08 Oct 2011
In week 10 of term 2, Stage 1 classes travelled to Newcastle Airport, Fighter World, and the Newcastle Foreshore for a trip on the Stockton Ferry.
Year 2 - Wednesday
Year 2 faced a rainy sky in the morning, and by the time the bus was half way to the airport, the rain was coming down. Luckily it cleared in time for us to have a guided tour, and we were able to go out onto the apron and see a plane take off at close quarters. We also saw a number of RAAF jets land and take off, and a helicopter or two. Ms Hazell set off the metal detector, and had to take of her name badge before she was allowed through. She was then searched for contact with explosives, so she must have looked suspicious! We were taken upstairs to the airport control area, and saw the many computers and cameras that help make sure everyone at the airport is safe. After that it was a short trip to Fighter World, where we had morning tea under the shadow of a giant radar. We got to see a lot of old jets, weapons, and space vehicles, and even got to sit in some. The bus took us to Stockton, and a ferry was waiting for us. We crossed the harbour in the beautiful sunshine and walked to a park for lunch. Everyone enjoyed some time on the grass in the sun, and Miss Cameron had a wonderful time playing tips with the students. Ms Nugent then led us off at a cracking pace, and we saw many different types of boats and ships on the way to Nobby's Beach. The bus picked up a load of very tired students, and there were a few who nodded off on the way home.
Year 1 -Thursday
The intrepid Year 1 group took to the bus with enthusiasm, buoyed by the success of the senior group on the previous day. Our confident and capable bus driver was unable to speed up progress on the hospital round-a-bout but still managed to get us to Newcastle Airport in good time. Mrs Robinson and her class sprinted away ahead of the pack into the terminal while Mr Janetski and Mrs Kelly got themselves organised. Our hosts gave us a good idea of what goes on in this busy place and we were able to hear most of the information about the way planes are serviced except when the RAAF jets were roaring above us. Lunch was a hurried and standing affair outside Fighter World and we just had enough time to sit in as many cockpits as possible before we were back on the bus to Stockton. A little pod of dolphins performed for us in the channel and another eating stop on the foreshore gave us a chance to see some action on the harbour. Unlike the Year 2 group we were still so excited about our travels that we chatted all the way home in the bus. Thanks to our wonderful bus driver and to Ms Nugent for putting together two great days!