Marist Leaders France Trip
Recently our twelve Marist Leaders travelled to L’Hermitage Notre Dame, France. This trip was part of our Marist Leadership programme which takes place each year where three Irish and three Scottish Marist schools come together to learn about the life of Marcellin Champagnat. They also have the opportunity to visit some of the significant heritage sites, develop leaderships skills and connect with one another as Marist comrades. Students experience the story and history of Marcellin Champagnat and relive the story by visiting where he grew up in La Rosey, the first school that he built in La Valla and walked in his footsteps through the valley towards L’Hermitage.
Student Reflections:
On the trip to L’Hermitage, I learned a lot about the foundation of the Marist schools and the life of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. It made me realise how important it is to live by the Marist values of family spirit, simplicity, and caring for others. One thing that really stood out to me was the talent show on the last night. Everyone came together to perform, laugh, and just enjoy the evening. It was a brilliant way to end the trip because it showed how close everyone had become over the week. The atmosphere was full of fun and friendship, and it’s definitely a memory I’ll never forget.
Ruairí Collins
I really enjoyed my trip to L ’Hermitage I learned that I had more confidence talking out in front of groups than I thought I had before. My special memory is how much fun I had with my leadership group while we were doing activities. I am taking home more confidence in talking and leading groups as well as new friends
Tadgh Fallon
On the trip to L’hermitage I learned a few things about myself, I learned that I can work in a group with people I don’t know and I also learned that I am a lot better at speaking to people I don’t know and in front of people I don’t know.
As I left L’hermitage I made sure to take back lots of fun memories and most importantly new and improved leadership, teamwork and communication skills which I can now use in other Marist leader activities and in my everyday life.
Daithí Lawlor Murphy
I am taking a lot back home. I am taking the memories and the experience back home that few people get to experience. But most importantly I am bringing home the great leadership skills I learned and gained from the trip.
Michael Doolan
I have learned that I can work well in groups and coordinate people with their tasks and missions, I also have learned that I can speak and communicate a lot better than I initially thought.
The leadership activities was the biggest highlight for me, it was great to get out of my comfort zone and mix with different people. It was also great fun.
Bohdan Niekrashevych