15 Jul 2022
Journey to Our Heart has been a special part of the Loreto Toorak experience since 1988.
Pictured: Year 10 Cohort at Erldunda Roadhouse
This year, after a two-year hiatus, our Year 10 cohort were the first to venture to Australia’s spiritual centre. Over seven days, the students engaged in a deeply enriching journey, connecting with the environment, and the people and culture of Central Australia. Throughout, students also developed a further understanding of the significance of the relationship Aboriginal people have with the land. This was particularly evident during the moments of reflection and contemplation at the sacred sites around the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrke National Park, Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. Students were also enthralled by reptile encounters, astronomy exploration, sleeping under the stars, of all of which enabled them to engage with the world around them in awe and curiosity. We learned more about traditional bush tucker and were able to sample foods enjoyed by some Aboriginal people in these communities, as well as learn to adapt the foods, seeds and flavours into contemporary ways of cooking. Another special highlight was staying on the property of traditional owners, whose Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony instilled lasting memories for us all.
This year we partnered with the team at Earth Sanctuary. Their experience and enthusiasm for the environment and learning assisted in making this a highly memorable experience.
Ms Kym Maclean
Head of Year 10
This article was published in the June 2022 Mandevillian (Vol. 37, No. 1), available for online reading and download in the Publications section of our website.