St Michael’s College Henley Beach – 2024 Vietnam Immersion Trip

St Michael’s College staff and students had the immense privilege of embarking on a 12-day Vietnam immersion in the term break. With thirty-five Year 9 to 11 students and four dedicated staff members, our journey took us to the remote regions of Dak Mil and Pleiku, where we were warmly welcomed by two Lasallian schools. Brother Joseph and Brother Peter, who graciously hosted and accompanied us throughout, made our visit truly special.

A key highlight of the trip was the opportunity for our students to connect with their peers through a buddy system, participating in a variety of classes. Beyond the classroom, our students engaged in sports, dancing, and music activities, and even assisted with the serving of lunches, fostering deeper bonds with the local community. We also had the chance to visit a nearby coffee plantation, where many of the local students' families work, providing a powerful insight into the region’s culture and economy.

One of the most memorable moments was our visit to Vung Tau, where we climbed the steps to one of the world’s largest Jesus statue. The spiritual aspect of the trip continued with our visit to a newly constructed church in Vung Tau, and we attended an outdoor church where a large congregation of local parishioners gather every Sunday.

A key element of our immersion experience was the act of giving back. We were honored to donate sports equipment, iPads, and financial contributions to both Lasallian schools, which were made possible through various college fundraising efforts, including BBQs organized within our own community. This trip had been planned just before the COVID pandemic, and after five years of anticipation, we are thrilled to have finally made it a reality.

Looking ahead, we are proud to announce that this trip marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership with the schools in Dak Mil and Pleiku. We hope to return every two years to continue building these meaningful connections and fostering mutual support.

A heartfelt thank you to all the staff, students, parents, and Lasallian Brothers, as well as the dedicated teaching staff abroad, who contributed to making this trip a success. The memories created will last a lifetime for everyone involved.

Source: Matthew Williams, Head of Secondary School, St Michael’s College, Henley Beach SA