REVISITING OUR HEXAGONAL THINKING ABOUT AUSTRALIA'S HISTORY

Today we revisited our hexagonal thinking posters and we noticed that we had made a few errors when placing the hexagons last time. After our term of learning about Australian history, focusing particularly on the gold rush, we now know much more about the significant events of Australian History. A particular group we changed was the gold rush and topics surrounding it because we learnt that it was an important part in Australian history because the Eureka Stockade was Australia's first claim of democracy. A visit to Sovereign Hill supported our learning around this topic.

We were also able to create more links around immigration, culture, story and identity as a result of our experiences at the Immigration Museum. Immigration stories were an important focus that day, but we also engaged highly with the "Identity: Yours, Mine and Ours" exhibition.

By Alexandra and Stephanie

A True Person: student reflections

A True Person- Gabiann Marin

www.newfrontier.com

Stephanie: "A True Person" is a powerful, meaningful and hopeful book with illustrations that use vibrant colours to enhance and bring text to life. The writing style was focused on Zallah’s thoughts and emotions throughout the book and used short and sharp sentences to really capture the essence of being held captive, unable to be free and being rejected. I believe that this book is much more than just a story. This book tells an important message to all who read it and leaves them in amazement and awe. The moral of this story is to never lose hope. The author was also protesting against the cruelty of Australian laws and how they are unjust and unfair.

Jamie: This story was a reflection on how Australia can be so cruel to immigrants and refugees who come here for a better and safer life.

I thought this book really connected to real life problems that happen to people in our world. The illustrations in the book were really powerful, such as the way the girl’s face appeared up close, because you could see her emotions when she was on her way to Australia hoping for a new life.

The story of A True Person had hidden messages.... never stop believing in yourself and that the governments may be cruel and unfair to immigrants and refugees that come to Australia.

Grace: In this story of "A True Person" I think that the illustrations go beyond the text because of the emotion that they show. In close ups of Zallah’s face especially, you can see the tears in her eye.

Reading this book made me feel disappointed because of the way that the governments treat asylum seekers. This also made me feel sad.

Ciaran:

This story gave us an insight of the harsh reality In our sometimes cruel world. It is horrible to think that behind the scenes, people treat others in a grotesque manner. The book ‘’A True Person’’ really nailed how inhumane this system is. Sending people to crowded camps isn’t  impressive and doesn't make Australia look good.  We can’t ignore this issue, it is a growing problem that must be stopped.  As a nation, Australia needs to understand and realise the fortune these people have. This story explains how life is for a large quantity of people. It shows that they need help and wisdom.

  

 

PJ Day - Raising Awareness

Today we dressed in our PJ's to raise awareness of homelessness in our society. We also collected money for the annual aSmith Family Winter Appeal.

Alex writes: Homelessness is a huge problem and it isn't just in Australia. It is a problem all over the world, But it is a huge problem in Australia. In Australia more than 100 thousand people under 25 are homeless. There are many helpers helping this problem but some outstanding helpers are St Andrew's kids who are sorting food, boxing food and sending food to homeless people. Some reasons why homelessness is a problem: 1. Family issues 2. Not able to afford a home 3. They have a home but can't afford to pay their bills.

Elisa wrote: Have you ever wondered how people become homeless? Today homelessness is one of the biggest problems in Australia and all around the world. In Australia more than 100 thousand people mostly under the age of 25 are suffering because of homelessness. People become homeless today because of family issues, loss of their job and much more. Today at our school we are having a pyjama day to raise money and awareness for the homeless. If everyone in our world helps this situation we could stop homelessness which could change someone's life and future. 

CURATING THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE WITH STORIFY

Making Connections @ the Immigration Museum

Steph: I enjoyed the film of the new arrivals where we focused on the the emotions. It was amazing to compare all the different reasons migration occurred. I connected to the story of my parents' migration caused by war and conflict.

Alex: I really connected to the worrying issue of racism on the tram because racism is all around us right now.

Elisa: I enjoyed comparing past and present sites and  I was amazed by the differences

Grace: Racism on the tram concerned me because it proves that little things, like not sitting next to someone, can be really hurtful

Eden:  I connected to the boats stories because of all the unexpected animal arrivals…but we are rather like those animals in that we also ruined the world of the first Australians.

Ben: I saw how people don’t mind their own business and choose to single someone out racially.

Dylan: I connected to the tram video when it pointed out how we judge people by certain categories

Joe: I was shocked by the outrageous sign from the USA about segregated drinking taps

Adam: I connected to other people’s points of view on the tram-seeing how people view things so differently.

Jack:  I connected to a picture of the T shirt “Australia Full” showing don't want certain people in our country...while those with money are acceptable.

www.museumvictoria.com.au

                                              

Will:I was shocked by the comic strip of the outback with the policeman saying, “No room for refugees.  Australia’s full!"

Kitty: I connected to the Sorry sign  and I remembered how Australia had been named, “Terra Nullius.” If we hadn't done the wrong thing in the first place, we wouldn't have needed to say sorry.

Angus : I connected to the emigration stories especially John Cotton's who migrated form Britain and had a great passion for birds

Ciaran: I was disappointed to learn of the Government's reaction to aboriginal communities

Tessa: I connected to the feelings of others who were new in this land and how hard it was for them

Chloe: I enjoyed going out and seeing the differences in our city from one hundred and fifty years ago and now.

Jamie: : I connected to the emotion  of those who had to leave war torn countries

Brandon: Because of my own migration story, I connected to those who leave their homelands

Joe: Our trip also raised our feelings of compassion to the homeless.