Dear Freshmen Parent(s) or Guardian(s):

The Freshman Retreat will take place in the late afternoon of Thursday, January 29 to 11:30am on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Seattle Prep. There is no school Thursday, January 29 through Friday, January 30.

This retreat allows the freshman class to build community by engaging in prayer, small group discussions, and large group activities. It gives them opportunities to practice the goals of Jesuit education, known as The Grad at Grad: being open to growth, intellectually competent, committed to justice, spiritually alive, and loving.

This is a required retreat. We ask that you do not schedule any activities or appointments that conflict with retreat time. Students cannot be late or leave early from this retreat.

This retreat serves Seattle Prep’s mission to educate the heart as well as the mind, and will set the tone for their remaining high school years. We encourage all parents to support them as they prepare for this retreat, and pray for the retreat’s success!

The retreat offers a variety of activities that may involve physical activity (bouncy structures and carnival games) and events (magic act and petting zoo). Please contact us directly with any concerns. If you foresee any conflicts, please contact Brian Mack, Community Minister at bmack@seaprep.org 

*The cost of the retreat is covered by the student activity fee.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 29: Your student should arrive to the McHugh Gymnasium by 5:00 pm. Please be sure your student has eaten dinner before arriving. Students will NOT stay overnight that evening. They will be ready to be picked up at 9:30 pm.

Friday, January 30: Your student should at Prep by 9:00 am with their overnight gear.  They can report directly to their small group room. All the freshmen will be staying overnight Friday night.  

Saturday, January 31: Parents are invited to the Closing Ceremony of the Freshman Retreat in the McHugh Gymnasium starting at 10:45 am and running to 11:30 am, when the retreat is over.

 *All freshmen will be assigned to a small group of approximately 5 members, led by two of the junior/senior leaders.

*Prep’s Community Ministry Team plans and runs the retreat with the assistance of a select team of junior and senior leaders and faculty and staff chaperones. 

WHAT TO BRING

All freshmen should bring the following on Thursday:

• Snacks to share (nothing requiring refrigeration, please) No nuts please
• A water bottle marked with student's name

All freshmen should bring the following on Friday:

• Snacks to share (nothing requiring refrigeration, please) No nuts. 
• A water bottle marked with student's name
• Breakfast foods for Saturday (e.g. breakfast bars, fruit)
• Sleeping bag, pillow, and/or blankets
• Sleeping or camping pad (students will be sleeping in classrooms)
• Hygiene supplies
• Change of clothes, warm sweater/sweatshirt
• Rain jacket and sturdy shoes for outdoor activities

We are beyond excited to have your Freshman experience the fullness of this retreat!

 Community Minister, Brian Mack  bmack@seaprep.org
Community Minister, Katie Laskey klaskey@seaprep.org 

Office Phone 206 577-2273
Emergency Retreat Phone 206 852-2641

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Seattle Preparatory School requested emergency and other health information from parents and legal guardians at the beginning of the school year. Please highlight major health information or an updated information here. 

RETREAT PROTOCOLS & EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS

Below is the outline of expectations for student behavior on the retreat. These are in line with the Student handbook.  https://www.seaprep.org/parentportal Please read over this list below and discuss them with your child. Checking the box below will indicate to us that both you and your child agree to these expectations.

Since this is a school-sponsored event, I will follow school rules at all times. This includes the rules regarding use of alcohol, tobacco or other illegal substances and following the dress code. This also includes proper behavior concerning respect for others, etc.
All sleeping quarters are assigned.  At designated times all students are required to be and remain in their assigned sleeping quarters. 
Students are required to check in their cell phone with Prep staff at the start of the retreat. Technology will be returned at the end of the retreat.
I will let the retreat staff know my location at all times.
I will respect lights out and quiet time as defined by the retreat staff. 
I will follow the guidelines for use of the facilities as presented by the retreat staff.   If I fail to abide by any of these expectations appropriate school consequences will follow and I understand that the retreat staff may call my parents to pick me up from the retreat.

PERMISSIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As parent and/or legal guardian, I remain legally responsible for any personal actions taken by the above named minor participant. School personnel are authorized to conduct searches of luggage, bags, or similar items. I authorize school employees and/or volunteers to act for me according to their best judgment in any emergency requiring medical or other attention, understanding that the administration of medication requires my specific preauthorization as provided for below.

I agree on behalf of myself, my child named herein, and our heirs, successors and assigns, to waive and release all demands, claims, and actions, against Seattle Preparatory School and to hold harmless and defend Seattle Preparatory School, its officers, directors, agents, representatives, chaperones, and volunteers from any and all demands, actions, and claims, for costs, expenses, or damages, including consequential damage arising from or in connection to this activity. Further, I agree to compensate the school, its officers, directors, agents, representatives, chaperones, and volunteers for reasonable attorney's fees and expenses arising from any such claims, actions or demands.

I grant permission for my child to participate in this school-sponsored activity. This activity will take place under the guidance and direction of school employees and/or volunteers from Seattle Preparatory School. I know of no medical or other condition that may affect my child’s ability to safely participate in this activity. By checking box below you are affirming your "electronic" signature to this document, representing that you are the individual named above providing this information and that the information is true and accurate.