AUSTRALIAN  history mixed in with New South Wales politics and lots of fun were on the agenda when students from Tea Gardens Public School went on a recent overnight excursion to Sydney.

First stop for the children from Years 3 and 4 was Circular Quay and a ferry ride to Fort Denison.

The former military installation once came under attack from US friendly fire during World War II.

Then it was off to see politics in action at Parliament House.

Principal Mark Clemson said, “Not only did they get to visit our State Parliament’s Legislative Assembly but they were welcomed into the chamber by the Deputy Speaker who noted ‘I welcome to the gallery this afternoon students all the way from Tea Gardens Public School.’”

The students also got the opportunity to do a meet and greet and photo op with our Local Member for Parliament, Kate Washington.

“I know that our students appreciated this opportunity and also listening to Ms Washington address parliament,” Mark said.

“Our students and staff were appreciative of the fact that they felt valued and special during their parliamentary experience because of the acknowledgment and recognition they received whilst in the chamber.”

To finish off their day the students headed off to the Hyde Park Barracks for a ‘Convict Sleepover’.

The children were given a fun-filled history lesson about the convicts that slept there 200 years ago; no hard labour was involved.

After a night which saw the students sleep in hammocks, it was up and off the next morning for a walking tour of the historic Rocks, before heading home to the Myall.

 

By  Margie TIERNEY