MrsMuffinTop, I would have a lot less problem with letting DD go to China (if I had the money, but that is a separate issue) though still think Y6 is a bit early for it. I'm impressed it was offered by a state school too, though I suppose Chinese would count as your "next-door language" in Oz, which often influences which one is offered in any country.
I don't especially have a problem with it being a jolly with a bit of education thrown in and I do respect that the school has been doing this a while, so the risk is low. However, there are many nice things you can spend money on and I'd rather put mine where she will grow new friends, sooner than have a few more happy memories of old ones. Those she really values, she will stay in touch with in any case, though previous experience has taught me that few are as good at it as we are (we've had a few disappointments already there - people who don't mind if we call them, but never, ever call us. They've moved on in their minds and expect us to do the same, I guess) and 5 days in France won't influence that at all. I think a day trip would give most of the benefits for much less money and would stump up for that!
The school has made it clear there is no hardship fund available: those on free school meals get it paid for by the state. We're in quite a naice area here, so many of the parents can afford it without thinking too hard, but I'm with the mum on another thread who doesn't especially want to access a hardship fund for something we consider unnecessary. I'd pay for it myself somehow if I thought it were necessary. It's just that I don't, that's all - it's only a nice-to-have IMO.
I'm really grateful to everyone for giving me my views and don't want any of you to feel I ignored any of them. They are all very valid. I have now become convinced why I felt as I do, which is as good an outcome as any - thanks very much!