Tours and Immersions

tours and immersions

Photo: European Cultural Tour 2016 Front cover: Duke of Edinburgh Fiji Expereince 2016

message from the principal The Mission statement at Brigidine College states that we want girls ‘to be true to themselves’ and ‘to act in the world with strength and gentleness’.

It is then imperative for us to develop within our students a sense of their role in a global context and provide opportunities for them to contribute to their world.

Tours provide experiences of other places and cultures, opportunities to exhibit talent and engage in collaborative experiences that enable growth and development. These moments open doors to the beauty and wonder of their world and offer valuable experiences that no classroom can satisfy.

Immersions allow these opportunities and enhance the leadership capacity so intrinsic to girls, that of service to others. Through these opportunities, the girls grow in understanding themselves and others and come to a greater awareness of issues beyond their own neighbourhood. They see and experience the world through a new lens and use that new insight to enrich their lives and the lives of others.

In our increasingly global village, there is no better way to come to intercultural understanding than through living among and walking alongside others.

Jane Curran Principal

3 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

catholic mission cambodia Overview The purpose of this program is for students to gain insights into the realities of life for the people with whom they engage while in Cambodia. They develop a deep appreciation for a culture very different to their own and learn about the huge disparities in wealth between their own lifestyle and that of the communities with which they engage, from a perspective of justice and the gospel. The program includes time working in orphanages, schools and health clinics while engaging with various NGOs. The program also offers participants an opportunity to deepen their spirituality and strengthen their commitment to living their faith in ways that build a more just world.

About Catholic Mission Getting Involved Globally (GIG) is the immersion program Brigidine shares in partnership with Catholic Mission to offer an experience in service learning and faith development.

REGION

2016

ASIA

Cambodia

2017

QUICK FACTS •

Open to students in Years 10 and 11

•

Approximately 16 days

•

Small group of between 8 – 14 students, 2 teachers, 1 Catholic Mission and 1 In-country facilitator

•

The trip takes place during the January school holidays

•

Involvement in a range of community service interactions

•

Exposure to the work of NGOs

•

Living in village and city communities

•

Witness firsthand the work of the Church

•

Approximate cost $5000

2018

2019

Cambodia

4 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

2020 Cambodia

“The people I met, the lessons I learned and the gratitude I gained from the beautiful culture of Cambodia is irreplaceable. The immersion opened my eyes to the harsh differences in opportunity and access throughout the world that holds people back materially but does not control a person’s ability to love, find happiness, and most importantly, a purpose. I was able to create new friendships and memories to cherish forever, and share an experience so profound with other people. I could not compare this experience to anything.

5 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

antipodeans immersion Overview The Brigidine Antipodeans Immersion programs to South East Asia provide students with an opportunity to develop leadership skills in practise. Students are provided with opportunities to book accommodation, transport and restaurants, as well as organise their own site-seeing activities whilst in the country. The students work in small leadership teams for 2-3 days and organise all of the travelling needs required by the group. These activities are overseen and approved by the Antipodeans leader prior to the immersion taking place.

About Antipodeans Antipodeans is Australasia’s most experienced student expedition travel company which has safely guided students and groups through the developing world for 20 years.

REGION

2017

ASIA

Vietnam

2018

QUICK FACTS •

Open to students in Years 10 and 11

•

Between 19 – 21 days

•

Small groups of between 12 – 16 students, 2 teachers and 1 Antipodeans leader

•

The trip takes place during the January school holidays

•

Involves a 4 – 6 day community service immersion program

•

Includes a 3 – 4 day trek in remote communities

•

An additional building project requires the students to fundraise collectively over the 18 months prior to departure

•

Approximate cost is $6500

2019

2020

Borneo

6 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

2021 Laos

“It was the most challenging experience of my life but also the most rewarding. I learnt so much about myself, especially in situations that were outside my comfort zone. The leadership component of the trip forced me to think on my feet, acknowledge that things don’t always go to plan and recognise the value of teamwork in tricky situations. My time spent in the community with the locals taught me so much about the world around me.”

7 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

duke of edinburgh fiji experience Overview The Fiji Experience provides Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award participants with an opportunity to raise awareness and appreciation of the different challenges faced by a developing community. The experience will enhance leadership and organisation skills in the face of challenges in an unfamiliar environment.

The time students spend on this trip will provide an excellent opportunity for them to learn about and experience the challenges, hopes and possibilities of another culture.

QUICK FACTS

Essentially, the trip is a Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition and service-learning program. Destination Dreaming teaches young people about global citizenship, self-awareness and social justice. The experience will be challenging and rewarding, it will raise questions that have no easy answers.

About Destination Dreaming Destination Dreaming is an Australian social enterprise that works with schools to create sustainable community partnerships across Asia Pacific.

These partnerships provide a foundation for practical, intercultural engagement that develops social responsibility, global competence and self-awareness in young people.

•

Gold Duke of Edinbuirgh Award students

•

11 days in Fiji

•

Small groups of between 10 – 16 students, 2 teachers and 1 Destination Dreaming leader.

•

The trip takes place during the October school holidays

•

Involves a 4 day Gold Award practice expedition

•

Includes the 5 day Gold Award residential project

•

Approximate cost is $3500$3800

REGION

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

ASIA

Fiji

Fiji

Fiji

Fiji

Fiji

8 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

“Going to Fiji was the best thing I have ever done. For a school to offer a tour like this to students is amazing. It was tiring, physically and mentally exhausting, however such a rewarding experience. The villages we visited felt like home away from home, the culture was so inviting it wasn’t hard to fit in, and the connections we formed were real and pure; it was hard to say good bye. I can’t thank my parents enough for making the trip happen and the teachers for providing us with the trip of a lifetime. I will be forever grateful.”

9 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

european cultural tour Overview Students will visit historically significant castles, cathedrals and museums, geographically significant towns, villages and regions and the birthplaces and sources of inspiration of authors, poets and playwrights. They will experience culturally significant foods, accents and lifestyles, including theatres, a theme park, underground trains and double decker buses. This means they are exposed to the authentic living context of so many elements of their studies that cannot be experienced in Australia. History, Society and Culture, Languages, Drama, Literature, Geography, Visual Arts all come alive in a way that cannot be imagined.

An historical and cultural narrative connects the cities of York, Edinburgh, Manchester, Warwick, Bath, London, Pisa, Florence, Siena and Rome using JK Rowlings, Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, the Brontes, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, The English monarchy, the Church, Michaelangelo, the Romans, the Industrial Revolution and so much more. A little bit of haggis, black pudding, gelato and a trip to the West End make it all the more enjoyable!

QUICK FACTS •

Open to students in Year 11

•

Approximately 16 days

•

The trip takes place during the September holidays

•

The group travels through the United Kingdom and Italy

•

The tour involves visits to historically significant castles, cathedrals, museums, and the homes and birthplaces of inspirational poets, authors and playwrights

•

History, Geography, Society and Culture, Languages, Drama, Literature and Visual Arts all come alive

•

Approximate cost $7000

About Antipodeans Antipodeans is Australasia’s most experienced and much-loved student expedition travel company. We’ve been safely guiding students and groups through the developing world for 20 years.

REGION

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

EUROPE

UK / Rome

UK / Rome

UK / Rome

UK / Rome

UK / Rome

10 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

“Apart from the rich cultural aspect of the tour there were many other amazing experiences, whether it was shopping in some of the beautiful cities, taking photos on the London Tube, wandering around the cobbled streets of Italy or eating way too many Italian pastries. Everyone developed lifelong friendships and by the end we were one large family who’d experienced the trip of a lifetime together.”

11 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

indigenous immersion Overview A cross-cultural immersion and mission exposure program providing the girls with a unique opportunity for experiential learning. Participants immerse themselves in the culture and life issues of our indigenous brothers and sisters by engaging with key communities, community elders and school leaders. The outback tour visits the towns of Bathurst, Dubbo, Coonamble, Collarenebri, Lightning Ridge and Goodooga. A key focus will be the girls working as teacher aides at St Brigid’s School Coonamble and in the Lightning Ridge and Goodooga Central Schools.

Through the experience the girls grow to see the world differently, deepen their spirituality and commit to their faith in ways that will help build a more just and peaceful world.

The purpose of this immersion program is to gain an insight into the realities of life for outback communities, including indigenous respect for traditional ways and highlighting school routines in rural Australia.

QUICK FACTS •

Open to students in Year 10

•

5 day immersion in early August

•

Approximate cost $500

•

Students participate in Outback Indigenous Games

•

Students act as teacher aides at St Brigid’s School Coonamble, along with the Lightning Ridge and Goodooga Central Schools

•

Tour includes visits to places like - Dubbo Zoo - Lightning Ridge Opal Mine - Lightning Ridge Hot Springs - Farm shearing sheds - Brewarrina Fish Traps - Collarenebri Indigenous Burial Ground

REGION

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

AUSTRALIA

Outback NSW

Outback NSW

Outback NSW

Outback NSW

Outback NSW

12 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

“I learnt what life was like in country Australia from the original Australians of this land. By listening to Aunty Beth and other elders speak and seeing firsthand the environment which surrounds Goodooga, I grew an even greater respect for my country and the Aboriginal people. Most importantly, I learnt that you don’t need a lot to be happy or bring happiness.”

13 | Brigidine 13 | Brigidine CollegeCollege St Ives StTOURS Ives IMMERSIONS AND IMMERSIONS

music club tours Overview The Brigidine Music Club embarks on a tour each year alternating between short and long distance. These tours provide students with opportunities to foster friendships outside of their normal groups, spread the joy of music making, develop friendships with students from other schools and create long lasting and happy memories. The students will perform in a variety of concerts and also have the chance to enjoy local attractions.

QUICK FACTS •

Students in Years 7 to 12

•

Between 4 – 21 days

•

Large groups of between 40 – 70 students, 5 Brigidine staff members

•

The tours are usually at the end of Term 1 or the beginning of Term 2

•

Involves 4 – 6 extra rehearsals further to normal Music Club involvements

•

Includes Cultural Attractions and fun local activities

•

Includes 3 – 4 performances in a variety of exciting venues

•

Long distance tours approximately $2000

•

Short distance tours approximately $700

REGION

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

VARIOUS

NSW South Coast

Tasmania

Country NSW

USA

TBC

14 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

“Our tour to New Zealand was amazing! Performing at a school for children with intellectual disabilities was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. In Rotorua we visited the Tamaki Maori village where we witnessed traditional Maori rituals, song and dance, as well as trying a Hangi feast! Jet boating on Lake Rotorua, luging down mountains and visiting the Hobbiton meant the fun and energy on this tour was endless. The best part was that we all came together as a team and a family.�

15 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

sports tours Overview The College may choose to participate in sporting tours for any of the team sports we play. This may include Netball, Hockey, Water polo, Touch, Basketball, Football or as determined by the Sports department.

Further information will be provided at least 18 months prior to the tour taking place. These tours may be interstate or international.

Sports tours allow players to visit different countries and to see and experience things that ordinary tourists would not. It gives individuals the opportunity to:

QUICK FACTS

•

contribute, compete, and be part of a team

•

physically challenge themselves against determined opposition

•

Open to any sport that has teams playing at the College

•

experience the highs and lows, disappointments and achievements

•

The preferred Year groups are Years 9, 10 and 11

•

aspire, inspire and enjoy.

•

The size of the tour depends on the sport and how many sports tour together

•

The average tour is from 5 – 10 days

•

Approximate cost is $2500

It’s this mix that allows young people to grow, develop and mature. For some, it may be the first time they travel overseas or in a group. It provides an opportunity for girls across many Year groups to form lasting friendships and memories. A successful sports tour can be the experience of a lifetime.

REGION

2017

VARIOUS

NZ

2018

2019

2020

2021

TBC

TBC

TBC

16 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

“We had so much fun and were warmly welcomed by all the schools we played.

I have made friendships with many girls I had never met before this tour.”

“The best parts were the bus trips to each game and sightseeing locations.

We were able to do so much; jet boating, luging, Maori cultural village, thermal springs and we even fitted in some serious training and competition.”

17 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

Photo: Antipodeans Immersion 2015 Back cover: Duke of Edinburgh Fiji Expereince18 2016 | Brigidine College St Ives TOURS AND IMMERSIONS

We inspire girls to value learning, to be true to themselves and to honour their spiritual heritage.

We challenge young women to act in the world with strength and gentleness.

325 Mona Vale Road, St Ives NSW 2075 P 02 9988 6200 E office@brigidine.nsw.edu.au www.brigidine.nsw.edu.au