Red Bend Catholic College students experienced the red dirt and big skies of the Northern Territory in an unforgettable Marist immersion.

The college has long held a tradition of sending selected Year 11 students to the Marist community of Santa Teresa, and in October nine students, accompanied by Mr Pat Cleal and Ms Tristin Nicholls, made the life-changing trip.

Santa Teresa is a remote indigenous community 80-kilometers from Alice Springs, where the students work alongside the Marist Brothers, engaging in community life, helping with daily tasks and attending classes with the local students.

“It’s an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of local people,” explains Red Bend Catholic College Director of Faith Formation, Mr Matthew Pearce.

“The immersion reflects our values of faith, community, service and personal growth.”

“The trip really fostered self-reliance. We saw so much spiritual insight and development within the students as they built connections within the indigenous community,” says Ms Nicholls.

“It was a deeply fulfilling and rewarding journey, as we all stepped out of our comfort zones and embraced a simpler way of life. The Santa Teresa community spirit is amazing, and the memories we made will last a lifetime,” she says.

Ms Nicholls and Mr Cleal were overwhelmed by the Santa Teresa community’s response to their visit; “So many people remarked on how beautiful and engaging our group was, highlighting the warmth and positivity we radiated. It was a nice reminder of the magic that happens when people come together.”

The 2024 immersion students included Ruby Arnott, Bronnie Searl, Mykel Coe, Leah Van der Merwe, Luke Todd, Imogen Ousby, Callie Godden, Cooper Toohey and Phoebe Morrison.

They would like to extend their gratitude to the college students who contributed to their fundraising efforts, along with the local businesses who generously donated goods; Bernardis Forbes, PFD Parkes, Blayney Foods and Officeworks Orange, and the assistance of Beth Betland at MTA Travel.