Students from our school have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students have been given 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 $60 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school.
FRIDAY
On Friday, July 21, 95 Year 9 students, eight teachers and one parent woke up bright and early to arrive at the airport by 4:30am, and embark on a week-long journey exploring Sydney and Canberra. Whist there were a few weary eyes, all were keen to see what the week had in store. Once checked in, boarded and landed, students experienced Sydney’s morning commuter traffic on the way to the PowerHouse museum. The museum held many students' attention with its range of interactive modern and historical displays.
Then, after a brisk walk around Darling Harbour, everyone relaxed on a Captain Cook cruise, where we were given a running commentary of the Sydney Harbour. We disembarked and made a quick bolt (via Hungry Jacks) around Circular Quay, to get the annual year group shot in front of the Sydney Opera House. We then hit the buses for the final leg of our journey to Canberra, where we would be sleeping and eating for the next six nights.
SATURDAY
Students were shocked at how cold it was in Canberra when they woke on Saturday morning, especially after a warm night in their heated rooms. The logical thing to do then was head to the highest mountain above Canberra, so we could see the view; however, this was obscured by the low lying clouds, so instead, all able-bodied persons dressed in their jackets, gloves, beanies and scarves, and strolled down the mountain to meet the buses just outside the war memorial. The visit to the War Memorial generated a range of emotions in the students, as they came to fully comprehend just how much has been sacrificed by the servicemen and women for our freedom. Students were then driven to the Australian Institute of Sport, where they had fun participating in different sports with AIS athletes. Once sufficiently worn out, students re-dressed into their winter woollies to watch the Storm versus Raiders NRL game, in freezing -3 degree conditions.
SUNDAY
Sunday was just as action-packed, as our group visited Questacon, and interacted with a range of scientific displays; cycled 9km around the Griffith Burleigh Lake; and visited the Old Bus Depot markets, where we found lots of interesting things to view and purchase. After we reconvened at base, our large group headed to Life Unlimited Church, where some students experienced church for the first time.
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY
Monday and Wednesday were the most educational days of camp, where our group visited the National Electoral Education Centre and learned about voting in Australia; the Museum of Australian Democracy (old Parliament House); the Geoscience Centre; the National Capital Exhibition; the National Portrait Gallery; the Royal Australian Mint; and the National Museum of Australia. Wednesday’s activities ended with a visit to Parliament House, where the Year 9 students posed for a group photo out the front, before heading inside to role-play Parliament Ministers, and participate in a mock debate.
TUESDAY
Tuesday was arguably many students’ favourite day on camp, and otherwise known as SNOW DAY! After a short bus trip, collection of snow gear, and a briefing, students spent hours running around in the snow, tobogganing down hills, building snow men, having snowball fights, and aptly ending Snow Day with hot chips and a hot chocolate.
THURSDAY
By Thursday, we were all ready for a slower pace, and enjoyed dozing on the bus back to Sydney, getting some fresh air at Bondi Beach, and then boarding our flight home.
Our Year 9 students returned with tonnes of photos, a few shopping bags, new friendships, fresh insights and many amazing memories that will last a lifetime. They were an excellent group of students who represented themselves, their families and the college exceptionally well.
Thanks must go to all the staff for making this trip possible: Mr Fernance, Mr Adams, Mr Bogatie, Mr Wotton, Mrs Baddeley, Mrs Miles, Mrs Whiteway and Mrs Stortenbeker, who all went above and beyond. An extra special mention goes to Cherie Fothergill, who came voluntarily as the camp nurse, and who was an absolute trooper all week, as she coped with a range of physical ailments.
Finally, thank you to all the parents for trusting Hillcrest staff with your precious ones – it was worth every moment!
Type on the line above then press the Enter/Return key to submit a new search query