Year 11 ACT Trip

Canberra 2020: Student Perspective

It was during the cold early morning of the 10th of March when the Year 11s hopped onto their designated buses and braved the ten hour drive to Canberra. The trip was arduous, but each of the three buses were struck by a bout of nostalgia by watching various Barbie movies from childhood. Everyone was absolutely exhausted when they arrived in  Canberra late afternoon, but were equally as excited to explore their cabins and the facilities. The next two days were filled to the brim with destinations to visit but it was never overwhelming. Everyone was separated into their bus groups, and each group had their own itinerary to follow. Some of us were not so lucky to be in the same group as our close friends, but that did not matter because everyone was inclusive and no one was ever left alone. Even after so much time of getting to know each other, this trip also served to be catalyst of new or strengthened relations among the students.

The Year 11s were able to admire the wonderful pieces at the National Art Gallery, explore the Parliament House, give our respects at the Australian War Memorial and many, many more activities. The places that the Year 11s visited were informative, eye-opening and in most cases, really fun. By the end of the trip, everyone was tired and eager to go home and eat some delicious food. We were required to travel back to Melbourne via plane which made quite a few students anxious and/or excited. Nevertheless, even if the second flight's landing was delayed because of the weather, everyone made it back home safe and sound.

With all of the wonderful sights, new friendships forming, or old friendships strengthened, Canberra will be a trip to remember.

Anna Eam

Year 11 St Clare

Canberra: Acknowledgements

A trip to Canberra does not just happen and we have so many people to thank for the behind the scenes effort to make this possible. Thanks to all of the staff who joined us on the trip, the teachers who were always caring for the girls. We offer our thanks to Emily Breslin, James Blanchfield, Isabelle Maroun, Anneliese Heyes, Anna Miha, Steve McPhail, Faye Jamieson, Heather Mertz, Uli Septiana, Jacquie Dunstan, Jason Mahmoud, Lily Gallo and Meahgan Keating- every one of them was amazing.

We also acknowledge the Parliament and Civics Education Rebase system (PACER) who offer us the opportunity to learn about Civics and Responsibility and our role in our nation as young people who participate in a democracy. We thank PACER for their educational and financial support of our experience in Canberra. Their program has helped us to visit many important and valuable locations in the Nation's Capital.

Ms Bronwen Auty

Year 11 Student Development Leader