Walking Together – The Lasting Impact of the Punmu Immersion
For the Year 12 students, selected for to attend the annual Punmu Immersion it becomes one of the most meaningful experiences of their time at Santa Maria College. Spending nine days in the remote Martu community of Punmu, students leave with far more than memories. They return with a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture, a greater appreciation for community, and friendships that will remain long after graduation.
The students were blown away by the Immersion with Bronagh saying that the it offers an experience that simply cannot be recreated anywhere else.
“Being welcomed into the Punmu community, forming genuine connections, and saying heartfelt goodbyes after only a week reflects the meaningful relationships built between the Santa Maria girls and the RAWA school.”
She believes the experience helps students become “more compassionate and informed young women” by learning directly from Indigenous people and sharing those experiences with the wider community.
Learning from the Martu People
Throughout the immersion, students embraced every opportunity to learn from the Martu people, asking questions and participating in cultural activities.
Valentina said some of the most memorable experiences included lunki hunting and visiting waterholes with healing properties.
“We embraced opportunities to learn from the Martu people by asking questions, getting involved in cultural activities and using the language not just around the school but back in our accommodation.”
For Bella, it was the resilience, generosity and pride of the Punmu community that left the greatest impression.
“Everyone was so welcoming and generous, and it showed me how important connection, culture and spending time together really is.”
She said the joy and kindness of the children, combined with learning firsthand about Aboriginal culture, encouraged her to keep an open mind, appreciate the simple things in life and value genuine relationships over material things.
Service with Purpose
While in Punmu, students worked alongside the RAWA School and community on projects that will continue to benefit future students.
As Siena explained, the group helped clear gardens, repair planter boxes damaged in storms, create a sandpit for younger students, repaint the student toilet block and basketball court lines, repair the school’s pizza oven, prepare meals and spend time supporting classrooms and playing sport with the children.
“The tasks will help to give the school and community more spaces to come together and celebrate the Martu culture,” she said.
For Ava, these experiences highlighted the true meaning of service.
“Seeing how grateful the teachers at the RAWA school were made the service we were doing even more rewarding.”
She said students also witnessed the strength of community by seeing Martu children of all ages naturally come together, whether in the classroom or simply playing sport during recess and lunch.
Moments That Will Never Be Forgotten
Sometimes, it was the smallest moments that captured the true spirit of the immersion.
Alice recalled returning to the accommodation after a day at school when one of the children arrived with family members simply to make sure the group had not left without saying goodbye.
“This helped us see the connection and impact that we were making on the students just from being present every day, playing sport and learning from the kids sharing their Martu culture.”
She said the experience reflected the heart of the immersion, people connecting and learning from one another.
Eva described the experience as “absolutely amazing”, saying learning about Country and helping support the education of the children was incredibly rewarding.
“But the instant bonds made with the other girls on the trip were the most special. I found a brand-new family within school that wouldn’t have existed without the trip.”
Alice also reflected on how the immersion broadened her understanding of the world.
“Punmu was such a fun, eye-opening and educating experience. We were taught so much from the Community members about the Martu culture.”
A Santa Maria Experience Like No Other
As this year’s group prepares to graduate later this year, they do so with much more than a greater understanding of another culture. They leave knowing that genuine friendships can be formed anywhere, that service is built through relationships, and that listening with an open mind creates lasting change.
The Punmu Immersion continues to be one of the most powerful learning experiences offered at Santa Maria because it reminds students that education extends far beyond the classroom. It is found in shared experiences, meaningful relationships and the willingness to learn from one another.
- Aboriginal cultural immersion, Community partnerships, Cultural Understanding, Featured, Martu culture, Mercy Education, Punmu Immersion Program, Santa Maria College Perth, Service Learning, student reflections, Year 12 experiences
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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