Senior School

Year 8 Canberra Trip

From November 4 - 8, Year 8 travelled by bus and plane to the national capital Canberra for an extended time of learning and discovery through participation in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

It was an action packed week in which the students visited and experienced some excellent places in the city and surrounding areas. For some students, it was their first time on a plane, and for many, it was their first time visiting Canberra.

On Monday, we travelled from Canberra Airport to our excellent accommodation at Leumeah Lodge, then headed off to visit the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. That evening, we drove up to the Mt Stromlo Observatory for a tour of the facilities and some viewing of stars and planets through excellent telescopes.

On Tuesday, we visited the National Electoral Education Office, also at Old Parliament House, Questacon, and the Australian Institute of Sport. After dinner, we visited the Wildbark Learning Centre at Mulligan’s Flat for some nocturnal learning and wildlife surveying.

On Wednesday, we visited the Government House Lookout, then drove around Yarralumla looking at the embassies of various nations and how they reflected the culture of their home country through architecture and design. We visited Parliament House, where we met our local member The Hon, Dan Tehan, engaged in a parliamentary simulation, and then got to watch Parliament in action for half an hour during Question Time. Afterwards, we enjoyed fresh air and orienteering at the National Arboretum.

On Thursday, we visited the National War Memorial where students were guided through the exhibits related to World War I. After lunch, we enjoyed a walking tour of Lake Burley Griffin and then visited the Royal Australian Mint.

“The Canberra trip this year was quite informative. I learned a lot at the War Memorial, and going to the old and new Parliament Houses was great, especially Question Time. Learning all the stuff about Canberra and Parliament was very interesting. The AIS was quite fun. All in all, a jam packed week full of fun and knowledge.” - Charlie P

“Canberra was a remarkable experience that provided me with valuable insights into Australia’s rich history. Throughout our various tours, I gained a deeper understanding of the nation’s past and its significant events. One of my favourite moments of the trip was flying on a plane out of Victoria for the first time. One of my highlights as going to the War Memorial, where I learned about the sacrifices made by so many, which made me realise just how lucky we are to live in Australia and have our rights and freedoms.” - Rachel C

“I thoroughly enjoyed the Year 8 trip to Canberra and learned so much about democracy and parliament, My highlight was sitting in on Question Time in the House of Representatives on the last sitting day of the year and meeting our local MP Dan Tehan, but I also really enjoyed the Mt Stromlo observatory.” - Zara B

“I loved Canberra camp because there was so much to experience and even though it was very hot on one of the days, we had heaps of fun. Some of my favourite places we went to were the old and new Parliament Houses, the Arboretum, and the War Memorial. It was also great to just run around in nature in the middle of a massive city, whether it was at a playground or gardens. It was really cool that even though we were in Australia’s capital city it still felt like a small town,” - Dusty D

Jo Van Leerdam

Senior School Teacher

Note: Because 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, they assist families in meeting the cost of such excursions to the Australian Government by contributing funding to our school under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

VCE VM Warrnambool Food Drive

Last week, the VCE VM class were able to be a part of the wonderful Western District Foodshare 2024 Warrnambool Food Drive. On Monday morning all six of the VCE VM students packed just over 1400kg of food which had been donated by the Warrnambool community. This was a mammoth effort all round!

Students spent the morning sorting items and packing them for transport to Western District Foodshare. Students were blessed to see the outpouring of support for those in need as Christmas time approaches. Thank you to all who supported this cause and for allowing the King's community to be a part of this wonderful venture.

Food donations are still being received at King's so please keep sending items in with your children and place them in the blue Foodshare bins.