After another fantastic, whirlwind tour of the sites and the learning opportunities of Canberra, we are back and ready for Term 3.
This trip forms part of our students’ studies on the Federal Government, our Constitution and the history of Australia. There were many positives for your children as they developed friendships. and experienced many new and interesting places in Canberra.
Each day held highlights of its own and different students enjoyed different aspects of each day. Visit our blog to see more of what we did.
Thursday, 22 June
It all started as we arrived at 1:30pm at Perth Airport to catch our 3:35pm direct flight to Canberra.
Friday, 23 July
We visited the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and the Electoral Education Centre. We learned how preferential voting works in Australia by voting for our favourite fruit. Then we visited Parliament House, toured the Senate, the House of Representatives, and under took a role play at the Parliamentary Education Office.
Saturday, 24 July
We visited Cockington Green to view the miniature villages and travelled to Gold Creek Station where we experienced an Australian kelpie working the merino sheep, watched sheep shearing, and participated in sheep wrestling!
Then it was onto the Australian War Memorial, the Wall of Remembrance and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and viewed the audio-visual shows.
Sunday, 25 July
It was off to Church at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, taking in the old architecture, stained glass windows, and friendly congregation. We then took a tour of the High Court of Australia.
The afternoon was spent enjoying Questacon, particularly the show on the science of light.
Monday, 26 July
Then on Monday we went to the Australian Royal Mint, did a tour of Government House, learnt about the Governor General’s role and met the Governor General, His Excellency Peter Cosgrove.
We took in the views of the Parliamentary triangle from Mount Ainslie Lookout before heading back to the Australian War Memorial to look at the displays, do the discovery zone, and stay for the wreath laying ceremony, laying our own wreath. After dinner, we headed back to see Canberra at night from Mount Ainslie Lookout.
Tuesday, 27 July
We took a lengthy drive out to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex for a very interesting insight into our universe.
We visited the National Gallery of Australia, the CSIRO Discovery Centre and the Australian Institute of Sport. The evening was spent watching and judging our students in their own “talent show”.
Wednesday, 28 July
Then there was Wednesday – a day in the snow at Perisher!!!
What a great day playing in the snow and tobogganing. Unfortunately, one of our students sustained an injury at the end of the day while walking off the snow. After a two hour delay, we made our way back for dinner at Maccas. The students showed great patience while waiting for their fellow student to receive treatment.
Thursday, 29 July
It was time to pack up and load our gear on the bus as we headed out for a long day before catching our flight home!
We travelled to Sydney and walked around, taking in the views of the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay.
We then relaxed on a Captain Cook Tour of Sydney Harbour. Then it was off to Sydney Airport where we boarded the plane and finally arrived at Perth Airport.
HOME!
A great time and experience was had by all, and we received lots of positive comments regarding our students’ behaviour.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government contributes funding of $240 per student towards the cost through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. We really appreciate such support and funding.
I would like to thank the students for making the trip a great experience and parents for all of your support before and during the trip. Thanks must go to Mrs Jones in our office for her work in helping organise the trip.
Thank you also to Mrs James, Miss Khoo, Mr Peletier, Mrs Classen, Mrs Matthews, Mr Blennerhassett and Mrs Thygesen for all their help. Without our valued staff this experience would not happen for our students.
