In studying history, an important historical relationship is between the Past and the Present. In comparing two periods of time, historians note elements of CONTINUITY (i.e. things that have remained relatively static or continuous over time) and CHANGE (i.e. what has been altered over time).

A group of Year 9 and 10 students were fortunate to be able to spend time on a walking tour of Addington early in December. The group were able to work with Mr Paul O'Connor who was the previous Head of History at Burnside High School. Paul grew up in Addington and has a deep knowledge of the area. Mr Sean Coster (the current Head of History) and Ms Penny Olds also accompanied us on the trip.

We were fortunate to visit the Addington Cemetery which is where Kate Sheppard is buried as well as the founder of Burnside, William Boag. This was followed by visiting St Mary's Church in Church Square, the site of the Military Barracks, Addington Prison, the old Star and Garter Site, the Railway Yard and Workshop sites, Wood's Flour Mill, the old Show Grounds site and the Sacred Heart School.

Continuity and Change were the recurring themes in the trip. Students had a unique experience to hear stories from Paul of links to the past in the settlement of Canterbury.