Company Gathering: Happiness and Appreciation
On Thursday, July 11th, Notre Dame staff participated in a yearly Retreat and Wellbeing Day, a significant event that offers a dedicated time and space away from regular work routines to focus on personal wellness, reflection, and spiritual or emotional growth.
The theme for this year's retreat was 'joy and gratitude', reflective of the virtues exemplified in the life of St Julie Billiart, the founder of the Notre Dame order of the sisters. The day began with a variety of wellbeing activities, giving staff the opportunity to choose from touch rugby, bootcamp, summer reading, creative writing, home fermentation, line dancing, wellbeing planting, a FIFA tournament, a walk through Hyde Park, and a gel nail activity.
The activities continued with Sophie Simpson from SSD Dance and Wellbeing leading a dance class for staff, followed by a shared lunch. Sophie expressed her enthusiasm for the retreat concept and her connection with the staff. Lay Chaplain, Agnes Colantuoni, led a short liturgy, and the day ended with a Notre Dame quiz led by Steve Johnston, Head of Digital.
Throughout the day, students from various faiths and none responded to a request from the Principal, Justine Barlow, to write a prayer or reflect on what brings them joy. One student expressed that joy is finding fun in everyday activities, while another expressed gratitude for God's faithfulness, peace, teachers, friends, and their belief in them.
Staff reflected on the activity in the Examen exercise led by Maria Coyle, a practice of prayerful reflection and self-examination originating from the spiritual exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola. The aim was to help participants identify and appreciate the good things in their lives and to reflect on how they might better align their actions with their values and goals.
Justine Barlow expressed her appreciation for the opportunity for staff to reflect on things they are grateful for and what brings them joy. She emphasized the importance of taking a step back from the daily grind to focus on personal wellness, reflection, and spiritual or emotional growth.
In summary, the Notre Dame Retreat and Wellbeing Day provides staff with a meaningful chance to pause, reflect, and realign their wellbeing, usually through structured activities such as yoga, meditation, sharing circles, and spiritual reflection. These experiences encourage a transformative inner journey, enhancing resilience and community connection. The retreat setting supports openness, connection, and self-discovery, often involving guided sessions or talks centered on themes like patience, faith, acceptance, or healing. Participants leave with a renewed sense of purpose, compassion, and a clearer perspective on their personal and professional lives.
- Engaging in the Notre Dame Retreat and Wellbeing Day not only offers staff the chance to partake in various activities promoting personal growth, such as dance class, creative writing, or home fermentation, but also provides a significant opportunity for spiritual or emotional reflection, fostering a transformative inner journey towards self-discovery.
- By prioritizing personal wellness, reflection, and spiritual or emotional growth during events like the Notre Dame Retreat and Wellbeing Day, participants can return to their professional lives with a renewed sense of purpose, compassion, and a clearer perspective, all vital elements for continued personal growth and development.
