Year 10 Immersion Program
Ikara
Year 10 Immersion Program
Ikara - Flinders Ranges
Lake Mungo - New South Wales
The Saint Ignatius’ College Indigenous Immersion Program reflects our commitment to authentic cultural immersions and deep service-learning experiences for our students. It aims to expand student horizons, fostering compassion, intercultural awareness, and a global perspective. Students explore the rich traditions and history of Indigenous peoples through immersive experiences and interactions with local communities. This first hand knowledge enhances their ongoing learning journey.
For Year 10 students, the College is offering two programs that will be run simultaneously in September this year. Ikara, in the Flinders Ranges, has been a part of the Immersion Program for a number of years and has been celebrated as a deeply enriching experience. In 2024 the College introduced an immersion in Lake Mungo in New South Wales - an opportunity for students to venture outside of South Australia. These unique offerings present equal opportunities for our students to immerse themselves in first-hand learning experiences, form new perspectives, and create lasting memories.
Participating in a Year 10 Immersion will open the door to students possibly engaging in a deeper cultural experience in the Top End, Northern Territory, or seeking to be part of the broader immersion offerings in 2025. This includes travel to Timor Leste or Cambodia/ Vietnam. Students completing either Immersion will then also be eligible to undertake the Stage 2 Integrated Learning Immersions course next year.
Ikara
Ikara - Flinders Ranges
The Ikara Immersion, established in 2020, has proven to be a rich cultural experience. The group will spend three days with local Adnyamathanha elder Kristian Coulthard, explore the region’s geography and archaeological significance, and camp in the bush.
Students participate in activities such as smoking ceremony, making clap sticks and wadnas, cooking bush mai (food), guided walks on Adnyamathanha land and listening to traditional stories around campfires. Students will also tour Blinman mines and the Ediacaran Exhibit in Parachilna. A third-party provider provides all transport, food and accommodation.
When? Saturday 22 September – Thursday 27 September 2025 (Week 10, Term 3)
How many students can participate? Approximately 20 students
How will students be chosen? This will be based on an application process, the details of which will be provided in a separate email to students. Selections will be made by the Director of Mission in consultation with House Leaders and others.
When do students apply? Applications close Tuesday 25 March
How much will it cost? Approx. $1800 – $2000. Final price is subject to final student numbers
Great for:
• the opportunity to explore one of the most iconic places in our state of South Australia
• students who would prefer to travel a shorter distance from home
Lake Mungo - NSW
For the first time, the College is giving students the chance to travel to the remote Indigenous homelands of Culpra Milli/Lake Mungo. Students will have the rare opportunity to make real connections with Indigenous Australians living on their own land who have maintained a deep connection to their culture and history. They will learn from Traditional Owners, and mix with Indigenous children eager for a window to the outside world.
The group will stay in safe areas on privately held First Nations land, not accessible outside of this setting. They will learn, make, gather, eat, give, grow, and connect with Traditional Owners. Activities will include smoking ceremony, making clap sticks, cooking bush food, guided walks on homelands and listening to traditional stories around campfires. Red Earth provides food, transport, and access to facilities in homelands.
When? Saturday 20 September – Thursday 25 September 2025 (Week 10, Term 3)
How many students can participate? Approximately 20 students
How will students be chosen? This will be based on an application process, the details of which will be provided in a separate email to students. Selections will be made by the Director of Mission in consultation with House Leaders and others.
When do students apply? Applications close Tuesday 25 March
How much will it cost? Approx. $2800 – $3000. Final price is subject to final student numbers
*Transport to Lake Mungo is further and Indigenous provider costs to Lake Mungo differ from the Ikara immersion*
Great for:
• students who want to venture outside of South Australia
• the opportunity to try an immersion that is new to the College
Further information
Ikara - Flinders Ranges
Presentation
Lake Mungo - New South Wales
Video
*Families are reminded that they should not apply for these immersions if they have are behind on fees or alternatively seek an appointment with the College Finance Accounts Receivable Officer.
