As part of Positivity Week in the school, the Fifth Year students found themselves in a very different atmosphere to the average classroom scene. Fifth Year students had the fantastic experience of a retreat with Mustard Seed. The excellent facilitators took to the school library in a very professional fashion, providing the lucky Fifth Year students with an all-round great day. Memories were made as we, the students, threw ourselves into the activities set for us. Our first task of the day was a hilarious game “Old Family Coach” where every student had a part to play. The lightly prosecuted “cheaters” of the game also had an interesting punishment… After Little- Break, we were briefed on how important it is to appreciate the company and community which surround us every day – our peers. We then were set the challenge to interview another member of our year group and then vice-versa. We learned so much about the other student, be it their greatest ambition or biggest pet-peeve. After lunch, we were presented with the statistics and results of our interviews which made us realise how similar we all are. This was followed by a meditation session which we all found so relaxing and meaningful. At the end of our exceptional day, we left with a positive outlook, an optimistic approach to our peers and memories that we, as a year group, will cherish. A special thanks to our brilliant RE Department and the talented Mustard Seed retreat group for this positive, enhancing experience!

(Anna McHugh – Fifth Year Student)