The Penguin Post has learned that just outside of Sydney Australia Blessed Sacrament Primary School students dined with local dignitaries on board HMAS Penguin on August 30 to celebrate Captain John Hunter’s birthday. School captains Cara McGoldrick, Joe Tracey, Sophie Herring and Matthew McEnally were escorted by Mosman Mayor Anne Connon and HMAS Penguin Commander Gavin Baker to the Ward Room, which has spectacular views of Balmoral. After lunch, Lieutenant Commander Desmond Woods talked about the life of John Hunter, who was captain of the principal naval escort to the First Fleet. Students learned Captain Hunter saved the early settlers in the colony from starvation and was probably the first European to set foot in the Mosman area. “Our school captains were confident and interested ambassadors, and enjoyed this opportunity to focus on community heritage,” teacher Ellison Venables said. It’s not everyday that these students get to dine on penguin.
School captains Cara McGoldrick, Joe Tracey, Sophie Herring and Matthew McEnally with Mosman Mayor Anne Connon and HMAS Penguin Commander Gavin Baker.
