Canberra Excursion part 2
Canberra 17th - 21st September 2023
Students from our school have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
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 of $112.50 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 excursion.
Canberra Excursion 2023 by Mrs Tiffany Ahumada
Last term, the students in Year 5/6 travelled to the nation's capital, Canberra, for their biannual excursion. Students were very eager to get to Canberra, leaving before sunrise to travel the long 11 hour trip. Our students were able to stretch their legs at various stops along the way, but were very relieved to have made it to Canberra Park Resort, our home away from home for the week. Students were welcomed by the amazing staff at Canberra Park and then played some footy tag before dinner.
The first day of adventures in Canberra was filled to the brim with students first visiting the National Electoral Education Centre at Old Parliament House to learn about Australia's voting system. Up next, the students travelled to the AIS for a quick tour of the facilities and some fun in the Sportex room. Our students loved getting to practise a wide range of sporting skills in this area and didn't want to leave, except to visit the gift store of course!
Our next attraction was Cockington Green, where our students were able to roam the gardens filled with miniature models and even took a ride on the little steam train. Questacon was up next and it certainly did not disappoint. Our students loved getting their hands on all of the wonderful science experiments on offer here and our bravest students (yes, no teachers this time) were able to master the giant drop. A very scary ride for even the most courageous of the class. Our final event for the day after dinner was a twilight tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Students walked through the gardens by torchlight to learn about the different plant species featured in the gardens and tried to spot some native wildlife too.
After some rest, our students were ready for another great day in Canberra with their first stop at Parliament House. We were guided around by an exceptional tour guide, who showed off the two houses of Parliament and also the Great Hall. Our students learned so much about the features of both the Senate and the House of Representatives and were able to share their political knowledge. Before our departure, our students were able to take in the view from the rooftop above Parliament House and were even allowed to roll down the lawns on top. Our next attraction was the exhibition 'Know my name: Australian Women Artists' and also the works of Sidney Nolan. With so much inspiration surrounding them, the students then participated in an art workshop to show off their artistic talents. This class certainly has some budding artists in the making.
After a short lunch break, our students then visited the CSIRO Discovery Centre to undertake some studies in the Ecology Lab. Students had to complete some fieldwork to analyse what types of life can be found in a sample space and what the evidence might tell us about the plants and animals that live in this space. Our next stop was to the Australian War Memorial. As this venue is under considerable renovations and with our short guided tour, it was challenging for our students to get the full opportunity to see everything that is displayed here. Students were able to listen to several stories about some of Australia's WWI heroes and were able to place a poppy on the Roll of Honour next to the family members who have served and died in Australia's Wartime Service. Our final attraction for the day was a visit to the National Dinosaur Museum. Our students were enthralled by the facts that were presented to them about all types of dinosaurs and especially those discovered in Australia. With our students contented after visiting the gift store, it was time for dinner and another rest for the night.
Our last day in Canberra was far from boring with students packing in a lot of attractions for their final day. We started with a driving tour around the embassies. Our first event was a fabulous tour at the Royal Australian Mint. It was here that our students learned about our history of money and how the coins we have today are made. Our students were then invited to tour the gardens and home of the Governor General at Government House. Students very respectfully toured the grand rooms of this historic site and learned about the role of the Governor General in Australia. With so many beautiful views surrounding this home, it is easy to marvel at the life of someone in this rank and title. After some lunch and a quick play at the Pod Playground at Canberra's Arboretum, it was off to the National Zoo and Aquarium. Our students were able to wander through the grounds of this ever expanding zoo and were able to spot animals of many kinds all around. It is always a highlight of our trip and with lots of great souvenirs being picked up at the gift store, it certainly did not disappoint our students.
With all of the fun being had, it was a very sad day when the class had to leave for home. With a long trip ahead of them our students were entertained with a movie marathon on the bus trip along with some play and lunch stops along the way. We finally made it back to Guyra to meet our much loved families who missed us terribly while we were away.
Thanks to all of the students for making this such a rewarding trip to Canberra. It was lovely to get to know each of you more and more and learn just how amazing and different each and everyone of you are. I must also thank the parents of our Year 5/6 students who have supported these students to get to Canberra. All of the fundraising efforts that you all engaged with so heavily is greatly appreciated by our students and staff. A huge thanks to our trusty bus driver, Laurie Streicher from Edwards Coaches, who was able to get us to and from Canberra safely and always with precise punctuality. Finally to our staff, thanks for all that you did to support our students in their big week away. Special thanks to Todd Clark, who very happily spent the week with our class and enriched the experience for our kids.
