By Alessandra -
"For the April holidays, Caitlinn and myself had the privilege of attending the 2025 Premier's ANZAC Spirit School Prize Study Tour. We had the opportunity to spend two weeks accompanied by 17 other students to travel from the south to north of Vietnam, exploring all of the historical sites relative to the Vietnam War. We visited key locations such as the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, a Children's Orphanage in Vung Tau, the Demilitarised Zone which separates the north and south of Vietnam, as well as the Night Markets in Hoi An for some enjoyable shopping. We participated in activities such as a painting class, cooking class, an ANZAC service as Long Tan as well as a ANZAC Day Tribute at dawn whilst in Ha Long Bay.
Whilst in Vietnam I learnt so much about myself! It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things, with people that I barely knew. It was a great chance to develop new friendships, resilience, personal belief, and grow in gratitude for the lifestyle in which we are lucky enough to have here in Australia. Learning about the challenges of the war in which not only the Australian soldiers experienced, but also the Vietnamese, it widened my perspective of how easy life really is for us, and how much we should each cherish all that we have. My experience in Vietnam not only brought me closer to the ANZAC soldiers who once stood where we did to represent our nation, but also brought me closer to the person I hope to become in the future."
The Fallen 18 by Alessandra Pergoleto
The howling wind sends shivers down my spine,
The cold tenderness, a history that is not mine.
I look to the trees, where they once stood.
Having to do something that I know I never could.
I imagine the day, as though I was there.
An ache fills my chest, ignited like a flare.
Guns, military, artillery galore.
A battle to shake any person to the core.
In my head I hear the voices of an echoing cry,
Something which for many was a final goodbye.
As we stand in remembrance, here in this day.
The spirits of the fallen no longer at bay.
Let us honour and never forget.
Those who fought in battle, having had no regret.
By Caitlinn -
"When arriving in Vietnam, I quickly realised how different life was compared to Australia. The food, its people, the heat and humidity and the smells of the country were new to me. I became overwhelmed very quickly. As the trip progressed, I began to make new friends and became more adventurous, trying new foods while also beginning to worry less about home. I learned how to live in the present, grateful for new opportunities and new experiences.
The purpose of our trip was to learn more about the Vietnam War, the effect it had on the local people and the experiences of the Australian service men and women who served there. Our visit to the Long Tan memorial was emotional, seeing just how close the Viet Cong came to taking over the 1st Australian Task Force at Nui Dat. The maze of underground tunnels at Cu Chi employed by the Viet Cong were nothing short of impressive. We visited an orphanage where we spent time playing with young children and sharing gifts brought from home.
I fell in love with the moonlight markets at Hoi An in central Vietnam. We were also treated to a cruise through one of the seven wonders of the world at Ha Long Bay in northeastern Vietnam. Cruising among the massive mountains protruding out of the ocean was magical and a sight I will never be able to forget.
My trip to Vietnam has taught me to be more grateful for the life I have, fresh food, clean drinking water, quality education and living conditions. I am excited for more opportunities to learn about life in other countries and to travel the world in the future."
St Paul’s College is delighted to welcome our new Artist in Residence for Term 2, Balinese sculptor Wayan Dudug. With a rich background in traditional Balinese stone carving, Wayan brings a wealth of cultural knowledge, craftsmanship, and spiritual depth to our Visual Arts program. 
