The Siena in Siena immersion has journeyed into the heart of Tuscany, where our Year 9 students have spent a fulfilling week exploring the local towns and cities. Our connection to the communities in Tavarnelle and Sambuca was further strengthened through a visit to the Museo d'Arte Sacra and attendance at Sunday Mass at the Carmelite Monastery, led by local priest Don Pascal. The group also enjoyed meeting some of the region's young people during a school visit and pasta night.
Students explored the picturesque city of Siena, learning about St Catherine’s life and legacy as they visited the Basilica Cateriniana San Domenico (home to relics of St Catherine), the Santuario Casa di Santa Caterina (St Catherine’s home), and the majestic Duomo di Siena. It was also in Siena that students discovered where the iconic rust colour of our Siena blazers originated, seen in the tiles of the roofs and throughout the Piazza del Campo.
A day trip to the medieval town of San Gimignano, a beautiful walled city full of charming shops, allowed students the opportunity to buy local gifts and souvenirs while admiring the breathtaking Tuscan scenery. In Florence, students toured the historic San Marco Convent and the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. It was exciting to view artworks and frescoes such as The Annunciation by Fra Angelico OP, a Dominican friar and Early Renaissance painter.
