In Week 11 of Term 1, our Year 7 students attended an excursion to St George’s Cathedral in Perth City. The 7.1-7.3 classes visited on the Thursday, while 7.4 -7.6 went on the Tuesday. On arrival, the students gathered in the nave, the main part, of the Cathedral to hear from the Dean of Perth, The Very Reverend Richard Pengelly. He let us know that as the Mother Church of the Anglican Diocese of Perth, each student was welcome there at any time. The Reverend Pengelly also explained some of the features and history of the Cathedral.

Students were then separated into groups, where they experienced a range of other aspects of Cathedral life. These included; bell ringing, stories of St George, a tour and explanation of the symbolism in the Cathedral, The Soldiers’ Chapel and information about vestments and communion silver. Before lunch, students were also treated to some time with organist Dr Joseph Nolan as he explained the organ and then played for them.

After lunch, students joined in with the Eucharist service held at the Cathedral, before returning to school. The following are some of the responses to the day from our students:

  • “I am very thankful that the helpers and people came in to teach us stories and things that I wish I knew earlier. We were made to feel very welcome.”
  • “My favourite part of today was probably where we learnt about what the different ranks of chaplains are and what they wear. I also loved the pipe organ.”
  • “You guys changed the way I look at God.”
  • “The church was the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen, the story about St George was inspiring.”
  • “My favourite thing was going up the stairs to the bell tower.”
  • “My favourite part about today was going to the Soldiers’ Chapel because I found it very interesting.”
  • “The communion service was really good and was fun to learn more about communion.”
  • “It was really cool because we got to ring the bells that everyone in the city could hear.”
  • “It was an awesome day because we got to learn new things and be part of the Church.”

Thank you to the teachers and parents that assisted on the day.

Written by Ms Linda Pilton, Religious Education Co-Ordinator and Assistant Chaplain