15 Sep 2015
Two weeks ago I had the privilege of leading the Stage 3 excursion. What a great experience! Before I begin describing some of the fantastic things we engaged with, I would like to thank the three students that attended. Isaac, Ryan and Wilson were great to travel with and should be commended on their behaviour. They did our school proud. Also a big thank you to Keith Galloway for assisting with the excursion. I couldn't have asked for a more easy going, easy to get along with travel chaperone, thank you.
We got to see and do so many amazing things on this trip that I have to share just a little of each of the destinations we travelled to. The boys have put together a special presentation which they will show at assembly in week 7 of next term, 20/11. Everybody is encouraged to come along to see some photos and share their excitement.
We started at Taronga Zoo for the Roar and Snore experience. If nothing else, it was worth it just to fall asleep gazing at the lights of the city and the Sydney Harbour in our tents. Getting to feed the giraffes in the morning was pretty awesome too. A day at the zoo wore the boys out, along with an hour long train trip to our next destination.
We stayed in a little town called Brooklyn on Sunday night. It was right on the Hawkesbury River and was a cute little town, except if you ask the boys it was a ‘creepy' little town. We caught a boat to Milson Island Sport and Rec Camp on Monday morning, ready for three days of action, adventure and challenges. We shared this experience with Westmead Public School, all 105 of them. It was a little daunting at first for the boys, but by the end of the three days they were comfortable and the kids of Westmead were keen to include them in their activities. There were so many wonderful experiences at Milson Island, such as the High Ropes challenge, the Big Swing, Abseiling, Archery and then a kayak around the whole island. We even managed a spot of fishing, and yes, Keith and Ryan both caught a fish each.
Next destination, Canberra. As I had never been to Canberra myself I was really looking forward to it. First stop, Parliament House. We took a tour of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Then the boys took place in a role play of the ‘passing of a bill' in the House of Reps. That was very interesting and we all learned a lot. We visited other destinations such as The Australian Mint, The Australian War Memorial, The Australian Museum, Questacon, The Australian Electoral Commission and finished off with a quick trip up to the Telstra Tower. I am pretty sure if you ask the boys, Questacon was the highlight of Canberra as it was such a great interactive experience.
Our last destination was back to Sydney. What a way to finish off our jam packed trip, with a cruise around Sydney and the Harbour in a big super yacht! Thank you to Bruce and Sue Edwards and their family for allowing us to have this experience. They really looked after us and gave us an experience that we won't forget. Words cannot describe the magnificence of the pristine boat that we went on. It was brand new and had all the bells and whistles, just beautiful. They dropped us off at Darling Harbour so we could take a quick trip into the city then back for an early night ready for our 7am flight to come home.
If you get the opportunity to speak to any of the boys, please ask them about the trip. I know I had a fantastic time and I'm sure you would get the same response from them. Thanks again Keith, Isaac, Ryan and Wilson for being such great travel companions.
Report by Mrs Martin