The Eighth Grade Year: First Days

At Mayfield Junior School, the eighth grade is a year of opportunity, responsibility and growth. As the final year in their Mayfield journey and perhaps the most anticipated, students share big expectations with a little apprehension and an enthusiasm to make the most of every moment. From organizing major school events such as the Harvest Festival to becoming role models as Student Council officers and heads of School Families and navigating the secondary school application process, there is much to accomplish. Given the opportunity to meet the challenges of the year as individuals and as a group, the class develops strong bonds and each member grows in confidence.

To begin the eighth grade year students attend an overnight retreat. This has been a tradition for decades and is for most classes a significant experience. In the peaceful serenity of Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center, sixty plus enthusiastic kids celebrate their new role as leaders of the student body, the possibilities and experiences that lie ahead and just being together. The retreat is a unique opportunity for these young adults to step away from their regular daily lives and see themselves and their classmates with new eyes.

Faith and one’s relationship with God play a big role in the activities. This year the retreat facilitator, Joe Melendrez stressed the value in being “Faith-Full” and learning how to “Lead on Purpose.” He led the class through a variety of team-building, life-affirming, and relationship-building activities that provided inspiration for the challenges ahead. They supported each other in high-energy games such as “Name that Tune,” and encouraged each other in a leadership exercise that required focus and attention. They celebrated Mass together and allowed themselves to become silent and reflective in an atmosphere of trust.

The goal of the retreat is simple, yet its benefits have greater depth and meaning. Give these young students an opportunity to build upon their relationships with God, each other and themselves and in this process make connections, see each other with open hearts and appreciate the potential of the year ahead – together.