Australian Adventure – Day 7 – Healesville Sanctuary

2013-12-13 | puppy1952

Today we spent the day at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. In South African if you want to see African wildlife you take yourself off to a Game Reserve. This was more of a cross between a zoo and a game reserve. The animals are in enclosures but are relatively free but do not have to rely entirely on themselves to hunt for food. The director of this sanctuary is a South African and according to the volunteer staff that we met he made excellent changes to the place. He is extremely highly thought of.

On my wishlist was Tasmanian Devil and Duck-billed platypus – not easily found in the wild so good to be able to find them here! We are of course also interested in birds. We saw quite a few free and wild and also some in walk through aviaries. The staff – some permanent and some voluntary were very friendly ad helpful and clearly great animal lovers. We spent the best part of 5 hours at the sanctuary and thoroughly enjoyed everything we saw. It could be compared to The World of Birds in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Some parts of the park also reminded me of an Aquarium experience although the creatures we saw were mammals.

Australian Kesterl seen on our way to Healesville

Australian Kestrel seen on our way to Healesville

Bower Bird Nest – note all the blue objects he collects

The Bowerbird - collector of the blue items

The Satin Bowerbird – collector of the blue items

Pied Currawong

Gouldian Finch

Scaly-breasted lorikeet

Moorhen on nest – in the river that runs through the park

Buff-banded Rail – in the river that runs through the park

In South Africa we love going to ‘Eagle Encounters’ at Spier in Stellenbosch. Here we enjoyed what they call the ‘Spirits of the Sky and features Raptors and Parrots. The birds come out on cue fly around the arena and two men give an informative talk about these lovely creatures. The audience is warned not to stand up nor to try to touch the birds. We were entertained by a barking owl, black kite, several parrots and an wedge-tailed eagle also known as an eaglehawk.

Wedge-tailed eagle

We had a lovely time looking at the platypus and other night creatures but their enclosures were darkened at they are nocturnal and photography was impossilbe. So I decided to have my protrait taken on a carving instead!

Doing the compulsory touristy thing

At the Tasmanian Devil we met a South African who had recently imigrated to Ausralia. His sister was visiting him from Port Elizabeth. It was good to hear a South African accent – first since we arrived here and I thought Australia was full of South Africans!

Tasmanian Devil

I have to post at least one Kangaroo!

Spiny Anteater – almost missed him when looking at the Koalas!

Koalas are sleepy creatures and you usually find them sleeping in their gum trees. But today we got lucky and found some wakeful ones. We even watched them climb and jump from one tree to another. I have a video but don’t know how to post it.

Koala with baby

Koala chomping leaves

Lyre Bird

These are just some of the creatures we enjoyed today – there were many more. We had lunch at one of the cafeterias and found the food and service very good. Before returning to Mecure Yarra Valley, we stopped at one of the bigger supermarket chains, Coles. Earl was hugely inpressed with the fridges and the way everything was laid out. A young mom noticed that we were a bit confused as to how things worked and she got her little boy to handed us a number at the cold meats counter and explained that it would be called when it was our turn. So of course we chatted for a while. She had two little boys with her and they were pushing miniature trolleys.

Kids get to push their own trolleys – This little chap is 6.

We stopped off at the Chocolatery on our way back and bought delicious ice cream for dessert. We only had five minutes to browse as it was closing time. Yum – it all looked so delicious.

Dinner was in again tonight – cold meats and salad followed by ice cream.

Australian Adventure – Day 6 – Ballarat to Yarra Valley

2013-12-12 | puppy1952

Oh my but it was freezing again this morning. We headed to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and had breakfast at a restaurant opposite which has a magnificent view of The Lake. Because of the cold we sat indoors next to a window and the view was to die for. After putting in our order I went outside to take photographs. The Purple Swamphen in Australia is not a shy bird as it tends to be here. In fact there were hoards of them prancing about on the front lawn – Really these exotic birds are quite boring here in Oz!

Piper’s Restaurant

My Breakfast Club would love this place It has ambience, style and the menu would definitely caters for our gourmet tastes. How about it girls – A breakfast in Ballarat?

What a menu – What a view

So the visit to the Gardens afterwards was okay – but it’s not Kirstenbosch. I loved the arum lilies in different shades thought. And the Prime Ministers Avenue was quite a nice touch. The staff were friendly and it was interesting to note that all the labour was white. I love the Australian attitude that any job is a good job. There is so little class distinction and people are respected for whatever they do.

The Hot House

Yellow Arum Lily

Prime Minister Avenu

The thing that has impressed me is that so many places of interest have free entrance. I am not opposed to paying to see something interesting but when we went to Sovereign Hill which shows off an old Gold Mine Town we were hugely disappointed. To get in it would cost $47 each! That is just ridiculous. We decided to give it a miss. It included a visit to the Museum and a Light show. Maybe it was worth it but we didn’t want to take the chance. Remember that converts to R470 each- more than I would pay to see live theatre!

Australian School Children on an outing to Sovereign Hill - No Hat No Play

Australian School Children on an outing to Sovereign Hill – They’re in Civvies but are still required to wear hats – NO HAT NO PLAY is the slogan at every school.

So instead we headed for Yarra Valley. As I said it was cold this morning but by the time we arrived at our accommodation – Mecure Yarra Valley the temperature had risen and it was beautifully warm.

Lovely to see mountains in Victoria

Mecure Yarra Valley

We were at an hour early for check in so went to the restaurant for a cold drink – a bowl of delicious warm olives, a beer and two sparkling waters set us back $20.00

Aunt and Me in the larney Restaurant

We decided that dinner at this establishment would be out of our budget! The place was divine. It is set in a wine growing valley surrounded by beautiful mountains – which made us feel very much at home and how lovely to finally see some mountains in flat Australia. The resort has a Spa so we immediately booked a massage each. There is also a gym albeit it small. We have been over indulging in rich food so I thought I needed to work some of it and before the massage at 5 I took myself off to do a workout – (Hope you’re proud of me Steve!) I did the Big 5 that Steve tells me are essential for good back maintenance as well as Suit-case Squats and Turkish Get-ups. Then I got onto the treadmill and did a good 25 minute run. I felt great afterwards and felt that I earned my massage!

Our accommodation is beyond luxurious. We have a jacuzzi/shower, self catering facilities and a view. We decided that after all the rich food we have been eating we should shop and self-cater for the next few days. We loved Iga Super Market – excellent quality fruit and vegetables. We got a ready cooked chicken, salad stuff, fruit and vegetables, cheese and biscuits and local wine and beer. Our meal was stunning and dinner, breakfast, lunch and possibly another meal cost us way less than yet another rich meal out!

Australian Adventure – Day 5- Warrnambool to Ballarat

2013-12-11 | puppy1952

It was pouring when we woke this morning and it continued for most of our drive to Ballarat. We took the scenic route, travelling through picturesque villages and towns steeped in the history of Australia. I love the way the Australians decorate the outside of their homes for Christmas – we certainly saw some interesting decor in the countryside. We stopped to explore the tiniest town I have ever seen. At the 2006 census Linton had a population of 355. It is amazing that people still live there. There were some interesting old buildings but everything was closed – even the Pub which advertised coffee served all day! It was dead! Not surprisingly, the only place open was the Undertaker’s.

Linton was first settled, in about 1840 and was named after a pioneer family in the area. Gold was found there in 1848. Chinese people, among others, mined the local shafts until the gold ran out. There is a monument to one of the Chinese men who was arrested for mining without a license.

The Public Library – I wonder how many books it has?

Once a jolly Swagman

The Miner’s Memorial – his European wife with a small child at the back.

Christmas Spirit

Kanagaroos pull the sleigh in Australia

Along the way we stopped when I spotted a bird that didn’t look quite like the ibises we’d seen before. It turned out to be a straw-necked ibis and stopping proved fruitful as some other birds were enjoying the puddle too.

Straw-necked Ibis

Pacific Black Duck

Hoary-headed Grebe

Purple Swamphen (a little different to the one in South Africa)

The weather cleared up in the afternoon but was still a little cold when we arrived at our B&B in Ballarat. We found a note from our hostess on the door explaining where we were to find our room and key. What a charming place. It is a hundred years old and set in a lovely shady garden. It’s a pity we only have one night here. I googled Ballarat and found the following information.

Ballarat is Victoria’s largest inland city. It started back in 1838 when a squatter called William Yuille camped on the shores of the Black Swamp, now known as Lake Wendouree. “Balla” “Arat” was derived from the meaning resting or camping place.

Gold was discovered at Poverty Point in 1851 by John Dunlop and James Regan who found a few ounces while panning in the Canadian Creek. By the following year there were around 20,000 diggers searching in the shafts of the Ballarat Goldfields. Due to this population explosion, Ballarat was proclaimed a town in 1852. By 1855, Ballarat was a municipality, a borough by 1863 and a city in 1870.

We had a rest and then went out to ‘The Boatshed’ which overlooks the lake for dinner. We drove around the town too and have made plans of where to go tomorrow before we leave for Yarris Valley.

The lake foreshore is a hive of activity – there is a path that goes around the lake and people walk their dogs, jog entertain the kids on the lawns and swings or simply sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery and birdlife.

Black Swans with chicks

A flotilla of swans

Catching the rays

Australian Wood Ducks

A table with a view

We enjoyed the delicious Lamb Shanks

We took coffee and dessert on the deck

Picturesque Scene

We certainly dined in a beautiful setting

So today was a bit of a rest day but still very interesting. What an amazing place Australia is – the wide open spaces, the sea, the lakes, .the friendly people and wonderful lifestyle. No wonder so many South Africans migrate here!

Australian Adventure – Day 4 – Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve and Port Fairy

2013-12-10 | puppy1952

The solution of where to have breakfast was easily solved and I found myself at an establishment I wouldn’t think of going to at home – MacDonald’s! I was pleasantly surprised -they have a varied menu and service is quick and efficient – you place your order at the counter, wait five minutes, take your tray to a table and then throw away the containers afterwards! Not my normal style no – but the scrambled egg and bacon wrap was great and before long we were on our way to Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve.

This view greeted us

The Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve encompasses the Tower Hill volcano and wetland and is 6.14 km² in area. Entrance to the park is free, there is a short drive and several walking trails. We chatted to a young German couple and asked – What have you seen? Oh – nothing we’ve just arrived. We’d just arrived too and in the two hours it took us to reach the visitor’s centre we’d seen kangaroos, emus, rabbits, a koala bear and a variety of birds! Their mouths dropped open when we told them this. The aim of most visitors seems to be to get to the visitor’s centre as fast as possible, walk the trail in record time, have a cup of coffee and leave. Then they return from holiday and say – We went to this nature reserve and didn’t see a thing. We had the best time looking for birdlife and of course every bird we saw was new to us. Because we look carefully for birds we tend to see all kinds of other creatures too.

The rock formations in the reserve are fascinating and beautiful. A wall of rock that is filled with tiny caves and crevices makes a wonderful apartment building for various creatures. Some noisy galahs were obviously waking up and were about to leave for whatever their mission was for today.

These galahs have taken up residence in rock crevices - most luxurious apartments they are too

These galahs have taken up residence in the volcanic rock crevices

It wasn’t long before I spotted movement in the bush and to our delight we found the iconic Kangaroo with her young joey. It had been raining but the sun was out and they were catching the rays!

Kanga and Joey

Long ago rabbits were introduced into Australia and they are still somewhat of a nuisance and can be seen in most neighbourhoods. They are in the parks too!

How adorable is that!

Leonie spotted the koala. If there are droppings at the bottom of the tree you are almost guaranteed that one will be sleeping on a branch above.

Koalas spend most of their lives asleep!

One of the birds we were delighted to see was the blue-breasted fairy-wren. She makes the tiniest nest – just a teaspoon in size. The eggs must be minute. The male is the pretty one and he has more than one wife!

Male Blue breasted Fairy-wren

Female Blue-breasted Fairy-wren – quite drab in appearance don’t you think

Australia’s biggest bird in the Emu – and it doesn’t fly. It reminds one of the ostrich but it is not even closely related. I love our ostrich and this emu is also a fascinating creature. The female chooses more than one mate and then leaves the ones in favour to care for the eggs and the chicks without any help from her. He raises those chicks very well too!

These birds are not even related to the ostrich!

These birds are not even remotely related to the ostrich!

We got very excited when we saw a very familiar little bird – just like the one we see at home only to discover that it was a tiny bit different and also had an odd name!

Nope – it’s not a Witogie – The Aussies call it a Silvereye

There were lots of birds on the bodies of water in the park. Familiar again were the coots – but these did not have red knobs.

Eurasian Coots among others

White-faced Heron

Chestnut Teal

The Australian Black-winged stilt is not the same as the South African species. The black nape is missing on ours.

Black-winged stilt on nest

This bird of prey was a great spot – not sure yet what it is but we’re guessing it is a Little Eagle.

On a walk we were lucky to spot this wallaby. At first she just looked like a rock but then I saw her move. She was very silent but not at all scared.

Wallaby

We heard and saw a lot of tiny, pretty and interesting birds – photography of said birds was next to impossible as they flit so quickly and hide in the foliage of the trees. But it was fun and we were delighted with our day.

We ended our trip with a visit to Port Fairy. It is a little fishing town and holiday resort with a beautiful river and coastline. Earl loved it and enjoyed looking at the fishing boats. The main catch is shark!

Next to the river we found a little fish shop that served seafood. It was not the Ritz but the view was to die for and the food served in a box at grubby outside tables was delicious – far too much though – we would have been better off sharing! Aunt assured us that $20 each for a meal was cheap by Australian standards!

Port Fairy

House on River Bank

The River/harbour

Fishing Boat

Better than the Ritz – Fried hake, calamari, scallop and prawn washed down with a good Aussie Beer

Australian Advenure Day 3 -Melbourne to Warrnambool,The Bay of Islands and The Twelve Apostles

2013-12-09 | puppy1952

It was a very early wake up time this morning. Earl was not feeling well last night and getting up at 3:00 a.m. did not help either. By four o’clock we were on the road with Aunt in the driver’s seat. She did not need the Garmen to find the way. It was a perfect morning and after dropping off the hire car and checking in – quite a mission because of the distance one has to walk – we checked in. Do you know you have to pay for a trolley at Australian Airports? I thought $3.00 was a bit steep! I was a little nervous when I saw the terminal was like it was used to be in the olden days when you walked onto the tarmac to board the plane. The first one I saw had propellers and Earl almost had me convinced that this was ours! The name Jetstar put me at ease!

A day to depart from Newcastle to Melbourne-

Dawn departure from Newcastle to Melbourne on a Jetstar Flight

It was a bit of a shock to land in a wet and windy Melbourne. I was so sure that Australia was a hot country that I didn’t pack any long sleeved shirts or warm jerseys – my jeans, fleece and school jacket would have to do!

It was a long drive to Warrnambool (Maria I promise this is really how you spell it!) Fortunately Earl was feeling better and took the wheel. We stopped for coffee at a quaint little coffee shop in one of the small town en route – excellent and Aunt assured us that $3.00 for a long black was cheap by Aussie standards.

It poured most of the way so stopping to sight see was not on the agenda. It cleared up when we arrived and so we explored the town and surrounds for an hour.

Water everywhere

Birds abound. This is a Blue-billed duck

Our accommodation is a two bedroomed, two bathroom, open plan livingroom/kitchen apartment and very comfortable. It has all the mod-cons of home including a washing machine!

After a rest we set off along the Great Ocean Road and took in the compulsory tourist must dos. And boy were they worth it. The weather was awful but the beauty was still sensational and it was well worth travelling all these miles to see these incredible natural phenomena. Also there were no crowds and no entrance fees to spoil the experience. We could just take it all in and enjoy. Of course we looked out for birds en route too!

We stopped at an old fashioned diner for delicious take away ham, cheese and tomato rolls.

Still need to find out what this bird is

Me at The Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands

Amazing rock formations

The gale nearly blew us away at the view point of The Twelve Apostles

The photographs do not do justice to the magnificence of these rock formations. I would also love to come back on a sunny day although I think that the wild weather added to the beauty of the experience in many ways. The sea was turbulent, the wind blew through our hair and we felt both awed and invigorated. It was good to feel the rugged beauty both in the rocks, the sea and the weather.

Australian Wood Duck

Spur Lapwing

Wood duck again

Australian Black Bird (type of thrush)

Black Swans

We got home quite late and went straight to Beu Jangles for pizza. I loved the Christmas hat sported by one of the chefs. Typical Aussie – the prettiest bush hat I’ve ever seen!

Christmas Bush Hat

Australian Adventure – Day 2

2013-12-08 | puppy1952

After a good night’s sleep we were woken by the dawn chorus of the noisiest birds in the world. I was too sleepy to get out and take photographs thinking that tomorrow we have to be up early anyway so I’ll get piccies then! But of course, tomorrow we will be up before the dawn chorus as we have to be at Newcastle Airport at 5:00 a.m.!

After breakfast Aunt took me to meet the neighbours. A swallow greeted us from the overhead wires.

Welcome Swallow

Terry and his sister Marie introduced me to the swimming dogs. They adore the water and use the pool more than their humans. The fun part is jumping in and chasing after a ball. They need no second invitation and use the pool at least four times a day! Only in Australia!

Water Dogs

We then took a scenic drive to visit Colette’s niece Rose. Her sister Mikki and her family were visiting from Perth. Rose her partner Ross are in the process of fixing up a beautiful home with the most beautiful view over Lake Macquarie. The garden attracts many birds too and we saw a Kookaburra but did not manage to get photographs

View over the Lake

Noisy Mynas (Soldier Birds) are seen everywhere

Ross is into vintage cars, boats and fishing so he and Earl had a lot to talk about. He took us for a drive in his beautiful old Dodge. I felt like the queen sitting in the back of this beautiful car.

Sam and his parents went first

Ross’s Pride and Joy

A Royal Ride

On our way home we stopped to take photographs of The Lake and to chat to a local fisherman.

A Boat comes out of the water

An Aussie Pelican gets a hand out

Silver Gull

We then went to Swansea Return Services League Club for lunch. Everybody in Australia belongs to a ‘club’ where meals are served at a reduced rate to members and their guests. Every club has a casino – we decided not to gamble today!

We had prawn cutlets and chips – totally delicious

It was fun watching the bridge open for the tall yachts that needed to pass through. Earl of course enjoyed all the water activities. It was a bit windy today and quite rough on the lake.

Bridge Opening

On our way home we found a flotilla of black swans which are indigenous to Australia. Unfortunately I had to shoot into the sun.

Black Swans

The swans were in front of this Guest House

The swans were in front of this lovely Guest House

After this lovely outing we went home to rest and then went to Mass at 6 o’clock. I was overwhelmed with the welcome I received from many of Leonie and Colette’s friends. The priest was a hoot and gave a “Grinchy” explanation of how Christmas was not the most important Christian celebration. He mentioned Madiba and prayed for the people of Africa who were in mourning for him while they also celebrated his life. Leonie introduced me to him afterwards and I was touched that he remembered Mom with fondness.

It was a lovely end to a perfect day!

Tomorrow we are off to Melbourne and Tasmania – a weeks self-drive tour in each – hopefully I will be able to get internet connection to BLOG.

Australian Adventure – Day 1 – Cape Town to Sydney to Cardiff

2013-12-07 | puppy1952

The day for the trip ‘Down Under’ finally arrived. On FaceBook I posted a bitstrip of myself jumping down a manhole to the land beneath – If only it were that simple! Instead it required a 2-hour flight to Johannesburg, a two hour wait there and a bit of a delay when someone on the plane took ill and had to be taken off in an ambulance!

We had a charming travelling companion in the form of a South African geoligist who lived in Adelaide but worked in Tansania. We were on the left hand side of the plane, over the wing – but there wasn’t much to see anyway as the plane was plunged into darkness fairly early on and we were asked to keep the blinds up. It was actually light outside most of the time. I can’t sleep on a plane at the best of times but managed to get about 2 hours of cat naps. Thank Goodness for my Kindle as the inflight entertainment was not that great! The meals were fair, the seats terribly cramped but still it was exciting just to be going to another continent!

We arrived to beautiful weather and Cousin Wayne and his two youngest at the airport to meet us. Luckily we had his cell number as it was not easy finding him in the large terminal. After a Long Black for me and Cuppuccinos for Earl we got our hire car and made our way to Cardiff.

I managed to get Alexander to look at the camera

Lovely little Adelaide

Aunt wanted us to meet her at a Servo but we managed to get stuck in front of a truck when looking for her so had to carry on and it was impossible to turn back so we phoned and carried on using the GPS to guide us. The house welcomed us with a South African flag in honour of Madiba on the stoep and a flock of lorikeets and then some corellas cried out their greetings too.

The S.A. flag waves a welcom

Corella

We had tea in the garden and were introduced to Sophie the cocker spaniel who in turn introduced us to her various stuffed toys.

A Happy Catch Up

Sophie with Moo Cow

Colette cooked us a lovely meal of steak and veggies and we finally dropped into bed totally exhausted after missing a whole night out of our lives!

The Kitchen Staff

Back in the Classroom – Awards Ceremony and Last Day of Term

2013-12-05 | puppy1952

Monday dawned and the count down to the end of term began. I was to spend less than an hour with my girls before an intermediate phase colleague took over while I went to the hall to attend the Foundation Phase Awards Ceremony. My angels would be called in at the appropriate time to receive their awards. It is an emotional time. As the children file up onto the stage the pre-recorded voices of their teachers plays over the system. She/he tells of the years events and experiences and it can be quite tear jerking. This year I had a sentence or two to say about each child in the class. It is quite weird to hear your own voice as you present your learners with their pack of certificates. We are all dressed in our best bib and tucker, exposed to the scrutiny of the entire Foundation Phase Parent Body! Hopefully they like what the hear and see!

Presenting the awards to one of the angels

The proud angels

Here is a copy of my voice over.

My precious girls – can you remember that first exciting day of Big School? Some of you came in with great confidence and enthusiasm – school was irresistible from the start.

A few were a little more suspecting – I could see in your little eyes that you were wondering what you were letting yourselves in for but you were going to give it a go.

One or two were just terrified and didn’t want to let go of Mom or Dad’s hand. We even had a few tears and a couple of rather loud screams. But look at you now. All grown up and ready for Grade 2.

What a diverse class of characters you have been. You have all crept into my heart and it is with great difficulty that I am letting you go to your Grade 2 teacher.

Zayaan my quietly confident angel, who presents such beautiful work. You go girl

Kendra who seems to be dreaming but always has the right answer. I will miss you.

Sienna full of impatient curiosity making sure I don’t forget anything. What will I do without you.

Meaka your indomitable spirit is an inspiration to me. I am proud of you.

Rachel I will miss you bouncing into the classroom and keeping me on my toes.

Martha my precious, gentle girl who has worked so very hard, you are irresistible,

Iris my articulate and creative girl I will miss those beautifully intricate drawings of yours.

Pippa your sparkle and determination to succeed is awesome.

Delightful Lia articulate in two languages, you make me proud.

Gabriella my Nature Girl – we are kindred spirits.

Phillipa your determination and perseverance have helped you overcome so much – well done my girl.

Maya breezing in daily with your incredible ideas – you amaze me.

Hayley, fit and fast and full of potential I will miss you.

Leah with your infectious laugh and zest for fun – you always make me smile.

Caroline, my deep thinking, philanthropic girl, thank you for being a kind friend to the others girls.

Gentle Kiana as good as gold, you have worked so beautifully; go well my girl.

Beautiful Terima, so thoughtful and creative, with your own special approach to life, you have delighted me.

Feisty Kayla – you may be small but you have a mighty spirit and I am so proud of the strides you have made in your personal growth this year.

Gentle Jade with the sparkling eyes, your calmness inspires sanity in me.

Fedeilis, you are a special girl. Your determination to succeed has made me proud.

Dynamic Desire – you have a strong character which will take you far – I am super proud of you.

Charley – everybody’s friend – hardly a day went by without you greeting me with a four. You are truly inspirational.

Gentle Jocelyn you have crept right out of your shell and I will miss those special moments with you.

Tarryn my special girl – Thank you for helping me teach the girls their Afrikaans gediggies – you are a treasure.

Madison my clever girl, I will miss your beautiful work, your quiet smile and gentle spirit. You make me proud.

Isabella – wow – so full of energy and lightening on the race track – but controlled and determined in the classroom – you’you’ve come so far my girl.

Gina your batteries are constantly charged, you are full of good ideas and you have are always ready for action. Keep it up my angel.

Morgan you do not miss a beat and if I do, I have to contend with that awesome stare – You are a loyal friend and determined worker. Keep it up my girl.

Dynamite comes in small packages, Gemma your energy is infectious, you have all the answers and I would not even try to keep you down. I am super proud of you.

And last but by no means least – Precious Emma – you are tiny and still but full of inner strength. What strides you have made this year. You blasted off slowly but have raced to the target. Well done beautiful girl.

And so you have come to the end of your very first year in Big School. You have bonded and blended in. You have added your mark to the SVPS family and I know you will continue to find school irresistible.

Remember you are fabulous. Girl Power to you all.

The girls had a day off on Tuesday when the Intermediate Phase has their awards ceremony and the Foundation Phase teachers took care of the older children – Quite a different experience. I had Grade 4 and they were great, if a little impatient to get up on that stage. They were the last to be called and were super excited when they came out and then it was time to go home.

On Tuesday evening we had our Grade 7 valedictory. How beautiful all our young leaders looked as they were allowed to come in smart clothes instead of uniform. It was an emotionally charged ceremony as we watched a pre-recorded interview with a past pupil who had risen up from dire circumstances, come to our school from a war torn African country, worked hard and excelled and finally emigrated to the USA with his adopted family and is now highly successful in the Military. His message was heart-warming and inspiring.

On Wednesday it was the last day and the final farewell to our classes. My girls are all going up to the same Grade 2 teacher and they are thrilled about that. Once again the teacher was spoilt when the girls presented her with the most charming end of year gifts. But what touched me the most were the messages both from the girls and the parents. Those little accolades of appreciation mean so much. Parents it has been a privilege and pleasure teaching your girls. Thank you for your support throughout the year.

Cup cakes for the picnic

Just love this message

They know I like pretty things!

To pamper and spoil

Thanks Gina for the party packs!

And for spoiling the teacher

My girls really know what I like!

mmm Chocolate is an essential food group for teachers

Our final excitement was a teddy bear’s picnic. I brought paddington bear to school and showed them the story on Youtube. We played the music of The Teddy Bear’s Picnic and we feasted, danced and shared stories about our own bears.

A bear as big as me

I love my bears

An armful to cuddle

There was long story to this one

See them gaily gad about

As the picnic on their holiday

Room assistant Carol brough her bear too!

Mine hangs out with me

Birthday girl enjoys two bears

They’re my friends

Enjoying a story with our cuddly friends

So many bears so much fun

Woofles

Bush Baby

I couldn’t leave one behind

I had to choose just one

And when the sugar high kicked in the parents arrived to collect the girls. Not my favourite day of the year – but we must all move on. I shall miss you my precious girls. Go well in Grade 2.

Thanks to my wonderful Grade 1 colleagues for a fabulous year. You all keep me inspired – I love you guys!

My Fabulous Colleagues Bridgette, Lisa, Monique and Me

Back in the Classroom – A Creative Christmas Week

2013-11-29 | puppy1952

All this week I have been striving to keep the routine as normal as possible – difficult when you have to take in the reading books and start sending home exercise books and artwork – a clear indication to the little ones that the year is fast drawing to a close. To soften the blow we have stopped working in exercise books and instead concentrated on Educational and Creative Christmas activities. The girls have enjoyed the cutting and sticking, dot to dots,fun sums, word searches, crosswords and creative writing that we have done in various forms.

Of course the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas has continued to be our focus.

The Grinch Pops out of the page

A very good interpretation

Stunning Santas

I really don’t like this time of the year. It’s not that it’s the silly season – it’s the approaching parting of ways that is so hard. Of course the children must move on and there is another class waiting to be welcomed but somehow that doesn’t make it easier. The emotions are just there! The children are excited about next year but at the same time anxious about leaving what they know and it is my job to reassure them that all will be well when what I really want to say is – Don’t leave me Angels – and some dark part inside me says – the new teacher won’t love you as much as I do. But of course that’s not true – she will and my angels will continue to grow and I will start again with a new lot!

When I look at this photograph I felt so enormously proud – look at them engrossed in their books. That is what teaching Grade One is all about – they come illiterate and leave reading and loving books. They have learned the most important skill necessary for further learning. They have learned to READ!

A class full of readers

Enjoying the process

Deep into the stories

On Wednesday I will do my last Back in the Classroom Blog of the year. I look forward to seeing all my parents at the Awards Ceremony on Monday. Your little ones will make your proud!

The Myriads of Birds at False Bay Ecology Park

2013-11-25 | puppy1952

It was a beautiful day in Cape Town on Sunday. Earl and I after doing a few necessary chores at home decided to take a trip to visit the birds at False Bay Ecology Park. It’s amazing how it is different every time we go.

The ponds are teeming with birdlife

A typical Scene

The flamingos were dispersed on every pond

Harlaub’s Gulls sunned themselves

You have to look closely to find the terns among the gulls - this is a Swift Tern

You have to look carefully to find the terns among the gulls – this is a Swift Tern

Male Maccoa Duck

Black Winged Stilt

A Party of African Black Oyster Catchers

Moorhen with baby

Cape Teal

Levaillant’s Cisticola

African Pipit

Avocets

Cattle Egret in full breeding colours

Hadeda

Greenshank

Back in the Classroom – Celebrating my Birthday

2013-11-24 | puppy1952

Birthdays for a 7 year-old are very important be it your own or that of your friends. Of course when it’s your teacher that is a biggie! My little girls were thrilled to find out when my special day was and some started bringing little presents weeks in advance!

On Friday morning there was extra excitement as the girls poured into the classroom. My shoulder length, greying hair was now short and youthfully coloured. The little mouths were agape and the complements poured out. – You look pretty. You look young. I like your hair. You look like a queen. (not a princess – too old to be a princess!)

They could not wait for me to open their offerings so we gathered on the mat and I was blown away with all the spoiling. There was so much effort put into the cards and the pretty jewellery just had to be donned immediately. Thank you girls for your drawings, hearts, sums and messages. I will treasure your lovely earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The bunches and bunches of beautiful flowers are now in vases in my house and everybody has commented on how stunning they are. Thank you parents, too, for allowing your children to buy me gifts. My girls are so thoughtful – they chose and made their gifts knowing my colour preferences, love of birds as well as expressing how they felt about me. I feel so very, very spoilt!

After that excitement we practised for our awards ceremony and then did some normal work before playtime. I made the girls eat their healthy snack before celebrating with chocolate and vanilla cup cakes!

I was so impressed at the thought that went into the choices the girls made

Sweet treats and flowers and useful notebooks

Flowers, notes, pretty jewellery and bird pictures.

Thank you precious girls

More flowers and chocolates and a special coffee kit!

Next week is our last week together, girls. It’s going to be a busy one! We have one or two special surprises planned but we will also be putting in that last spurt of work to get you ready for Grade 2. So keep up with your homework and bring your energy and good attitude to school. We’ve blasted off and orbited and are now ready for the final Splashdown! Lets make the final week totally irresistible!

Back in the Classroom – Civvies Day

2013-11-17 | puppy1952

The term is winding down and we are trying to keep as closely to a normal routine as possible. The girls know that the pressure is off, they will all be progressing to the next grade and they’re wondering whether is is necessary to work so hard now. They are also a bit nervous about next year. They think they’ll miss their teacher and wonder how they’ll cope with a new one. Will they be with their best friend and what if they don’t like the girls they’re going to be with in Grade 2! Of course they will cope but they don’t know that yet. Moving on is good and we are doing everything we can to prepare them for the great move up. In the mean time, parents, keep up the diligence with homework. We want to consolidate those Maths and Reading skills. Some of the girls who made a slow start in Reading are now shooting ahead and I am proudly moving them up to higher levels. The better their grasp of the written word the better they will cope in Grade 2. Mathematical concepts are also falling into place as the children ‘get it’ with great glee. Many are begging for more difficult work cards.

As a reward for excellent behaviour in Assembly they were allowed to come to school in civvies on Friday. Although this usually brings out a slip in good behaviour I love seeing them in Mufti. Once the initial excitement of seeing each other in their lovely apparel wore off and the girls were warned that uniform behaviour was still the order of the day they settled down to a reasonably normal day of school work!

Such lovely Spring colours

Each in her own unique style

According to M on the right – Yellow is my favourite colour and that’s why she wore it!

A very pretty pose

Pretty in Pink

Enjoying the swings

Aren’t we cute

For the final two weeks of school we will be working less in our books and more in a special booklet of fun, educational activities – BUT the teaching will continue. Parents please continue to read to your children and encourage the girls to read, read, read on their own too. Keep counting in ones, twos, fives and tens and try to get into the higher number ranges. Challenge your girls with doubling and halving problems at least to 20 and help them to work with money – a wonderful way to get mathematical concepts across!