1. _{When you read to children and give them this attention, they know you love them.}

2. _{Reading to children encourages them to become readers.}

3. _{Listening to stories will help develop your child's attention span.}

4. _{Books will help your children's imaginations soar.}

5. _{Illustrations in children's books rank with the best, giving children a lifelong appreciation for beautiful art.}

6. _{Books are one great way of passing on your values.}

7. _{Children's books today are so well written that they are fun even for adults.}

8. _{Until children learn to read themselves, they will think you create magic.}

9. _{When you give them this gift, you will create memories that last a lifetime.}

10. _{Every teacher and librarian you ever meet will thank you!}

A Capital Experience by Aoife Whelan, 6G

On the 15^th of May the Year Sixes and some carefully chosen staff embarked on an epic adventure to the nation's capital. The excitement had been building for weeks.Two plane rides and a city (Melbourne) later we had arrived in Canberra. After settling into our dormitories and eating dinner we paid a visit to Cockington Green Gardens, an enchanting display of extremely detailed miniature buildings.

The next morning, we woke to breakfast and a fantastic view of hot air balloons rising over the treetops. First, we went to Parliament House and sat in the House of Representatives and The Senate, but unfortunately Parliament wasn't sitting. It was quite a special feeling sitting in the same place laws were made. After lunch in the Rose Garden, a tranquil spot near Old Parliament House, we then visited Old Parliament House (now the Australian Museum of Democracy). In the Australian Museum of Democracy we learnt about the history of democracy in Australia. Next, we went to the National Portrait Gallery, which features paintings of people who have shaped our nation.

We had many other fantastic experiences in Canberra. But, sadly, all things have to end, and so did our camp. I personally gained memories I shall never forget and would do it all again in a heartbeat. The School Camp to Canberra was undeniably a once in a lifetime experience.

By Finn Rowbottam, 6G

On Tuesday, 15th May, Year 6 and I went to Canberra. I was so excited that when we landed at Canberra Airport I almost exploded with joy! When we got to the Bush Capital Lodge we had Spaghetti Bolognaise for dinner. Then we went to the beautiful Cockington Green Garden and we went on a miniature train ride and we enjoyed a tour of the mini houses and landmarks. Then we headed back to the lodge and slept in our dorms. I enjoyed the New Parliament House and the Old Parliament House and I especially enjoyed the War Memorial. I tried to find my Great-Uncle's name on the Wall of Honours, but I couldn't find it. I liked the Vietnam War section because I am interested in spies. Questacon was brilliant because you could play air hockey against a robot and there was also a pole you hang from and when you let go, you fall and slide down a ramp. We also went to AMF Bowling, which was really fun. On Friday we went to the National Film and Sound Archive and I watched the 1940's Aeroplane Jelly ad. On our last day we went to the Australian Institute of Sport and I learnt about one of my favourite basketball players, Luc Longley. We also went to the Mint, and that was really interesting because I like the history of money. Then we went back to Perth and I was happy to see my family again. I really enjoyed my experience in Canberra.

By Keely Morphett, 6G

On the Year 6 camp we had a wonderful time. We flew to Canberra on the 15^th May and stayed at Bush Capital Lodge. After a quick look around our dorms we headed out to our first attraction. Cockington Green Gardens was a lovely place. We all had a great time looking at the delicately crafted miniature replica buildings and people and also going on the steam train ride.

On Wednesday, we got smartly dressed in our uniforms to go to Parliament House. The building itself was interesting as it was built in the side of a hill and the view from the top of the roof was breathtaking. The tour showed us a selection of the more than 4000 rooms inside and highlighted some of the lovely artwork.

After visiting Parliament House, we visited Old Parliament House (Museum of Australian Democracy). It was a great way to learn about democracy and the governing of our nation. After lunch in a rose garden and then we went to the National Portrait Gallery and looked at some exquisite portraits.

Questacon was a hit at night time, especially the 8m Free Fall and the Earth Quake House.

On the third day, we went to the Australian War Memorial and remembered all the courageous men and women that fought for our country. We felt very grateful as we placed a poppy next to the name of a soldier who had died. Next we went to Government House. Unfortunately the Governor General, Quentin Bryce wasn't home but we did get to see her Rolls Royce. A walk in the massive Government House gardens was refreshing before heading back to the War Memorial to hear the call of the Last Post.

Ten pin bowling after dinner was enjoyed by everyone.

Friday began with a drive to the Mt Ainslie lookout before heading to CSIRO. Here we heard about a lot of interesting new discoveries including glue made by frogs that is being used to hold broken bones into place and getting the DNA out of a chickpea.

The National Film and Sound Archive was cool and had us all dancing to the Wiggles. The National Museum was filled with many interesting exhibitions for example there was a section that showed a selection of joyful, mysterious, faithful, happy and sad stories from Australia's past.

After dinner we went to the National Dinosaur Museum where we listened and learned about those huge creatures from the past.

Saturday started with a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport which I loved. We were taken on a tour by a current AIS athlete and we got to see areas where the athletes train, such as, the gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnastics arena and volley ball courts. The Australian Institute of Sport is certainly a place of motivation and inspiration.

Next was the Royal Mint where we saw lots of money. Our visit finished with an embassy tour where we drove past most of the embassies in Canberra.

We boarded a flight home via Sydney on the 19^th May and arrived home to the clapping and cheers of our parents. Overall, we had a WONDERFUL time and I hope to go back soon.

Cockington Green Gardens by Harper Quinlan 6B

Cockington Green Gardens is a display of small buildings from all around the world. It has a wide range of miniature buildings based on buildings all around the world, it currently has buildings from 20 different countries. Each building is an exact scale to the real building.

Cockington Green Gardens is located in Gold Creek Village in Canberra., it was opened there first in 1979 by a couple named Doug and Brenda Sarah.

Cockington Green Gardens is an amazing tourist attraction and has a small train ride which takes you around the displays of the international area.

Cockington Green Gardens is an incredible tourist attraction that is constantly adding models and figurines to their amazing variety of buildings. Cockington Green Gardens is one of the most popular Australian attractions, it has won the Australian Tourism Award and many other awards.