Australian power players

Australian power players

Drama in Sydney has the potential to be very exciting next year at STC. She is so much smaller and more intense in person. Usually in ballet flats and her black rimmed glasses at the Wharf. Will Upton write the next big Australian play? Let's see.....

The Architecture of Schools

Tonight we are going to a forum at the boy's school about the architecture of public schooling in NSW. This is a topic close to the heart of my family. We have been involved in public education now for close to 100 years as students and teachers.
This is my wishlist for public schools,
1. functional architecture that provisions classrooms
2. flexible architecture for school halls, assembly points and music
3. performance spaces for showcasing the talent of students
4. playgrounds that will never be crowded out by portable classrooms
4. natural settings that have plants and sports facilities
5. staffrooms that allow for technology and communication face to face
6. executive suites that welcome parents
That's not asking for too much is it - come on NSW Ministers for Education - lets get building.....

Northbridge U11s Cs

This year Tom's soccer team successfully contested the soccer grand final. The score was one all and they edged ahead to win on penalty shoot outs. It was a nail biting finish to the season..
Well done, Tom.

Tom the nature man

Tom has a natural ability at holding phasmids, stick insects. Every year we get several of them in our garden and sometimes they find their way indoors. He can always be relied on to do a phasmid rescue.

Nick's last day at Castlecrag KU Pre-school

Each of our sons has attended Castlecrag Pre-school, in 2001 Tom went, in 2003 Alex went and this year it was Nick's turn. Sue was his teacher and they do a great job.

Grandad presents his Nationals blazer to Warriewood S.L.C.

In 1958 Malcolm Kethel Simpson (31.1.1941 - ) won the following awards:
1958 ist Place Junior Boat Race
(during the Australian Tour of Her Majesty the Queen Mother)
16-2-1958 2nd Place - Bow - Junior Boat Race
1957-58 Newport S.L.S.C. Junior Boat Race Cup
NSW State Champion Junior Boat Race 1957-58

The above photos were taken at Easter 2008, when he presented his Nationals blazer to Warriewood S.L.S.C.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Year 7 are studying A Midsummer Nights Dream at J.J. Cahill Memorial H.S. As their teacher - I am happy to say that things are going very well. For homework a set design needed to be completed here are some of our very talented student's work.

Tom's Excellent Adventure

Tom has made his first 12km hike unassisted with Scouts. They followed the map and didn't get lost. I am so proud of you Tom.

Something to fill in the time

Take the Personality Type Quiz

You Are An ENFJ
The GiverYou strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed.Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections.Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down.You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine.In love, you are very protective and supporting.However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous.At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential.You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist.How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressiveWhen other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

Flowers in the Crag

Prizes for identifying the next two specimens

Fyshwick House in Winter, The Citadel

Red Grevillia
Wattle
Blueberry Ash
Banksia
Red River Gum Blossum

It's August and cold and wintery in the Crag. We are having a fire in the fireplace at night. Walking in the sunshine during the day and spending our time wintering. Tom is going winter sailing and won his section on Sunday on handicap. A storm blew up in the south west and the 30 knot wind got them over the line. Alex went to the NSW Band Competition and his Junior Band was awarded a Silver Certificate. Nick has settled in to his new daycare pre-school, and I am getting used to teaching Stage 4 English.