Emanuel Students Connect in Jilkminggan
Eight Year 6 Emanuel students and their parents have returned from a nine-day adventure in the Northern Territory.
Gabriel Sebban at work on a puzzle with new friend Tristan
The aim of their travels was to experience Aboriginal culture and explore Australian history through art, journeys of discovery, storytelling and interaction with the local community of Jilkminggan.
The Group was accompanied by two teachers, an Eco Tour Guide and an Aboriginal artist. A highlight for the students was the two days spent at Jilkminggan School.
This is the fourth Emanuel visit to the School, providing cross cultural experiences as well as an opportunity to socialise with children from different backgrounds. Emanuel and Jilkminggan students swam together in local waterholes and Emanuel students spent time teaching and playing with the pre-schoolers at Jilkminggan who reveled in the attention showered on them.
The group also visited a number of areas of outstanding natural beauty including Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls.
Emanuel School’s Deputy Head of Primary, Natanya Milner, accompanied the students and was overwhelmed by the positive outcomes. “The trip was such an amazing opportunity for the students to connect with the children of Jilkminggan and learn about the beauty and complexity of Aboriginal Australia. As well as this, it was a special time for our children to experience something so unique with their parents at such a formative age.” Ilan Sebban who accompanied his son, Gabriel, on the trip said, “I really appreciated the opportunity to bond further with Gabriel. The eco guide’s deep wisdom and knowledge was inspirational and it was wonderful to spend time with Tio (the Aboriginal artist) and to watch our Emanuel children relate to the Aboriginal children of Jilkminggan.”
