From Timor-Leste Immersion Co-ordinator, Brad Thompson
Last week, the ten students taking part in the 2017 Waverley College Timor-Leste Immersion met for a final briefing, accompanied by their parents.
The evening was attended by the Head of College, Mr Graham Leddie and Director of Mission, Mr Phillip Davis, who both spoke about the philosophy behind Immersions, inspiring the boys to reflect on the journey ahead. Mr Leddie also gave some insights into his own considerable experience with Immersions, and presented the student participants with their Immersion backpacks and shirts.
2017 Timor Leste Briefing
The Immersion group will fly out this Sunday 6th August for the 10-day Immersion. Ms Kaitlyn Downey, Mr Luke Barbour and Mr Brad Thompson will accompany the Years 10 and 11 student participants. They will travel first to Darwin, then on to Dili and the Ermera District of Timor-Leste. While in Timor-Leste, they will participate in hands-on projects supporting the communities and schools associated with the Communidade Edmund Rice. The students will also learn about the geo-political history of the young nation and will visit the Australian Embassy and meet with the Australian Ambassador in Dili.
The College community has been very supportive of the Immersion as a whole, including fundraising efforts to support the Immersion activities. Projects facilitated by the participants (both past and current) included a successful Bake Sale with proceeds going towards a Community Centre painting project.
2017 Timor Leste Immersion briefing
The group are excited about the upcoming Immersion, and will be posting an account of their trip on a blog on the College website, updated whenever internet access is available. The Immersion Blog site can be accessed HERE.
The Red Earth Immersion, the College’s latest Immersion initiative, will be undertaken concurrently with the Timor-Leste Immersion. On behalf of the Timor-Leste participants (past and present) we wish the participating students and teachers a very rewarding and successful inaugural journey to Kakadu and Central Australia. It will be a credit to Ms. Olivia Kite and the entire Immersion team, supported by the College through Mr. Graham Leddie.
