Year 6 Canberra Trip

From early mornings to late nights, our trip to Canberra was even better than we anticipated. The first place we visited in Canberra, and one of our main highlights was going to  Government House. As one of the first-year 6 cohorts to ever have the opportunity to take a tour at Government House, we were so pleased to meet the Governor-General, Her Excellency, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC. 

Our other four days were filled with fun and adventure too. The AIS, the Royal Australian Mint, Parliament House, Floriade, Art Galleries and of course The Star Buffet were favourites as well! We had the chance to learn about our amazing nation’s history, collect souvenirs and lasting memories, wander through the breathtaking displays of flowers and stalls at Floriade and develop so many new bonds with our classmates. 

Overall, this trip was such a great experience and an incredible last primary trip together. We were all disappointed to leave Canberra after looking down at it from the top of Mount Ainslie, but we were so tired and were missing our own beds as well.

Thanks to all the teachers and all of our wonderful tour guides who accompanied us and showed us around on this trip. Mr Brown, Mrs Burrows-Cheng, Mrs Fasnacht, Miss Hudson, Dr Whiley, Ms Larratt and our bus driver Jess, thank you so much for your support. We would also like to thank Ms Sluyters for organising this trip and planning all of the places we visited. We knew you could see us all the way from Ireland!

Doris Jiang and Anna Thickett 

Our Year 6 students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Canberra in Week 8, where learning came alive beyond the classroom. Our Journey was more than a school trip, it was an opportunity to explore, question and grow together as we experienced the heart of our nation.

One of the many highlights was meeting Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Meeting the Governor General was a memorable experience for our students and provided a wonderful opportunity to connect their classroom learning about Australian democracy, leadership and citizenship with real life experience. 

Our students were also privileged to see Parliament sitting and witness our democratic processes in action. Sitting in the galleries and observing the business of our elected representatives gave greater meaning to the ideas and concepts they had explored throughout the year. At the High Court of Australia, students had the unique opportunity to witness a session take place, providing another fascinating insight into the institutions that shape our country.

A particularly moving moment was participating in the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, where our students honoured the service and sacrifice of Private Eric Charles Arkell. Taking part in the ceremony and laying a wreath was a deeply meaningful experience. In the quiet of the Memorial, our students showed great respect and maturity as they paused to remember the life and service of one individual, while also reflecting on the many Australians who have served our nation. 

Yet, while the places we visited were impressive, it was the students themselves who truly made the trip special. Throughout our Canberra adventure, our Year 6 students demonstrated the attitude of enthusiasm, curiosity, kindness and positivity. They embraced every experience with open minds, supported one another and represented our College with pride. Their willingness to learn, explore and step outside of their comfort zones was a wonderful reflection of the young people they are becoming. 

Thank you to the PACER team for their continued support and for making civics education trips to Canberra so accessible and rewarding for our students. 

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the trip up and running and to those who accompanied the students on the trip. Their care, encouragement, organisation and commitment ensured that every student could make the most of this unforgettable experience. 

Miss Lynda Hudson

Director of Wellbeing