Senior Primary’s Canberra Adventure

What an incredible five days it was! For the first time in MECS’ history, our Senior Primary students embarked on a memorable and inaugural trip to Canberra! From the moment we left school, the week became a wonderful blend of history, civics, citizenship, science, adventure, friendship and faith.

Our journey began at Bonegilla, the original immigration housing camp where thousands of people arrived following the devastation of World War II, seeking safety, opportunity and the chance to build a new life in Australia. Standing in the places where these families began their Australian stories gave our students a powerful connection to the past.

We then made a very important stop at the Dog on the Tuckerbox, with its famous Australian tale of a loyal dog waiting for his master to return after his bullock team became stuck in deep mud. It was a terrific introduction to some of the stories and characters that have shaped Australian identity.

Our home for the week was Camp Cottermouth, which certainly exceeded expectations. The facilities were amazing, the bunks were warm and comfortable, and the food was simply incredible! With hot breakfasts each morning, quality homemade meals and lashings of helpings, no-one went hungry. Native wildlife visited our grounds, the weather was beautiful, and the clear, star-filled night skies provided the perfect backdrop to our evenings.

Of course, one of the highlights was seeing Australian democracy in action at both the old and new Parliament House. Students watched the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, participate in Question Time and observed the protocols and traditions that help our parliamentary system function. Their learning was brought to life through role-plays, taking on the positions of Members of Parliament and Senators to understand how a Bill travels through the House of Representatives and the Senate before becoming law. It was an authentic and memorable civics lesson. And yes, we even rolled down the grass roof of Parliament House to ensure this age-old tradition continues!

At the High Court of Australia, students learned about the important role the Court plays in interpreting the Constitution and some of the significant cases that have been heard there. They began to understand that Australia's democratic system relies on different institutions working together.

We also had the opportunity to meet Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who generously took time to speak individually with our students. Even with the Prince of Brunei arriving, she continued to make our students feel valued and welcome. The students were fascinated by the official vehicles, including the Rolls-Royces and bulletproof cars.

We cycled around Lake Burley Griffin, where we enjoyed blue skies, beautiful scenery and the refreshing spray from the enormous Captain Cook Memorial Jet. The fountain was built as part of the celebrations commemorating the bicentenary of Captain Cook's first sighting and landing on Australia's east coast in 1770 and was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 25 April 1970. It was certainly an unforgettable place to stop and appreciate the history surrounding Canberra.

At the Australian Institute of Sport, students watched athletes training and gained an insight into the dedication, discipline and determination required to compete at an elite level.

At the National Arboretum, we learned about the importance of conserving trees and the efforts being made to protect species from extinction. Everywhere we went, students discovered people using their gifts, talents and knowledge to make a difference.

The Australian War Memorial provided another profound learning experience. Students listened to the ANZAC experience at Gallipoli and were able to see real artefacts from Australia's military history. Standing beside the Pool of Reflection and the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier gave students an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifice and service of those who have gone before us. The Gospel of John reminds us, ‘This is my commandment: that you love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this—that a man should lay down his life for his friends.’

There was plenty of excitement too! After butter-chicken and rice, followed by ice-cream and ‘chocolate moon rocks’ at the Atomic Restaurant, students explored the hands-on world of science at Questacon. Some brave students even took on the enormous drop slide, equivalent to plunging from a two-storey building! There were plenty of screams, laughter and perhaps a few nervous moments before letting go!

From Mount Ainslie, we stood beneath the magnificent blue Canberra sky and looked across the city, gaining a completely different perspective of the capital.

At Canberra’s Deep Space Communication Complex, students discovered Australia's vital role in communicating with spacecraft travelling through deep space. They learned about the historic Apollo mission and the famous broadcast of the words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind..."—a moment that connected Australian technology and expertise with one of humanity's most significant achievements.

At the Australian Electoral Education Centre, students explored the importance of voting and the responsibility that comes with having a voice in Australia's democracy. These students are our future leaders and citizens, and the importance of understanding how their voices can contribute to Australia's future was certainly not lost on them.

The Royal Australian Mint provided another fascinating experience as students watched coins being produced and learned how Australia's decimal currency came to be.

At the National Museum of Australia, we encountered Indigenous artefacts and even saw Phar Lap's famous heart. Through the ‘Meet the People' program, they explored how ordinary Australians experienced extraordinary times, including the hardships of the Great Depression and the way those experiences helped shape a new era in Australian history.

And then there were the moments that cannot be found on a timetable.

There was the excited chatter of students sharing a room with their friends, the laughter that continued after lights-out and before the final call for everyone to settle in for the evening. There were stories, inside jokes, tired faces, endless conversations and memories that will undoubtedly be talked about for years to come. Even a comedy show featuring 'Mike', whose muddling tricks left us completely baffled, became part of the Canberra story!

Across five incredibly full days, our students experienced far more than a collection of excursions. They experienced Australia's history, democracy, science, innovation, sacrifice, culture, and identity as justice seekers, awe dwellers and purposeful learners. They asked questions, listened, explored, challenged themselves and discovered new things about their country—and about themselves.

Most importantly, throughout the journey we were reminded of God's incredible creation and the extraordinary gifts and talents He has bestowed upon people. From the beauty of Canberra's landscape and night skies to the ingenuity of scientists, engineers, artists, athletes, leaders and everyday Australians, our students saw countless examples of creativity, perseverance and stewardship.

And of course, we can’t forget the gift shopping at the AIS and Questacon! This week, the students who couldn’t be with us, were each presented with a souvenir bag of their own from Canberra!

Our inaugural Senior Primary Canberra trip has given our students memories that will stay with them long after the (yes, lengthy) bus ride home. Five days of God’s amazing provision to learn, laugh, discover and develop friendships — an extraordinary beginning to what we hope will become a treasured MECS tradition.

The Senior Primary Teaching Team

Student Reflections 

I feel the pedals on my bike beneath me and I glance up, just for a moment to see a shimmering display that takes my breath away. There is no way to describe the incredible rainbow glistening in the water of Lake Burley Griffin. I sigh and take a big breath of clean fresh air. That's when I realise the true beauty of God's incredible creation.

Beth R

I was riding my bike and I saw people go past me, but they weren’t random people, they were the front of the line (my friends). 

We were riding in a single file line, when I saw my friends riding towards me.  

Feelings of happiness and excitement overcame me as I started to pedal. 

I looked around and I saw rippling water.

My friends laughter echoed and the clicking bikes and squeaking of breaks surrounded me. 

Taylor H

Parliament House     

I felt excited as I walked through the new Parliament House. I enjoyed seeing the politicians debating and talking about laws. During Question Time, the room was silent as a mouse. It was so amazing to see Aaron Violi, our representative for Casey.

Phoebe H

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 is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $45 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the camp.