Canberra

The excitement was high at the end of Week 5 as we were only a few days away from attending camp either in Canberra or Melbourne.

At 6:10am on Monday of Week 6, there was a lot of tired but excited students ready to get on the bus to Canberra. We said our goodbyes to our loved ones with multiple hugs and lots of waving out the bus window as we set off up the Hume Highway. Our bags FULL of snacks!

We watched the landscape change out the bus windows as we made our way along the Hume Highway. We had our first stop at Euroa, where we had morning tea and explored the luscious green parklands. Then we were off again for a few hours before reaching our lunch spot in Holbrook. The students were quite surprised to see a large submarine at our lunch spot. We explored the submarine and read about the history of this landmark after we ate our delicious packed lunches from home.

Once back on the bus, we watched a movie before arriving at the ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’. The students were intrigued to see the landmark and learn a bit of the history behind it.

Then we were on the home stretch to Canberra. One more movie and we were almost there!

Once we arrived at camp, we settled in our cabins before enjoying a delicious dinner then heading up to the Recreational Rooms for a movie and games before bed. The students were kept very busy over the next three days and nights in the three groups as we all attended Old Parliament House, Parliament House, National Portrait Gallery, Questacon, Rock climbing, Royal Australian Mint, ANZAC Parade Memorial, National Capital Exhibition, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Australian War Memorial and Mount Ainslie Lookout. 

The students had the privilege of attending the ‘Last Post Ceremony’ at the Australian War Memorial before two students paid our respects by laying a wreath beside the ‘Pool of Reflection’. Whilst attending the experiences, they were engaged in role play scenarios, guided tours, hands on experiences and more. Questacon was a clear favourite with all of the students as they explored the National Science and Technology Centre at night.

Before we all knew it, the week was done and it was time to pack up our bags (lucky most items were labelled) and clean our rooms. We set off early on Friday morning towards Melbourne and the buses were quiet with whispered chatter about their favourite parts or sleeping children. The excitement returned to the bus as we arrived back at school to a sea of loved ones waiting for us with huge smiles on their faces!

The teachers, students and parent volunteers had a busy but exciting, fun, engaging and great time while on camp in Canberra. A big thanks to the parent volunteers for helping all week and joining in all the fun we had!

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