A life-changing adventure

A group of Year 6 students and their parents had an incredible adventure during their trip to the Northern Territory, filled with wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.  Oscar Glikin, Gideon Cohen, Lily Smaller, Tabitha Masnick, Tali Gellert and Claudia Hochroth shared their life changing journey with me.

Wildlife adventure: During their trip, the students had the chance to connect with nature and discover various forms of wildlife. At Mataranka, they encountered a diverse range of creatures, including cane toads and green tree frogs. Their experience with wildlife wasn’t limited to amphibians; they also had the opportunity to observe numerous peacocks, adding a touch of vibrant colour to their adventure.

Darwin delights: Upon arriving in Darwin, the students wasted no time in immersing themselves in the local culture. They embarked on a memorable sunset cruise across the ocean and indulged in a classic Australian treat – fish and chips. This not only offered them a taste of the local cuisine but also provided a stunning view of the coastal beauty as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Litchfield National Park: The group’s second day was an exploration of the natural wonders at Litchfield National Park. Their journey led them to a breathtaking waterfall, where they marveled at the beauty of nature. While there, they even spotted some fish, adding a touch of aquatic wonder to their day.

Katherine adventures: The students’ journey took them to Katherine, where they enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at their motel. The day concluded with a splash in the pool, both by the kids and some parents, followed by a yummy dinner. Their next day started bright and early as they boarded the bus, heading towards Edith Falls. The crystal-clear waters and stunning waterfalls provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation and fun.

In Katherine, the students had a unique opportunity to learn from an Aboriginal elder, Manuel, who shared stories of his tribe, providing valuable insights into the indigenous culture. They engaged in traditional activities such as painting Australian animals, attempting fire-making, and even trying their hand at spear throwing. It was a memorable immersion into the rich heritage of the region.

Jilkminggan School experience: The heart of the trip was their visit to Jilkminggan School, which spanned over three days. The students developed a deep connection with the local students and their traditions. They participated in various activities, including games and puzzles, fostering a sense of togetherness and cultural understanding. They were privileged to be invited by the community to a boys’ initiation ceremony where our students were even encouraged to join in with the spirited dances. This unique opportunity to learn about the land and traditions of the Jilkminggan community left a profound impact on the visiting students and hopefully on the Jilkminggan students too. 

Shabbat in Mataranka (by Michelle Favero): On Thursday afternoon, the students enjoyed decorating challah cups, crafting candlesticks out of clay, candles from beeswax and challah covers, in preparation for Shabbat the following evening.

At an impressive 6.30 am on Friday, a group of skilled challah maker parents descended on the outdoor kitchen to make enough challah dough for an impressive 18 challot. These were taken with us to Jilkminggan where they were plaited and baked in the ovens. Delicious aromas filled the classrooms and the Jilk students were delighted when we left a number of challot for their afternoon tea. The remaining challot, along with the crafted items from the previous day were placed in the middle of a circle, formed by parents, students and staff.

At sundown, we collectively lit the Shabbat candles, sang beautiful Hebrew songs about togetherness and reflected on just how lucky we were to be celebrating Shabbat in such a special and spiritual place. Thanks to parents, Brett Churnin and Oren Cohen, for leading us in this very special Kabbalat Shabbat and Kiddish, for encouraging us to reflect on our gratitude and for sharing their prayers for the citizens and soldiers of Israel. Each child received a blue and white loom band bracelet, generously donated by Viv and Lily Smaller. 

Celebrating Shabbat outdoors in a place that is steeped in thousands of years of history, surrounded by the sounds of peacocks, frogs and Kookaburras, reminded us of how lucky we truely were to be in this place of natural beauty. 

Sunset and souvenirs in Darwin: As they returned to Darwin, the students visited the Mindl Markets, where they had a chance to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip. They also had a relaxed evening sitting on the beach, watching the mesmerising sunset, and reflecting on the incredible experiences they had gathered throughout their journey.

A few more of the wonderfully enriching things we experienced

This trip to the Northern Territory was not just a journey but a profound educational and cultural experience, where we all experienced the ebb and flow of time, gained insights into the rich heritage of the region, and forged meaningful connections with the local community. It was a trip they will undoubtedly cherish for years to come.