Saturday, 23 February 2008
Our Adventure
Hi Everyone
Here we are in dusty dry Euston. Our move was very tiring, but we are now settled. We really do live a ‘country’ life. The teacher house we live in has water which comes directly from the Murray River. Heidi refused to get in her first bath because the water is brown. We learnt that if we have showers we can’t see the colour of the water, so this helps. There is a rain tank, but there has been very little rain so we do not use it.
The desert earth here is a bright red colour and the fine dust covers everything. I don’t know how, but it seems to come in the house too! Especially on days like today when we have a sand storm. It has been very hot every day and the air conditioner stays on day and night. We have no garden because the drought up here is very severe. We don’t have grass, but we do have Three Corner Jacks. You can only go out if the soles of your shoes are thick as they can just about pierce anything. (must have Blunstone boots!) All bike tyres are now flat and we need to buy special tyres on the weekend.
It's an interesting life here. Jonas and Heidi tested the quality of the water in the Murray using Jonas' new microscope, found a pet praymantis, collected desert flowers and new bugs.
My students have welcomed me with open arms. I have spent most of this week building relationships with them. Yesterday I had my hair braided by a Tongan girl. It hurt like hell, but she said I need to suffer for beauty!!! Errrr. I feel I am contributing something to these students, but I can see why teachers would burn out. It is very intense and there are many Koori problems such as violence, poverty, abuse, drugs, suicide etc. Overall it is just like any high school. I guess you have to experience it to understand. I think there are many misunderstandings out there by the general community about this school. I am enjoying my studies and find this research opportunity to be the most significant in my 20year teaching career.
The funniest news is......NICO will teach a class too!!. It is very difficult to staff schools here in the middle of nowhere and because he has industry experience he will teach one VET IT class three days a week. He is very excited and will also do some general IT work for the school.
Anyway, will keep you all posted as the year goes on. Our adventure has well and truly begun!
Love
Georgie xxxx
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