The trip began with a visit to the Cherbourg Ration Shed, where students learned about the lasting impacts of protectionist policies on Indigenous communities. Jack described the experience as ‘eye-opening,’ sharing, \u201cI found the trip to Cherbourg and St Joseph’s Murgon really impactful in its ability to convey the reality of intergenerational trauma\u2014something you often hear about but don\u2019t fully understand. The experience allowed me to truly acknowledge the ongoing effects of Colonisation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lorenzo was similarly moved, stating, \u201cI really thought before going to the Ration Shed that it was going to be another history lesson, but as soon as the Elder showed us the gruesome reality of what was happening\u2026 it became incredibly clear how protectionist policies led to such high rates of crime and poverty.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For four days, the students immersed themselves in life at St Joseph\u2019s Primary School, sleeping on gym mats in the school library and taking part in the school\u2019s daily routine. Despite the simplicity of their accommodations, the experience became a cherished highlight of the trip. Lucas reflected, \u201cEven though we were sleeping on mats and spending our evenings in the library, it didn\u2019t matter. Being together made everything special.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Will added, \u201cOne thing that surprised me was how happy all the students were. Their energy and joy were infectious and it helped us stay positive throughout the trip.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The group made regular trips to the local IGA for groceries, prepared dinners in cooking teams and spent evenings bonding over card and board games or sports in the schoolyard. These shared tasks and activities brought the group closer together, offering moments of reflection and strengthening their bonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the school day, students formed meaningful connections with the children at St Joseph\u2019s through sports games, classroom activities and heartfelt conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thomas reflected on his bond with a young girl named June, \u201cI met her at the start of the week. From helping her colour a Christmas card to building a LEGO farm together every day, our connection felt really special.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Aarin shared a memorable moment during independent reading time, \u201cA Year 2 student told me to sit next to him as he read, then handed me a second copy of the book so we could read together. That simple gesture showed the sense of community the kids have.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Campbell recalled a deeply personal connection with a student named Shen\u2019na, \u201cShe told me about struggling to make friends at her old school. It was humbling to hear her story and know she trusted me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter shared how meaningful the daily interactions were, \u201cPlaying handball with the kids every day after school created so many core memories. The excitement and competitiveness made every game special.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n These moments highlighted the openness and kindness of the St Joseph\u2019s students, leaving a lasting impression on their visitors and fostering a profound sense of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Midway through the trip, the group joined the St Joseph\u2019s students for a day of excitement at Aussie World. From rides to games, the shared laughter and joy made it a memorable highlight for everyone. Jack shared, \u201cMy favourite memory was having so many kids run to me to say goodbye as they left school in the afternoon. It was so touching and made me reconsider how much of an impact our actions can have.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lorenzo also reflected on the day, \u201cIt was fantastic to see how much the kids enjoyed every moment. Their smiles and energy reminded me that happiness isn\u2019t about what you have but who you share your experiences with.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The trip concluded with a visit to the Barambah Environmental Education Centre, where students learned about Indigenous tools, weapons and cultural practices. Campbell shared his excitement, \u201cI really enjoyed learning and practising how to use the Indigenous tools and weapons. These tools were essential for Indigenous life and learning how to use them gave me a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life in Australia before colonisation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Will added, \u201cUnderstanding the practicality of these tools gave me a whole new appreciation for how resourceful Indigenous Australians were and still are. It\u2019s something I\u2019ll carry with me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Murgon Immersion trip left students with memories and lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. Lucas summed it up, \u201cThis was the best trip I\u2019ve ever been on. I got a greater understanding of what it\u2019s like to have a place in a community, where I could help out and put a smile on someone\u2019s face, even if just for a brief moment.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter added, \u201cHearing the kids\u2019 stories and seeing their resilience taught me so much. I miss Murgon already.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n From the powerful stories at Cherbourg to the bonds formed at St Joseph\u2019s and the cultural learning at Barambah, this trip was a testament to the power of connection, resilience and shared humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2024 Murgon-Cherbourg Immersion provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous culture, history and community while reflecting deeply on their own values and perspectives. Cherbourg Ration Shed The trip began with a visit to the Cherbourg Ration Shed, where students learned about the lasting impacts of protectionist policies on Indigenous communities. Jack […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2956,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","class_list":["post-2876","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/2876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2876"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mce\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Life at St Joseph\u2019s Primary Schoo<\/strong>l<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBuilding Bonds at St Joseph\u2019s Primary School<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Day of Fun at Aussie World<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Barambah Environmental Education Centre<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Lasting Impact<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"