By Phoenix writer Amir Jeudy, ’22:
Many can agree that this past year has been anything but normal. This pandemic has truly tested everyone’s strength in every measure possible. This pandemic has forced changes onto all of the world. Due to the Kellenberg administration’s dedication to meeting those changes, the school community has adapted. Kellenberg has introduced cohorts, social distancing, mask mandates, and so many other procedures to guarantee the safety of the students. Though grateful for these measures, many can agree that the students, especially the most recent freshman class, are only experiencing a small fraction of what Kellenberg has to offer. In efforts to provide familiarity to the upperclassmen, and to offer a glimpse of all that this school has to offer, the Kellenberg administration has brought back a staple, Kellenberg Retreats.
This year’s retreats have been held at all grade levels, at Kellenberg’s most recently acquired retreat house, Stella Maris. Sitting on a beautiful waterfront property in Islip, Stella offers a quiet and much needed pause, for all students who visit. Students spend their entire school day at Stella Maris, participating in fun icebreaker games, discussing their faith, celebrating Mass, and growing closer together. In a school year where students are confined to a singular classroom all day, the retreats at Stella Maris have garnered a positive response from all. Junior Ryan Varley had this to say when discussing how retreats have enriched his year at Kellenberg: “The retreats this year at Kellenberg have been a great escape from our day to day lives. They have allowed us to step back from our current situation and allow us to reflect on what matters most”.
In a year filled with uncertainty, retreats offer a crucial “retreat” from all of the stress in the students’ lives. All students are extremely grateful for Kellenberg’s ability to offer a safe, faith-filled, and fun day for all.
