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These are just some of the many comments made by students and staff of groups which have visited us.
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Holy Spirit Heckmondwike Year 6, November 2008
"It has been an excellent bonding session in what the children described as “a posh hotel with ensuite”. “What does ‘ensuite’ mean Miss?” (a year 6 child). Mixed social, physical & spiritual attributes to our stay." -Katharine Bentley
"To give children the opportunity to experience the spiritual/social aspects of retreat and give them independence to take responsibility for their own faith. To help them be able to grow closer to God and to develop their faith – particularly nice to do this with friends to know they share their faith. To get to know each other and respect each other’s differences and recognise our talents – and their own." -Makaela Sheridan
"Bringing children on retreat firstly enables them to be in an environment where they can accept responsibility for themselves. Away from school and the busy curriculum it allows more time to concentrate on how they treat each other. Their faith can be strengthened not only by prayerful times but through the activities which they have obviously enjoyed. Myddelton Grange offers a beautiful environment where all this has taken place this week. I feel they have benefited greatly from being able to visit the chapel throughout the day – an open link, a freedom not normally possible in their daily routine. Three days they will always remember." -A E Goodwin
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to spend time getting to know one another in many new ways. They have gained so much from this experience. It is a must and all primary schools should do it. The children have the opportunity to reflect, pray, be respectful, eat and share with one another, be responsible for one another. We have gained such a lot from it too. We thank you all." -Louise Jefferson
English Martyrs' Lupset Yr 6, July 2008
"It gives them a chance to reflect on their lives, to bond more as a group & mature in different surroundings to school. Teachers can begin to see different sides of personalities that is not always seen in school. Children usually have the opportunity to have different types of experiences they may not have had before, i.e. walking in woodland, helping in the dinner hall etc." -E. Fella
"It’s very important for children to take time out & reflect upon themselves & their lives & in the busy day to day rush of school life, it is very hard to find this time for longer than a few minutes. Although school liturgy, prayer time etc is good, the chance to move physically away & be together for a few days allows both pupils & staff to move into a new mental space & this promotes deeper exploration & reflection than would be possible in school.
It also, crucially, reinforces what we constantly teach in school, that faith is an integral part of life – not an add-on - & that the truth of the Gospel and the love of God runs through our lives, energising them & is not something that is just part of ‘church’. No secular & religious – just life." -P. Ainge
The opportunity to visit a lovely and very suitable building in a beautiful setting which has a strong Catholic tradition.
The gift of being led in fun, reflection & prayer by immensely gifted staff.
The opportunity to bond & build as a group of children & staff.
‘walking with Jesus’, our school motto, begins to become more of a reality. Thank you Lord. Thank you to His good servants at Myddelton Grange. -B. Martin
"In our case it was a time for the children to reflect on their time at English Martyrs before moving on to secondary school.
It was important for the children to remember God loves each as an individual and is always with each one of us no matter what.
The children have enjoyed the reflection and get a chance to discuss any fears and hopefully be ready to take on new challenges feeling sure of themselves. It has also given them their own space to enjoy what might be some of the last time together with existing friends." -R. Drugan
St Joseph's Castleford Yr 6, July 2008
"Children need to be away from home and the school environment to develop their team work skills. The atmosphere of a retreat gives children a sense of the spiritual which can be linked in with their team work. Children have time to be themselves without the routine of home and school timetables. The quiet times for reflection are probably something the children hardly ever experience." -Paul Blackburn
St Joseph's Wetherby Yr 6, July 2008
"There are many things in society that can lead children (and adults) away from their faith. Retreats are an essential part of school life, as the children need a time to reflect on their lives & faith. The setting cannot be any better than this! The peace & tranquillity that is lacking in many of our lives, helps the children to focus on what is really important & on what Our Lord is calling them to do." -Dominic Williams
"This gives young people time & space to focus on themselves and relationships with others in a very busy world. They learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and support each other in a new environment. This should enable them to be more confident and caring as they move forward in life. It also emphasises the positive qualities of our faith where we practise what we preach even though it is not always easy – it is something we should strive to do." -Christina Schlegel
"I feel the children have gained a lot from the experience. They have bonded together further as a class and had the opportunity to work with class mates they may not usually work with, which has been lovely to see.
The religious aspect has been insightful and the children have had time to reflect and contemplate various aspects of their faith in a usually hectic schedule. This has been very beneficial! They have also had the opportunity to take responsibility for their own faith, which is particularly important." -Miss F. Clark
St Edward's Manchester Yr 6, July 2008
"A break from the day to day rigours of school life. An excellent opportunity to bond/get to know your students on a different level.
Helped me personally to think about issues/problems in my life.
A calm/peaceful time to reflect – good soul food!" -John O’Leary
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