Receiving “skin names” from Aboriginal elders left a deep impression on the 20 Junior and Preparatory School boys who blazed a trail as the first students to visit Trinity’s remote Northern Territory partner schools. 

Skin names, normally given at birth, are not family names and aren’t translatable but they do signify how indigenous people are related, indicating their tribal responsibilities and their link to Dreaming stories. 

“Getting a skin name in Aboriginal culture is a big deal. It made me feel like I was part of their culture,” said the Prep School’s Emmanuel C (6B).

“They were letting us into their community and giving us the names to make us feel more welcome,” said his classmate Jake W. 

“I felt very accepted as a person, and it was one of many things I was able to experience that a lot of people haven’t been able to,” said Jonathan C (6G). 

“I felt really privileged because it’s not normal coming from outside the Northern Territory that you get skin names,” said Junior Schooler William Z (6Fo). 

“It was just amazing, that they were giving people they had only just met skin names. That was really cool,” said Joey E (6Yo).

The boys were accompanied by Prep School Head Chris Wyatt and Head of Curriculum Fiona Evans, Junior School Head Mark Dunn, Summer Hill Head of Operations Stephen Heanly, and school psychologist Meg Christie. 

They were the first students taking part in Trinity’s Central Australia Immersion, a parent-funded experience connected to a federally financed programme linking big city schools with those in regional Australia. 

They visited Trinity’s two partner schools, Murray Downs and Alekarenge, camping in the outback and experiencing the close connection to country enjoyed by their hosts, learning how to search for witchetty grubs, how to cook kangaroo tail, find “sugar bags” in native trees, and generally survive in the great outdoors. 

“The connection between kids was priceless,” said Chris Wyatt. 

“When they all sat in a circle, within minutes it was kids relating to kids. There was no sense in which they were Aboriginal and we were not; there was no sense that we were from different parts of Australia. It was just, ‘You’re kids, we’re kids, let’s go’. 

“I think they quickly overlooked difference and found similarities. That was powerful. But they were then able to appreciate cultural difference. 

“I think a lot of the boys were struck by the connection to country of the Territory students – that’s their natural classroom; they have wisdom and knowledge of country far more than just trees and grass. 

“Country is so central to their way of life and who they are. It’s more than the land around them; it’s their way of creating a strong sense of community.”

Mark Dunn said: “I think the biggest takeaway was establishing relationships across communities. It’s a very authentic and powerful way to shape the way we think and live. 

“I think they got a real-life appreciation of what it’s like to grow up in a different community in Australia – the way education is different, living alongside each other, and most importantly making friends.” 

Trinity’s city slickers were impressed by their hosts’ connection to country. 

“They can live off the land. It’s like in the movies. They know exactly what to do when they’re out on country. They know what to eat, and what not to eat. It was a new world to me,” said Joey.

“When you go to the NT and see all the beautiful things you get a new respect. They’re so nice. Back in the olden days they weren’t treated fairly. If they were just listened to it would be so nice. 

“If they’re not respected then reconciliation can’t happen. 

“I liked how approachable and friendly they were. They really enjoyed having company. They like to play around. When we left I was sad.” 

The visitors were also agog at the majesty of nature. 

“I think they taught us the true Australia, the amazingness and the maximum beauty of the place,” said Jake. 

“The thing that I will keep close to me for the rest of my life is the kids I got to know, and being able to look up into the night sky and see all the stars. It really disappointed me coming back to Sydney and only seeing one or two stars.” 

“Sunset at the Devil’s Marbles was one of the most beautiful things ever,” said Emmanuel. 

“In the city we have tall buildings and not many trees, but they have billions of mountains, gorges, and it’s just so beautiful,” said Jonathan.

The visitors were surprised by the remoteness of the schools, and how far it was to the nearest hospital or supermarket. 

They noted how there might be a number of families in one house – “really living with your neighbours, waking up with them, getting dressed, and eating, while we have a house to ourselves”. 

“It taught me how much we have, and how much we take for granted. They really appreciate what they have but they always share,” said Emmanuel. 

“They were so helpful to us. Obviously we (western society) had done some bad things in the past to them so I didn’t know if they would be welcoming and kind, but they were really welcoming and that made me feel good,” said Jake. 

The Trinity visitors invited the whole Murray Downs community for a farewell barbeque, and even Principal Mitch Valentine was amazed at the “100 per cent” turnout. 

“It was seen as an important event,” said Chris Wyatt. 

“They came back the next morning to say goodbye. It was a deep connection between two communities.” 

He said the students enjoyed a mutual respect, sharing of cultures, engagement, and good fun.

“With privilege comes responsibility. With the students having gained the knowledge and experience it’s now their responsibility to do something positive and proactive in their lives. 

“Hopefully that leads to actions that eventually facilitate reconciliation.” 

Mr Valentine said the Trinity partnership had already had a positive effect on school attendance, citing the case of one 10-year-old girl who had gone from a 40 per cent attendance rate to missing just one day in the latest term. 

“That’s a monumental change. It has translated into academic growth in our phonics programme, where she has quickly overtaken people who were younger but were in the same group.”

He said an earlier visit by Trinity staff, including Director of Counselling Jess Staniland, had already proved crucial in securing health services and NDIS funding for students with additional needs. 

Her on-site assessments had enabled Murray Downs to have reports ready for annual paediatric visits. 

“If our partnership (with Trinity) ended there, that was more than enough for us. But look at what has happened since.” 

This article originally appeared in our December 2024 Edition of Trinity News which you can view on our online digital bookshelf.