St Mark’s Anglican Community School

ST MARK’S ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

FLOURISHING FRIENDSHIPS

Thirteen Year 9 students and staff from St Mark’s Anglican Community School experienced three days ‘on country’ where they learnt from Community Elders and local rangers, Parnngurr Community School students and immersed themselves into their culture.

St Mark’s entered into a friendship with Parnngurr Community School a few years ago. Parnngurr is an Indigenous settlement of the Martu people located 370km east of Newman in the Pilbara area of Western Australia. Martu lands encompass a significant proportion of the Little and Great Sandy Desert. Martu lands also contain the Karlamilyi National Park. After a few false starts due to COVID, the St Mark’s team finally made it to Parngurr Community School. Senior Chaplain Scott Rowland said the friendship between the two schools aims to engage in a relationship that helps both communities improve their cultural understandings. “We want our students to learn about and from each other and grow in their understanding of and empathy for others,” Reverend Rowland said. “This unique experience has enabled the students of both communities to engage with each other with respect, empathy, openness, and curiosity. Not only have they experienced life-changing moments, but they have also made wonderful memories and unique friends in the process. “This trip means so much not only to the St Mark’s students but also the Parnngurr students, and they can not wait to be back on country in 2023.” Here’s what our students and staff had to say about this unique experience:

“My heart is absolutely filled with joy after watching these students form strong connections within a matter of hours. They were out of their comfort zone on many occasions but not once did that stop them forming friendships for life and sharing experiences that will stay with them forever.”

Mrs Parsons.

“I enjoyed learning about their families and how they all feel connected with each other. I love how their values and life are so different to ours and enjoyed trying the bush food.” Skye Bryant.

“I enjoyed trying all the new foods, learning from all of the Parngurr kids, and listening to the stories they wanted to tell about their life and the different things introduced to us.” Braden Smithson.