Exploring History, Law, and the World Around Us
A Journey Through Time and Faith: Europe Tour 2025
Over the recent school holidays, a group of students and staff from our College embarked on a remarkable European adventure themed “A Journey Through Time and Faith.” The two-week tour took them through the rich cultural landscapes of Italy and Germany, offering unforgettable experiences that intertwined history, spirituality, art, and education.
From the moment the group landed in Rome, it was clear that this would be a journey like no other. The Italian leg of the tour provided a deep dive into the foundations of the Christian faith and Western civilisation. Students stood in awe beneath the vast dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, walked the ancient cobblestone streets of the Roman Forum, and stood inside the Colosseum, imagining the echoes of centuries past. These iconic locations brought to life many of the topics students had previously studied in History and Christian Studies classes, giving them a vivid and tangible connection to their learning.
The spiritual highlight for many was visiting Vatican City in a Jubilee year. Witnessing thousands of pilgrims from all corners of the globe gathered in one place for worship and reflection was both humbling and inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder of the global nature of faith and the shared human longing for purpose and connection.
The tour continued south to the vibrant coastal city of Naples, a place rich in history, culture, and spiritual significance. Known for its dramatic beauty and deep-rooted traditions, Naples offered students a unique lens into the heart of Southern Italy. They explored the treasures of the National Archaeological Museum, wandered through the ancient streets of Spaccanapoli, and admired the artistry of Caravaggio’s masterpieces housed in local churches. The journey extended to the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where students reflected on the fragility of life and the ways in which ancient communities wrestled with faith, mortality, and meaning. Immersing themselves in sites shaped by centuries of religious devotion, artistic expression, and intellectual thought, students deepened their understanding of how faith and culture continue to shape one another.
Students then visited the historic city of Nuremberg in Germany, a place deeply intertwined with both the heights and horrors of human history. Walking through the medieval Old Town and standing in the courtroom where the Nuremberg Trials were held, students considered the moral responsibility of individuals and nations in the face of injustice. Visits to the Documentation Centre and former Nazi rally grounds prompted powerful conversations about human rights, justice, and the role of faith in confronting evil. Nuremberg became a sobering reminder of the importance of remembering history—not only to honour its victims, but to be vigilant in upholding truth, dignity, and justice in the present.
Throughout the tour, daily devotions and moments of prayer gave space for students to process what they were seeing and learning. Staff led reflections that connected biblical themes with historical context, encouraging students to see God’s hand across time. Many described the experience as life-changing, not just because of the places they visited, but because of how those places made their faith feel alive and relevant.
Year 11 Legal Studies Excursion – Observing Justice in Action at the NSW Supreme Court
Recently, our Year 11 Legal Studies students had the invaluable opportunity to attend the NSW Supreme Court to observe live bail hearings. This excursion brought classroom learning to life, offering students a front-row seat to the real-world application of key legal concepts.
Over the course of the day, students observed four distinct bail hearings, each providing a unique insight into how judicial discretion operates in the criminal justice system.
Two of the hearings involved individuals already on bail who were seeking to amend their bail conditions. One applicant requested the removal of their electronic monitoring device, citing financial hardship, while the other sought modifications to conditions such as residence and reporting requirements. These hearings highlighted how the courts balance the circumstances of the accused with the need to ensure compliance and community safety.
The remaining two hearings were for individuals in custody seeking bail. In one case, the judge denied bail due to the serious nature of the alleged offence and the unacceptable risk the applicant posed to the victim—risks that could not be mitigated by any conditions. In contrast, the other applicant was granted bail under strict terms, including a curfew, demonstrating how tailored bail conditions can sometimes address community protection concerns.
This excursion was particularly valuable in reinforcing key syllabus content from both the Preliminary Course (Legal System – criminal process) and the HSC Course (Criminal Law – bail and remand, judicial discretion, justice system effectiveness). Students saw firsthand the application of legal principles such as the “unacceptable risk” test under the Bail Act 2013 (NSW), deepening their understanding of how the rights of the accused are balanced against the protection of the community.
Engaging with authentic legal processes in a real courtroom setting allowed students to witness the complexities and nuances of the legal system. The experience not only consolidated their academic knowledge but also sparked meaningful reflection on the role of the courts in delivering justice in our society.
Year 7 Geography: Exploring Landscapes and Landforms with a Sense of Wonder
This term, our Year 7 students have been diving into the fascinating world of Landscapes and Landforms as part of their Geography studies. To bring this unit to life, students created detailed dioramas that captured the features, beauty, and complexity of different natural landscapes—from rugged mountain ranges and winding river valleys to coastal cliffs and desert plains.
More than just a hands-on creative task, this activity encouraged students to develop the disposition of wonder. As they researched and built their dioramas, they were invited to ask deep questions about how landforms are formed, how they change over time, and how humans interact with them. This sense of curiosity and awe is a key part of the learning process, helping students see geography not just as a subject to study, but as a way to better understand the world around them.
The dioramas were a fantastic display of imagination, effort, and inquiry. It was wonderful to see students engaged and inspired—not only by the landscapes they created, but by the stories those landscapes told. We look forward to more opportunities for students to connect content with creativity and a sense of wonder.
God bless,
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning
