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
-
13 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Entries are now open for the CSNSW Sport Primary School Aquathlon on Tuesday 17 November 2026. This event is designed to introduce primary school students to multisport competition in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Combining swimming and running, the Aquathlon provides a fantastic opportunity for students of all abilities to challenge themselves, develop confidence and experience something new. Event Details Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026 Venue: Des Renford Leisure Centre and Heffron Park, Maroubra Eligibility: Boys and girls aged 8–13 years Age Categories: 8/9 Years, 10 Years and 11/12 Years Multi Class: Combined age groups 8–12 Years Race Distances 8–10 Years: 100m swim and 1km run 11/12 Years: 150m swim and 1.8km run Registration Link https://csnsw.sport/
Latest news More news
13 Oct 2026
From Facebook
Entries are now open for the CSNSW Sport Primary School Aquathlon on Tuesday 17 November 2026. This event is designed to introduce primary school students to multisport competition in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment. Combining swimming and running, the Aquathlon provides a fantastic opportunity for students of all abilities to challenge themselves, develop confidence and experience something new. Event Details Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026 Venue: Des Renford Leisure Centre and Heffron Park, Maroubra Eligibility: Boys and girls aged 8–13 years Age Categories: 8/9 Years, 10 Years and 11/12 Years Multi Class: Combined age groups 8–12 Years Race Distances 8–10 Years: 100m swim and 1km run 11/12 Years: 150m swim and 1.8km run Registration Link https://csnsw.sport/
29 Sep 2026
From Facebook
2027 CSPD Primary Sport TEAM Registration Form (Expression of Interest) - Sport Trials (Basketball, Cricket & Tennis) - Session 1 (November 2026) AFL (Boys & Girls -trials in early 2027) Expression of Interest (EOI) Nominations are now open for students wishing to trial for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Teams. Parents and guardians are invited to complete this Expression of Interest (EOI) form for their child to be considered for selection trials. Please note: Submitting an EOI does not guarantee attendance at a trial. All nominations are subject to school approval. 1. Sports Currently Open for Nominations The following sports are accepting nominations for the 2027 Parramatta Diocesan Teams. Cricket – Boys & Girls (closing date 26 October 2026) Basketball – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) Tennis – Boys & Girls (closing date 5 November 2026) AFL – Boys & Girls (closing date 28th January 2027) Cricket, Basketball and Tennis trials will be held in November 2026. AFL trials will take place in early February 2027. 2. Upcoming Nominations – Term 1 and Term 2 Trials Nominations for the following sports will open on 23 November 2026 and close on Friday, 5 February 2027. Trials will be held during Term 1 and Term 2 of 2027. Hockey Football Netball Rugby League Rugby Union Softball Touch Football 3. Student Eligibility and Selection Criteria Students nominated for diocesan trials must demonstrate an above-average to high level of skill in their chosen sport. Students should have experience playing in regular competitions outside of school. For some sports, representative playing experience may also be required. Year Level Eligibility Students must generally be in Year 5 or Year 6 in 2027 to be eligible for nomination. Students entering Year 4 in 2027 who demonstrate exceptional skill and ability may also be nominated. This is open age and will compete against Year 5 & 6 students for the following sports: Hockey Softball Tennis Touch Football All nominations must meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant sport. 4. School Approval and Trial Selection All Expressions of Interest are subject to approval by the student's school principal and sports coordinator. Each sport has specific eligibility and selection criteria that schools must follow when considering nominations. Submitting an EOI does not automatically qualify a student to attend a diocesan trial. Schools have final discretion over which students are approved to attend. Students selected by their school will receive the relevant Parramatta Diocesan Team trial information directly from their school. 5. How to Submit an Expression of Interest Parents and guardians may complete this form on behalf of their child. A separate EOI form must be submitted for each child and each sport. Once all required information has been completed, click SUBMIT to register your child's Expression of Interest. https://forms.gle/22MBb12d7cZgeTzo8 6. Additional Team Sports (MacKillop level only) – CSNSW Sport Portal Nominations for the following sports will open in early 2027 and must be completed through the CSNSW Sport Portal: Diving Golf Netball – Boys Rugby 7s – Girls These sports are not included in this EOI form. 7. Further Information For further information about eligibility, nomination requirements or selection trials, please contact your school's sports coordinator. Important reminder: This registration is an Expression of Interest only. Participation in Parramatta Diocesan Team trials is subject to school approval.
28 Sep 2026
Celebrating 40 years of Voice of Youth and the power of student voice
Six Year 6 students from 58 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Primary schools came together at St John XXIII Catholic College Stanhope Gardens on 22 September for the Voice of Youth Grand Final, showcasing their public speaking skills through a series of thoughtful and engaging speeches.
17 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Wacky outfits, wonderful progress! 🤪📚 Year 1 embraced Wacky Wednesday with some wonderfully wacky outfits, and we have something else to celebrate… 99% of students with results from both assessments improved in at least one area of our nonsense-word reading check! 🌟👏 Nonsense words are made-up words that help us see how children use their letter–sound knowledge to sound out and blend unfamiliar words, rather than relying on words they already recognise. These skills help our students tackle new words as they read! 🔤📖 We’re so proud of their hard work and the progress they’re making. Wacky words, wacky clothes and plenty of learning to celebrate! 💛
11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Just a reminder, that Week 9 is BOOK WEEK!! Our parade will be held Wednesday morning at 9:15am
11 Sep 2026
From Facebook
06 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Happy Father’s Day to all our Dads and fatherly figures. We love, adore and appreciate you all 🩵
04 Sep 2026
From Facebook
Wow, Week 8 already! We hope all the Fathers and Father figures have a beautiful weekend.