Reflections on Kasait Saturday 5 July
The children here at Kasait are the absolute best part of the immersion so far. Teaching them in the classrooms and interacting with them during the breaks has been a full on task, that we’ve taken head on. Trying to keep up with all the kids, learning names and playing games is so much harder than we thought. Around here we are made to feel as if we’re the best part of their year. The welcome, the thanks and the awe that they place over us is astounding. I am sad to leave this place, however I still can’t wait to get home.
Oscar Cavalletto
The children of Kasait have inspired me to have an optimistic outlook on life. After being homesick for a few days, I don’t want to leave Timor Leste because of the positivity everyone brings out in ourselves on a daily basis. The connections I have made with the children have been unforgettable and I believe they have caused me to reflect on myself to not be so blinded by negativity and the possessions I take for granted.
Alexandra McGill
Our time in Kasait has been amazing, we get catered for and all we have to worry about is what we will be teaching the kids. I would say it has been the highlight of the trip so far simply because of the opportunity to connect with the kids - not just in the classroom as a teacher but outside with sport as an opponent and team-mate. These are relationships I will never forget.
Harry Stannard
The journey so far has all built up to this final challenge in Kasait. Operating a classroom with a partner is challenging at the very least, but building those personal connections with the students has been inspiring and eye opening for four days. Saying goodbye is going to be a real struggle. I will deeply miss the children and the beautiful country we are in. I fear I may even shed a few tears. All the friendships, memories and experiences I have made and captured, will be impossible to forget,. These will stay within me forever and certainly enlighten me back home.
Nicholas Tsekouras
Kasait has been an adventure to say the least, and I can confidently say one I will never forget. Teaching these incredible kids and getting to know them personally has shown me so much. Their generosity and love for the smallest of things in life has taught me how what I perceive as needs are merely wants. The have inspired me, to say the least. Leaving such a beautiful place is going to be challenging, however I have no doubt that the lessons these children have taught me are memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
Emily Jackson
Saint Ignatius school at Kasait boasts young students of an integrity and compassion that is unparalleled in my experience. Such qualities, I have discovered, are magnetic, and I will miss the kids I have met very much. At this school an acute and prevalent awareness of the value of opportunity gives birth to a communal closeness and an overwhelming sense of appreciation on part of the students that I will not forget.
Tom Mahony-Brack
While the past few days started out a bit unsettled with me not feeling quite at full health, I’ve slowly come to love this school and the kids in it. To leave such a beautiful place and such amazing people behind will be one of the toughest goodbyes yet.
Anabel Rowe
Kasait has been my favourite part of the immersion. Interacting with the kids has been an overwhelming experience for me and is something I will treasure forever. I never thought I’d be famous, but here I sometimes feel like Cristiano Ronaldo. This ‘taste of fame’ actually is both good and bad. Being worshipped is captivating but the interacting can sometimes never end. More importantly, I am sad that we are near the end of our pilgrimage. However I am looking forward to seeing my family soon.
Ben Harris
Kasait has taught me that expressing my feelings with others is a good thing. It has also shown me the importance of friends and family. I know I have made friendships that will last a lifetime not only at this school but also within our Immersion group. Kasait has helped me realize how to be grateful for everything my teachers do for me because they are forming me for the future.
Callum Bremer
The emotional connection the group has formed with the place and its people over the past four days has been powerful. With their time with their devoted leader, Father Quyen, coming to an end, the children’s gratitude and compassion was openly on display for him. It was lovely, too, for us to receive and reciprocate. Our departure from the school was met with fervent grief by both the children and the group members alike. We hope that the compassion and love that they have shown us and their ability to forge such genuine relationships will transcend the confines of their school and be enacted in our lives in Australia.
Tom Daly
Our time here in Kasait has been a truly magnificent experience for everyone. The amount of time and effort that has been put into this school from all the people involved has been well worth it. The benefactors in Australia have helped build the classrooms. The Jesuits and staff have helped establish a loving school. This was evident in the gratitude of the children for Fr Quyen’s work over the last two years as the students said ‘goodbye’ in a flood of tears at mass this morning. It has been amazing to have the opportunity to develop our bonds with the students each day both in and out of the classroom. I am amazed at the students’ eagerness to learn and their constantly beaming smiles help me realise how easy it is to be truly happy with the simplest of things.
Emily Harwood
Kasait is place of heart-warming people who love to fill others hearts with love and joy. The children have taught me so much and I will never forget the friendships I made with the students here at the school and especially the close relationships with the girls of class 7C. The students put a smile on my face every time I see them. It is so amazing how strong and caring are the people of Timor. All they want is for others to be happy. I have learnt that the most important thing in life is people you love and to be around those who make you smile. I will always remember Kasait and the beautiful people who form this community.
Rachael Wiig
Kasait is a beautiful place and I’m very glad that I had the chance to be here. The students are so bright and full of joy. The students here I will never forget, especially 7A. Every day they always have such a bright smile on their faces, eager to learn new things and taking a chance. The staff is so lovely and is so energetic and committed to do the best for the kids here in Kasait. Kasait will be such an unforgettable experience in my life.
Tanya Vo
Kasait has given me great insight into the lives of not only teachers but in an ironic twist, celebrities. The children are so attentive and ready to learn and in the last two days all of us have been swarmed with students wanting emails, Facebook name s and signatures. But without out a doubt the greatest part was knowing that in the short four day stay here, we have forever changed these children’s lives and inspired them to do great things and hopefully change this young nation into a strong and resilient beacon to all others.
William Cooper
Whilst the children at Kasait really touched my heart, the teachers there had a huge impact on me. Watching them interact with the kids, especially Brother Rui, has shown me that life is not all about planning and sorting your future but about what you’re doing now. He and others have shown me that in life it is so important to have not just a job but a vocation; a passion and love for what you are doing.
Jessica Louth
A place I will always consider home is Kasait, through my time here it has been filled with lots of laughter, tears and great friendships. No matter how much you may not want to open your heart because you know your leaving soon, you end up opening it because these kids open their heart more. Leaving Kasait has been something that was hard to do after seeing many inspirational people. They have a great impact on the students. We have made many friendships here. Kasait, I am coming back for you.
Logotaeao Aunese
The children here at Kasait are the absolute best part of the immersion so far. Teaching them in the classrooms and interacting with them during the breaks has been a full on task, that we’ve taken head on. Trying to keep up with all the kids, learning names and playing games is so much harder than we thought. Around here we are made to feel as if we’re the best part of their year. The welcome, the thanks and the awe that they place over us is astounding. I am sad to leave this place, however I still can’t wait to get home.
Oscar Cavalletto
The children of Kasait have inspired me to have an optimistic outlook on life. After being homesick for a few days, I don’t want to leave Timor Leste because of the positivity everyone brings out in ourselves on a daily basis. The connections I have made with the children have been unforgettable and I believe they have caused me to reflect on myself to not be so blinded by negativity and the possessions I take for granted.
Alexandra McGill
Our time in Kasait has been amazing, we get catered for and all we have to worry about is what we will be teaching the kids. I would say it has been the highlight of the trip so far simply because of the opportunity to connect with the kids - not just in the classroom as a teacher but outside with sport as an opponent and team-mate. These are relationships I will never forget.
Harry Stannard
The journey so far has all built up to this final challenge in Kasait. Operating a classroom with a partner is challenging at the very least, but building those personal connections with the students has been inspiring and eye opening for four days. Saying goodbye is going to be a real struggle. I will deeply miss the children and the beautiful country we are in. I fear I may even shed a few tears. All the friendships, memories and experiences I have made and captured, will be impossible to forget,. These will stay within me forever and certainly enlighten me back home.
Nicholas Tsekouras
Kasait has been an adventure to say the least, and I can confidently say one I will never forget. Teaching these incredible kids and getting to know them personally has shown me so much. Their generosity and love for the smallest of things in life has taught me how what I perceive as needs are merely wants. The have inspired me, to say the least. Leaving such a beautiful place is going to be challenging, however I have no doubt that the lessons these children have taught me are memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
Emily Jackson
Saint Ignatius school at Kasait boasts young students of an integrity and compassion that is unparalleled in my experience. Such qualities, I have discovered, are magnetic, and I will miss the kids I have met very much. At this school an acute and prevalent awareness of the value of opportunity gives birth to a communal closeness and an overwhelming sense of appreciation on part of the students that I will not forget.
Tom Mahony-Brack
While the past few days started out a bit unsettled with me not feeling quite at full health, I’ve slowly come to love this school and the kids in it. To leave such a beautiful place and such amazing people behind will be one of the toughest goodbyes yet.
Anabel Rowe
Kasait has been my favourite part of the immersion. Interacting with the kids has been an overwhelming experience for me and is something I will treasure forever. I never thought I’d be famous, but here I sometimes feel like Cristiano Ronaldo. This ‘taste of fame’ actually is both good and bad. Being worshipped is captivating but the interacting can sometimes never end. More importantly, I am sad that we are near the end of our pilgrimage. However I am looking forward to seeing my family soon.
Ben Harris
Kasait has taught me that expressing my feelings with others is a good thing. It has also shown me the importance of friends and family. I know I have made friendships that will last a lifetime not only at this school but also within our Immersion group. Kasait has helped me realize how to be grateful for everything my teachers do for me because they are forming me for the future.
Callum Bremer
The emotional connection the group has formed with the place and its people over the past four days has been powerful. With their time with their devoted leader, Father Quyen, coming to an end, the children’s gratitude and compassion was openly on display for him. It was lovely, too, for us to receive and reciprocate. Our departure from the school was met with fervent grief by both the children and the group members alike. We hope that the compassion and love that they have shown us and their ability to forge such genuine relationships will transcend the confines of their school and be enacted in our lives in Australia.
Tom Daly
Our time here in Kasait has been a truly magnificent experience for everyone. The amount of time and effort that has been put into this school from all the people involved has been well worth it. The benefactors in Australia have helped build the classrooms. The Jesuits and staff have helped establish a loving school. This was evident in the gratitude of the children for Fr Quyen’s work over the last two years as the students said ‘goodbye’ in a flood of tears at mass this morning. It has been amazing to have the opportunity to develop our bonds with the students each day both in and out of the classroom. I am amazed at the students’ eagerness to learn and their constantly beaming smiles help me realise how easy it is to be truly happy with the simplest of things.
Emily Harwood
Kasait is place of heart-warming people who love to fill others hearts with love and joy. The children have taught me so much and I will never forget the friendships I made with the students here at the school and especially the close relationships with the girls of class 7C. The students put a smile on my face every time I see them. It is so amazing how strong and caring are the people of Timor. All they want is for others to be happy. I have learnt that the most important thing in life is people you love and to be around those who make you smile. I will always remember Kasait and the beautiful people who form this community.
Rachael Wiig
Kasait is a beautiful place and I’m very glad that I had the chance to be here. The students are so bright and full of joy. The students here I will never forget, especially 7A. Every day they always have such a bright smile on their faces, eager to learn new things and taking a chance. The staff is so lovely and is so energetic and committed to do the best for the kids here in Kasait. Kasait will be such an unforgettable experience in my life.
Tanya Vo
Kasait has given me great insight into the lives of not only teachers but in an ironic twist, celebrities. The children are so attentive and ready to learn and in the last two days all of us have been swarmed with students wanting emails, Facebook name s and signatures. But without out a doubt the greatest part was knowing that in the short four day stay here, we have forever changed these children’s lives and inspired them to do great things and hopefully change this young nation into a strong and resilient beacon to all others.
William Cooper
Whilst the children at Kasait really touched my heart, the teachers there had a huge impact on me. Watching them interact with the kids, especially Brother Rui, has shown me that life is not all about planning and sorting your future but about what you’re doing now. He and others have shown me that in life it is so important to have not just a job but a vocation; a passion and love for what you are doing.
Jessica Louth
A place I will always consider home is Kasait, through my time here it has been filled with lots of laughter, tears and great friendships. No matter how much you may not want to open your heart because you know your leaving soon, you end up opening it because these kids open their heart more. Leaving Kasait has been something that was hard to do after seeing many inspirational people. They have a great impact on the students. We have made many friendships here. Kasait, I am coming back for you.
Logotaeao Aunese