From the Head of Junior School
In Week 3, a fabulous group of Stage 3 students embarked on an adventure to our Nation’s Capital! Isaak Brajkovic and Ruby Carter, our School Captains, have written a report on this for you to read below.
Our trip to Canberra
Last week, the Junior School Stage 3 students went on a trip to Canberra to explore concepts related to Democracy, History, Science and Mathematics. It was the quintessential trip that included the National Authority Reconciliation Walk, Parliament House, National Museum of Australia, Questacon, National Museum of Sound and Film Archives and the Royal Mint.
During the three days, some of the highlights were witnessing the process of passing bills, exploring film techniques and sliding down a freefall slide. When we arrived at Canberra, we were greeted by the National Authority Guides and explored the local Indigenous peoples’ connection to country and discussed why reconciliation is important for our nation. After this we arrived at the Australian War Memorial and were given the opportunity to explore the artefacts through a guided tour. This was a moving experience that opened our hearts to the realities of war. By the end of that first day, we were exhausted however, full of knowledge and ready to rest.
Day 2 was a foggy and crisp morning at Parliament House, and we participated in a role-play in the House of Representatives. We passed a bill to increase sport in schools. Everyone loved being able to enact a bill in this humorous experience. Parliament House was a hive of activity and we were lucky enough to chat to Ms Susan Templeman about her job as a Minister, though she had to rush off to vote! Shortly after we moved onto the National Museum of Film And Sound where we examined a series of film clips that were iconically Australian. The guide taught us about media literacy and how to decode messages within these types of texts. Our final destination was the National Museum of Australia. We learned about Australian symbolism and iconography that is within the architecture of the building. We toured the space to view the moments in Australia’s history that have shaped our nation. It was an interactive, immersive experience.
By Day 3 we were energized and ready to take on Questacon. It was a phenomenal place to get to play, touch and engage with many scientific concepts. Some students were quite brave and went down the free fall slide, went on an earthquake simulator and watched artificial lightning. The Mint was our last stop before heading home. We learned the process of how coins are manufactured, the history of the coins evolved and why they design rare coins. We have all had an amazing experience that will always be remembered. This was one the most beneficial educational camps we’ve ever been on. We are really thankful for Mr Forbes, Mrs Spohr, Mrs Newton and Mr Laffin who came along to look after us, and of course to Michael, the bus driver!
Our school would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Government for approving the ‘Parliament and Civics Education Rebate’ which amounts to $30.00 student. This scheme helps schools from across the country to visit Canberra and enrich student learning about Democracy.
by Isaak Brajkovic and Ruby Carter
Junior School Captains
Book Week 2023 – Read, Grow, Inspire
Along with our traditional Book Day costume parade, we're very excited to have award-winning Blue Mountains children's author Jodie McLeod (Leonard the Lyrebird / Lilah the Lyrebird) visit both Springwood and Wentworth Falls Junior School campuses on Thursday, 24th August to read and talk about her NEW book The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue!
Illustrated by Katoomba artist Eloise Short, The Black Cockatoo takes readers on an adventure through the Australian bush to find a missing blue feather... and discover what's truly important. It's a story about friendship, kindness and the magic of giving, and we're thrilled to have Jodie share it with us!
If you'd like to purchase a signed copy of The Black Cockatoo or any of Jodie's other books (which are set in the Blue Mountains - featuring the landscape we all know and love!) you can do so either with cash or card on the day, or online in advance at Jodie's Etsy store here - please apply the code LOCAL upon checkout to waive postage fees. Jodie will bring your book to school for your child to collect. Also please let Jodie know if you want a personalised message in your book by adding a note when you make your purchase (simply provide your child's name, class and school).
- The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue (hardcover) $25
- Leonard the Lyrebird (hardcover) $25
- Leonard the Lyrebird (paperback) $17
- Lilah the Lyrebird (hardcover) $25
To find out more, visit www.jodiemcleod.com/books
Mrs Rachael J Newton
Head of Junior School
Junior Cricket
Leura Cricket Club is seeking expressions of interest from boys and girls, mainly aged from 9 years to 13 years who may wish to participate in a local competition. See below for details.
