Lower School Leaders Connect During Fifth Grade Retreat

Beaches and St. Mark’s Campus fifth grade students traveled to Episcopal’s Walton Boat House yesterday for their annual retreat. Episcopal Faculty members Matt Flakus, Garret Scantling ‘11, and Jordan Smith led spirited athletic activities. Andrea Hagan, Michelle Krueger, and Carolyn Wells ‘03 represented Munnerlyn Campus’ Fine Arts department with dance, studio art, and music activities. The Rev. Teresa Seagle shared an inspiring word and blessing over the students surrounding the fifth grade Bible verse, “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7).

 

Lower School students came together to perform a dance choreographed by Andrea Hagan, Dance Instructor, to the Christian song “Confidence.” “The song represents facing adversity and developing resilience, two themes ESJ is focusing on this school year,” said Katherine Nott ‘90, St. Mark’s Campus Christian Education Instructor and Retreat Organizer.

 

Mrs. Nott added, “The retreat offered an opportunity for fifth grade leaders to enjoy fellowship with one another on such a beautiful part of our campus. They brought great energy and made the most of their experience together. Students shared that they were excited to get to know faculty from Munnerlyn, be off campus, and make new friends.”

 

“It was a great opportunity to meet new friends,” said Nate Hale, Beaches Campus fifth grade student. “It was really cool to spend time at the boathouse, and I love the song about faith we learned together.”

 

Fifth graders will have an opportunity to continue building their new friendships during a trip to Kanuga in North Carolina and swimming with manatees later this school year.