2022 saw the return of our Immersion experience. On September 12^th a very excited group of year 10, 11 and 12 students and 3 staff headed to the Northern Territory to spend 10 days experiencing life within two remote communities in the Northern Territory Watjan and Nauiyu. Watjan is situated in wild dog/dingo country and Nauiyu lies on the Daly River.

Immersions have a long been part of the SBC culture, with over a decade of strong relationships between our two communities.

Off the back of the COVID pandemic, this year’s immersion was only the second undertaken by the school in the last three years, and the first to return to the Northern Territory. It gave this group of students the opportunity to begin the process of reforming our connection with members of the Nauiyu community. It was also the first chance for us to begin forming connections with the Watjan community.

Highlights of this trip included, cave paintings, carving a didgeridoo, making clap sticks, cooking wallaby & kangaroo tail, star gazing on the flood plains, and watching the sun set. The opportunity to play football and basketball with members of the Nauiyu community, a visit to flat rock, the privilege of being welcomed to country, and the inaugural SBC Daly River Ashes cricket match added even more to our experience.

Whilst our time away was not without its challenges (relentless heat and red dirt, a croc sighting not far from our swimming hole, a close encounter with a brown snake, sorry business in Nauiyu) they served their purpose, helping to deepen our understanding of the reality of living on country. But above all, it was the connections made with the members of both communities that was central to the uniqueness of this opportunity.

Nightly yarns around the fire and discussions about culture, engaging in men and women’s business, talking about family and traditions, and understanding the importance of respect, are the things that will stay deeply etched within the memories of everyone lucky enough to be involved in this trip.

The immersion program provides students and staff with the opportunity to involve themselves within culture and community, and to learn about cultural traditions and history from traditional owners, elders, and other members of these indigenous communities. It is an integral part of our school’s journey in understanding this country’s indigenous history and gives students the chance to bring back to the college a deeper and richer understanding that they can share with their peers. St. Bernard’s College is committed to developing each student’s understanding of our rich indigenous history, as we all, both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, move toward acknowledgment, acceptance, and reconciliation.

In 2023 we will continue to broaden the Immersion program with plans to return to both Nauiyu and Watjan, as well as potentially engaging with other Indigenous homelands in Cape York and Lake Mungo.

The aim is to provide opportunities for students and staff across a broader range of year levels to be part of these unique and unforgettable experiences. Along with the reestablishment of the F.I.R.E. (Friends Igniting Reconciliation through Education) carrier program, immersions to Indigenous communities will be central to enriching and extending the cultural education of our students.