Year 9 Indigenous Immersion

Kilbreda College aims to promote and support a greater understanding of First Nations peoples, cultures and social justice issues. As a Kildare Ministries school we are committed to living and learning in a manner that reflects the ministry of Jesus. Embedded in our strategic plan is the desire to strengthen our commitment to reconciliation and incorporate social justice themes informed by Catholic Social Teaching.

The Year 9 BRIDGES program utilises the Kildare Ministries Living Justice Living Peace charter as a foundational document for curriculum planning and shaping the inquiry questions. Recently, Year 9 students experienced a week like no other as part of their BRIDGES to Country unit. Students participated in an Indigenous camp experience at Camp Jungai and engaged in opportunities to further develop their knowledge of First Nations peoples and culture as part of their immersion days at the College to complement the week.

Through learning about Indigenous culture and beliefs, Year 9 students were able to gain a greater appreciation of the rich heritage and the contributions of Indigenous Australians. Students were encouraged to explore the following areas, ponder and discuss the prompt questions:

Learning with Wonder
What needs to be healed, protected and sustained in creation?

Leading with Courage
What forces will we need to contend with to heal, protect and sustain creation?

Living with Compassion
What compassionate responses are needed to heal, protect and sustain creation?

Supporting students to connect their life and their faith helps them to develop a meaningful relationship with God, and begin to understand the heart of God. This transformation generates a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to God’s Kingdom and serve the needs of the most vulnerable. Through meaningful engagement students activate their minds and hearts in a way that nurtures authentic spirituality and connection with God’s purpose.

Opportunities to reflect on the blessings of our life and the injustice that some experience in the world broaden their horizons and understanding of the world and their place in it. The grace that has been extended by God to us requires a response, it requires us to be gracious. We are to be compassionate to others just as God has been compassionate to us. We are to demonstrate mercy, just as God has been merciful (Luke 6:36). To be more and respond to the cries of the world requires us to proceed with an open heart for all peoples.

Jane Ward
Assistant Principal: Learning and Teaching