Experiment Farm Cottage in Harris Park and Old Government House in Parramatta were the destinations for a recent Year 4 excursion.
The aim of this excursion was to explore the nature and consequence of European settlement in Australia. The children had the opportunity to explore and engage with primary and secondary artefacts to support their learning and understanding.
Learning was different in colonial Australia.
Gabbi shared about the differences in the early classrooms.
In Mrs Johnson’s classroom in Old Government House, we had to use slates and write with chalk. We had to learn everything by repeating the words the teacher announced in order to learn the spelling off by heart. We also learnt writing and mathematics. Children could not eat at all! They had to be there from Monday to Saturday because the entire colony attended Church on Sunday.
At Experiment Farm, Alessio was surprised how much effort went into food preparation.
'We were shown how hard it was to make food in the past. We learnt how they made different things like butter, toast and other foods. By the time the servants were finished making and serving breakfast for their master and mistress, it was time to start getting lunch ready.
Experiment Farm Cottage and Old Government House provide “living history” for children and adults. “I would recommend people visit these places so that they can learn more about the history of Australia”, said Isaac.
St Michael's Catholic Primary Baulkham Hills
www.stmichaelsbhills.catholic.edu.au
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18 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Voices that Inspire ๐คโจ Today we proudly hosted the Voice of Youth Cluster Final, welcoming eight talented speakers from St Angelaโs, St Paulโs, Our Lady of Lourdes and our very own St Michaelโs. Each student spoke with passion and confidence, captivating the audience with their words. ๐ฌ๐ A huge thank you to our fellow schools for joining us, to their students for being such a wonderful audience, to all who came along to support, to our fabulous compere Mr Baker, and to the adjudicators who gave their time so generously. ๐๐ We are so proud of our two St Michaelโs students who shone so brightly on stage, taking home the Social Justice Award and Runner Up! ๐๐ What an incredible achievement and a moment to celebrate their hard work and courage. ๐ #VoiceOfYouth #PublicSpeaking #StudentSuccess #ProudSchoolMoment #FutureLeaders #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool![563943395785443_1161606716019105-1]()
17 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐ฏ From Buzzing Brains to Wobbly Jelly! ๐ฎ๐ Our curious Year 3 students have been busy exploring the world around them in the sweetest ways! ๐โจ First, they wrapped up their explanation texts on how bees make honey, publishing their work on laptops before celebrating with a spoonful of bush honey with a hint of eucalyptus โ a delicious taste of their learning. ๐ฟ๐ In Science, students observed jelly crystals up close, smelled them, and watched steam rise as hot water was stirred. The next day, they enjoyed their jelly treat while discovering how solids, liquids, and gases change through different processes. ๐ฌ๐ฎ What a week of buzzing brains, brilliant writing, and hands-on science fun! ๐ #Year3Adventures #SweetLearning #BusyBees #ScienceInAction #PrimarySchoolMagic #BuzzingWithPride #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
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18 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Voices that Inspire ๐คโจ Today we proudly hosted the Voice of Youth Cluster Final, welcoming eight talented speakers from St Angelaโs, St Paulโs, Our Lady of Lourdes and our very own St Michaelโs. Each student spoke with passion and confidence, captivating the audience with their words. ๐ฌ๐ A huge thank you to our fellow schools for joining us, to their students for being such a wonderful audience, to all who came along to support, to our fabulous compere Mr Baker, and to the adjudicators who gave their time so generously. ๐๐ We are so proud of our two St Michaelโs students who shone so brightly on stage, taking home the Social Justice Award and Runner Up! ๐๐ What an incredible achievement and a moment to celebrate their hard work and courage. ๐ #VoiceOfYouth #PublicSpeaking #StudentSuccess #ProudSchoolMoment #FutureLeaders #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
17 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐ฏ From Buzzing Brains to Wobbly Jelly! ๐ฎ๐ Our curious Year 3 students have been busy exploring the world around them in the sweetest ways! ๐โจ First, they wrapped up their explanation texts on how bees make honey, publishing their work on laptops before celebrating with a spoonful of bush honey with a hint of eucalyptus โ a delicious taste of their learning. ๐ฟ๐ In Science, students observed jelly crystals up close, smelled them, and watched steam rise as hot water was stirred. The next day, they enjoyed their jelly treat while discovering how solids, liquids, and gases change through different processes. ๐ฌ๐ฎ What a week of buzzing brains, brilliant writing, and hands-on science fun! ๐ #Year3Adventures #SweetLearning #BusyBees #ScienceInAction #PrimarySchoolMagic #BuzzingWithPride #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
16 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐โจ 5W Reconciliation โจ๐ Recently, our Year 5W students took part in the sacrament of Reconciliation. With open hearts and thoughtful reflection, they embraced this special time of prayer and renewal. ๐ซ๐๏ธ #Year5 #Reconciliation #FaithJourney #SchoolCommunity #GrowingInFaith #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
14 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐๐ Meet Our 2025 Book Bosses! ๐๐ A huge thank you to these wonderful students and their families for donating books to our library through this yearโs Book Fair. ๐ Your generosity means more stories, more adventures, and more learning for everyone! ๐๐ก #BookBosses2025 #LibraryLove #ReadersAreLeaders #BookFairJoy #GrowingGreatReaders #SchoolSpirit #ThankYouFamilies #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
13 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐ PRINCIPALSโ APPRECIATION DAY ๐ On Monday we gathered as a staff to celebrate a leader of great vision and integrity, our phenomenal Principal, Mrs Hoey, whose unwavering dedication and commitment shapes every corner of our school. ๐ Every decision, every moment, every step forward is driven by her focus on what matters most: our students. She inspires us to aim higher, think bigger, and work together to create a learning environment where every child can thrive. ๐ฑโจ She leads with clarity, wisdom and purpose, making our school a place where excellence and care go hand in hand. ๐ค๐ Thank you for your tireless dedication, your strong leadership, and the countless ways you invest in our community each and every day. We are truly fortunate to have you at the helm. ๐ #PrimaryPrincipalsDay #GratitudeInAction #HeartOfOurSchool #LeadingWithPurpose #ShapingBrightFutures #ThankYouPrincipal #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
12 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐๐ก STEM-tacular Talent on Show! ๐ก๐ What an inspiring day at the STEM MAD competition! ๐ Our brilliant students from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 wowed the judges with their creative projects, innovative ideas, and problem-solving skills. ๐ญโจ The teachers couldnโt be prouder of how each group showcased their hard work and passion for making a positive difference in the world. ๐๐ Well done, future innovators โ you truly are STEM stars! ๐๐ง๐ฌ #STEMMAD #YoungInnovators #MakingADifference #STEMStars #FutureEngineers #CreativeThinkers #STEMEducation #PrimarySchoolPride #InnovatorsOfTomorrow #STEMChallenge #MakingChangeHappen #ProudTeachers #StudentSuccess #FutureLeaders #STEMInspiration #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
11 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐ฆ๐ฌ SWEET SCIENCE ๐ฌ๐ฆ Year 2 has had a cool time in Science this term, literally! ๐ฅถโจ Using the Earthโs natural resources, our budding scientists made their very own ice cream ๐จ๐. There were giggles, teamwork, and plenty of shaking as they explored how these simple ingredients can change a liquid into a delicious frozen treat ๐๐. Learning has never tasted so good! #SweetScience #Year2Adventures #HandsOnLearning #EarthsResources #CoolExperiments #FutureScientists #STEMInAction #LearningIsFun #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
10 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐๏ธโจ CAMDEN PARK โ DAY 2 โจ๐๏ธ On Friday it was the second half of Year 5โs turn to journey back in time at Camden Park! โณ๐ฅ Just like Thursday, it was a day packed with history, fun, and hands-on learning โ the perfect way to bring the past to life! ๐๐ #Year5Excursion #CamdenParkNSW #HistoryInAction #GoldRushExperience #DamperMaking #LivingHistory #PrimaryAdventures #CuriousKids #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #AussieSchoolDays #HandsOnLearning #SchoolMemories #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
08 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our two fabulous Gold and all our wonderful silver award recipients this week! During assembly today our wonderful 1 Blue๐ฉต led us in a beautiful and reverent prayer service in honour of Saint Mary MacKillop ๐๐ With confident voices and caring hearts, they reminded us of Maryโs message to โnever see a need without doing something about it.โ ๐ #Year1LeadsTheWay #MaryMacKillop #FaithInAction #PrayerAndReflection #CatholicEducation #Gold #Silver #Awards #WellDone #SaintlyInspiration #SchoolAssemblyMoments #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
07 Aug 2025
From Facebook
๐๏ธ๐ YEAR 5 AT CAMDEN PARK ๐๐๏ธ Today, two of our Year 5 classes stepped back in time at Camden Park! โณ Ready for adventure, they panned for gold, explored colonial tents, and even got their hands messy making traditional damper bread over an open fire ๐ฅ๐ฅ It was a day full of discovery, history, and hands-on learning and tomorrow, the rest of Year 5 gets to enjoy the same unforgettable experience! ๐โจ #Year5Excursion #CamdenParkNSW #HistoryInAction #GoldRushExperience #HandsOnLearning #DamperMaking #LivingHistory #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #PrimaryAdventures #CuriousKids #AussieSchoolDays #MemoriesInTheMaking #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool