Donnybrook DHS Canberra Sydney 2018

Fog stopped everything at Canberra Airport and our plane was delayed for nearly two hours. This resulted in a 2 hour delay for everything else. Our Bus ride to our accommodation, our access to public transport and our trip to HMAS Hobart. At Circular Quay we waited for an hour for a ferry to Garden Island as instructed, only to be told by a very serious security guard that we would have to leave because the base was closed. Our ferry driver had also raised doubts about us being able to get into the base. With all the diplomacy I could muster while trying to control 30 excited students I contacted CMDR Miskelly of the Royal Australian Navy who arrived to guide us through the base. After getting to the Naval Base under escort from base security with strict instructions of no phones no cameras we made our way onto the deck of HMAS Hobart the newest destroyer in the Australian Navy. What an experience. A huge thank you to Keelie Bacci's Aunty and CMDR Tony Miskelly WEEO and

Thursday morning with bellies full we moved out of town to the Canberra Deep Space Centre. Perhaps the highlight of the educational centres we have visited so far. Our presenter was fantastic showing the kids rocks from the first moon landing and space equipment. He also showed us the role of the centre which was to assist in the communication with all deep Space missions currently in our solar system. We were able to view images downloaded the night before from the Mars Rover missions and live pictures from the International Space Station. It was really amazing. We also learnt about the role we all could play in observing galaxies in deep space and participating in research to assist NASA. Common myths like man never visiting the moon and the flat earth brigade were given long lectures about why they should not believe everything they read or see on the internet. After lunch we went on a guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and we were shown through the high

With a little more sleep the students headed out to Old Parliament House and the museum of democracy. As we drove out the gate this morning I realised half way into town that the first aid kit was on the table in the chalet. It wasn't difficult to find someone to pass the blame onto. Poor Mason had to take the fall. We completed the dismissal program about the sacking of the Whitlam government. It was great to see the kids get involved. We moved out to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and then down to the National Gallery. It might not have been for all the kids but I for one really appreciated seeing art from the great masters like Monet, Cezanne and Modigliani just to name a few. I'm not sure many of the student realised how amazingly famous the work was. We rushed off after a quick lunch to the National Museum and toured the galleries taking in Australiana and some photographic history. Benn entertained us by calling us to come over and look at the weird pig with four legs and

Tonight we hit the wall, literally. We went Rock Climbing and the indoor center was excellent. With so many challenging climbs and some really great climbers among the students we witnessed feats of pure strength from some of the boys like Mac, Davin and Ryan who threw themselves into each climb. We also had some climbers who approached each wall with finesse, Grace, Sevina and Bianca among the many girls who showed some of the boys just how it is done. But like all sports once someone mentions competition then there are always some who thrive. We ended the night with a speed climbing challenge. Zac had a point to prove after being thrashed on the basketball court earlier, his pride was in need of repair. He masterfully watched as all of us wore ourselves out on all the different climbs and blitzed us in the last wall. I won't say I let him win, I'll just say that my age and lack of match fitness together with my compassionate side let him have the victory by the narrowest of

Sleep deprived big boys and girls went into parliament house this morning. Our tour guide showed us around our centre of government into the house of representatives and the Senate. The last photo is of Sean the prawn, a crustacean in the marble on the stairs to parliament house. Compared to two years ago we answered way more questions and got most (well more than 50%) right. It wasn't long before the sleep deprivation kicked in and some funny questions were asked. How do you polish carpets? (Mason). Where is the ACT? and does ACT stand for Australian Canberra Town? (Donna). There were also some cracker comments made. Cosi opened up with "we chose something a bit smarter".  Tim Aldridge that's Ryan's dad helped out with, "what's the difference between ice cream and frozen yoghurt?" I'll blame the sleep deprivation because it's kinder. We headed up to the telstra tower to take in the amazing view and just relax in the warmth. D

Day 2: Breakfast at 7 once again. Cereal, yogurt, fruit, toast, bacon, eggs and beans were not enough to get most of the kids out of bed today. With a wait until 9.30 many chose to take advantage of some extra sleep and to self cater this morning.