On a cold November afternoon, thirteen students from Notre Dame Sixth Form set out from school, accompanied by Miss Chapman and Mr Hirst.  Their destination was Brettargh Holt in the Lake District, the setting for the annual Sixth Form retreat.

The Sixth Form retreat runs every year and, as well as being a lot of fun, is also an opportunity to take time out and reflect on some serious spiritual questions.  For the last few years the retreat has taken place at Brettargh Holt, home of the Time Out Project, a youth residential experience run by the Salesian Sisters.

At Brettargh, as well as attending more formal services, the group had the chance to explore the Christian message through music and drama.  There was also a film evening, and a walk through the beautiful countryside of the Lake District.

Feedback about the retreat was enthusiastic to say the least, both from staff and students.  Miss Chapman was “really proud” of the group.  Hannah Malmgren said: “It was a fantastic retreat which was enjoyable and fun, however had deep meaning and I gained a lot from all the activities and tasks.”  Molly-Kate McCaffrey commented: “It provided me with a peaceful and quiet environment, to explore in my thoughts in depth.”  While Hannah Romanowski added: “The people were fantastic, both the staff at Brettargh and the school team that we went with :) Also the food was amazing, definitely impossible to hungry at that place!!!”