Year 6 Canberra Tour

In Week 2 of this term, the Year 6 cohort embarked upon a six-day tour of Canberra. The journey included many significant moments, memories and milestones and throughout the adventure, each student behaved impeccably, facing new daily challenges with courage and dignity. During the Canberra Tour, students resided at the Australian Institute of Sport, mixing with many athletes and other schools. Students were able to use the AIS facilities including the swimming pool, basketball courts and gymnasium. They participated in a tour and used the interactive zone, where they tested themselves in various sporting endeavours.

Students visited both the Old and New Parliament House where they got to experience how Australia’s political system functions. They witnessed question time, saw Parliamentary Ministers in both the House of Representative and Senate and watched Parliament House in action. The Year 6 students were extremely fortunate to meet the Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison, after Question Time. The Prime Minister shared with students that he loved visiting our region and encouraged them in their learning at school. What an experience!

Although sombre and reflective, the Australian War Memorial provided time for students to explore and relate to the sacrifice and hardship that both men and women experienced during this period. Students placed poppies of a local Landsborough serviceman at the Roll of Honour showing respect for their bravery and sacrifice. Throughout the rest of the tour, students visited the Governor General’s residence, explored Questacon, learnt about the voting process at the Australian Electoral Commission, saw a great view of Canberra from Mt Ainslie, looked in awe at rare fauna at the Arboretum, touched a moon rock at the Geoscience Centre, saw a variety of animals at the National Zoo and Aquarium and learnt more about Australia at the National Museum.

The vast and complex learning experiences provided students with a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity. The tour would not have been possible without the support of Pacific Staff including Mrs Kim Kiernan, Mrs Linda Sydes, Mrs Melissa Ousley, Mr Darren Hooper, Mr Brendan Delaney, Mr Stuart Pohlner, Miss Georgie Snelling and Outdoor Education facilitators Teagan, Susy, Lisa and Georgia. We also thank the Year 6 parents for preparing their children and supporting the Canberra Tour. We also acknowledge the Australian Government, who 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 $60 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.

Mr Stuart Pohlner, Year 6 Teacher