Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island  Experiences

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Experiences

Lake Mungo Immersion 2022

St Joseph’s College is offering an exciting opportunity for our 2022 Year 10 and Year 11 students. Due to the pandemic, all of our immersions and camps have been put on the hold for the past two years. The current Year 9 and Year 10 students have not had the opportunity to participate in any of our First Nation immersions, camps or renewals. We feel that 2022 will allow greater freedom to travel interstate and therefore we have partnered with Red Earth to offer Mt Sion students an immersion to Lake Mungo. This will occur in the last week of Term 2 next year (20 – 25 June). Students in Years 10 & 11 have been sent information regarding applying for this immersion experience.

During the 5 nights away students will:

- Stay on Country with Traditional Owners and their families
- Hear dreamtime stories around the campfire under a blanket of stars
- Hike through the National Park with the Mungo Rangers and see the fossil record come to life in the lake
- Discover the historical, cultural and spiritual significance of Lake Mungo through ancient and modern Indigenous perspectives
- Explore the stories and traditions of our First Nations Peoples - past, present and emerging

Cost: $1950 per student

Immersion Postponement due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The following immersions are scheduled to run throughout a regular year at St Joseph's College. However, due to the changes to travel and restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, these immersions are currently on hold. As restrictions ease, we hope to be able to offer these experiences to St Joseph's College students again in the future. 

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Experiences

Nauiyu Nambiyu (Daly River) Immersion - Year 10 *CURRENTLY ON HOLD*

This nine-day immersion will spend two nights in Darwin before venturing 220km South West to the Indigenous Community of Nauiyu Nambiyu located on the banks of the mighty Daly River. Students will spend their time immersed in the day-to-day life of the locals, developing relationships and learning how to live off the land. Three nights are spent living in the community before heading out to camp in the bush, visiting many sacred sights, listening to Dreamtime stories whilst laying under the stars, sampling the vast array of bush tucker, and attempting to catch the elusive barramundi.

The approximate cost is $2500.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island Experiences

Tiwi Island Immersion - Year 10 *CURRENTLY ON HOLD*

The nine-day trip will involve the students engaging in activities with other students from Xavier College on Bathurst Island, learning about the local culture, and assisting with meals services in Darwin. Students will be expected to take a leading role in these activities and display qualities such as initiative and willingness to help others. There will also be some tourist experiences as part of the itinerary.

The approximate cost is $2500.

International Experiences

International Experiences - Australia & Papua New Guinea History

Kokoda Expedition - Mt Sion Students *CURRENTLY ON HOLD*

An amazing opportunity to complete the Kokoda Track following the 39th Battalion from Kokoda to Owen’s corner in the Owen Stanley Ranges Papua New Guinea.

This experience is unique as it allows Mt Sion students to trek solo, or with a family member. In the past students have trekked with fathers, mothers, uncles, older siblings and mentors. The villages, history, people and scenery of the Paupua New Guinea jungle will not soon be forgotten.

Coordinated together by staff from SJC along with the professional skills of Australian Kokoda Tours, this is an 11 day experience with eight days on the track. It is a great opportunity to undertake a historical, physical and emotional journey. Participants will be well prepared, as AKT provides a comprehensive pre-trek training program that includes practice hikes, fitness and information sessions. Trekkers must also complete a medical prior to setting out on their adventure.

Approximate cost: $4500 per trekker

International Experiences - Timor Leste Connections

Timor Leste Immersion - Mt Sion Students *CURRENTLY ON HOLD*

The 12 day trip will involve the students traveling to Viqueque to spend a week sharing language and culture and building relationships with students in our partner school Viqueque 01. After Viqueque time will be spent on Atauro Island – named the most marine biodiverse area in the world. Students will engage in activities focussed on sustainable and socially responsible development. Upon return to Dili days will be spent visiting local sites of significance to better understand the history and people of Timor Leste.

The approximate cost is $3500.

International Experiences - Our connection to Mannya

East Africa Immersion - Year 12 *CURRENTLY ON HOLD*

This three-week immersion to East Africa is a truly once in a lifetime experience. Staying in the remote village of Mannya, students will build relationships with students; learn how the villages live at their homes; help in the Health Centre; teach and learn in the classroom; play games and activities at the high school, primary school and kindergarten; and join in public singing and dancing performances. Students will also have the unique experience to do a dormitory-stay and home day-stay. The immersion then continues to Nairobi, Kenya where students will visit the Mary Rice Centre and Ruben Centre, both projects overseen by the Christian Brothers. The experience concludes with two nights in Amboseli National Park, which includes a safari – the perfect way to conclude 13-years of schooling.

The approximate cost is $4400.