retreats and immersions
We believe that meaningful experiences extend beyond the classroom, shaping students into compassionate, reflective, and socially aware young Men of Action.
Our Retreat Program and Immersion Experiences offer powerful opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and global perspective, ensuring that students graduate with a strong sense of purpose and responsibility.
Year-Level Retreats
Year 5: Callan Retreat
Exploring the life and legacy of Edmund Rice, students reflect on what it means to be part of an Edmund Rice school and embrace the values of compassion, justice, and service.
Year 6: Companions on the Journey
During this pivotal year of growth, students focus on their shared journey and prepare for their transition to Year 7, emphasizing respect and strong relationships.
Year 7: Positive Psychology Retreat
This retreat supports students in developing self-awareness, recognising their unique gifts, and understanding the presence of God in their lives.
Through meaningful interactions and reflection, young men are encouraged to build positive, life-giving relationships with significant role models. This retreat also invites students to discover the face of Jesus in their everyday experiences.
Year 8: Galilee Retreat
Centred around personal storytelling and resilience, this retreat helps students navigate life’s challenges, “storms” with courage, faith, and the support of their community.
Year 9: The Rite Journey Program
A year-long experience, The Rite Journey facilitates personal reflection and growth, guiding students toward self-awareness, responsibility, and resilience as they transition into adulthood.
Year 10: Micah Retreat
This retreat explores the role each person can play in the wider community, both locally and globally. Particularly, students explore justice, identity, and social responsibility, reflecting on the words of Prophet Micah: "Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God."
Year 11: Leadership Retreat
Preparing students for their final year, this retreat strengthens relationships and leadership skills. It inspires them to lead with integrity and service, following the example of Jesus Christ and Blessed Edmund Rice.
Year 12: Kairos Retreat
A voluntary retreat, Kairos is a deeply personal experience focused on reflection, storytelling, and faith, often becoming one of the most transformative moments of a student’s life.
Immersion Experiences
St Patrick’s College offers solidarity immersions, allowing students to stand alongside those on the margins, locally and globally. These immersive experiences challenge students to expand their worldview, fostering empathy, cultural understanding, and a deeper commitment to justice.
Global Immersions
Students travel to India, Cherbourg and Noonkanbah, where they fully engage with new cultures and communities. These life-changing experiences encourage them to:
- Learn directly from people experiencing marginalisation and poverty
- Deepen their understanding of global justice issues
- Recognise the face of Christ in others and themselves
By going beyond the classroom and engaging in real-world relationships, students develop a broader, more compassionate perspective, a vital foundation for lifelong leadership and service.
