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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
It’s hard to capture in words the profound impact this immersion had on our group. What began as a trip soon became a powerful lesson in humanity, compassion, and connection. Each student returned home changed, more reflective, more compassionate, and deeply aware of their ability to make a difference in the world.
On Atauro Island, our students worked side by side with local Timorese students, helping them to improve their English, a skill that can transform lives by opening doors to education, employment, and opportunity. Watching our students teach, learn, and laugh together was truly inspiring.
Each afternoon, children from Beloi village would come running to join in games of soccer and share stories. The joy, laughter, and genuine curiosity exchanged in those moments created memories that will last a lifetime. When it came time to say goodbye, there were tears, hugs, and heartfelt promises to stay connected, a true sign of the meaningful relationships built in such a short time.
After a week on the island, our group spent time in Dili, exploring the complex relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste. Despite the nation’s difficult history of colonisation and conflict, the Timorese people welcomed us with warmth, humility, and grace. Their resilience and faith left a lasting impression on every one of us.
We were also blessed to experience Timor-Leste’s breathtaking natural beauty, falling asleep to the sound of waves breaking on the outer reef and waking each morning to brilliant sunrises over the sea. It was a reminder of creation’s wonder and the power of gratitude and simplicity.
This immersion was so much more than travel; it was an education of the heart and mind. Our students returned home more grounded, faith-filled, and inspired to live as young people for others. It perfectly embodies our Jesuit values of faith, justice, service, reflection, and companionship and it’s an experience they will carry with them for life.
In 2026, we will once again offer this extraordinary opportunity to our Year 10 and 11 students. While we recognise that the program represents a financial commitment, we can say with absolute confidence that it is worth every cent. The growth, maturity, and spiritual insight students gain cannot be replicated in a classroom.
The Timor-Leste Immersion is more than a trip, it’s a transformative experience that shapes hearts, minds, and futures. We warmly encourage families to consider this incredible journey for their child in 2026.
If you are interested and would like further information please email Deb Hodge-hodged@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Deb Hodge, Laura Taylor-Payne & Patrick Beer
Timor-Leste Immersion Conveners
Below are some extracts from our student's journals
Day 3 – Sunday the 21st
Today was amazing. We woke up around 8am ready to go to church. We piled into Barry’s van and drove down to the church. When we got there, I wasn’t sure if Barry was joking, I guess I’m used to churches being grand buildings with stained glass and ample room, but I was about to see that looks may be deceiving. The Timorese people were so compelling in their faith; no one was ashamed, no one was judged and everyone joined in on the songs.
But the moment that changed my view on the day was when the priest was delivering the homily. The whole congregation was so engaged and was laughing a lot. I desperately wanted to know what they were saying. Then the priest turned to us, all 20 of us staring blankly, and said “I will try my best to repeat my homily in English for you.” This true act of respect took me aback, out of thinking about how hot the Church was or what was for lunch and made me realise how welcomed we truly were.
By Ashlyn Pitts
My Final Reflection – Timor-Leste 2025
I’m writing this final entry after returning to Australia as my final summary and reflection on the Timor-Leste immersion – my ‘Timor-Leste wrapped,’ if you will.
I think my biggest highlight from the trip would have to be the connections I made with the kids on the island, not only from the AHHA school but also local kids on the beach, who, even though they don’t speak much English, would run down the sand, yelling our names, to play soccer with us, braid our hair and hang out with us on the beach with stickers that we had given out at the school on their hands, cheeks and arms. I will forever cherish the memories of learning Tetum words, taking silly photos, making loom-band bracelets, celebrating goals scored in soccer games and tearful goodbyes with my new friends.
The biggest challenge I faced on the trip was getting over my anxiety of being in a new country and stepping out of my comfort zone to try new foods, activities and friendships. I am really grateful for my friends, our teachers and Timorese guides, Dulce and Isy, for helping me to feel comfortable on the trip and making the experience really fun and memorable.
Teaching English was another big challenge because of language barriers and lack of teaching experience, but it was really rewarding to finish a lesson and see our students smiling and laughing with us. It is definitely something I would do again.
This immersion has left me with amazing memories that I will carry with me forever and helped me to grow so much in my understanding of myself and the world around me. If I could go again next year, I definitely would, and I hope to return to Timor-Leste in my gap year.
By Ella Dowling
"In the AHHA school, I noticed joy whenever we were able to communicate with each other. When I said something in Tetum and they corrected me, or when we made a mistake we were able to laugh about it. This general feeling was shared with an earlier moment in our trip, during the church service; there were people laughing and there was no fear of anyone messing up, but there was an unspoken requirement of respect."
Owen McCoughtry
Feature
Events
Our News // 10 October 2025
It’s hard to capture in words the profound impact this immersion had on our group. What began as a trip soon became a powerful lesson in humanity, compassion, and connection. Each student returned home changed, more reflective, more compassionate, and deeply aware of their ability to make a difference in the world.
On Atauro Island, our students worked side by side with local Timorese students, helping them to improve their English, a skill that can transform lives by opening doors to education, employment, and opportunity. Watching our students teach, learn, and laugh together was truly inspiring.
Each afternoon, children from Beloi village would come running to join in games of soccer and share stories. The joy, laughter, and genuine curiosity exchanged in those moments created memories that will last a lifetime. When it came time to say goodbye, there were tears, hugs, and heartfelt promises to stay connected, a true sign of the meaningful relationships built in such a short time.
After a week on the island, our group spent time in Dili, exploring the complex relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste. Despite the nation’s difficult history of colonisation and conflict, the Timorese people welcomed us with warmth, humility, and grace. Their resilience and faith left a lasting impression on every one of us.
We were also blessed to experience Timor-Leste’s breathtaking natural beauty, falling asleep to the sound of waves breaking on the outer reef and waking each morning to brilliant sunrises over the sea. It was a reminder of creation’s wonder and the power of gratitude and simplicity.
This immersion was so much more than travel; it was an education of the heart and mind. Our students returned home more grounded, faith-filled, and inspired to live as young people for others. It perfectly embodies our Jesuit values of faith, justice, service, reflection, and companionship and it’s an experience they will carry with them for life.
In 2026, we will once again offer this extraordinary opportunity to our Year 10 and 11 students. While we recognise that the program represents a financial commitment, we can say with absolute confidence that it is worth every cent. The growth, maturity, and spiritual insight students gain cannot be replicated in a classroom.
The Timor-Leste Immersion is more than a trip, it’s a transformative experience that shapes hearts, minds, and futures. We warmly encourage families to consider this incredible journey for their child in 2026.
If you are interested and would like further information please email Deb Hodge-hodged@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Deb Hodge, Laura Taylor-Payne & Patrick Beer
Timor-Leste Immersion Conveners
Below are some extracts from our student's journals
Day 3 – Sunday the 21st
Today was amazing. We woke up around 8am ready to go to church. We piled into Barry’s van and drove down to the church. When we got there, I wasn’t sure if Barry was joking, I guess I’m used to churches being grand buildings with stained glass and ample room, but I was about to see that looks may be deceiving. The Timorese people were so compelling in their faith; no one was ashamed, no one was judged and everyone joined in on the songs.
But the moment that changed my view on the day was when the priest was delivering the homily. The whole congregation was so engaged and was laughing a lot. I desperately wanted to know what they were saying. Then the priest turned to us, all 20 of us staring blankly, and said “I will try my best to repeat my homily in English for you.” This true act of respect took me aback, out of thinking about how hot the Church was or what was for lunch and made me realise how welcomed we truly were.
By Ashlyn Pitts
My Final Reflection – Timor-Leste 2025
I’m writing this final entry after returning to Australia as my final summary and reflection on the Timor-Leste immersion – my ‘Timor-Leste wrapped,’ if you will.
I think my biggest highlight from the trip would have to be the connections I made with the kids on the island, not only from the AHHA school but also local kids on the beach, who, even though they don’t speak much English, would run down the sand, yelling our names, to play soccer with us, braid our hair and hang out with us on the beach with stickers that we had given out at the school on their hands, cheeks and arms. I will forever cherish the memories of learning Tetum words, taking silly photos, making loom-band bracelets, celebrating goals scored in soccer games and tearful goodbyes with my new friends.
The biggest challenge I faced on the trip was getting over my anxiety of being in a new country and stepping out of my comfort zone to try new foods, activities and friendships. I am really grateful for my friends, our teachers and Timorese guides, Dulce and Isy, for helping me to feel comfortable on the trip and making the experience really fun and memorable.
Teaching English was another big challenge because of language barriers and lack of teaching experience, but it was really rewarding to finish a lesson and see our students smiling and laughing with us. It is definitely something I would do again.
This immersion has left me with amazing memories that I will carry with me forever and helped me to grow so much in my understanding of myself and the world around me. If I could go again next year, I definitely would, and I hope to return to Timor-Leste in my gap year.
By Ella Dowling
"In the AHHA school, I noticed joy whenever we were able to communicate with each other. When I said something in Tetum and they corrected me, or when we made a mistake we were able to laugh about it. This general feeling was shared with an earlier moment in our trip, during the church service; there were people laughing and there was no fear of anyone messing up, but there was an unspoken requirement of respect."
Owen McCoughtry
