2012 Issue 3 - Tasmanian Academy

A two hour delay at Launceston airport
didn’t take the shine off the excitement
and energy of heading to Melbourne last
Thursday for the combined subjects annual
excursion. Twenty students with Russell
Cooper, Janet Sims and myself lined up for
two nights away and a range of cultural
experiences that support their areas of
study. Russell organises this trip every year
and incorporates a range of fabulous
visits, talks, and social experiences that
pleased everybody. My personal favourite
was the trip to the Brunswick Buddhist
Centre where the students all meditated
and were able to discuss the particular
beliefs of Buddhism. After a fun night at
Dracula’s, we headed off to the Coburg
Islamic Centre on Friday for a fascinating
overview of what it means to be a part
of the Muslim faith and the associated
stereotypes. On Friday we also visited the
Ancient Mesopotamia exhibition at the
museum followed by a visit to the National
Gallery. As if we weren’t tired enough,
Friday night we were lucky enough to
be part of an RMIT production, “Live on
Bowen”, a live chat show. On Saturday we
visited St Patrick’s Cathedral and were left
in awe of the amazing architecture and
beautiful stained glass. A little shopping
here and there gave everyone a novelty
to take home and remind themselves of a
wonderful few days away. All the students
were terrific company and it is a credit to
Russell, Janet and Newstead College to
have this two night/three days excursion in
Melbourne. I hope it continues in 2013.
Words by Amanda