Senior School
National Reconciliation Week 2023
Our Senior School celebrated National Reconciliation Week in a number of ways. The week recognises how reconciliation with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters is important, and this connection has been a commitment of Emmaus Christian College for over 25 years. We celebrated at our Assembly and also focused on one special outworking of our connection, which is the exchange program with Ernabella school.
Emmaus students have visited Ernabella (The Lands Trip) for a week of cultural immersion with the Anangu (people) of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. Students experience the vulnerability of being a minority, not knowing the language or cultural norms of their environment. As a result, they gain an appreciation of the generosity, complexity and uniqueness of Anangu society. The tjitji tjuta (Ernabella children) are their friends and generously teach them language, dance, how to dig for tjala (honey ants) and Pitjantjatjara world views.
This year in Term 4, the week prior to The Lands Trip, Neil Blenkinsop from Emmaus will ride his bike to Ernabella to raise money for the Pitjantjatjara Bible Translation Project. He aims to ride the 1400 km to Ernabella to help the Bible Society finish the Pitjantjatjara Children’s Bible in recognition of what it means to the children in the community.
During Reconciliation Week, Emmaus flew the Aboriginal flag in a spirit of goodwill and respect for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. Over many years, Aboriginal people have very generously supported and contributed to our College through the exchange program with Ernabella, supporting the teaching of Aboriginal Studies in Year 12, and sending students to the College. Emmaus wants to continue to journey with the Aboriginal community of South Australia and to bring two sides together, to learn about and embrace an important part of our country’s history and culture.
Andrea Grear
Head of Senior School
Inspiring Night
Our Year 7-12 performing arts students performed for a sold-out EPAC audience at the bi-annual Inspiring Evening last night.
Students performed physical theatre pieces, technical demonstrations, live improvisations and dramatic works in progress.
We are so proud of the diverse skills our students presented and all their growth. We thank the parents and community for showing so much support and encouragement of these amazing students.
Photo Gallery
The Resilience Project: Gratitude
This week’s presentation from The Resilience Project focuses on Gratitude. Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practice this by noticing the positives that exist around us. Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.
There are many ways in which you can practice gratitude, including starting a gratitude journal. You can simply use a notebook to list three things that went well for you each day, or use a more comprehensive Wellbeing Journal, like those created by The Resilience Project.
Source: Psychology Today
For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.
Esther Amoy
TRP Ambassador
French News
In an exciting new experience, some of our students had the unique opportunity to interact with Caroline, a French student currently visiting Australia. The meet-and-greet sessions held with several classes proved to be a valuable cultural exchange experience for both Caroline and the students.
As part of her visit to Adelaide, she graciously accepted an invitation to South Plympton Campus, where she engaged with students from various age groups, including Year 1/2, Year 7 and 8, and Year 11.
During her time at Emmaus, Caroline enthusiastically fielded questions from the students, who were eager to learn more about French culture and language. The students took the opportunity to inquire about various aspects of daily life in France, ranging from popular traditions to typical food and hobbies.
The interaction between the students and Caroline proved to be an enlightening experience, as they discovered the similarities and differences between their everyday activities in Australia and Caroline's life in France. The exchange of information sparked a lively discussion among the students, creating an atmosphere of excitement and curiosity.
Neven Daoud
French Teacher