During the Term 3 school holidays, our Year 6 students embarked on an exciting adventure to Canberra, filled with exploration, learning, and plenty of fun! Here’s a detailed glimpse into their journey.
Day 1: Off to a great start!
After a heartfelt goodbye to their parents, our Year 6 students navigated through airport security and boarded their flight to Canberra. The journey began with a mix of excitement and a bit of turbulence, but the students remained enthusiastic as they approached their destination.
Upon landing, they were greeted by Peter, their friendly bus driver, who escorted them to their hotel. Along the way, the students were thrilled to spot kangaroos and admire the beautiful Australian flowers. Once they settled into their dorms, the group enjoyed a hearty dinner of beef stew and mashed potatoes, followed by some well-deserved free time filled with games and a movie.
A special shoutout to those students who exemplified our school values and received certificates for their efforts!
Day 2: Adventure awaits
Day two started with a delicious breakfast, energising the students for a day of exploration. The first stop was Mt Ainslie, where they were treated to breathtaking views of Canberra from above. After soaking in the scenery, the group embarked on a thrilling bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, splashing through the water and overcoming the challenges of the ride.
After lunch, the students split into two groups for visits to Floriade and the National Capital Exhibition. The vibrant tulips and interactive exhibits sparked their curiosity and creativity. They had a fantastic time capturing the beauty of the gardens and learning about the history of Canberra.
The day wrapped up with an exciting rock climbing session, where many students achieved personal bests, showcasing their determination and teamwork.
Day 3: Culture and creativity
The third day kicked off with a visit to the National Gallery of Australia. Students learned about the iconic Jackson Pollock painting, ‘Blue Poles’ and were amazed by its history. Following this, they enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sculpture gardens, surrounded by inspiring art.
After lunch, the students headed to the Glassworks, where they crafted their own glass coasters. The creativity on display was impressive, with designs ranging from abstract patterns to representations of nature.
Later in the day, they had a blast bowling in their dorm groups, followed by an exciting exploration of science at Questacon. The highlight was the earthquake simulation, where students experienced the effects of a 5.9 magnitude earthquake, which left them both thrilled and educated!
Day 4: Government and history
A highlight of the tour was the visit to Parliament House. Here, students had the opportunity to role-play as members of Parliament, engaging in lively debates about important issues. They learned about the structure of government and the significance of their participation in democracy.
The group also visited Government House, where they met the Governor-General. This experience gave them a unique insight into the role of the Governor-General and the history of the residence.
The day concluded with a moving ANZAC service at the War Memorial, where students paid their respects and learned about Australia’s military history. They were touched by the sight of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witnessed the placing of wreaths at the Pool of Reflection.
To cap off the day, the students visited the Dinosaur Museum, where they learned fascinating facts about dinosaurs from the Triassic to the Ice Age. They were amazed to discover that dinosaurs couldn’t actually roar!
Day 5: Reflecting on our journey
The final day began at the National Museum of Australia, where students heard inspiring stories about trailblazers like Nova Peris, who made history as the first Indigenous woman to compete in the Olympics. They were captivated by tales of bravery and determination.
Next, they explored the National Archives, where they learned about Australia’s history and the significance of the voting process. The students even attempted a dictation test similar to those faced by immigrants in the past, with humorous results!
The last stop was the Electoral Education Centre, where students participated in a mock voting session. They had fun choosing their favourite fruit, with peach emerging as the winner!
As the trip concluded, students reflected on the incredible experiences they shared. Many expressed how much they learned about Australia’s history, culture, and government, and how the trip helped them bond as a group.
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff and parents who made this trip possible. Our Year 6 students were a fantastic group, and the memories created during this Canberra Tour will last a lifetime!
