In Week 3, Year 6 embarked on a three-day trip to Canberra to study government. Their first stop was the Australian War Memorial, where they saw the Memorial Wall, adorned with poppies, commemorating the soldiers who sacrificed their lives. They also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, a place of deep contemplation as they remembered the 100,000 soldiers who died in the war.
Having lunch in the Rose Gardens was a spectacular experience for the students, surrounded by the beautiful autumnal leaves. They then stopped at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, established in 1972 as a protest for land rights. At the Australian Electoral Office, they participated in a mock election, which helped students understand Australia’s voting process. They also visited Old Parliament House, now the Museum of Australian Democracy, where they learned about democracy.
Students Ruby Short, Ophelia Worsley, and Matilda Bello-Vijeyarasa wrote on behalf of Year 6, “The whole trip was fantastic, but the two greatest highlights were Questacon and Parliament House. At Questacon, we explored science and technology through hands-on activities spread over five floors. There was even an entire floor dedicated to Lego, sparking the imaginations of many future engineers among us. Our visit to Parliament House was equally exciting as we witnessed our government in action, including Mr Albanese! We also observed the Senate and its members at work. We were fortunate to meet our local Member of Parliament for Sydney, Tanya Plibersek. Meeting her was truly inspiring. She asked us questions about the government and gave us the opportunity to ask her questions too. She shared valuable advice, encouraging us to follow our passions and reminding us that the most challenging tasks often teach us the most. We returned home having learned so much about our nation’s capital!”
To conclude, the educational journey to Canberra was not only informative but also immensely inspiring for everyone. Each moment, whether it was a solemn reflection at the War Memorial or an energetic exploration at Questacon, contributed to a deeper understanding of our civic duties and national identity.
