It seems a little unreal that the Year 7s are quickly settling back into the routines of classes here at GCC when just over a week ago we were all excitedly experiencing the annual trip to Canberra in the ACT. The trip proved once again to be the ultimate highlight of Year 7. The students enjoyed their week away discovering all the highlights of Canberra, with some even experiencing the thrill of flying for the first time. Fortunately, the city was on its very best behaviour weather-wise, and although the mornings were shockingly cold, beautiful clear sunshine-filled days made the week so much more enjoyable with the students able to have fun exploring our nation’s capital without completely freezing. 

Sightseeing highlights included the Australian Institute of Sport, Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery with its Monet Exhibition, National Museum of Australia, Royal Australian Mint, National Capital Exhibition, National Dinosaur Museum, CSIRO, Telstra Tower, the High Court, Questacon, the Australian Electoral Commission, Australian Museum of Democracy and the main highlight, Parliament House. We observed the fascinatingly planned ‘bush capital’ from Mt Ainslie as well as Black Mountain (Telstra Tower), noticing the symmetry of the city design from all angles.

But as usual, the highpoint of the week was the day spent at the snow at Thredbo, NSW. The squeals of delight at the very first sightings of snow on the distant hills after the early drive south from Canberra were just a foretaste of the total exhilaration the students experienced when they were able to romp and play in snow. We spent a clear, sunny afternoon throwing snowballs, sledding down the hill in a little valley that we had all to ourselves, and finished the day with making the obligatory snowman for the official photos.

What a wonderful way for Year 7 students and staff to spend a week together getting to know each other away from school, exploring our nation’s capital. We want to take this opportunity to thank the federal government for their contribution of funds through the PACER program which gives us this opportunity to visit Canberra and these amazing and significant venues. It certainly proved to be a wonderful highlight for the Year 7 students once again this year.

Tania Calais, Year 7 Coordinator