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01 August, 2019 Extracurricular

Jabiru – building authentic connections through immersion

Introduced this year as part of our Year 10 Immersion Program, Jabiru was a wonderful opportunity for a small group of students to travel to the Northern Territory where they experienced Indigenous culture and built authentic connections with the local community.

The Jabiru Project was run in partnership with Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, The Outdoor Education Group and St Michael’s, and was named after Jabiru, the main township in Kakadu National Park.

During the Immersion, students explored the beautiful Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks and engaged with local students, Elders from the Mirrar Clan and Kakadu Indigenous Rangers.

The students returned to school this term inspired and motivated to share their experiences and learning with the School community.

“We learnt a lot about Indigenous culture that we didn’t know before, it’s really amazing how differently things work up there,” said Izzy.

“By going to Jabiru and immersing ourselves in a different culture and having first-hand experiences we came away with a much greater appreciation and understanding of Indigenous culture,” said Joshua.

Watch the video below to hear the students talking about their time in Jabiru.

St Michael’s teacher, Ms Catherine Martin, accompanied the group and admired the student’s maturity, curiosity and respect for the local Indigenous culture.

“The students were engaged and respectful of the Mirrar Clan and understood the privilege of being welcomed into the Indigenous community,” said Ms Martin. “They made the most of each activity and worked together as a group, learning from the local people and each other.”

 

One of the really special moments on the Immersion was when we spent an afternoon with one of the Elders learning how to weave bracelets using pandanus grass.Year 10 student, Netta

As part of the Immersion, students also participated in the Djenj Fish Project, which is based around two-way knowledge sharing and learning about fish and fishing in west Arnhem Land.

Through their participation in the Djenj Fish Project,  the students learnt how the local Indigenous people use specific bones of the Barramundi fish.

  • jabiru-building-authentic-connections-through-immersion
    Students participated in the Djenj Fish Project
  • jabiru-building-authentic-connections-through-immersion
    Learning how the local Indigenous people use specific bones of the Barramundi fish

We are incredibly proud of this group of students and the strong connections they have forged with the local Jabiru community, and we look forward to continuing these relationships with future Year 10 Immersion groups.

Each year, in the final two weeks of Term 2, all Year 10 students participate in an Immersion Project of their choice. You can read more about this year’s Projects here.