Having personally attended the Year 6 camp to Canberra, it was clear that this wasn’t any ordinary school trip; it was an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. As our students ventured to the heart of Australia’s capital city, they were met with opportunities to delve into Australia’s rich history and culture, and face challenges that tested their bravery and resilience.

At Parliament House, the students marvelled at the retro furniture and portrait lined hallways. One of their first observations was the stark difference between Julia Gillard’s portrait to those of her male counterparts. We had a first-hand glimpse into the Senate and House of Representatives. The students were quick to acknowledge the brevity of the role our leaders play, and the importance of these spaces in shaping our future. They also participated in role-playing preferential voting in the House of Representatives, which was a chance for them to find their voices and discover the strength that comes from standing up for what they believe in.

The Museum of Australian Democracy offered further insight into the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. Through learning about the courage of ordinary people from past generations such as Mary Lee, a suffragist who fought for women’s legislative reforms, and Stella Young, a writer, comedian and disability activist, our students began to realise that change starts with them.

Questacon pushed everyone out of their comfort zone with its interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments. The activities required us to solve problems, make connections and some, including Miss Begg, even summoned the courage to embrace the unknown of the vertical slide!

Finally, the bike ride through Canberra’s picturesque landscapes served as a physical manifestation of determination and resilience. We were so proud of the students as they pushed through challenges of gearchanges and the odd chain issue to make it around Lake Burley Griffin. For some, it was their first time on a bike in years.

The Year 6 Camp to Canberra was not just a journey of sightseeing and adventure, but an exploration of bravery in its many forms. It was a reminder to the students that true bravery is the strength to overcome obstacles, regardless of our fears. We look forward to seeing what these change makers continue to contribute to our school community over their time at Ivanhoe Girls’.

Ms Cate Kalnins
Deputy Head of Junior School

Student Reflections

What is bravery? Is it standing up for yourself? Is it trying new things? It’s so much more!

The Year 6s went on a four-day trip to Canberra to learn more about the history of Australia and, of course, to enjoy this gorgeous city with our friends. But over the four days, we all had to be brave in some way.

Many overcame their fear of heights on the Free Fall at Questacon where they had to drop down a seven-metre-tall slide! It was a terrifying yet exhilarating experience. Others pushed down those feelings of homesickness, as this might have been the first time they were so far away from home(and their pet dogs!) When we went on the bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin, many people weren’t that confident in riding. Everyone gave it a go and, in the end, we all had a lot of fun.

All that bravery didn’t go to waste. In fact, it has helped us a lot in the classroom! Our fun camp experience has taught us so many lessons about being brave and having a go. Now when we are faced with a difficult situation or we are trying out something for the first time, we can think back to our Canberra Camp and the courage we showed, and maybe it will give us a motivational boost.

Sandy (Year 6)

At the end of Term 1, Year 5 headed off to Camp Wyunain Queenscliff. We enjoyed boogie-boarding, bike riding, pizza making, canoeing and a sandcastle competition. We headed down to the Marine Biology Centre across the campsite, where there was a ‘touch tank’ with all sorts of sea creatures, like sea urchins and tiny shrimp.

Even though the sand scraped our knees, boogie-boarding had to be the best activity and I’m sure everyone would agree. To allow our fears of being washed away with the wild waves to be put aside, and try something different, was brave of the whole of Year 5group to do.

However, that wasn’t the end of our bravery. We were away from home for four days! I’m sure most of us hit breaking point at some stage, but we picked ourselves up again, supported each other and made most of our time away.

Camp was a great experience, and we are all looking forward to next year’s adventure!

Rameen (Year 5)

Beep, Honk, Screech...

On Wednesday 8 May, Year 4 eventually arrived at Mount Evelyn, alongside Year 3 and a bunch of super kind teachers. All the students and teachers scattered out of the bus in a hurry.

We were all so desperate to explore the beautiful natural campsite. Instantly my eyes were glued to the amazingly tall bushy trees, and the Kookaburras that sat on the long electric wire. As soon as my toe was out of the bus, I smelt the fresh fragments of minty eucalyptus, and the peaceful flowing river sound nearby immediately calmed me down.

The children and teachers gobbled up their lunch and raced off to their first activity. The giant swing was my first activity. All the kids got highly exhausted from pulling the rope of this gigantic swing, but it was worth it because it was lots of fun.

On the first night, we roasted marshmallows (I burnt mine but it was still delicious!) The inside of the over-roasted marshmallow was so sweet and sticky!

The next activity for my group was cratestacking. This challenges a team to build a tower of crates with a member on top. It made me feel like I was flying in mid-airlike a graceful bird. Throughout the crate stack I learned how to work as a team efficiently with lots of amusement.

Riding a bike around the glorious scenic campsite is a fabulous activity. It was peaceful and relaxing. The tall trees smiled wildly while we pedalled past, birds were chirping along. What’s more, I was taught by the kind camp staff how to half pedal on very bumpy surfaces.

I enjoyed every bit of camp, everything was terrific! I explored new friendships as well as growing deeper friendships with my old friends. I overcame my fears while flying high on the giant swing. I cannot wait for the next camp adventure!

Sarita (Year 4)