Senior Years
Year 12 History Canberra Study Tour
From Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 July most members of the Year 12 History Class went on a three day study tour to Canberra. The trip consisted of visits to some of Australia’s greatest landmarks, such as the High Court, Old and New Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia. Most of us had never been to Canberra before and as such we were keen to visit the city and to learn more.
We were particularly excited to visit the Australian War Memorial, something which was absolutely amazing. We learnt a lot about our young country’s experiences in multiple conflicts. We were fortunate enough to meet a Vietnam veteran, who spoke to us about his experience as an intelligence officer. A few of us successfully located the names of relatives on the Honour Roll which surrounds the Pool of Remembrance. The class also participated in a special wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an experience that will stay with us forever.
Other fun experiences were plentiful. We valued the chance to visit and learn more about the role of the High Court, where some of the most important and influential decisions in our nation’s history have been made. Our recreation of Gough Whitlam’s dismissal at Old Parliament House was memorable, as was the chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at Australia’s Federal governmental system during our visit to Parliament House. By the end of the day, we came away with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of our country’s political and legal systems.
We really enjoyed visiting Canberra. We’d like to thank our teacher, Mr Thiele, for organising and leading the trip and Miss Colagiovanni for accompanying us. We appreciate the fact that they gave up their precious holiday time to provide us with this fantastic learning experience. We would also like to acknowledge the generous financial support of the Federal Government through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) scheme. This program recognises the importance for students to be able to visit our capital in order to experience Australia’s rich cultural and democratic history.
Overall, the Year 12 History Study tour to Canberra was enriching and informative. We were able to learn more about our country’s history and how our democracy works. We also had the chance to create special memories within our class that will be cherished for years to come. We highly recommend to those Year 12s doing History next year to take up this wonderful opportunity to visit Canberra and to experience it for themselves.
Zachary Allen, Eric Esots & Kira Howell
Year 12 History students
Year 12 Retreat
During the first week of Term 3, the Year 12s had the opportunity to reflect on their schooling journey at the Year 12 Spiritual Retreat. We returned to El Shaddai, the first campsite we went to with Endeavour in Year 8, and spent two days resting, reminiscing, and celebrating.
The retreat was the culmination of the MAX program, which is our Christian Living unit in Year 12. We hosted ‘mini MAX sessions,’ sharing with staff and with each other what we’ve learned in class throughout the year.
Without giving too much away to future Year 12s, the retreat allowed us to open up to each other, and express appreciation for the friendships that we have developed over the years. Not only did we reflect on our relationships, but also on how we’ve grown on our own personal journeys.
I personally appreciated this opportunity to reflect with my friends who I have grown close to over our years at Endeavour, and the chance to truly reflect on how far we have come together as a group.
Michael Kham
Deputy College Captain
Alex Schmocker
Youth Worker