At the end of Term 3, 30 students and five staff members embarked on a study tour through France and Belgium. Two students reflected on their time away:

Bonjour! Over 18 unforgettable days, students and staff travelled through France and Belgium, exploring beautiful cities, experiencing French culture, trying new foods, practising their French, and making memories that will last a lifetime. From the bright lights of Paris to the moving battlefields of the Western Front, the 2026 France and Belgium Tour was about so much more than sightseeing. It was about friendship, history, independence and saying 'oui' to every opportunity.

Our adventure began in Paris, where we explored the Latin Quarter, visited Notre-Dame and discovered the city’s stunning architecture. We wandered through the Opera District and climbed the many stairs to Sacré-Cœur for amazing views over Paris. We also admired the Arc de Triomphe, cruised along the Seine river and not only climbed the Eiffel Tower at night but we also got the chance to watch it sparkle. One of the biggest highlights was the Palace of Versailles where we got to take in the history that once took place there. And, of course, no trip to France would be complete without Disneyland Paris, where thrill rides, laughter and an incredible fireworks and light show made for one of the most exciting days of the tour.

A very special part of the trip was our time in Le Havre with our host students and families. We got to attend classes, share meals with our host families and experience everyday French life. We visited the breathtaking cliffs and natural arches of Étretat, explored towns including Honfleur, Deauville and Mont-Saint-Michel, and enjoyed activities such as laser tag, bike riding, horse riding and trips to the beach. Meeting our host students gave us a real insight into life in France and helped us build friendships we will never forget.

The tour also took us to some of the most important sites of World War I and World War II. We visited the Flanders Fields Museum, Hill 62, the Wellington Quarry and the Franco-Australian Museum in Villers-Bretonneux. At the Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony, some students laid wreaths on behalf of MacKillop, representing our school with pride. Seeing the more than 54,000 names on the memorial made the scale of the war feel very real. For some students, the experience was especially personal, as they got to connect with their ancestry at Fromelles and Becourt Cemetery. Walking through the D-Day beaches, memorials and cemeteries reminded us that the history we learn about in our classrooms happened to real people, in real places, and shaped the world we live in today.

The trip was about so much more than the places we visited; it was also about the friendships we made along the way. From trying new foods and exploring new places, to laughing through long bus rides and practising our French, sharing these experiences brought us closer together.

A huge 'merci beaucoup' to Mr Johnson and Mrs Peck for organising the tour, and to Mr Wood, Mr Durham, Mr Svensson, Mrs Nugent and Mrs Lancaster for everything they did for us. To anyone thinking about going on a future study tour: take the opportunity. It is a once in a lifetime experience to see the world, learn outside the classroom, challenge yourself and create memories you will treasure for years to come.

- Neve Senior & Eula Pooley, Year 10