After many weeks of preparation, meetings, fundraising and anticipation, the Chisholm Catholic College Vietnam Immersion Team of 25 students and six staff finally embarked on the much-awaited Vietnam Immersion 2026. Our preparations included a visit to the Telethon Speech and Hearing Centre to better understand the work of one of the communities we would encounter, as well as a successful fundraising sausage sizzle at Bunnings. Joining us on this remarkable journey were seven students and three staff members from St Luke’s College, Karratha, making it a wonderful partnership between our two schools.

Following an overnight flight, we arrived in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh City and immediately began learning about Vietnam’s rich and complex history. Over two days, students visited some of the country’s most significant historical sites, including the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. These experiences provided valuable insight into the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the events that have shaped modern Vietnam. Alongside these visits, students enjoyed exploring the bustling streets, markets and culture of Saigon. Our time in the city culminated in a beautiful celebration of Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral, offering an opportunity for prayer and reflection before the next stage of our journey.

From Ho Chi Minh City, we travelled to visit the Dominican Motherhouse and the kindergarten operated by the Dominican Sisters. The warmth and hospitality of the Sisters made a lasting impression on everyone. While the visit itself was inspiring, one of the unexpected highlights was an evening of music and dancing with the Sisters after dinner. Laughter, joy and plenty of energetic dancing created memories that students will treasure for years to come.

We then spent two days at Hoa Hong School, where relationships quickly developed through shared activities and cultural exchange. Students joined local classes, spent time with their Vietnamese peers, and once again discovered that dancing is a universal language. A particularly meaningful contribution was the painting of a beautiful mural for the school community. Working together on the mural allowed our students to leave a lasting reminder of the friendship formed between our schools.

Another memorable moment of the Immersion was our visit to the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Nui Cui. Standing beneath the magnificent 50-metre-high statue of Our Lady was both awe-inspiring and deeply moving. It was a special opportunity to reflect on faith and the universal nature of the Catholic Church, which connects people across cultures and nations.

Our journey then continued through a whirlwind series of visits. A relatively short but highly energetic time at Thanh Tam Primary School and Hoa Binh Xuan Loc Vocational College introduced us to more students, more opportunities for cultural exchange, and, of course, more dancing. These encounters highlighted the enthusiasm, generosity and spirit of the young people we met throughout Vietnam.

One of the most significant parts of the Immersion was our overnight sleeper bus journey to Mang Yang Province, where we spent several days with the Bana students at St Augustine’s Boarding School. Here, students experienced authentic cultural exchange through classroom visits, activities with boarding students and visits to the local village. Once again, friendships were forged through shared experiences, conversations, games and dancing. We were also privileged to join the local Bana Catholic community for Mass celebrated in the Bana language at their beautiful parish church. Although many of us could not understand the words, the sense of faith, reverence and community was unmistakable.

Our final stop was the St Magdalene’s boarding community before returning to Ho Chi Minh City and beginning our journey home. By the end of the Immersion, all participants from both Chisholm Catholic College and St Luke’s College returned with a wealth of unforgettable memories. There was certainly some tiredness after such a busy itinerary, but even more evident were the full hearts of everyone involved.

The Vietnam Immersion 2026 was far more than a trip. It was an experience of faith, service, learning and connection. Most importantly, it was an opportunity to build relationships with the Sisters, students and communities who welcomed us so generously. These friendships and experiences will remain with us long into the future and continue to shape the way we see the world and our place within it.

Deacon Aaron Peters
Deputy Principal – Mission