In 1987 as a student, I attended a school program travelling by bus through Coober Pedy to Yulara to explore the centre of Australia. My memories of this program are of the vast landscape and what was then called Ayers Rock, now Uluru. 

I remember camps from my time at school clearly. From the interactions with others on the program, sharing tents and accommodation, and talking with friends into the early hours of the night – I am sure we all remember these experiences, the challenges, and the moments that collectively had a small part, in making us who we are today. 

In 1987, it was acceptable and encouraged to climb the rock, almost a physical challenge for all who visited. We climbed up, using the chain that was dug into the rock, as a guide and a support mechanism. I remember the physicality required to climb Uluru/Ayers Rock, and the feeling of achievement when I reached the top. 

Last week, I had the opportunity to revisit Yulara and Uluru, 37 years later with our St Catherine’s Year 8 students. I was in awe of the size and connection to Country that I felt revisiting these magical parts of Australia. 

As a country and a school, we are developing and strengthening a greater understanding of the First Nations people of this country, their cultures, and exploration of these important areas before white people.  

Exploring Central Australia with the Year 8 students was a highlight of 2024, thus far. I was able to experience learning through the eyes of our Year 8 girls, as well through the experiences and education of the locals and elders who we met and learned from.  

The five-day Program took us from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Yulara. We explored Aboriginal histories and culture through the KARRKE Aboriginal Cultural Centre, an organisation dedicated to the preservation and safekeeping of the Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) language, cultural wisdom, and heritage. KAARKE’s primary objective is to ensure future generations never lose touch with the rich cultural heritage of the land. We learned about Aboriginal lives and traditions including food, customs, art, hunting, and connection to country.  

The group explored Kings Canyon, taking their time to walk from the gathering area through the Canyon and back. This time allowed the Year 8s to enjoy the natural landscape, reflect on their learnings and connect with their friends, while ‘walking and talking.’   

Our journey ended in Yulara, visiting Kata Tjuta and Uluru. It was a symbolic ending to our Program with the opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal people, along the Mala Walk and the cycling adventure around Uluru. Many of the students found this day, the highlight of the Program.  

The trip to Central Australia is part of St Catherine’s sequential Beyond Boundaries Program. The Program enables students to develop resilience, and independence and explore areas of personal growth and interest by offering programs that extend their personal capabilities, develop leadership and teamwork skills, all whilst exploring experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.  

Our girls develop an awareness of the world around them, both culturally and environmentally, through engaging responsibly as global citizens in an educational setting. The Beyond Boundaries Program provides students with opportunities to build social relationships, develop confidence, and foster independence by participating in unique learning experiences, facilitated by experienced leaders, and supported by School staff. Each Program stimulates a sense of adventure through problem-solving activities that encourage social communication and interactions, team building, and promote self-belief and leadership opportunities.  

St Catherine’s School Co-curricular Program fosters collaborative opportunities from our Early Learning Centre to Year 12, and is built on six Pillars in supporting the journey of each student: 

Through this Framework, the Beyond Boundaries Program accesses the pillars of Experiential Learning, Leadership and Agency, Global Citizenship, Cognitive Skills, Collaboration, and Teamwork. These Pillars are important in the holistic development of our young people today and provide the skills to enable them to navigate future opportunities and experiences at School and beyond.  

I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to spend the week with our Year 8 students and navigate the journey with them. As teachers, the connection to students through these experiences strengthens our understanding of their capabilities and resilience. Each student navigated their own challenges on this Program. On the last evening, they shared their highlights of the Program and a person they were grateful for. It was clear from the Cohort that they enjoyed the journey, connection to country experiences, and navigating their learning with their friends. The girls communicated they were very grateful to the staff and the staff from Hollands Bus Lines for the experience.  

I too, am grateful for the privilege of creating co-curricular and learning opportunities for our students outside the classroom. Thank you, Year 8s for sharing this experience with me and the staff who attended.