Accompanied by Miss Maher, Mr
Benton and myself, the 17 Year 9 travellers flew out from Perth on the evening
of Friday, 19 August. Saturday morning saw an early start in Sydney where
students were able to breakfast at Darling Harbour before travelling to the
historic Rocks district to undertake the Cesspits
and Old Rubbish program which allowed students to examine the rich history
and culture of Australia’s first settlement area. Saturday also saw a visit to
Mary Mackillop Place where students were able to see the tomb of Mary Mackillop
– Australia’s first saint and explore the extensive museum showcasing Mary’s
life and important legacy to Catholic Education in Australia.
From North Sydney, students
then travelled to Circular Quay where they toured the Sydney Opera House and
were able to take photographs and collect information for their Big Ideas
project “Where is the Great City of Oz?” in regard to one of Australia’s most
iconic buildings. After a long day, students and staff retired early after a
shared pizza dinner at The Rocks.
Sunday was another full day
in Sydney, beginning with Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral. Students then visited
Martin Place before heading to Darling Harbour where they toured the cultural
and tourism icons of Madame Tussaud’s and the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium. It was
then time to head for Canberra, arriving on Sunday evening with time to prepare
for three full days in Australia’s national capital.
On Monday, students visited
two of Canberra’s most important icons, the Federal Parliament House and the
Australian War Memorial. Here, students were able to gain extensive knowledge
about Australia’s parliamentary system and Australian history, especially with
regard to involvement in World War I. In the evening, students toured the
Australian Institute of Sport facilities where they were able to gain an
insight into the strict training regimes of Australia’s athletes.
Tuesday and Wednesday saw
extensive tours in Canberra city through which students gained a significant
insight into the ‘heart’, ‘brain’, ‘courage’ and imagination of Australia’s
national capital. These tours included
visits to Questacon, the Museum of Australian Democracy, The National Archives,
the National Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. On Wednesday afternoon,
Mrs Davini joined the tour to assume the role of tour leader for the snow
experience part of the trip.
On Thursday, students and
staff travelled to Berridale NSW, which would serve as their base for the snow
experience. Students were treated to one and a half day’s lessons and
experiences either skiing or snowboarding at Smiggin Holes. For many of the
students it was the first time they had seen snow. On Saturday, they took the
opportunity en route back to Canberra to tour the Deep Space Centre where
students discovered the special role that Australia plays in space exploration
and they added significant notes and photographs to their research journals.
The 2016 Sydney-Canberra Tour
has provided the students with an enriching experience complementing all
pillars of the LIFE curriculum – Learning, Interrelationships, Faith and
Enrichment as well as provided the opportunity for them to ‘follow the yellow
brick road’ and take their Big Ideas project well beyond the confines of the
classroom.
Our tour of Australia’s
national capital – Canberra – has provided students with 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
$240.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program
towards these costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion
of the excursion.
Ms Karen Taylor
Learning Area Coordinator –
Humanities & Social Sciences and Year 9 Innovator
12 September 2016
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