During the recent break, a group of Year 11 and 12 students embarked on a journey to Flores, Indonesia. Inspired by the example of Jesus and our Patron Saint, Maximilian Kolbe, our students stood up and stepped forward, out of their comfort zone, to provide support and assistance to those less fortunate. During the 10-day tour, the group was hard at work, laying the foundations for new classrooms, painting and varnishing schools and teachers’ accommodation, helping to maintain and build brighter futures for the communities visited.
Following a 6-year hiatus of our Flores Immersion Tour, the group was welcomed back with open arms and embraced as family. From learning traditional dances, sampling local delicacies and being thrashed in a friendly game of volleyball, our students experienced all aspects of Floresian life, even being invited as guests to the wedding reception of a newly married couple! With open hearts and minds, our students were able to overcome language and cultural barriers to form deep, authentic and life changing connections with these local
communities.
“Flores was a life-changing experience for all of us that will never be replaced. We have learned to view the world through a different lens and way of life by living like the locals and breaking out of our comfort zones.” Tannika Johns, Year 12
“Flores was an amazing experience that changed the way I view the world and changed the way I value parts of normal life.” Bailey McDougall, Year 11
“Flores was truly a life-changing experience and a memory that will last a lifetime.” Ava
Woodgate, Year 12
“Flores showed me that even at 17 years of age, I can still find ways to let my inner child out.” Dylan Russell, Year 12
The gratitude felt by the group for being part of something as special as the Flores Immersion Tour is beyond words. Returning home with a greater appreciation for their
privileges and comforts, a deeper consideration for the needs of the less fortunate in the world, and memories that will last a lifetime.
