November and December

We were able to extend our hire car to enjoy showing Yvonne and Greg the sights of Nadi. Simon took them to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant and Yvonne was able to visit several Kinders and Schools. They were fascinated with her IPad. An amazing item of technology which intrigued the children and teachers alike.
Yvonne and I were able to attend a Rotary Meeting and she was able to hand over a token from her Keilor East Club in Melbourne. They were keen to form an association of some type, between clubs. We celebrated Diwali on Nov 5th in the classroom with my APTC students with two guest ( former students) Nalini and Mohenesh, explaining the significance of such a festival for Hindus around the world. We shared dinner and I was able to wear a Salwar Kameez ( photo to come later )
Greg and Simon went shopping for our own fireworks, which was a real novelty as they are of course banned in most of Australia. For many nights we went to sleep listening to the continual fireworks. The colours and visual effects are spectacular, and we had lots of fun ! just like youngsters again ! They seem such a waste and pollute the environment, but are most appealing and we did enjoy ourselves ! We farewelled the Osborns on Sat morning 5th Nov, so we had crammed many events into one week.
We received sad news that our Godmother , Auntie Vera Morgan had passed away on Sunday 7th November. She was 93 and had a wonderful full life. We cherish the many memories of her kindness and the fact that she was genuinely interested in what we were doing in our lives. She never missed our Birthdays. Such a special person and it is times like this, when I feel so disappointed that I cannot jump in the car to attend the funeral. I feel so removed...on such an occasion.
In mid November , we met up with a old friend of Simon's brother Phil, who is also called Greg, Greg Taylor. He has lived and worked in Fiji for 15 years, first at one island and now as Manager of the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu. We each knew about our existence in Fiji but had not touched base for the 2 years we had been there. He invited us to come to resort and we arranged it for early December.
APTC Co-ordination Office staff organized an Alumni Group BBQ Evening for the Western ex students of Fiji, stretching from Rakiraki down to Sigatoka. This group will meet each term and they elected Mohenesh to represent the Western Group.
The last few weeks of November I completed assignments towards my Diploma of Vocational Education and Training Practice and was successful. I have one more to complete in early 2011.
In addition I finished all my marking for my International students. Several were a little tardy, but we finally were able to deem them ALL competent for the classroom work and for tasks in the workplace. A wonderful achievement for the 18 students.
First Aid was one of the last competencies along with Care for Babies. A film crew from Box Hill Institute visited our classroom, which was an interesting experience for all of us.
The weather forecast threatened a cyclone, however it remained a tropical depression and did not develop further, thank goodness. Just LOTS of rain ! The staff from treasure House was able to bring several REAL babies for care for Babies, much more fun than just with our dolls ( which the students christened Romeo and Juliet )
On Thursday 25th Nov, we hosted a "Thank You" Afternoon Tea for our Host Kindergarten Staff. Each country group of students performed a song and dance in appreciation of everyone's generosity of time and knowledge.
Earlier that day I was invited to be Chief Guest by Namaka Public Kindergarten at the Nadi Town Hall. I felt like the Queen and received another beautiful Salusalu.
It was somewhat daunting walking into the hall filled with many excited children and family members ( 80 families ) Lots of Aunties, Grandparents and friends were present to witness the Kinder Graduation , complete with tiny gowns and mortar boards !
I shook their small hands and handed over their glossy certificates of Kinder Achievement.
Five days later I attended the Lautoka Special School end of year celebrations and once again presented certificates. It gave me such pleasure to hand one to Aliti, who resides at Treasure House orphanage and we had organized her schooling at the Special School.
We flew to Savusavu on Vanua Levu on Fri 3rd Dec to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary ( not bad for a blind date eh ? ) It was rather scary when I realized just how petite the plane was to Savusavu with only 12 passengers... the smallest plane I had ever been in.... Surprisingly it was a very smooth flight and we landed safely. I was able to visit a local village Kindergarten and see the Kids Club facilities at the resort. We relaxed in luxurious surroundings and dined on scrumptious foods, due to Greg's generosity . We can highly recommend this exquisite place.
Sunday, we flew to Suva for next week to attend the Biennial National Conference of the Fiji Early Childhood Association. It was held at the Adi Cakabau Boarding School north of Suva and Simon drove me out there each morning and picked me up each afternoon in the hire car. Nice to have a personal chauffeur as usually I am the driver in the College car !
I presented 2 workshops and participated in many others. There were inspiring keynote speakers and numerous networking opportunities. I counted 16 APTC graduates, among 350 participants from all over Fiji and some other Pacific countries. Simon was able to visit our favourite shop in Suva " Cost-u-less" to stock up on our much loved nibbles and other goodies.
We returned to Nadi on Thursday afternoon ready for my student break up party on Mala Mala island on Friday 10th Dec. Fortunate the weather was very sunny and we had a splendid day together, swimming, snorkeling and they tried to teach me basket weaving.
Sunday our students from Federated States of Micronesia were the first group to fly home . This was a new experience for me, to farewell them at the Nadi Airport , as I had previously only taught the local Fijian students. Early Tuesday morning it was the Kiribati students and then later in the morning the Tuvaluan group. I felt sad to see them go. but very pleased with what we had all achieved together in the short time we spent together.
Then it was our turn to leave, to come home for Christmas and have a holiday break. As I write this blog entry, I now only have 8 sleeps until I return to Fiji and Simon will return in late January. I have a new group of students undertaking the Diploma of Children's Services and apparently they are a mixed group of Fijian students and from other Pacific Islands. A new year and a new challenge. It feels different this time though... I know that I am returning home on June 24th at the end of my teaching contract with APTC. That in itself sounds final. What the future holds ? I am unsure... I have been so fortunate to be part of this amazing Aus Aid Project and to work with such wonderful staff and students for 2 years now. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity and I intend to make the most of these last phase. Vinaka vaka levu .

OCTOBER 2010

On October 10th it was Fiji Day, a National celebration of their independence form colonial rule. Many activities were planned around town. The same weekend, we met with Julie and Ken, wonderful long time friends of my sister Yvonne and her husband Greg. Julie and Ken were on route from USA and sopped over in Fiji for a few days. Great to see them both and share a few evenings together. We had the beginning of Daylight saving in Fiji so really have to consider the time difference when Skyping the family at home in Oz.
The students were progressing well with their competencies and with their work placement.
I taught a new competency titled "Develop a program towards sustainable practice" . This was included as an Elective in Cert 3 and as this topic is very important to me, I found it most satisfying to finally have time specifically devoted to this vital area of interest. To reinforce the sustainability policies and practices I arranged an excursion to "Koroipita " which is a model Village just north of Lautoka ,Fiji . It was the vision of a local Rotary member to create a village where people lived in low-maintenance housing , grew most of their own food, had a rainwater tank, recycled everything and where no dogs were allowed in the village. He enlisted help from International Rotary clubs, mostly from Australia and New Zealand and many groups volunteer their services to build these sustainable "Rotahomes". Many streets in the village are named after the Rotary clubs who have assisted in the construction.
I was invited to speak at a Parent Evening at a local Kindergarten regarding Positive Parenting Techniques, which was most interesting. We exchanged cultural differences and how that influences expectations and behaviour. These Parent Evenings are becoming more common in Kindergartens, as communities wish to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Our daughter Lauren arrived in Fiji on 18th October for 2 weeks vacation. She had not seen our new accommodation and continued her nightly vigil of "gecko numbers" around the outside of our home. I think the record was 27 ! She LOVES geckos and the "clicking " noise they make as they catch and gobble insects ! She and Simon enjoyed each other's company travelling around the sights of Nadi in a hire car. She was keen to see the changes since her visit in June 2009.
My sister Yvonne and brother in law Greg arrived on Sat. 30th Oct, overlapping with Lauren by one night. However, it was fine as we all travelled to Rakiraki on the northern coast of Viti Levu for a wonderful weekend of good company, bowling, food and wine. It was extremely hot and we all became a little sun kissed ! Lauren flew home on Sunday evening 31st. It was so good to have her here once again. She fell in love with the young puppy "Peanut", who belongs to our neighbours. He misses her company.

August - September 2010

On 1st August we celebrated Simon's Birthday at out new unit, with friends and work colleagues. It was a combined birthday and "house warming" gathering.
We shared delicious "party food" which included scrumptious Orange cupcakes ( Simon's favourite). This year, 2011, it will be the Big 60 ! mmmmm.... we will be back here by then, so will need to decide how to celebrate this special milestone.
At APTC, we arranged a meeting on August 3rd, for the students and host Kindergarten staff to meet each other. This was a special time for me too, to meet up with my previous students who were now acting as mentors to my Overseas group ( Certificate 3 in Children Services) .
The very next day, they began Placement and need to accumulate approx 150 hours of work placement time during the next few months. Many were nervous, but excited to see their new Kinder environments, forging close relationships with the children, staff and families.
On a personal note, we enjoyed a weekend at the first ever Country Music festival in Fiji . It was held at one of our favourite spots, The Hideaway Resort on the Coral Coast. I met Bill Chambers, Casey's Dad and he signed a few posters for me !
This was the beginning of the Bed Bug problems too. Several of our students were affected and were most uncomfortable ! We sought medical assistance and alerted the Hotel .
During this month, we were contacted or visited by representatives from the 3 countries to ensure their students had settled into the course. Everything was progressing well. It was quite different teaching students who also lived together, as they had many discussion opportunities outside class time, so I needed to re-think my teaching strategies.
We were hearing snippets of news from Australia regarding the Federal Election and then the "waiting game " to learn that Australia had its first female Prime Minister ! Julia Gillard.
I made a batch of 30 jars of my Tomato Relish which was enjoyed by this new group of students, as much as my previous students. They especially loved it with cheese and dry biscuits !
As I had just finished bottling it, I received a phone call form the students to say that one of them was desperately ill ! Jim called for me ( commenting on my new "Relish" perfume which had permeated my clothing ) and we took her to the Doctor. She was hospitalized in Lautoka and later had fibroids removed. We visited her each day, taking 4 different classmates each day. A traumatic experience for everyone, but successful. A teddy, she named Rupert, kept her company.
I was able to attend the Annual TAFE Child Care Teacher's Conference back in Melbourne for 3 days, in early September. It was held this year at Box Hill Institute and it was wonderful to see everyone again. The inspirational keynote speaker was an absolute surprise, Greg Page, the former Yellow Wiggle. We were also recruiting for a staff member to teach Children's Services in Suva for 6 months in Semester One in 2011.
Susana Daurewa, one of our local APTC staff members, taught the students in my absence.
On Sept 18th we, celebrated the APTC Graduation at the Tanoa Hotel. 20 Students graduated with the Diploma of Children's services, the first ever group in Fiji and 23 graduated with the Certificate 3 in Children's services. Simon and I felt like a proud Mum and Dad. It was a very auspicious occasion with many staff attending from Melbourne APTC office and many early childhood dignitaries from Fiji .
It was APTC holidays for one week. Simon and I enjoyed a weekend away on a Blue Lagoon cruise to the Yasawa Islands. This event was unique as there is little spare time. We met some interesting people and were amply fed !
Later that week we made the most of 2 days at the Intercontinental Hotel at Natadola and played golf together. This too is becoming a favourite spot in Fiji.

WAY BEHIND IN MY POSTS !

It is now Jan 2 2011 and I feel very embarrassed that I have not added to my Blog since last July. I am currently home in Melbourne, Australia for a few weeks break, before heading back to Fiji for the last 6 months of my contract with APTC. What started out as a 6 months stint will then be a two and a half year stint ! That is because everyone has been so supportive of my decision to teach in another country, with the wonderful, welcoming people of Fiji.
What I will do is add a monthly account of happenings, and then when I return to Fiji and have access to my photos, I will be able to add those to the Blog
On July 19th I met my new students from the 3 Pacific countries. What a pleasure to meet them all and I felt immediately that we would have a wonderful time together. It was most evident to witness the individual characters, within a wide age range of students. Their eagerness and warmth towards me and APTC staff was clearly apparent.
The first few weeks consisted of Orientation days,Kinder excursions, a yummy picnic, along with activities to "get to know each other ", however, many already knew each other. It was a case of the 3 country groups becoming familiar with each other. This was made easier as they were all living at the same hostel style accommodation at SKY LODGE , which is part of the Tanoa group of Hotels. They attended class together and lived together for the entire 6 months. The only time spent apart was for the 2 days per week of work placement and then they mostly attended the Kinders in pairs or threes, depending on the size of the Kinder.
Each year, in July Fiji celebrates National Pre-School Week and it was great that our students could be part of this, so early in their course . Many made flower garlands and dressed in their traditional costumes.
Two of our students had vision difficulties and Jim ( Country Manager ) and I were able to organize testing and the acquisition of glasses to assist them. This was life changing for them both and for one in particular, had never been able to see so clearly before and was now 34 years old. They were most grateful and one learned to email his wife and speak "online" most days which could never have happened without the stronger glasses. This is what makes it so rewarding, to witness such joy.
I was also asked to speak about the APTC courses at the Tourist Association of Fiji and the need for qualified staff in the resorts with Police clearances. A very busy first 2 weeks of their course.

So much has happened in a few months !

Bula Everyone
It is a very long time since I wrote an entry on my Blog, but have kept people informed of our travels via Facebook.
April 11th was the last addition. Since then life has been wonderfully frantic, as my 43 students approached the last 2 months of their courses. As I write this, I have a few who are still minor tasks to submit.... a little late ! but hopefully will be able to graduate along with their classmates on Sept 18th here in Fiji.
In May I welcomed Marian Wilkinson from APTC office in Melbourne to assist me with Student assessment visits, she travelled to Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Suva, whilst I visited everyone around Nadi, and continuing to teach both the Cert 3 and Diploma groups and mark assignments !

Simon saw me briefly for meals before I worked for another three or four hours in the evenings after class ! Thankfully the 16 to 18 hour days are behind us now.
In late April, we shared time with some Hickson cousins from Sydney, who were holidaying in Denerau. Great to see them over here. Then on Mother's Day we shared lunch ( again on Denerau) with a delightful Girton school friend, Ekko Mitchell.

Christopher arrived on May 14th to spend time with us, as well as adventuring out to several islands in the Yasawa Group. It was nice to spend my Birthday with him too, enjoying Chinese at a new restaurant. We also enjoyed a Japanese meal too, whilst he was here. We took him to the north of the Island to Rakiraki and he and Simon spent a night in Suva, so he saw much more of the Fiji area than last year's visit. He left on the 30th May to return to Melbourne at the beginning of WINTER !
The next day we MOVED house ! My most supportive and loving Simon did 90% of the packing and organization for the move as I was caught up with work commitments. We are closer to work, but do not have a pool.... I miss my swims, but continue to walk each morning, this time near the airport, watching the planes land and take off, whilst humming along to my IPod for about 3kms ! Such a great place to live and work... I still pinch myself each day and feel so privileged to have this opportunity.
Lauren plans to come over in the next few months, before it becomes too hot again. It is very dry at present and cooler at night, about 22. Perfect sleeping weather. Day time is about 27 degrees. She will like our new place, the kitchen bench is about 4 metres long ! something we have never HAD in 34 years of wedded bliss !
For the rest of June, I spent many hours continuing to mark assignments and finalize results. We shared very memorable last classes with the Cert 3 students and then the Diploma students. The latter ones, have been together for 18 months , twice per week, so the bonds they have formed are very strong and hope will be lifelong friendships. Many of my current close friends I met at Kindergarten Teacher's College in 1973 ! wow ! you have to say that date quickly !
Simon and I flew home to Melbourne on June 26th for about 2 weeks. I worked in at Box Hill TAFE for the first week, entering my students' results and catching up with staff. Great to be home with our lovely family again. But, what a change in weather !
We shared many lunches, dinners, morning teas and Simon caught up with golfing mates.
Lauren and I spent an afternnon at the Melbourne Zoo, something we have not done for amny years ! one is never to old to goo and gaa at the animals, especially the delightful baby elephant, Mali. ( the subject of another Blog entry I feel)
On July 14th it was time to return to our second home... the stunning land of Fiji and the amazing people. We are continually drawn back. My contract for 6 months is being continually extended as I cannot imagine not teaching and living here.
Tomorrow, I have a new group of students. This time it will be different as I have a different delivery mode. I will teach all day Monday, Tuesday and Friday and on Wednesday and Thursday, they will go into a local Kindergartens ( with my previous students) for placement experience. I will visit them as often as I can and then asses them, twice in the 6 month Certificate 3 of Children's Services course. They have left their Kindergartens and their families,in their own Pacific countries to come to study full time in Fiji. My previous students were all part time and from Fiji. These have travelled from Federated Sates of Micronesia, Kiribati and Tuvalu. I am sure to learn a great deal from them all and I am very excited to meet everyone.

Our 2nd Easter in Fiji .....

After visiting and assessing several students in Suva area last week, we (and the car ) boarded the ferry on Easter Thursday afternoon called " Spirit of Harmony" headed for Levuka on the east coast of Ovalau. It was pouring rain and the ferry was delayed for 3 hours ! So our spirits were not very harmonious !
However, we were still excited to finally arrive on the west side of the island at Buresala and then drive in the heavy rain for an hour in the pitch black, around the coastal road ( only one road ) to Levuka. Our accommodation was at the Royal Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Fiji ! We had booked one of their cottages with a sea view !
It was somewhat basic and a little "tired" in appearance , but felt homey and the staff were most welcoming and helpful. Good Friday was good weather and from then on it deteriorated , ending spectacularly with an electrifying thunderstorm on our last night, Sunday night !
Friday was spent sightseeing, by walking around the historical township, capturing on camera the many old church and school buildings. We were intrigued by the elaborate deep, colonial style drainage system, which worked a treat a few nights later ! We climbed the 199 steps to the Mission and saw where the Deed of Cession was signed. The museum was small , but fascinating , the exquisite buttons made from local pearl shells, particularly caught my eye. There is a large fish cannery PAFCO which was set up to be the economic base for Levuka and Ovalau for the past 40 years or so, employing over 1,000 people ! These products are exported world wide !
The Sacred Heart Church in the main street, just down from our hotel, housed a rare antique French clock which struck on the hour, each hour of the night and day, twice each time ! Once, then one minute later in case you missed it the first time ! most unusual and a little "off putting" in the wee hours of the morning ! We spent hours on our cottage veranda, reading and chatting to the lovely Levuka people and a few other tourists as they wandered past. We met a delightful German couple, Charlotte and Gerhard, and shared our last evening with them during the storm. We had no power in the town or water ( in the pipes) I waded through knee deep water to our cottage, by torchlight, using Simon's large golf umbrella, to gather a few bits and pieces for dinner. I found cheese, pickled onions, local avocado and dry biscuits, along with a few Easter treats for the four of us for our picnic style dinner. We washed these down by candlelight in the main hotel with a few cold wines ! Just amazing ! It rained heavily for about 4 hours from 5.00pm until about 9 pm. The main street of Levuka was like a river ! One of the local wise hotel staff had predicted it at 4.30pm saying to us " big rain coming soon" and it sure did ! The next morning we had to be at the wharf by 4.00am to catch the ferry back to the mainland. We will fondly remember our adventurous Easter in Levuka. Simon is now back in Australia and I return next Sunday for a week.
The weather is becoming a little milder here.... but only slightly. The swimming pool water is cooler and more refreshing now... Just love being able to come home after work and have a "dip" before dinner!

We are safe ...

Bula everyone,
Thank you to our family and friends who were concerned for our safety recently during Cyclone Tomas. It's path was uncertain at first, however, it soon became clear that it would effect the outer islands and perhaps the Suva side of Fiji. The devastation is enormous and many of the islands will never be the same. We experienced heavy rain and some strong winds for a brief period, but not as fierce as Cyclone Mick last December.
The past few weeks have been extremely busy with our friend and work colleague, Bambi joining us here in Nadi. It was a "talk fest" and Simon was caught in the middle ! tried to get a word in occasionally, but gave up and went back to the challenging crosswords and stalking insects ! However, we were able to show Bambi some of our favourite views, beaches, restaurants etc, combining it with many student assessment visits and team teaching classes.
Simon and I headed north of Nadi for 3 days to Tavua and into the interior of Fiji to the villages of Waikubukubu and Nadrau to assess students, whilst Bambi taught my class. The roads were very rocky, narrow and a slippery due to heavy rain. Thank goodness for the 4 wheel drive ! Simon shared the driving as it required very close concentration for 3 hour stints ! The scenery however in the mountainous interior of Fiji was stunning ! I had only seen it from the air previously and was captivated by the "kodak" calendar type views at every turn ! Simon took over 300 shots in the few days. Thank goodness for digital cameras. We were warmly welcomed into both villages and treated to kava ceremonies and given gifts of appreciation of our visits. Both students travel incredibly long distances to classes and operate stimulating Kindergarten programs for the Fijian children with very few resources, as we know them.
Bambi's husband Bryce joined her for her last week here and they stayed out at Denerau Island where we joined them for golfon on one day. My game was rather rusty, but we shared a fun time together. I was still working but Simon was then able to act as a tour guide for them both down to Natadola beach ( reportedly the 7th most beautiful beach in the world) and to see the multi million dollar Inter-Continental Hotel and Golf Course ( an extremely windy place !) It was a most enjoyable time ,both professionally and personally. Bambi was able to witness the work of the APTC team and gain a better understanding of the whole Aus Aid project and I valued her professional advice and support.
Simon and I have booked a trip to Levuka on the island of Ovalau for our Easter break. Levuka was the capital of Fiji before Suva and it is very colonial in appearance, a little like Sovereign Hill in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. As we love history, I am certain that it will be a wonderful experience. Simon flies home on April 9th for 2 weeks and I follow on 18th April for one week. I am required to attend a meeting Melbourne for 3 days, however, it will also great to see our delightful family....
The weather is still very humid and oppressive at times... but it will improve soon as we are coming to the end of the cyclone season.... hopefully. The only downside of living in the tropics... otherwise... " magic" every day....