On Thursday 25th September, our Year 6 students embarked on a memorable excursion to Port Adelaide, where they explored two iconic sites that brought South Australia's rich maritime history to life: the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide and the South Australian Maritime Museum.

The day began aboard the City of Adelaide, the world’s oldest surviving composite clipper ship, built in 1864. Students were immersed in the fascinating story of the ship’s voyages between England and South Australia, which played a vital role in the immigration and development of our state. We were able to explore the ship's 3 levels and imagine what life would have been like on board from the sleeping quarters, to how the passengers prepared and transported their food during the voyage to just how much fresh air and sunlight they would have had. Everyone agreed they would have preferred to travel first class!

Following this, we headed to the South Australian Maritime Museum, where students participated in the Life on Board program. This interactive session encouraged students to reflect on the experiences of early migrants travelling from England to South Australia in the 1800s. Through storytelling, artefacts, and guided exploration, students gained insight into the challenges of life at sea, including cramped living conditions, limited medical care (a few students were selected to demonstrate how they dealt with things like headaches and broken legs on board!), and the reasons behind migration. 

Throughout the day, our students demonstrated outstanding behaviour and a genuine curiosity for learning. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the day was the opportunity for our Year 6 students to explore and learn through play. The dress up corner of the Maritime Museum was very busy with students dressing in period costumes and acting out different scenarios to the delight of their audiences. Another hit was the grand adventure that many of our students embarked on together on the large inside ship – where there was plundering, fishing and a re-enactment of Titanic with an iceberg to avoid.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parent volunteers who generously gave their time to join us on our excursion, and congratulate our Year 6 students on the way they represented Bethany Christian School throughout the day.

Lost property is cleared fortnightly. Please see the photo below showing the current shelf status. If the area overflows, clearance may happen more frequently.

Unclaimed drink bottles and lunch boxes are donated, and uniforms go to the Golden Coin Rack at the Uniform Shop which supports Hope Village. We understand uniforms are costly and time-consuming to manage—this system helps keep replacement costs low for families.

Please visit the lost property area outside the Uniform Shop if you see something familiar. Clearly labelling items helps us the return the lost item to the correct owner.

To give the students the full experience of camping they were involved in putting all the tents up in the days leading up to camp. Many new skills were learnt.

Thursday started with arriving at school much earlier than normal for most students. Catching the bus into Botanic Park and experiencing an Indigenous Bush Walk with Trent in Botanic Gardens, working in small groups making sculptures out of nature and playing some games in the wide-open spaces were all things that were new experiences for many of our students.

Having lunch in Botanic Park and then walking to the tram for a ride to Bonython Park again was a new adventure for many and one that they handled very well. The Hamster Wheel at the park always brings much joy and laughter. The students were much quieter on the trip back to school as many had never walked so far or been active for so long before. 

Arriving back at school was exciting as there was no-one else there. Tent allocation and putting their belongings in their tents happened then ice-cream with toppings for dessert. Yes, dessert before dinner???? Pizza for dinner and then students were responsible for washing their own dishes. (This happened throughout the camp). Lollies and a movie in the PAC before brushing teeth and heading to bed. 

Camping in tents was a new experience for many of our Year 4 students. It was also the first time that many students had ever been away from their parents for a night, nearly half of the 76 students. So, all tents contained at least two students that it was their first experience. The students settled really well, considering the amount of first timers and all survived the night.

Pancakes for breakfast, throwing their boomerangs (that they had previously decorated), popcorn and fruit for recess, making damper, mini shelter building and indigenous games took us through to lunch. Oh, that’s right we had a real fire evacuation thrown in as well, just to keep us all on our toes, and it was not from our damper. 

Hot dogs for lunch and oval play, then the students did an excellent job of dismantling the tents. They were very efficient.

Overall, a lot of new experiences for many of our students and a camp that was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all the adults that made it possible. 

Words from the students -: awesome, good, great sleep, fun, cool, exciting, good food, interesting, new experiences and made friends.

Did you know we run a Playgroup every Friday during the school term?

If you have a little one aged 0–5, come along for a morning of fun, connection, and a free coffee on us!

Join us at Base Church from 8:45 am to 10:30 am—we’d love to see you there!