This term the boys of Year 6 have engaged in an in depth study of Honour and Power. We have explored what it means to be honoured and have examined the various ways we memorialise the brave acts of our fallen Newington soldiers and the ANZACS in World War 1. As part of this study we have examined the path of Australia as a nation from Federation in 1901, the establishment of our government as we know it and have identified the ways in which the ANZAC story has influenced our Australian identity and our values such as fairness and mateship.

To conclude our study the boys of Year 6 and their teachers spent an amazing, action packed day in our nation’s capital, Canberra on Monday 30^th May. The day started very early with a 6:30am departure from Wyvern House. We managed to visit the Australian Electoral Commission, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial which was undoubtedly the highlight of the day.

After a visit to the Newington Archives with Mr David Roberts a few weeks ago each of the boys was allocated the name of a Newington boy who died in World War 1. Each boy has carefully researched his soldier which will be presented in a museum style exhibit next week. One of the key moments for our visit to Canberra was when the boys had the chance to come face to face with their soldier’s name on the Roll of Honour. 

The names engraved on the walls used to mean nothing to me. I just thought well good for them, they served their life in a war. But now I have researched a solider, a Newington boy just like me and uncovered his story. I realised then that these names had a life, a family and in some cases a wife and their own family. Suddenly they meant something to me. They weren’t just names, they were people. People like me. They felt like family to me and I grew a respect and a sudden feeling that I will share this moment forever with all of those names. No matter how far away we are from each other. Lest we forget.
Nicholas Tucker, 6R

The boys represented the school and their families in Canberra with impeccable manners, outstanding behaviour and intelligent questioning. They made valuable links to their learning in class and drew upon all the texts we have studied in English this term to create a great bank of knowledge and understanding of this topic.

I’d like to thank the teachers who joined us on the tour, the parents who supported us with early morning / late night drop offs and the boys who engaged so enthusiastically with this learning opportunity. What an outstanding experience for all and one that we were fortunate to have subsidised by the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate.

Mrs Sara Ratner
Year 6 Team Leader