Faith
2023 Kimberley Immersion
The Lombadina group arrived in Broome on a Sunday afternoon and began the 3-hour drive to our accommodation. What followed was an extremely eye-opening and rewarding experience that will live long in the memories of all the boys. On the first full day in Lombadina, the group was split into 2 groups of 3 students and were sent to schools at One-Arm Point and Beagle Bay. The One-Arm Point group was welcomed with open arms by the community and enjoyed a number of highlights including a community basketball game, fishing with the locals, and being fortunate enough to be taken on a tour of the land. The Beagle Bay Group arrived at Sacred Heart School where we were welcomed into the community and met one of the Traditional Owners of the land. Our week was filled with enjoyable times within the school, with our biggest highlight being when we tried some Dugong and Turtle that the locals had recently caught. Our experiences in both schools enabled us to work closely with the students and assist them and the teacher wherever possible whether it be with reading, day to day lessons or preparing activities. Overall, the Kimberley Immersion was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that developed the character of all involved.
The Halls Creek group arrived on a beautiful Sunday evening to a community that had a lot in store for us. Throughout the 5 days we were in Halls Creek, we were met with experiences that all of us had never experienced before. Which included countless breakfast clubs, games of basketball, footy, dodgeball, and pingpong, and an experience out on country which was surreal for all. Four boys went to the district school while 2 went to Warlawurra, or Red Hill, as known by the locals. In these schools, we all made memories that we will cherish forever. On the last day their was a sense of sadness but yet beauty in what had been achieved by the group. On that evening, the topic of discussion was how amazing the experience in Halls Creek had been, the relationships everyone made, and the memories that would be edged into the minds of all forever.
After a picturesque drive through the country, the Wyndham group arrived at Saint Joseph’s Primary School, where we were warmly welcomed by the school principal, Ms Anni and Trinity Old Boy, George Schelfhout (‘21). Following a Sunday mass in the chapel, the teachers hosted a barbecue, where we learned that many were also active community members in the volunteer fire brigades and local sporting clubs. We were also lucky enough to join in the Year 5/6’s camp out on country at the stunning El Questro Resort. During the hike into the mesmerising Emma Gorge, we walked with the students, who enthusiastically opened up and shared stories of their families and sporting achievements. Under a starlit night sky, we yarned with Buster, Nana Janet and Nana Cathy, who all shared their country's rich heritage and stories, leaving us with a profound appreciation and immense respect for their culture and land. Our time in Wyndham was a truly unforgettable experience within the rich Aboriginal communities and culture that make up the Kimberley region. These cherished memories and relationships will forever hold a special place in our lives.
Wow, what an experience so far! For the 2nd week of the immersion, the 3 groups Wow, what an experience so far! For the second week of the immersion, the three groups congregated in Broome. On Sunday, the boys attended a mass at the cathedral, followed by walking around the town markets. The boys ended the day with a swim and sunset at the ionic cable beach. During the week, there were countless opportunities for the boys to get involved in school activities. If that was being in a year 1–6 classroom at St. Mary’s or attending the Kimberley Cup. Along with the school, the boys also attended the Nyambu Buru exhibition journey about how Yawuru people discovered the brutal truths of the taking and disregard for their ancestors’ remains. On Thursday, the boys got up early and headed out to Derby for the day, where they attended the Mowanjum Museum, where they learned about the Wandjinas. In the afternoon, the boys attended the Mabu Buru tour, where they learned about skin groups and also watched a cultural dancing performance. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, the boys would serve breakfast for the poor at McMahon Place, where they would serve around 100+ people suffering from homelessness.
The boys throughout the week also helped out with the organisation, Feed the Little Children, which helped feed over 350+ on a Friday and Saturday night. The boys were asked to go up to houses and ask them if they needed any meals tonight. Some would say that they are okay, and some would say they need more. It was truly an eye-opening experience for the boys. On Friday, the group attended the Crocodile farm, where we were given a private tour. On the last night, the boys helped serve food at the Kullari NAIDOC Awards Night, which acknowledges Aboriginal people’s achievements within the Kimberley. Overall, an unreal experience that the boys and teachers will cherish and remember for ever.
Friday Community Mass
Our first 8.00am Community Mass of Term was held today and hosted by PCGs 9.7 and 9.8. Thank you to the hosts for all their efforts.
Gift a Night of the Streets
For people experiencing homelessness, sleeping on the streets in this harsh winter weather is a real struggle, and they are desperate to find shelter and warmth. But YOU can bring them in from the cold...
Please donate now and Gift A Night Off the Streets to provide a warm bed, hot meal and clean clothes to a person struggling on our streets. Tonight's cold weather is not safe for people sleeping rough, and they urgently need your help.
A gift of $52 can sponsor one night's accommodation at Tom Fisher House and provide a person struggling on our streets with a safe and warm place to sleep, shielding them from the harsh elements.
Gift A Night Off the Streets TONIGHT and provide shelter, warmth, and support to the most vulnerable members of our community.