Focus on...

Whether our students realise it or not, they are living out of a story. Whose story is it? What purpose does this story serve? Who does the story benefit? What is their part to play?

Understanding Story, and the different layered stories, is a core element in wholistic growth and development of our young people. In Year 9 Humanities classes during Term 4 we are learning about ‘The Shaping of Australian Identity’ as we take seriously the background, journey, worldview and events of our Nation’s past and look at what has, is currently, and what may in the future, shape our identity together as Australians. This aspect of, ‘what has shaped the stereotype of typical Australian character and identity’ is important to notice for the development of our own understanding of 'My Story'. It then provides the opportunity to critically ask questions and discern if we agree with this Story, does it respond to or have a place in God’s overarching story, and where and how do I fit in to this Australian story? Only from here can we begin to reform.

On Monday 13 November, our Year 9 students and their teachers begin a 6-day camp to our Nationals capital, Canberra.

Taking our Year 9s to Canberra, places them in the central location of power, which is one of the defining factors of who gets to tell our story and how it is told. They get to experience Parliament, the High Court and Government house, to see for themselves who has a seat at the table and legislation in action. Visits to places that tell culturally significant stories such as the War Memorial, National Gallery and National Museum bring to life some of the investigating we do into factors such as our Indigenous history and heritage, Settlement, Federation, Government, Wars, Immigration, and Film and Media. These events and institutions have had a significant shaping influence on our national identity, the Australian Story. Canberra Camp will be a wonderful experience for our students in their learning and understanding of the forming of identity as it relates to them specifically in our country.

Tim Eddy

Year 9 Coordinator/Secondary Teacher