Year Ten students, Maddie Jones, Addyson Baldock, Carla Flanigan, Cooper Clark, and Josie Lacy recently returned from a 17-day tour and service-learning trip to Samoa.

During their trip, students engaged in a range of community activities from painting the Library at All Saints Primary School, to participating in learning support activities, and delivering lessons on Science, English, Maths and Cultural Studies. The students attended a shared service-learning activity with the Year Seven students at All Saints. This project involved students learning about coral and collecting and planting coral to assist in reef conservation work on the south side of the Island.

Students made the most of the opportunities to visit many of the island’s natural wonders, including Tu Sua Ocean Trench, Piula Cave Pool, snorkelling at Palolo Deep, and they enjoyed spending the night sleeping in the Fales (Houses) on the beach of Lalomanu.

Student Reflection - Addyson Baldock

Each night, different groups of students took turns to buy ingredients and then made meals for the rest of the group. After dinner, students spent time reflecting in their journals on all that they were learning and the things that they were grateful for. One of the many highlights for our students was the friendships that they made with the children in Samoa, as well as the students from the other Anglischools.

Some of my highlights from Samoa were the snorkelling and swimming at different beaches. Meeting new people from the other side of the country and making connections with them quickly, and the fact that everyone in Samoa is so happy and welcoming. I learnt so much about the traditional Samoan culture, seeing the traditional dances and listening to them sing was such an amazing experience. This trip has made me incredibly grateful for what I have at home and what my parents have provided me growing up.

– Addyson Baldock

The Samoa Service-Learning Trip has been well supported by students and families at Cathedral College since its inception. Students who have attended in the past speak highly of the experience and the opportunity to grow and learn as global citizens.

This trip was the last for Reverend David Jones, the founding staff member, trip organiser and previous Senior Chaplain at Cathedral College. We are tremendously grateful for his vision and service over the last eight trips.