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KRB connects with Indigenous community in Bowraville

In 2005, Kincoppal-Rose Bay Principal Chris Faisandier invited two teachers from St Mary’s Primary School in Bowraville, NSW to KRB for one week to teach art, craft and Aboriginal language. Since that initial meeting, the connection between our two Schools has grown. KRB students and staff now travel to St Mary’s yearly to host a week-long sport and activities camp held during the school holidays. 

At the Bowraville camp, KRB students enjoy dedicating their time to host many activities for children within the community. These include activities such as canoeing, fishing, touch football, basketball, netball, cooking and art.  

This camp is an opportunity for our students to learn more about the Indigenous community in Bowraville and to expand their perspectives by participating in sports and activities as well as developing friendships with students from different backgrounds. Director of Mission John Mooney discussed the importance of the camp: 

“The most impressive experience which I have, year in and year out, is the welcome and friendship given to us by the local indigenous community in Bowraville. The enthusiasm and trust shown by the pupils, the support of their parents, and the genuine affection shown by the Aboriginal elders are more than what we can give through the program of sport and recreation. What a privilege to meet such good people, sharing their stories and humour!” 

In our last trip, eleven KRB students travelled to Bowraville for the camp. Here is what some of them had to say. 

“Bowraville Camp was a truly rewarding and memorable experience which I will never forget. It was so lovely to see the kids smiling, having fun and including us in their community and culture.” Helena Hudson 

“Bowraville was an enriching experience which allowed us to engage with the wider Indigenous community in particular the children.” Eloise North 

Ricky Buchanan, a Bowraville local who helps organise the camp, hailed the impact of the camp on their community. 

“A lot of the St Mary’s students, if they didn’t have something to occupy them in the holidays, they’d be causing trouble. They get to meet people who genuinely want to help them and enjoy their company. The camp is a positive experience for them, and some kids attend year after year and each year they return, their bond with the KRB staff and students strengthens.”

A key goal of a Sacred Heart education is ‘a social awareness which impels to action’. At KRB, our students participate in a range of activities that help others and actively engage in initiatives that create a positive impact. To find out more about the Social Justice initiatives at KRB, see our other articles on Social Justice and contact our Admissions Team.