Year 6 Camp
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Last day today of another successful Meadow Springs Primary School Year Six Canberra Tour.
Everyone did a great job of packing their suitcases before breakfast. All the luggage was lined up at the coach on the way to the dining room so we could relax and enjoy our last sit down meal together. The zoo was fun, as always, with giraffes, lions and tigers, as well as many other interesting animals. The four groups crossed paths many times while wandering between the various enclosures. The last gift shop of the week gratefully received the children's remaining spending money. It was then time for a quick sandwich on a windy hill overlooking the National Arboretum before heading to the airport to begin the logistical exercise that is checking in 50 tired students and 5 weary teachers. It went smoothly, of course, and it wasn't long before we were waiting patiently at the departure gate with teachers ensuring there were no missing students in the final hours of the trip! Back in Perth, emotional parents were waiting at the gate to welcome their travellers back home. Over the next few days we'll all reflect on the success of the tour. The way we all worked together, children supporting one another in many different ways and teachers encouraging them to embrace the opportunity to mature and gain satisfaction from taking more responsibility for themselves. Well done everyone! We started the day with a trip to Government House where His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter John Cosgrove, Principal Knight and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, Military Cross, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, lives while in Canberra. House attendant, Grant, gave us a guided tour through the house and grounds. Unfortunately His Excellency was not at home today, he was in Sydney at the INVICTUS Games. Some lucky people, including Mr King, had the opportunity to tickle the ivories of the grand piano in the main reception room. A few of us thought it would be only fair if we could drive the beautiful Rolls Royce but it didn't work out this way!
Parliament House was next. Volunteer Kevin, showed us around and explained the workings of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The children continued to surprise us with their many and varied answers. Once the tour was over, we were taken to the education section where the students took part in a role play to learn how a Bill is debated and passed in the Senate. It was very informative and a great way for the students to get a better understanding of the Australian Parliamentary system. We had a quick lunch then it was on to the Electoral Education Centre. We split into two groups and went through an introduction video, a fact finding activity and then a mock election. During the activity many children were able to look up their family member's electoral information. Some parents may receive a reminder from their children to update it! http://www.aec.gov.au Telstra Tower was the odd one out today. After a day of learning the tower gave us a bit of a wakeup. It was wild and windy on the outside observation deck but the views were spectacular. Happy Birthday to Mackenzie Tune! It was great to be able to sing the song and for Mackenzie to have a little cake that she generously shared with her friends. The children again did us all proud with their enthusiasm and great behaviour. We received many very positive comments from staff at all the venues and members of the general public too. Ten Pin Bowling last night was awesome but it did mean a late night. Whoops! Our wake up singer slept in a little this morning.
After a quick wake up we dressed and hurried to breakfast consisting of cereal, toast, sausages, eggs and hashbrowns. We then went on the bus to CSIRO. We had a lot of fun there before eating our banana muffin and driving to the National Museum of Australia. The museum was very interesting. We learnt about Australian photographer Captain Frank Hurley before having a guided tour. There was so much to see. We loved the museum shop!! We could have stayed a lot longer but we were pressed for time and our tummies were begging for lunch. We ate chicken and potato salad before walking across the road to get ready for our leisurely ride along the shore of Lake Burley Griffin. We all survived the ride and drank plenty of water when we returned. The bus driver took us on an embassy tour and Mr Lawrie gave us a running commentary and quiz which was very interesting. Day two in Canberra land started with another delicious breakfast including waffles, bacon and eggs, toast, and grilled tomatoes. We took a leisurely drive up to the top of Mount Ainslie which is 842 metres above sea level, where we took in the panoramic views of Canberra. Next up was a tour of old Parliament House where student engaged in an interactive activity, researching the wall of Australian Prime Ministers. To conclude our old Parliament House tour, the students participated in a role play scenario in the House of Representatives. The afternoon commenced with a visit to the National Australian Film and Sound Archive where we saw footage of the 1907 silent film about the Kelly gang, which was the first motion picture in the world. Students also learnt about primary and secondary sources using examples of Australian movies. We then ventured to the Australian Institute of Sport, where we saw Australia’s premier elite sports people train. All students got involved in a ‘hands on’ experience in an interactive sports exhibit including, wheel chair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, football penalty shootouts and more! A nice birthday cake was presented to Zoe. Happy Birthday Zoe! We’re on our way to a late night ten pin bowling experience, photos tomorrow, to finish off a stupendous Wednesday. Bright and early, Mrs Armstrong gently lulled us from our slumber with a beautiful rendition of "Oh What a Beautiful Morning". After a delicious breakfast of muesli with yoghurt and eggs, sausages and pancakes we jumped onto the bus and headed out into Canberra.
Our first visit was to the incredible Australian War Memorial. We participated in a Wreath- Laying Ceremony then the children had the privilege of listening to some interesting stories from Helicopter Pilot, Mr Al Bridges, a Vietnam Veteran. We were able to ask him questions and gain a better understanding of the circumstances he experienced. After our guided tour the students were then given a wooden cross to write a message to fallen soldiers. These crosses will be distributed to war veterans' graves across Europe to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War 1. Next stop was Questacon, the science discovery museum. A wide variety of interactive exhibits are presented in a fun and interesting way. The most popular activity was the giant slide which required the wearing of bright orange overalls! Photos from this slide were mostly a blur of orange clad children... we have a couple to share. The gift shop received its usual rush on slime, squishy balls and Newton's cradles. This evening we've had time for a bit of frisbee on the lawn below old parliament house, a shower before dinner, yummy roasted chicken drumsticks and veggies, a movie and a fairly early night to catch up on some much needed sleep. More tomorrow! Excitement was in the air as we headed off for the adventure of a lifetime! Everyone arrived safe and sound after a long day. What an experience it was to get on a plane and head to the other side of the country. After arriving late we settled into our accommodation and tried to have a good sleep. We had a fantastic breakfast this morning (pancakes, toast, cereal, eggs......) and headed off to the War Memorial. Stay tuned to our blog as we can't wait to send you photos and stories of our adventure. We know everyone back home misses us but don't worry, we are in good hands! :-)
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