By Luke Dabin, Assistant Principal
What an exciting adventure our Stage 2 students had during their recent excursion to Canberra! With early morning enthusiasm, the students set off on Tuesday for a journey filled with learning and fun.
Our first stop was the National Gallery of Australia, where students enjoyed the engaging tour titled “Stories of Australian Art.” They were captivated by the diverse range of artworks, particularly the Sidney Nolan pieces depicting the legendary story of Ned Kelly. This experience beautifully complemented our recent studies of the book “Ned Kelly and the Green Sash,” sparking lively discussions and imaginations!
Next, we ventured to the Royal Australian Mint, where the students were amazed by the sheer volume of coins and the fascinating manufacturing process. With each drum of coins weighing over 750kg, they learned how robots, aptly named Titan and Penny, assist the workers with heavy lifting.
A fun fact that had everyone wide-eyed: one drum of $2 coins is worth a whopping $200,000! Although hopes of striking it rich were dashed, the experience was invaluable.
After a quick and sunny lunch, we arrived at the National Arboretum. The highlight here was the incredible Pod playground, where students climbed, slid, and let their imaginations run wild. They also crafted kites and took to the skies in the expansive open space. A final play in the playground was cut short when a sudden rainstorm sent everyone scurrying for shelter in the acorn pods!
Our accommodation at the Bush Lodge YHA was another thrill, as students bunked up with their friends, making it an unforgettable experience of independence away from home.
On Wednesday, after a hearty breakfast, we headed to the “Boundless” playground in Kings Park. The students had a blast, and who would have guessed that the singing toilet would be a standout feature! Laughter echoed as they explored this unique playground.
Following their energy release, we made our way to the National Museum of Australia for the “A Living Culture” tour. The hands-on activities with indigenous tools and artefacts were a hit, and students enjoyed a scavenger hunt through the galleries, engaging with the rich history and culture of our nation.
Our final stop was Questacon, where the excitement reached new heights! From experiencing simulated earthquakes to watching mesmerising lightning displays and even a few brave souls tackling the drop slide, it was a fitting end to an action-packed trip.
As we made our way home, tired but happy, the students reminisced about their adventures and all they had learned. This excursion was not only about fun but also about fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding of our culture and history.