Student News
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
In Week 9, students across Year 6 undertook an educational tour of our Nation's Capital City, Canberra. Students participated in a range of exciting, meaningful and educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy. Across the week we had the privilege and pleasure of seeing Parliament at both Parliament House and Old Parliament House/the Museum of Old Democracy; learning the voting process at the Electoral Education Office; reflecting on Australia's past and present at the War Memorial; trying our sporting skills at AIS; exploring Science in a hands-on engaging way at Questacon; driving around the High Courts and many Embassies; learning about the design of Canberra at the National Capital Exhibition; participating in Orienteering at the Arboretum; admiring Canberra from the Mt Ainslie Lookout; and having a lot of fun in the evenings with Trivia and Bowling.
The Year 6 teachers were incredibly impressed by the student's engagement, participation, and how they represented the school with utmost respect and behaviour while in Canberra. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the several teachers who gave up their time to look after the students and provide them with such an amazing educational experience last week while we were away. Thank you to Mr Chan, Miss Wilkinson, Mr Moloney, Miss Bell, Miss Kimpton, Mr Barrett, Miss Semlitzky and Mrs Johnstone who accompanied students on the 3-day trip. A special thanks to Mrs Bower, Miss Westwood, Mr Dingli who attended for the whole week, accompanying both groups on their trips, and thank you to Mr Thompson and Ms Wallace who joined us on the Wednesday driving down with Group B and back with Group A in the one day!
We are very fortunate that 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 $30 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.
Please enjoy some photos and a written recount from our time away.
Canberra - Year 6 2026
In Week nine, Year Six enjoyed a marvellous time at a three-day camp in Canberra. Our ten classes split into two groups, the Monday - Wednesday group and the Wednesday-Friday group. Each group had three buses, over the course of three days. Bus 1 of Trip A led by Miss O’Malley, Mr Chan, and Mrs Bower. Bus 2 led by Miss Wilkinson, Mr Moloney, and Miss Westwood. Last but not least, Bus 3 led by Mr Dingli and Miss Bell. Bus 1 of Trip B was led by Miss Kimpton, Mr Barrett, and Miss O’Malley. Bus 2 led by Miss Semlitzky, Mr Dingli, and Mrs Bower. Bus 3 was led by Miss Westwood, and Mrs Johnstone.
After all the students had arrived at the Carlingford West Public School by 5:30am, we walked down towards the backgate where the buses were waiting for us. Here we gave our luggage to the driver to be loaded and then boarded the buses. Two hours into the trip we had a rest stop where we were allowed to have a snack or crunch and sip, before promptly continuing our journey to Canberra.
The time spent in Canberra was a great way to socialise with friends, interact with our teachers, and also share time together in our cabins of four or five. Canberra, as the Australian capital, is home to many significant and sacred locations. We had the opportunity to visit iconic destinations such as the New and Old Parliament House, a place of great importance, the War Memorial, a special building of commemoration to honour the lost soldiers, Australian Electoral Commission, Australian Institute of Sport and many more.
In Canberra we experienced a wide variety of activities. During the tour at the Australian Electoral Commission we learnt about the fascinating process of electing new Prime Ministers and Representatives of Electorates. Furthermore, we took guided tours of facilities such as the Australian Institute of Sport where we had the opportunity to learn about the history of the facility and interesting facts about different sports.
One of the most fascinating locations was Questacon, where we learnt about the world around us and the science behind things. Some of our favourites were the Earthquake Room, Giant Free Fall Slide and the 15 minute Lightning Strike. At the end of our time in Questacon we were able to purchase souvenirs with the money we had brought.
On one of the nights, we all enjoyed Zone bowling where we experienced a fun 1 hour of bowling together. The next day we ventured to the National Arboretum, Canberra where we learnt about plants, nature and most importantly, orienteering. We practiced our navigational and map reading skills there as we went on a “Number Hunt” to find hidden number cards scattered across the Arboretum.
The food at our motel was so delicious. Every bite was filled with flavour and finger licking good. From our first dinner — butterchicken, to our last dinner — fragrant sandwiches at a park stop, every dish was extraordinary and was made with love and care. The staff members worked tirelessly to ensure the food was safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Overall an enjoyable experience with others. Our cabins were nice and tidy, and most importantly warm and toasty so that we all had a good night’s sleep at the Ibis Styles Hotel. The Canberra trip created life long memories to cherish. We think it was a great last camp to end our final year at CWPS.
Ministers for Communication and Media
James, Allan and Eliana
NAIDOC Week 2026
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, 5A and 6A participated in a virtual excursion with the National Portrait Gallery exploring the 2026 NAIDOC theme '50 Years of Deadly'.
Students explored a selection of portraits that showcased the strength, creativity, determination and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the last 50 years. They then created their own artwork showcasing themselves driving a bus full of people who inspire them in a location that is special to them.
This learning experience encouraged students to examine ideas such as identity, truth-telling, intergenerational leadership, cultural continuity and the importance of community in shaping Australia's story. They built their understanding of the achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples while considering how they can contribute to the next 50 years of our shared future.
Jackelyn Wilkinson & Greg Nelson,
Classroom Teachers.
3G's Science Project
3G designed and created amazing houses using natural materials and playdough, incorporating the concept of biomimicry, which has been our science focus this term.
Margot Bullock,
3G Class Teacher.
100 Days of Kindy
Dear Kindergarten Parents and Carers,
Next term, we are excited to celebrate a very special milestone for our youngest students - 100 days of school!
On Thursday 30th July, we will be celebrating 100 days of kindergarten learning, growing and having fun!
We ask that your child comes to school dressed up in something to represent 100. Your child can dress up as a 100 year old, or anything to do with the number 100. We will be participating in activities to celebrate that the children have completed 100 days of school.
On the day, we would also like all children to bring in 100 of something. This will form part of the activities on the day. It could be 100 paper clips, 100 buttons, 100 pieces of Lego - whatever you and your child decide.
Please ensure these are in a labelled snap lock bag.
Thank you,
The Kindergarten Teachers
