Today @ MJS

 

 

The Eighth-Grade Retreat has been a tradition for decades and is in many ways a milestone experience. Students pause, step away from their regular daily lives, and see themselves and their classmates with new eyes. The goal of the retreat is simple, yet its benefits have greater depth and meaning.

 

Reason 1: Learn about themselves and discover what they bring to the class.

A Letter to My Future Self
Within the first few hours of the retreat, students take a few moments to write a letter to their future selves. Considering all that will happen over their busy year, they ask themselves: Who am I now? Who do I want to become? What relationships matter to me? Once written, the letters are saved to be reread as they prepare their final reflections (Campfire Talks) just before graduation.

What Gifts do I Bring to the Class?
During group activities, students participate in a questionnaire to recognize personality types. Simple and fun, the colors help students think about who they are and provide insight into the class dynamic.

 

Reason 2: Spiritual Connection: How can I nurture my relationship with God?

While the retreat is purposeful in bringing the class closer, it is also designed to allow students moments to connect with God and advance their individual spiritual journey. An afternoon of Psalms Play connects to their Religion curriculum and encourages personal interpretation. On the final day, a closing Mass with student participants, special intentions, and voices raised in song is joyful.

Perhaps most meaningful is the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or, if non-Catholic, a blessing. For some students, it is a new experience. For many, the quiet conversation with a priest is uplifting and offers a feeling of peace and renewal. The advisory groups rotate through several stations during this time. While one group receives Reconciliation, others participate in a reflection to prepare, paint rocks for the Reflection Garden on Mayfield’s campus, write postcards to their School Family members, or share in an honest conversation about the transition to high school. 

The 8th grade retreat is an important opportunity for students to step away from the everyday routines of school and intentionally build community with one another. Through reflection, shared experiences, and leadership activities, students strengthen their relationships, develop greater self-awareness, and begin to see themselves as leaders who have a responsibility to contribute to the Mayfield community with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
Lisa Byrne, 8th Grade Lead Advisor

 

Reason 3: Learn What it Means to Lead on Purpose.

Representing Mayfield

What does it mean to be Holy Child? Head of School Joe Sciuto spoke with students, connecting this question to the Class trip to Philadelphia during their 7th grade year and their time spent with 7th graders from other Holy Child Schools participating in leadership development activities. The discussion considers the question: How do student actions reflect on who we are as a school?

Servant Leader Scenarios

Students discuss what it looks like to be a servant leader and name people who have made a difference in the world by their actions and words. Considering these role models, the class acts out scenarios revealing how to best respond as a servant leader in everyday situations.

 

 

Reason 4: Relationship building. It is all about teamwork in the busy year ahead.

Prayer Partners

Students are paired at the start of the retreat. Sharing a photo scavenger hunt or nature walk with a prayer partner can spark new friendships and strengthen existing bonds.

Team Building Activities and Games 

Human Knots and Hula Hoop Relay. Who in the small groups takes the lead? Who is inclusive and draws others in? Collaboration takes center as the students work together to untangle, strategize, or balance, manifesting a spontaneous synergy.

Creating a Class Cross

Many pieces make a whole. Each member of the class paints a small tile to be placed together in the shape of a cross, symbolizing their bond as a class.

Advisory Reflection

How will your Advisory group contribute to this year of challenge and responsibility? Students work on a poster within their advisory with two goals. Discuss and answer several big questions such as: How can we appreciate each other? What is one thing we want to be brave about this year? What kind of memories do we hope to make? Each advisory chooses one word to inspire and guide them throughout the year.

 

 

Reason 5: Have Fun – Together

A photo scavenger hunt, nature walks, a yoga session, a milestone group photo – shared in a mostly device-free, presence-based environment, build trust, strengthen bonds, and create memories.

As the 8th Grade Retreat ends, students gather in a prayer circle with gratitude. Time to start – the work begins!