Earlier this Term, 52 Year 9 students accompanied by five staff ventured to the Nation's Capital. They were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
This was the first time the trip has been able to run since 2019, and it was also the first chance to fly out of the Busselton Airport. The new Busselton/Melbourne route brought with it an opportunity for the group to take advantage of a stopover in Melbourne, with a walking tour of the street art and Chinatown, a visit to the historical buildings of Old Melbourne Gaol, and attending an AFL game at the MCG (Richmond vs Melbourne).
From Melbourne, the students boarded another short flight to Canberra, where the bus driver and tour guide Peter quickly got the students involved in spotting historical monuments. The group then headed to Corin Park for a picnic lunch and a play in the snow. Two hours of tobogganing, snow angels, building snowmen, and snowball fights was not enough to sufficiently exhaust everyone, so after a quick meal back at base, they headed out again to Mt Stromlo Observatory to study the stars through telescopes.
This pace continued for a full week with the group visiting sites around Canberra, including the Australian Institute of Sport, Questacon, The National Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, Old Parliament House, New Parliament House, Government House (catching a quick glimpse of the Governor General), CSIRO forensics lab, the National Arboretum, The Australian War Memorial and Australian Electoral Education Organisation.
Parents should be very proud of how these students conducted themselves. Staff received many positive comments from guides and the public, commending students on their behaviour. They demonstrated a curiosity for learning, engagement and interest in what they were experiencing. The diversity of experiences offered meant that every child who attended found some aspect of the trip exciting.
Year 9 student Taylah Halloran says "our recent school trip to Canberra was truly an amazing experience, filled with engaging educational activities and memorable moments that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on our student learning journey."
A gallery of images from our Canberra Trip is now on the College website, under MacKillop in Pictures.
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 contributes funding of $510 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.
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