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 .
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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