10 Aug 2016
Well, actually, they were given an extremely warm welcome, but it was cold!
A group of Year 9 and 10 students visited Canberra and the Snowy Mountains this week, facing freezing temperatures on a four day trip organised by the intrepid Mr Lambert.
The excursion, which started on Sunday afternoon, saw 60 students and five teachers embark upon a gruelling 15 hour bus trip with Paul at the wheel, arriving in the ACT early on Monday morning for their first leg of the journey. Students visited some incredible national sites while in Canberra. At their first stop, students particpated in a heated debate at Old Parliament House, re-enacting the events in the Senate of the historical Franklin Dam debate. George Townsend and Riley Pappin were standouts, demonstrating that they have a future in politics. Students then ate a snack near The Tent Embassy. When Jaidyn asked Mr Trotter what the place was, Mr Trotter approached the tents and was lucky enough to secure a talk from DK about the embassy. Students learnt about the history of the embassy, the past fight for Land Rights and the current fight for sovereignty for indigenous Australians today. Students then moved on to Parliament House where they were given a tour of the billion dollar building and learnt all about the inner workings of Australian Federal politics. Students then moved on to The War Memorial where they marvelled at Australia's involvement in wars both past and present.
At the end of long day, Paul took the pack of weary students further south to Southern Cross Motor Inn in Berridale, about an hour away from Perisher, where the lovely managers, Michelle and Ben, showed students to their rooms, fed them and fitted them with ski gear ready for the slopes the next day.
The trip to Perisher (Smiggins Holes) saw students experience snow for the first time. For three days, they skied, they threw snowballs (mainly at the teachers) and feasted on pies and hot chips (there were sandwhiches and fruit too, mum and dad).
As a teacher privileged to be invited to participate on the excursion, I have seen students learning invaluable information about Australia's history and its present; and, I have seen students who are being provided with the opportunity to be independent and to learn how to be responsible for themselves. It's a big leap from being a kid to an adult, but these kids are learning to step up and I'm proud of them. These kids are our future and I can say unequivocally that Australia's future is in good hands. Thanks kids, you are awesome!
The school community would like to thank Wollumbin High and its teachers, Mr Lambert, Mr Trotter, Mrs Quantrill, Mrs Cripps and Mr Wilkins (best roommate ever) for providing this fantastic learning experience for our kids.
If you want to know more, look at the pictures in the gallery to see some of the great moments from the trip.