Samoan Immersion 2015


Samoan Immersion 2015 - resized.jpgIn the September holidays, a group of Carmel College students and teachers travelled to St Joseph’s College Samoa as part of a seven-day immersion program.

At its core, the Samoan immersion provides an opportunity to engage in new experiences, become enriched in a different culture, and be challenged by what is seen and learned.

The College’s representatives spent six days becoming a part of the St Joseph’s community, creating firm friendships and developing a sensitivity to the difficulties of another’s situation.

As the students and teachers of Carmel visited the local village and environment, participated in prayer and experienced the traditions of learning at St Joseph's, their journey was governed by three principles:
1. Respect and tolerance to others
2. Be flexible
3. Walk with the people in the spirit of building solidarity and learning something new.

Mauri Tualaulelei, Head Boy from St Joseph's College, said that the smiles and unbreakable bonds formed between the students and teachers would be "treasured dearly".

"Your small group has given me motivation to uphold the Marist Spirit and do the best I can for my school," Mauri said.

"I know that you will spread the great stories about your personal experiences here in Samoa to your school, as well as your community.

"Your presence here at our school has lit a spark that will start a burning flame of faith, love and helpfulness that will never die out, no matter how many years go by."