Pilgrimage and Camino
Learning Beyond the Classroom
As teachers and parents, we dream for our children to be confident, independent and resilient learners. By participating in experiential learning, students are engaged in authentic learning experiences that position them as active participants in their learning. They develop the ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice and integrate learning beyond the classroom. Experiential learning can increase student engagement, improve learning effectiveness and enhance work and life skills.
The College offers numerous opportunities for students to participate in experiential learning beyond the classroom. Some of the opportunities include:
- Outdoor Education – including expeditions to Ningaloo and Exmouth, Rottnest, Margaret River and Dwellingup
- Excursions and incursions
- Camps and Retreats
- Tours and trips Inter-State and Overseas
- Guest Speakers
- Workplace Learning
- Irene’s Service Learning
The major real life experiences are the Year 9 Camino Program and Irene’s Pilgrimage in Year 10. Details of which a presented below.
Year 9 Camino
The Year 9 Camino program is designed for students to find a safe path to adulthood. On this journey, students learn to take responsibility for themselves and give gratitude to God and to those who assist them on their way. Students get to know themselves and explore how their relationships shape who they are. Students are supported on this journey by a mentor who will guide them throughout the process.
‘The Calling’ is a special ceremony where students are called to leave their childlike behaviours behind and thank their parents and guardians for supporting them thus far.
Throughout the year Camino leaders set challenges that test the mental and physical abilities of students, developing their resilience and perseverance.
The ‘Departure’ sees the students embark on a five-day expedition where they leave their safe community behind and face challenges that require independence and maturity.
The ‘Return’ is a celebration within our community to recognise the transition of our students into young adults who have developed respect for self, care for others, and skills for life.
Irene's Pilgrimage
Irene’s Pilgrimage is a vibrant tradition at our College involving Year 10 students journeying over 5 days by retracing the footsteps of Sister Irene McCormack in Western Australia.
Along the journey Pilgrims meet many close friends and family of Sr Irene, including her sister Bernadette McCormack, as well as several Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who worked with Sr Irene in Western Australia and Peru.
Sister Frances McGuire rsj said, “She learnt to live with fear and not in fear,” signifying a change in Sr Irene towards her last days, to devote the remainder of her life to people in Peru despite dangers of the terrorist organisation embedded within the community.”
The pilgrimage takes students to the South Perth Convent of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Safety Bay, Busselton, Kearnan College in Manjimup, Kellerberrin, Kununoppin and Trayning. In Trayning, pilgrims cement their details on the labyrinth in the grounds of the Parish Church, which is modelled on the Eye that Cries Labyrinth in Lima, Peru and commemorates the lives lost in the many years of political unrest.
The final destination is New Norcia where pilgrims celebrate Mass in the Abbey Church. The pilgrimage enables students to experience the challenges and struggles of Irene’s life as well as her passion for dance, fun, sport and commitment to helping those in need.
