Buckley House Excursions  

Kimi Ye, Year 6, Buckley House 

From 6th to 9th March, all Year 6 students travelled to Canberra for camp. We explored many significant landmarks and buildings, including Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, Questacon, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and the High Court. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to see Australia’s capital city in person and explore its national institutions and attractions. There were countless highlights, and each student found something memorable to enjoy.

"The Canberra trip was not only enjoyable but also incredibly informative. It brought many of the topics we learn in class to life, making them more engaging and meaningful. Visiting the capital of Australia felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we all made the most of it."

– Evan M.

"One of my most memorable moments in Canberra was visiting Memorial Drive. Absorbing the stories of bravery and sacrifice softened my heart. This solemn feeling was heightened by the artistic monuments, speckled with red poppies, which stood over us as a powerful reminder of our place in history. Each memory of this day brings me peace and gratitude."

– Mrs Neilson

"In Year 6, we had the chance to develop valuable leadership skills and team-building strategies. For me, the Year 6 Camp was the best of my Buckley House journey."

– Edward Nation

Overall, the Canberra Camp was an incredible experience for everyone. We learned new team-building techniques and strengthened our leadership skills through hands-on learning and real-world exploration.

Ava Sun, Year 6, Buckley House 

This term, six selected Year 6 students from Buckley House and six Year 5 students from Plenty Campus attended the Round Square Conference at Ballarat Grammar. The theme of the conference was ‘You’re the Voice’, and it focused on the acronym IDEALS – Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service.

Students from across Victoria and Tasmania were placed into Baraza groups, each led by Year 9 students from Ballarat Grammar. These leaders facilitated engaging games and activities that helped us explore what democracy really means. Everyone enjoyed the experience and appreciated the amazing opportunity to connect with other students, share ideas and grow as young leaders.

Ava: “I most enjoyed the ‘Aura’ light show at Sovereign Hill. You can imagine what life might have looked like one hundred years ago, but it’s always better to experience it in person. It really helped me understand what it would have been like working in the mines.”

Here are more reflections from students who attended the Round Square Conference:

Arlo: “I thought it was really interesting when Hermione from the Eureka Education Centre came to talk to us. In school, we often learn that the miners were ‘good’ and the government was ‘bad’, but she helped us see both sides of the story.”

Will: “I liked learning how the miners and the government argued over the miners’ licences during the Gold Rush. It made me think about whether life was fair for the miners. Hearing different perspectives changed my opinion.”

Arlo Roberts, Year 6, Buckley House

This term, the Year 1 students visited Healesville Sanctuary for an exciting day of learning and discovery. They participated in an educational program focused on habitats and the unique features of native animals such as the dingo and emu. After the session, students explored the sanctuary and visited the animal enclosures.

Some highlights included watching an echidna eat, attending the Spirits of the Sky bird show, where students met a diverse range of Australian birdlife, and seeing two Tasmanian devils in a lively (and noisy!) scuffle.

It was a fantastic day filled with fun and learning. In fact, it was so action-packed that several students fell asleep on the bus ride back to school! 

Kimi Ye, Year 6, Buckley House 

In Term 1 all Year 5 students travelled to Airey’s Inlet for camp. The camp was both fun and educational for all students. Most people loved it, and it was a learning experience for everyone (even the teachers). 

"Year 5 camp was an opportunity to overcome fears like heights on the giant swing. You could also learn new thing just like I learnt how to care for the environment. Overall, it was enjoyable." 

Isaac B. Year 5 

It was an amazing and unforgettable learning experience.