Last week, Xavier College’s Year 12 students stepped away from their daily routines to participate in their annual retreat—a meaningful opportunity for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth. This year’s retreat was held at the Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair, with students attending in two groups for an overnight experience before coming together for a shared final activity at the Gawler Belt Campus on Friday night.

The retreat was guided by the inspiring words of Pope John Paul II:
“Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.”

Through a range of reflective and prayerful activities, students were encouraged to contemplate their past experiences, embrace the present moment, and envision their future—both in their personal lives and in alignment with God’s plans for them. The retreat provided a chance for deep discussions, spiritual renewal, and stronger bonds between peers.

The retreat concluded with a powerful group gathering that reinforced the themes of gratitude, enthusiasm, and confidence, leaving students with lasting memories and valuable insights to carry into their final year of schooling and beyond.

Xavier College extends its gratitude to the staff and facilitators who made this experience possible and commends the students for their wholehearted participation.

Gareth Watson
Assistant Head of Campus – Mission