Love, Laughter and Learning with Loreto

Year 12 were at Verso last week for their Step retreat day, and what a treat it was to have them with us. From those who arrived super early and were able to help me with setting up 90 chairs, to those who stayed at the end to help put them away and ask about work experience, it was a day that went smoothly with lots of moments of joy, laughter and learning.

The theme was “All about me,” and we began the day in true Step fashion by playing “Head, Shoulders, Knee, Shoe” and the Plates game, both of which caused a lot of laughter!

The students then spent time in our Ethical Shopping session, learning to use the Good Shopping Guide, which will help them make more informed choices about what they buy. One of our volunteers - ex policeman and first aid trainer, Steve - helped them learn how to keep themselves safe on a night out, which was definitely a popular session. And finally, they spent time relaxing and connecting by playing a variety of board games and card games in our Relationships Wonderland.

When I first started working with Step five years ago, I hardly ever played games and now I am a changed person! I love Uno, Dobble, Banagrams, Dobble Connect, Herd Mentality, Taco, Cat, Goat Cheese, Pizza and more! There is a simple joy and delight in playing games with others – it connects you, brings laughter and the conversations flows much more easily than when just sat facing each other across a table. Seeing the Year 12 students play games together really was a delight, and I know it added to their enjoyment of the day.

In the afternoon it was great seeing the Student Leadership team leading the final workshop, teaching their peers about Love Languages. It was a session that they wrote for the ALPS conference Step hosted a few months ago, and it was a wonderful opportunity for them to hone and refine their presenting skills once more.

At the end of any retreat day I am part of, I am always tired, but really satisfied, and this retreat with the Year 12s was a particularly lovely one! Thank you to Graeme, Graham, Steve and Jane who helped make it all possible and the amazing Year 12 Student Leadership Team too!

Amy