Canberra Recount

By Daniel Nasr and Mrs Bowen

On Wednesday 6th April 2011, Years 5 and 6 went to Canberra to learn about democracy, to have fun and to experience new things. The students travelled on a bus which was as comfortable as a warm bed in winter. As the bus pulled away the children shouted, "Canberra here we come!".


When Years 5 and 6 arrived they went to the National Capital Planning and Development Centre where they discovered that Walter Burley Griffin planned Canberra and that Canberra was an aboriginal word that means "meeting place". Next stop was the National Museum of Australia and then it was time for lunch. After the studnets finished their lunch, they went to the Australian War Memorial. The teachers told them that before entering, they should remember to show respect for the people who had died in the war. The War Memorial was a fascinating but also sad experience.


After the War Memorial, the children went to Questacon. Here they were able to see a tornado, tsunami and sit through an earthquake. Finally the group arrived at the Canberra Carotel Motel. They quickly unpacked, had a mouth-watering dinner, then went to the Australian Institute of Sport. It was so interesting because the children were able to play games such as football and try their hand at rowing.


The next day their first destination was the Electoral Education Office where the children learnt how to vote. Next stop was Parliament House. It was fascinating and the students felt happy because they learnt many new things. The last stop was Mt Ainslie. The view from the mountain was amazing and the students got some wonderful photos of the parliamentary triangle.


After a great two days in Canberra, Years 5 and 6 departed and returned to Sydney to be with their families.