Savannah Kernaghan, teacher Carolyn White and Evalee Royston will be heading to Samoa for a two-week service trip. (Absent, Matilda Waser). Photo: Supplied
Three students from Cobram Anglican Grammar School are set to embark on a once in a lifetime trip to Samoa during the upcoming term three school holidays.
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Year 10 students Matilda Waser, Evalee Royston and Savannah Kernaghan will be accompanied by Years 10 to 12 year level co-ordinator Carolyn White on a two-week cultural, religious and service trip to the pacific nation.
The tour, which is being facilitated by the Anglican Schools Commission, will see the CAGS contingent depart Australia on September 20, joined by students and staff from Trinity Anglican College Thurgoona and Cathedral College Wangaratta.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to experience the culture of another country and I am particularly looking forward to seeing how a school operates here,” Mrs White said.
“The trip also gives us opportunity to participate in some community service activities, which is something we really value at Cobram Anglican Grammar School, and as part of the Anglican School Commission.”
Over 15 days, students will experience the life and culture of Samoa, while immersing themselves in the daily routine of sister school All Saints Anglican School in Apia, the nation’s capital, where they will be involved in the children’s learning and culture.
For Evalee, applying for the trip was an easy decision, with the chance to experience the lifestyle and culture of the Samoan people one she jumped at.
“It’s a really exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to do something completely out of my comfort zone by immersing myself in another culture,” she said.
“I am really looking forward to being able to learn how the Samoan people live and how they do things differently to Australians.
“I am most excited to spend time with the school kids and am hoping to be able to teach them some things. I also want to learn from them as well.”
Savannah shares a similar sentiment, in that the opportunity to learn about Samoan culture firsthand is too good to pass up; however, she is also excited by some of the other activities planned for the group.
Year 10 CAGS student Matilda Waser will also be embarking on the trip to Samoa.
A visit to the Australian High Commissioner’s office, as well as an overnight trip to Sua Trench and Lalomanu Beach, are on the itinerary, while students will also wander through local markets and experience a traditional fiafia (social gathering) and fire dancing.
“I decided to sign up to go to Samoa because it seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a really great experience to be a part of the Anglican Schools Commission,” Savannah said.
“I’m looking to learn more about the Samoan culture while also teaching them about our culture, and I want to gain more independence.
“I’m most excited about snorkelling and seeing the country, trying the traditional Samoan food, and also helping out and meeting the students at our sister school, All Saints Anglican School.”
Sunday church and lunch at All Saints Anglican Church is an important part of the trip also, with the service element of the excursion something that stood out to Matilda.
“I decided to sign up for the trip to learn more about Samoan culture and visit our sister school, All Saints,” she said.
“The trip is a service learning trip, where we will participate in a range of activities from picking up rubbish, to swimming on beautiful beaches, to assisting at the school.
“I am most excited about learning more about the Samoan culture and exploring the beautiful country, and I am looking to gain a new perspective on how the Samoan people live and learn.”
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