|
Lucky St Luke’s students get to swim with gentle giants |
|
|
|
|
Written by Margaret Bertling
|
|
 Up close and personal this student cannot hide her excitement when close to a Whale Shark St Luke’s College year 12 Geography students are still riding on the crest of a wave after they swam with magnificent whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef as part of their studies.
Teacher Sheila Fry organised the hands on excursion to Exmouth, encompassing the unique environment and world class sanctuaries on our doorstep.
“It was a hands-on experience to bring the real world into the classroom which allowed the students to see relevant ground-breaking research being done and meet the people doing it,” said Ms Fry.
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Whale Shark Project Officer, Jutta Wildforster presented a lecture about the research being done on whale sharks and the efforts to promote sustainable ecotourism projects world-wide to protect the whale shark.
The excursion highlighted the uniqueness of the Pilbara region.
“In realising this; the students agreed on the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable ecotourism planning to preserve this area,” she said.
Yr 12 student Gemma Bickler said the trip was discussed but the class did not think it would actually happen.
“It's not everyday your teacher plans a trip to swim with Whale Sharks...we were all so intrigued by the trip,” said Gemma.
Gemma said the class understood the importance of sustaining and conserving the environment and the delicate balance needed between tourism and conservation.
“I had no idea that there's such a diverse environment in my own backyard.
It really opens your eyes to how lucky we are,” she said.
Gemma said swimming with whale sharks is something everyone should do, especially whilst living in the Pilbara.
“They're such a gentle giant that swim so gracefully throughout our coastlines. I would do anything to help save them from the torture of some countries,” she said.
Ms Fry said students are still talking about their experience and the trip was such an overwhelming success that she is hoping to include the annual pilgrimage to Exmouth as part of the permanent lesson plans.
The class has given the tick of approval for the unique lessons.
“This is definitely the best way to learn. Being out of the classroom and seeing what you're learning about instead of just experiencing pictures in a text book,” said Gemma.
Two staff members from St Luke’s; Sheila A Frye and Mrs. Gail Elliott, parent Mrs. Lorraine Feidler and Ms. Francis Mason, a senior geography teacher from St Joseph’s College in Tweed Heads, NSW accompanied the students on the excursions. |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 16 July 2010 )
|
More LOCAL News 
