Year 6 Sydney Canberra Trip

Our Year 6 students recently embarked on an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, learning, and fun. The journey began in Sydney, where highlights included a ferry ride across beautiful Darling Harbour, exploring the iconic Opera House, and visiting Taronga Zoo to see its amazing animals. In Canberra, Questacon thrilled everyone with its interactive exhibits, with the giant slide being a firm favourite. At Parliament House, students participated in a mock parliament, met politicians, and gained valuable insights into how our government works. A visit to the Indonesian Embassy offered a rich cultural experience with traditional shadow puppetry and music, while the Royal Australian Mint showcased the intricate art of coin-making. The Australian War Memorial was a reflective and moving stop, allowing students to honour those who served our country. Beyond the packed itinerary, the trip fostered stronger friendships and connections among students and staff. It was a wonderful experience, leaving everyone with stories and memories to cherish.

Mrs Tash de Lacy

Year 6 Teacher

Year 6 Student Reflections

~Questacon~

BY: Lily Driessen

In Week 4 the Year 6’s went on our Sydney and Canberra trip. One of my favourite things that we did was going to Questacon in Canberra. In Questacon we went to the gift shop, and I bought a lot of things. Hehe. We went into an interactive Lego room, where we got to build a block of Lego to go on this massive Lego wall to make part of a mural. We also got to build tiny little Lego ducks that could be put on a pond built out of Lego. We also went into a natural disasters area where we could go into an earthquake room that had a 5.8 magnitude. We also saw caged lightning. We went to a colour show, and we found out that we only see 3 colours Red, Green, Blue. Lastly, we went on a 3 metre drop down a half vert ramp. Nearly all of us went on it but a couple didn’t go. It was reallllll scary. When you get up to the top, and you dangle your legs over the edge, you can’t see most of the slide, all you can see is the bottom of the slide. It’s scary. I was sweating, my heart was racing. I was really hoping I wouldn’t injure myself. I didn’t think I could do it. Then I realised that it might be my only chance, and I didn’t want to leave with any regrets! I took the chance and went on it. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. As I went down, it was so fast, I felt like I’d lost my stomach. I was shaking afterwards and was so proud of myself for taking the risk. Overall, it was amazing. I loved the Sydney and Canberra trip.

The War Memorial

The arched dome at the centre seemed distant as we approached along the concrete path. A fountain surrounded by four eucalyptus trees trickled peacefully, setting a reflective tone.

Inside, solemnity filled the air. Quotes like “Here we guard the memories” and “We will remember them” adorned the walls. In the dimly lit space, sculptures and screens whispered voices of soldiers, immersing us in the past.

After a brief video on how to act respectfully within the memorial, we divided into groups. My group explored a real warplane, along with tanks, motorbikes, and relics from the wars. A plane’s lone surviving engine and stories of Japanese prison camps brought the harsh realities of war to life.

Outdoors, we stood by the Eternal Flame, a symbol of remembrance. Nearby, walls listed the names of fallen Australian soldiers, adorned with so many poppies it was hard to read them. I searched for family names but was overwhelmed by their sheer number.

Finally, we entered the breathtaking domed building. The place of the “Unknown Soldier.” Stained glass bathed the space in colour, and four pillars—wooden, stone, marble, and copper—stood as symbols of earth, air, water, and fire. At the centre lay an engraved tomb, surrounded by flowers and the inscription:“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.”

Leaving the memorial, I felt its immense power to preserve the past. It was my favourite part of the Canberra trip—a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by my Aboriginal and British ancestors for our freedom. I hope to visit again someday.

General comments

My favourite thing about Canberra was that we got to go to the Mint, and they were really kind and looked out for you and they would teach you a lot in fun ways. I really loved how kind the teachers would be to you if you needed something then they would make it work. I loved Sydney and Taronga Zoo. The views that we got from our accommodation was amazing we could see the bridge and the opera house. I loved how often we got to hang out with our friends. Our bus driver was the best, he would tell really funny jokes, and he let us play our favourite songs, and he would also tell us lots of history about Sydney and Canberra. Overall, it was one of the best experiences of my life.
One of my favourite parts was the war memorial. It was so cool to see all the old war machines and guns. The sculptures of war scenes were amazing. Everything was original from the wars, and the big room with the war aeroplanes was awesome.