The final day!
Our students packed this morning after a very good night sleep. We chilled in Cooma for a short break before returning to Canberra.
Our final activity was Questacon. Questacon is six floors of SciTec. There were lots of science activities, a film screening and activity room.
After a pizza lunch in the park we all enthusiastically headed for the airport.
The flight home seemed a little longer than the way over and everyone was looking forward to seeing family.
A couple of students were entertained in the cockpit at the end of the flight with a request to 'take the plane for a spin'.
The trip was finally over. It was an absolute pleasure spending time with our children on their big adventure. I am sure you will hear many stories over the coming weeks. Stories that will be embedded as memories for years to come.
Our children started the day with a choice of cereals, hot breakfast, sprinkled with a large portion of excitement.
On the coach on the way up the slopes students eagerly searched for patches of white. We made our way to the ski tube, collected our equipment and headed for the snowfields.
After a quick lesson, the students took to the training slopes and were soon experts. A number of students demonstrated their resilience and persistence in a new challenge.
At lunchtime we all had a hot meal and headed back out for another ski, or snow play.
We had no problem sending the kids to bed by 8.30pm tonight :)
There are a number of photos that will still be uploading through the night so keep checking. There is a total of 63 photos. We hope you enjoy.
Qantas Flight QF719
Our flight tomorrow is scheduled to arrive in Perth at approximately 9:30pm. Please check with Qantas as to the arrival time. They are often early landing on this flight. Your children have missed you and would love to see you at the arrival gate.
Today was a travel day.
We visited St Andrew's Church in Canberra. Once again they provided us with generous hospitality. We did manage to quadruple their Sunday School population :)
After Church we stopped for morning tea before travelling up to Cooma for a special treat of McDonalds for lunch. Yes, I know... we know the kids were disappointed.
We arrived in Jindabyne this afternoon, had a wonderful meal and enjoyed a movie before heading off to bed before... ummm... Oh yes the snow tomorrow!
Lots of excited children.
Seth: Hi Mum, Dad, Tyson and pets. Love you all and I am having so much fun. Wish you were here.
Braydon: Hi Mum, Dad Nan, Poppy, Stan, Snoop, Bella and Elmo. How are you going? I cannot wait until Tuesday, to see you guys. Love you Braydon
Rhiley: Hi Mum, Hannah, Mitchell, Topsy, Ginger and Rascal. How are you doing?
We certainly were not as rushed today. We started off with a tour of the National Museum. This very interesting place likes to do museum-ee kind of stuff very differently to normal. It caters for students and incorporates a lot of abstract presentations.
We had a casual lunch and took a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport. After some activities our crew set off for a tour of the War Memorial. Although we went yesterday, the time we were booked for the discovery zone did not permit for a good look through.
After our evening meal, everyone settled in to the lounge for a movie and bed.
We head for snow country tomorrow.
Tomorrow won't be a big photo day, but we will try to get some good ones!
Today was our formal day in Canberra. Our students were outstanding, they argued well in the parliamentary debates, asked and answered questions well, and showed wonderful manners.
The day started with a trip to Old Parliament House and a tour of the senate, followed by a role-play and tour of (New) Parliament House.
This afternoon students visited the War Memorial, starting with a visit to the discovery centre and finishing with a wreath-laying ceremony. Two students from Southern Hills Christian College and two students from our sister school, Kalamunda Christian School participated in the ceremony.
The last two nights have been our latest nights with two evening events. Last night our children enjoyed rock-climbing and this evening they played laser-tag. We will endeavour to get students to write on the blog over the weekend, however due to the late hour, they have been going straight to bed after a packed day of activity.
You may like to review Thursday's photo page as last nights rock-climbing photos have been added.
This morning our cheerful crew started with a hot breakfast in the chilly hills of Mogo Town.
Student's were somewhat suprised to see their new principal and assistant start the 1850's teaching day. Things did not start well. After Seth received a good caning from the principal (for theatrical purposes of course), and Mia received a leg smack with a ruler, everyone fell into line.
Students played a couple of games, constructed a spinner and made damper for morning tea.
After lunch they put their best efforts in to gold panning and finished with a tour of the old settlement. Students watched a blacksmith do his blacksmithing thing and a wood turner making what we now know is officially called the 'honey thingy'.
It was an insightful and busy day, showing the hardships and obstacles that only perseverance and endeavour overcame.
At almost 3.00pm we set off for Canberra, arriving for an early roast dinner. Students then went out for an evening of rock-climbing.
It was another busy day! Students are ready for parliament tomorrow.
Today was a busy day!
We started with an early breakfast, pack and ready to leave the busy city. Our first stop was the Sydney Aquarium. Our kids took their time enjoying the amazing sea-life, where we caught the occasional glimpse of Nemo, Dory and friends.
After a fresh Subway lunch, we took off for a walk over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In record time we reached the other side and briefly caught up with staff and students from Kalamunda Christian School.
We set off for goldfield country, arriving in Mogo at 6.00pm just in time for an excellent meal, finishing off with a Dreamtime story around the campfire.
Everyone is keeping well and in good spirits.
See you all tomorrow, after a little gold panning and old-school instruction.
(Internet connection is a little slow here, so half of the images have been uploaded as low-quality. We will reupload them in original size as soon as we can)
