Learning Together: Marist College Canberra's Staff and Students Visit the Solomon Islands for Immersion

From 7–19 July 2026, two groups from Marist College Canberra are visiting the Solomon Islands for immersion experiences focused on strengthening educational partnerships, cultural exchange and learning.

The first group comprises six educators participating in a Staff Immersion experience. They are visiting schools in Honiara and working alongside local educators to share resources, explore new approaches to teaching and learning, and discuss emerging challenges facing education, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.

The second group includes ten students and three staff members who are participating in a Student Immersion experience, following the success of the first student immersion in 2025.

The immersions are built on the Marist values of encounter, solidarity and mutual learning. They are a two-way experience that recognises the richness of both communities, with participants sharing culture, faith and educational practices. The staff members have generously committed two weeks of their school holidays and contributed financially towards this volunteer opportunity.

As part of their preparation, students have worked with the College community to raise more than $40,000 in donations. They have brought essential items, including laptops, clothing and books, to support their immersion partners in the Solomon Islands.

The immersions form part of an ongoing relationship between Marist College Canberra and Marist and Catholic communities in the Solomon Islands, built on friendship, service and a commitment to walking alongside one another.

This is the second Staff Immersion to the Solomon Islands organised by Marist College Canberra, following the inaugural experience in 2024. The Student Immersion builds on the success of the first student experience held in 2025.

The programme has been coordinated by Jackson Meke, Education Secretary for the Solomon Islands Catholic Education Office in the Archdiocese of Honiara. Jackson previously visited Marist College Canberra in 2024, further strengthening the relationship between the two communities. The partnership is also supported by the close friendship between the two Archbishops.

As part of their time in Honiara, both the student and staff immersion groups also visited the Australian High Commission on 9 July 2026.

More updates to follow.

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