From the Head of Junior School
This week, Stage 3 headed off to Canberra!
The trip was long, and we were grateful to make our way to Lake Burley Griffin for some fresh air and fun. We checked out the impressive Carillon before letting loose in one of the lake's very cool playgrounds—an ideal way to burn off some energy after the long bus ride.
Our final stop of the day was the National Capital Authority, where we learned all about Canberra’s origins—why it was built, how it was designed, and when it all came together. It was super interesting and gave us a better understanding of the unique layout of the city we’d be exploring.
By the end of the day, excitement was high, but our feet were getting tired. So, when it was announced that we were heading to our accommodation and about to find out who our roommates were—cheers erupted!
After settling in, we enjoyed a delicious meal followed by a super fun trivia night. Then it was off to bed, ready for the big days ahead.
We started our second day at Old Parliament House, a place rich with history. We learned about the early days of Australian democracy and explored the original parliamentary chambers—it was fascinating to see where it all began.
Next, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the National Gallery of Australia. With countless pieces of art from all over the world, the gallery offered endless interpretations, ideas, and inspiration. You could easily lose hours wandering through it all!
Then it was time to get moving—with some orienteering at the National Arboretum. Windy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely! The friendly competition and outdoor energy gave us a great boost, and the views were pretty spectacular too.
On the way in, we couldn’t resist stopping at the Pod Playground. It was so unique and exciting that most of us wondered: why didn’t we have these when we were kids?
Later, with a bit of spare time, we headed to Mount Ainslie for a panoramic look over Canberra. It was one of those “wow” moments, seeing the city stretch out beneath us.
Then it was on to the Australian War Memorial. This was a reflective and moving experience, filled with personal stories, unexpected artifacts, and a sense of reverence that’s hard to describe. It left a deep impression on us all.
Back at our accommodation, we had dinner, followed by a quick refresh before heading out again… to Questacon—at night! Getting to explore this science wonderland after hours, with the rooms all to ourselves, was amazing. So much fun, so much learning—and so many laughs.
On the bus ride back, Mr Webb’s ABC singalong was the perfect end to a packed day. Then it was PJs on, lights out, and time to recharge for one more day of Canberra adventures.
Our Canberra journey ended with a truly iconic visit to Parliament House. Walking through the heart of Australia's government was an unforgettable way to finish the trip. We explored the chambers, admired the architecture, and even had the chance to role-play being in government. Parents may be pleased to know that their children passed a bill raising taxes on sugary treats!
Thank you to Mr Webb, Mr Forbes, Mr Culbert, and Miss O’Keefe who joined me on this trip. While a lot was learned about the history of our nation and how government currently works, we are certain there was even more learning going on about resilience, managing our time and belongings, sharing public spaces with consideration, helping friends with tasks, serving others, and walking on a path (without parkouring in gardens!). The behaviour of the children was impressive—they were enthusiastic, curious, and very respectful. It was a privilege to take them away, and I thank the staff for their time and care.
Rachael J Newton
Assistant Principal – Head of Junior School
