From the Chaplain
August 3, 2026 – Edition 9
The Gift of Retreat
At the end of last term, I had the privilege of spending time at the Year 10 Retreat where one of the evening activities was our Retreat Chapel. It has a different feel, being able to share in a Chapel service with just one year level, it is more informal and allows for a different way to engage with the theme. I really appreciated the way that so many students volunteered to be a part of the readings and prayers, being open to the opportunity that Retreat provides for reflection and taking time away from the day-to-day routine of school.
Casey Grammar School has not always had year level Retreats, they are a relatively recent change, and one to be grateful for. I have had the joy of attending both Year 10 and Year 11 Retreats over the past couple of years and seeing the way our students respond has been very encouraging. Year on year, our students’ understanding of what it means to go on retreat is growing. This is having a gentle and positive impact on them and, by extension, our school culture.
Sincere thanks to Ms Blanchard for her incredible organisation of this Retreat, as well as Mrs Dwyer, Mr Vandenberg and Miss Ghoebriel for their generosity in sharing with our students as part of the Chapel service. May our students continue to learn to value opportunities for reflection, connection and quiet in this busy and constantly evolving world.
Sharing the Fruit (But Not the Orchard Kind)
Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Our Year 2 Class Chapel services celebrated the way in which we can see examples of the Fruit of the Spirit in our own lives and around our school. It was wonderful to see our students dancing and singing together as well as leading us in prayers and readings. A highlight was seeing the various family members (younger siblings, parents and grandparents) joining us and sharing in the Chapel service. Thank you to the staff, School Leaders and families who participated, as well as Mrs Mathews who oversaw the organisation of the services.
40 Hour Challenge
This week we had guests from World Vision speak to our Senior School students about the opportunity to be involved in the 40 Hour Challenge. This is a very real chance for students to raise money and make a positive impact on the lives of others they will never meet. Nurturing compassion means giving our students the chance to think of others and expand their understanding of the world and the experiences of strangers. If your student has expressed interest in joining, please talk to them about it. Any student who signs up will need parent/carer approval, you are welcome to contact me if you have any questions.
I trust that you have had a positive beginning to the term, it will no doubt be another full one!
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
