A group of 34 students and staff participated in the college’s annual Northern Territory immersion experience, where they engaged in Indigenous cultural, artistic, educational, and environmental activities. 

Their journey included visits to Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, and Litchfield National Park, as well as attending museums and arts, music, and fashion events in Darwin. 

We invite you to read reflections from Principal Ann Rebgetz, along with personal accounts from several students who share the profound impact this experience had on them.

Reflection by Principal Ann Rebgetz

The group absolutely loved the trip to the Top End and came away with many impactful experiences shaping them for the future. Everywhere we went, I received comments on how well behaved and courteous our students were – the flight attendant sought me out along with receiving letters from the public. Congratulations to this group of 27 students and 6 other staff for this achievement. The experience at Ludmilla School and the delight of the primary students was very moving and we were so impressed by the great work being done by the school. We extend our thanks again to the Principal Ms Carol Putica and staff for their very special welcome and fun filled activities with students.

In addition, the trip to Litchfield National Park and action in the falls again highlighted the uniqueness of the Top End and its richness of landscape and heritage. This was followed by the Arts Festival in the evening being entertained by African singers and band, amidst the range of different eating booths and delectable menu.

The display of Artwork, fashions and range of exhibitors and stalls in the Darwin Convention Centre for the Art Festival was really a takeaway – this was our Saturday treat, and many little gifts were purchased with many others being admired! Again, on Saturday evening it really was exuberant to enjoy the Indigenous Music Awards at the Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre! This followed a wonderful highlights and debriefing session, where all shared their reflections and the wonderful bonding between the group. 

We again thank all the staff Mr Isikeli Kubunameca, Mr Josateki Tora, Mr Mathew Silao, Mr Sam Stocks, Ms Antonia Lu and Ms Tara Button -Wright who so generously made sure that all were cared for so well. Our support sponsors and donors are also very appreciated. Sunday saw us attend the beautiful 150-year Mass at the Cathedral in honour of the OLSH (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) Sisters and their work particularly across the Top End. Their order began in France in 1874.

Reflections by Students

Thank you to the incredible staff and students who made the 2024 Tiwi Islands and Darwin immersion experience so special. The time we spent learning about the vibrant Tiwi culture, exploring the stunning natural landscapes, and connecting with the warm and welcoming local community will forever be a cherished memory. The knowledge and insights we gained during our visits to the Tiwi Islands and time in Darwin were truly invaluable. We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions, art, and way of life of the Tiwi people. Seeing the Tiwi art galleries, attending a school, seeing Ms Rebgetz connection to the land and touring the Tiwi Islands by were just a few of the highlights that allowed us to develop a deeper appreciation for this unique part of Australia. (Engy, Yr 12)

This was my first immersion and my first long trip with a lot of friends that was so amazing that I can’t forget every single second of the trip with a lot of friends that I made in this trip. I learnt a lot about First Nation people and a lot of historical things about aboriginal people and a lot about Darwin, World War II and that Japanese that attacked Darwin. And having a lot of fun with friends, teachers. Especially Ms Rebgetz past life and her husband that done a lot for aborigine people that I was so lucky to selected to come and know all of this. Thanks a lot for all of your hard work Ms Rebgetz and all of the teachers I can’t forget this immersion. (Abass, Yr 11)

This trip has been one of the best experiences of my life and would do it 1000x over. I’ve learnt so much about First Nations people and even Ms Rebgetz. I’ve made so many memories and gained a bunch of new friendships. All this would’ve been possible without the best teachers and staff who made it the best possible immersion. Thank you to the Jimmies’ family for making it a lifelong memory. (Isla, Yr 12)

I just want to say thank you for making this trip so special for myself and everyone around you. Not only was I super scared to go up there but also so ready to pull out of this trip, thank you for making this trip a very memorable experience. I loved connecting closer to every one of you I swear I had the best time of my life - I’m so grateful I didn’t pull out. Big UPS to Ms Rebgetz, Mr K, Uncle Silao, Tara, Teki, Stocksy and Ms Lu for making this all happen and working behind the scenes, your dedication, hard work, and commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Not only did I get to create memories of a lifetime, laughter of joy and the love all around but I also got to learn more about my own culture and its unique history. Every moment was filled laughter joy and happiness. I love you ALL and hope you all enjoyed yourself just as much as I did. (Katrina, Yr 12)

This trip was amazing, and I want to thank everyone Ms Rebgetz, Mr K, Mr Silao, Stocks, Teki, Ms Lu and Ms Tara and all the students for making it happen. The trip was full of enjoyment, laughter, and great experiences. I had so much fun and learned a lot, especially about First Nations culture and history, including stories about Darwin and the islands during WWII that reminded me of my own background. I also learned a lot from Ms Rebgetz’s life in Darwin that she spent and also meeting the primary school children, swapping t-shirts with them, and visiting the art galleries, where we saw incredible talent and creativity. I’m so grateful for every moment we shared. And again, thank you very much everyone. (Mustafa, Yr 11)

This trip was truly amazing, and I can't thank Ms Rebgetz, Mr K, Mr Silao, Tara, Ms Lu, Stocksy, and Teki enough for making it happen. It was filled with so much laughter, joy, and incredible experiences that I'll cherish forever. From seeing the beautiful indigenous art and music, to those incredible crocodiles and even going to also seeing my first fashion show, every moment was unforgettable. I'm so grateful to have gotten to know everyone better, you guys are awesome. This trip wasn't just about exploring a beautiful place, it was about connecting with a rich culture and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I already miss it so much and can't wait to go back on day! Thank you. (Mia, Yr 11)

During the Top End Immersion, I had an incredible time engaging with the kids up at Xavier College on Tiwi Islands, playing AFL and basketball. I was captivated by the fashion show, where I saw the vibrant First Nations culture being beautifully represented. Visiting the museums was a highlight; I appreciated the diverse First Nations art and gained a deeper understanding of their historical connection to the war in Darwin. Overall, the experience was both enriching and eye-opening, offering a lot of appreciation for the cultural heritage and history of the region. (Eric, Yr 12)

What a trip! just want to give the biggest thank you to Ms Rebgetz, Mr K, Mr Silao, Tara, Ms Lou, Stocksy and Teki for the opportunity. This trip was full of happiness, laughter, and good times for the most part, definitely one of the best weeks of my life so far. From seeing the indigenous rock art, canvas art and national indigenous music awards, world heritage listed parks, and more crocodiles than I can count on my fingers, to even going to my first fashion show was really such a beauty to be a part of and will be a memory I can cherish for a long time now. It was a blessing to get to know everyone more than I did a week ago. I hope you all enjoyed yourself as much as I did, creating those memories we’ll never forget. Darwin was such a beautiful place full of rich culture that enabled me to have a deeper appreciation for our indigenous people. Once in a lifetime trip and I already want to go back. Thanks again. (Max, Yr 12)

This immersion has been one of my best trips I ever been on and I have learned a lot about the indigenous people of Darwin and a lot about myself with all of the reflections we did, thank you to all the teachers who helped to bring us on this amazing immersion and to the motel staff that clean our rooms and gave us breakfast all most every day. I’m grateful for the motel because felt like the motel made me talk to more people and engage with other stuff/students. Also thank you to all the students for the amazing bus rides and really feel like I’m closer with everyone. We are basically family now. (Remy, Yr 12)

For starters, I would like to thank Ms Rebgetz and all the teachers for the wonderful opportunities that gave me and the other students to go on this immersion. Going to this immersion was probably one of the best highlights of my life which is not an understatement as things like this don’t happen very often. I was given an opportunity to get to know the teachers and my peers on a personal level getting to grow with them along this journey, making friends and memories that I never thought would be possible. Getting to know about the indigenous culture as I never knew that it’s even existed until I got to come to Australia and witness it for myself. Learning of how loving caring and welcoming the indigenous people are and how much they cherish their land and culture. I’ve got to have many of my first times during this trip and personally I wouldn’t want it any other way from the fashion show to the crocodile sighting to the concert and having dinner together almost every night. such things helped to bring us closer and build a bond that goes beyond friendship. I’m so thankful and grateful that I got to do it and I would personally encourage anyone else who would want to do it next year to try out because it is worth it. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful memories. (Junior, Yr 11)

I am honestly blessed with the best school family. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to come on this trip. Getting to know each and every one of you deeper, staff and students, was a very big highlight for me. I made memories that I will forever cherish and remember, so thank you all for making my first ever immersion the absolute best. Huge thank you to all the teachers for your support throughout the immersion, and to you Ms Rebgetz for showing and telling us all your stories, especially the ones about your husband in Tiwi Island, very special moment. (Layla, Yr 11)