
Students also enjoyed a podcast activity, where they collaborated to create discussions on topics like donating, volunteering, and fundraising. “I liked talking about important topics like donating and fundraising,” said Kian. “It was a great way to learn and work together.”
The day wrapped up with a card game about Nazareth’s House Patrons, allowing students to discover more about the saints who inspire our school community. “It was my favourite activity!” shared Dasamnoor. “It was a fun way to learn about the Patrons.”
Faith Formation Day provided students with a memorable and enriching experience -strengthening friendships, deepening their understanding of faith, and fostering a sense of belonging within the Nazareth community. By exploring their own beliefs alongside Catholic traditions, students were able to reflect on their spiritual growth in a way that was both personal and connected to the broader Catholic story.
Similar opportunities will continue in 2025, with retreats and formation days planned for students across Years 8–12. These experiences are an integral part of our commitment to nurturing students’ faith journeys, aligning with their classroom learning and reinforcing the values we hold close at Nazareth.
