May 15, 2023, marked the second day of Stepping Stone International Academy's (SIA) highly anticipated School Retreat. The day's activities commenced with a short worship session, followed by an enlightening devotion led by Mr. Jef. His message emphasized the importance of pain and the valuable lessons it teaches, embodied in the powerful phrase, "No Pain, No Gain!"
Morning Sessions: Overcoming Obstacles and Empowering Change
After an energizing ice breaker led by the Student Government (SSG), the first session of the morning began with an impactful lecture by the school principal, Mr. Joe Araneta, titled “Climbing the Summit: Overcoming Academic Obstacles.” Mr. Araneta inspired students to face academic challenges head-on by cultivating a resilient mindset and utilizing available support systems. He shared various strategies to help students conquer academic hurdles, encouraging them to reach their full potential in their educational journey.
Following a short break, the second session featured the school administrator, Mr. Paul Lim, with his thought-provoking theme, “Rise Up: Empowering Youth for Social Change.” Mr. Lim addressed pressing societal issues such as inequality and discrimination, urging students to become catalysts for social change. He empowered them to overcome systemic barriers and make significant contributions toward building a more just and compassionate world.
Afternoon Activities: Reflection and Fun
After the two enlightening morning sessions, everyone enjoyed a delightful lunch at the venue. The afternoon began with a time of reflection on the morning's sessions. Students were divided into small groups, each led by a teacher, to discuss and reflect on key takeaways. This reflective exercise fostered a deeper understanding and personal connection to the day's themes.
The SSG then took over, organizing a series of stationary games. Each group tackled five challenges, ranging from guessing songs and stuffing marshmallows to getting wet while passing cups of water. These activities were designed to build teamwork and camaraderie. The final game was a thrilling activity where "catchers" were blindfolded while their groupmates navigated around them with limited steps. The game required clapping to attract the catchers, with the group having the most survivors declared the winners.
Evening Sessions: Worship and Mental Health Empowerment
After the games, a break was held, followed by a delicious dinner at a local Korean restaurant. With spirits high, everyone returned to the venue for the day's final session. The evening began with a powerful worship session led by the Worship Team. The atmosphere was electric, with students passionately singing, dancing, and giving praise to the Lord. The worship concluded with heartfelt songs and prayers, moving many to tears.
The day's final session was a pre-recorded video lecture by the school's academic consultant, Mr. Daniel Lim, titled “Ascending Above: Conquering Mental Health Challenges.” Mr. Lim's talk focused on overcoming mental health struggles through resilience, self-care, and open dialogue. He provided strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and stress, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness, healthy coping mechanisms, and support systems. His message instilled hope and resilience, reinforcing that with the right tools, one can overcome mental health challenges and thrive.
Conclusion and Announcements
The long and enriching day concluded with announcements from Mr. Joe, preparing everyone for the next day's events. Students headed back to the hotel, ready to recharge and look forward to another day of growth and learning.
The second day of SIA's School Retreat was a resounding success, leaving students inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the challenges ahead.