Excursions & Immersions
KM Social Justice Seminar - First Nations Immersion
Earlier this week, two staff members and two students traveled to Brisbane to attend the Kildare Ministries Social Justice Seminar - First Nations Immersion. Below are some reflections from Jackson Butterworth and Marlon Micalizzi:
On Monday morning we got to the airport and set off to our trip to Brisbane for a First Nations Immersion. We spent time with Auntie Kath from Waka Waka mob who was teaching us about history and culture and her country. It was interesting some of the bush tuckers they eat like nuts. Their number one delicacy was Echidna. We made damper with her which was special because we sat around the fire. It was a brilliant night because we led this for the students and shared it all around. This was a fantastic opportunity to explore people's stories and express our journeys as well. It was something we want to do next year because it was a great experience due to the small groups and also exploring our stories and keeping the culture alive.
Jackson Butterworth and Marlon Micalizzi
Year 10 Government and Justice
As part of student outcomes for the Laws and Justice section of Year 10 Government and Justice, we travelled to Bendigo to visit the law courts and observe first hand legal proceedings in the community. Bendigo Law courts is an impressive new complex in the heart of Bendigo and serves the Bendigo and Loddon-Mallee region.
Available at the courts are tribunals and multiple courts including several specialist courts; the Children’s Court of Victoria, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), County Court of Victoria, Supreme Court of Victoria, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on a circuit basis.
We began our visit by undergoing the strict security procedures which included passing through the metal detector and being individually scanned. We were guided on our tour by Client Services Officer Marita who introduced us first to the Children's Court. This court was small, comfortable and reasonably welcoming for younger participants in the legal process.
Next we met with Koori Court Officer Geoff from Balak Services. Geoff gave us a comprehensive rundown on the Koori Court facilities. Students engaged in short role-plays to allow them to identify the similarities and differences of a regular Magistrates Court sentencing hearing to one held in the Koori Court. Students found the Koori Court process to be less intimidating, more conversational, and based on traditional cultural dispute resolution methods.
We then entered one of the courtrooms designed for the higher courts - for County and Supreme Court trials of more serious crimes. Students found this court to be 'scary'! It was much larger and the dais for the presiding judge was much more elevated over the rest of court. Students learnt about the bar table, jury box, prisoner dock and witness stand with its ingenious carpentry to allow for a vulnerable witness to be able to give evidence without being seen by the accused.
Finally students were split into two groups and were given the opportunity they had been waiting for - observation of a Magistrates Court proceeding. Students entered two different courts and observed summary offences hearings and a sentencing hearing. In one court, students were privileged to observe both the police prosecutor and the accused's barrister questioning and cross-examining police informants - they were certainly put through their paces! In the second court, students were thrilled to witness 'new information' coming to light under questioning, and hearing the Magistrate observe that considerations had changed with the offender now facing likely prison time.
On return to school, students discussed what they learned and have been endeavouring to find information on the cases they watched. Many thanks to Mr Mai for accompanying us on our very enjoyable and knowledge-filled day.
Claire Hogan