Despite how the world around us often changes, God remains constant in our lives, and we can be grateful for that!
Our Wilson year 1 students had an enriching experience as they embarked on an exciting excursion to Wilkinson Homestead Museum in Gosnells. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to step back in time and discover what life was like over 100 years ago! The day was filled with various activities that were undertaken at the Wilkinson’s family orchard and local area back in the 1910s and 1920s.
As the students went on their historical adventure, they investigated old machinery, cars, tractors and bicycles, comparing them to modern equipment in the present time. They were fascinated by artifacts such as typewriters, weighing scales, and old cameras, which provided a tangible link to the past and helped them understand the progress and changes that has been made.
A memorable activity was the hands-on laundry experience as the students learned how house chores were completed in the olden days. They experienced washing clothes by hand using a washboard and ringer, then hung out laundry on a line with wooden pegs. This activity not only provided insight into past practices but also made us realise some things we may take for granted.
One of our highlights was stepping into a classroom setup with blackboards and slates, which offered a tangible connection to school life in the past. The students had the chance to learn and try cursive handwriting, write with slate, and sat in rows that divided the boys and girls. They were also given specific classroom rules and were shocked at how much things have changed! This learning experience sparked meaningful discussions about how education has evolved and helped us appreciate the blessings of modern learning tools in this generation.
The students also enjoyed a creative activity that involved making a quilt using rag strips, darning needles and large hessian potato sacks. They learned to thread fabric with the needle, a task that fostered appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. This activity allowed the students to experience the joy of creating something with their own hands as they worked together with their peers to achieve this.
Another interesting learning experience was looking at the history of the Gosnells community and the origins of this museum through felt maps. As the students interacted with the local members, they were given the opportunity to ask many questions as they made connections to their learning about things in the past and present, making many observations and comparisons.
Overall, the excursion was a day of fun, learning, and great community engagement. Everyone gained a deeper understanding of historical life and enjoyed exploring a range of artifacts as well as interacting with local community members. We observed many changes, similarities and differences, and were thankful for the current blessings in our lives.
As we reflected on this excursion, we can see that despite how the world around us often changes, God remains constant in our lives, and we can be grateful for that!
