Suthlak News

Summer Holidaze……..

By editor | 2011/08/16 18:37 Posted in Coordinators Report, Zeal | Comments Off

The students are due to start school next week, and by all accounts are looking forward to the experience. Things are very quiet on the home front, with most of the Zeal students away with family on the last weeks of summer break. It has been hot, but they are all having a great time. Lynda has been in touch with each of them and they sent her the following reports………

Ellen – I’m not homesick yet, but what I miss most is my mum’s cooking, my bedroom with my double bed, and my puppy Bindi. I have been to Colorado Springs, the Air force Academy and Seven falls. I am away at the moment in Washington and doing lots of typical sightseeing, my favorite so far is the Museum of Natural History. Heading off to New York next…… can’t wait to start school.

Olivia is loving the shopping and how cheap everything is, and the fact that both Riley and Emmy can drive. I hate the time difference and I am missing Australian food. The other day we went to Leadville, which is 5,000 feet even higher than Lakewood and altitude sickness kinda sucked. She has been through Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. She has now been in Indiana for 2 weeks staying with grandma and at the lake house with Carol’s family.

Khai is loving it all – seeing snow, shopping at Wal-Mart and Costco, yellow school buses and fire hydrants……… and tons of awesome stuff……. a Broncos training day with Brigit and Erin, to the cabin in the mountains, a metal music festival……. is on his way to San Francisco…… likes everything and dislikes nothing!!!

Simon is recovering from a camping trip to Wyoming, spending time at waterworld, and meeting all of Megans friends……. loves the cereal

A long newsy letter from Erin – she is getting along really well with Taylor and they have been shopping a lot!!! Loves being part of a big family and although normally a cold weather girl, is loving the weather and the lack of humidity. She is missing her dogs and her room at home, but is starting to make her new room, her own.

Brigit is having a ball roadtriping through Wyoming and South Dakota.

They have all just got together (except for Khai who is still away) for a Liaison dinner – sounds like they all had fun catching up with each others adventures.

Meanwhile parents at home are surviving. Judy and Colin Jeffery put on a wonderful BBQ dinner for our TGTG dinner on July 26. This coincided with the arrival of the Zeal wine from the fundraising. Another get together is in the wind for the end of the month…….

More Photos have been posted on the Zeal page on facebook.

(adapted from Lynda’s August 2011 Co-ordinators Report)

Missed it by that much…………

By editor | 2011/07/19 14:20 Posted in Coordinators Report, Zeal | Comments Off

The Zeal students finished off their fundraising events with a Trivia night and silent Auction on Saturday 25th June, and another car wash at Menai Salvation Army on Saturday 2nd July. Their Toastmasters graduation was held on Wednesday 22nd June at Miranda RSL. This year instead of the usual “Australiana” topics, they were given the topic “what excites me”………. We all heard lots of things to laugh about – they were all well spoken, with Olivia and Erin speaking on the students behalf.

No plain sailing for the Zeal(ots) either, with the logo embroidered on the boys suits having to be removed and redone, and the wording on the girls jackets having to be changed. Just when I thought that was settled, when the students and parents went into the US Consulate to apply for their J-1 visa, their DS2019 forms were rejected. Several frantic days spent emailing and organizing new visas to be sent over – trying to deal with the US State Department certainly had it challenges.

The Mayoral Farewell was held last Wednesday 13th July followed by dinner with family and friends and members of the Sister City Committee. The students spoke well, looked great and the Mayor wore his “chains” for the occasion. A fabulous cake was made by Brigit and her sister Demi with a friend drawing a great cartoon caricature of the group.

We were lucky enough to have the Kingsford Smith room at the airport for a final farewell and a reasonably good check-in with the kids. After a 5am phone call to tell me that all was well and they were on the way to American Airlines to catch the flight, it was a surprise when I was sent a text message from Chris B to say that the kids had missed the flight. Immediately after this I had a call from Angie (one of the US Coordinators) to say that the kids had missed their connecting flight to Denver. Confusion reigned for some hours while things were sorted. She contacted American Airlines regarding the fact that these were all minors and unaccompanied and one was a diabetic. None of this made any difference and the best option for the kids was to split up into 2 groups of 3 and go standby for the next 2 flights. Olivia, Ellen and Simon finally arrived in Denver after dinner and Khai, Erin and Brigit arrived just on midnight. Their luggage had arrived early in the day on the original flight. As you can imagine lots of facebook messages and phone calls back and forth – an early start for us, but a very long day for the American families and the US Co-coordinators with trips back and forth to the airport. A big thank you for all your efforts and patience.

The final information regarding this, is that for a variety of reasons, it took 4 hours for the kids to clear customs and immigration, and so by the time they arrived at the departure gate the flight was closed and they would not allow them onto the flight. They had been booked through from Sydney with seat allocation, but were considered “no shows” at the time of boarding. With the number of passengers on these A380 flights, it may well be that 4 hours is not enough time between flights and we may have to ensure that 5 or 6 hours is allowed for transit times between flights.

Tired but happy students were all in bed by 2am – a very long time since leaving Sydney. They all had a great welcome BBQ with the Lakewood Sister City committee, Liaison students and families and the Zeal families on Sunday the 16th July. All the Zeal families looked great in their brightly coloured Zeal t-shirts………………………

More Photos have been posted on the Zeal page on facebook.

(adapted from Lynda’s July 2011 Co-ordinators Report)

Planes, Trains & Automobiles……

By editor | 2011/07/16 14:23 Posted in Coordinators Report, Prodigy | Comments Off

It has been a very busy time for the last few weeks with the departure the American Prodigy and imminent departure of the Australian Zeal students.

A final meeting with the Prodigy students was held on Tuesday, 28^th June, just prior to leaving for Cairns. They signed out of school on Thursday 30^th June, with the majority having sealed copies of their final school reports. I have contacted Inaburra to have a sealed copy sent to Kelly. Engadine High School will also send a copy for Evan.

Despite an early arrival at Sydney Airport for our departure to Cairns, it was not smooth sailing with us finally being off-loaded due to the flight being overbooked. This combined with the fact that the students were not linked together in the flight, or the flight linked to the international flight home, meant a large portion of time dealing with the luggage situation – with all students having a full weight of 23+kg x 2 bags each.

I have discussed with Qantas, how it was possible to be bumped off a flight when the tickets were purchased 12 months ago in the US but it comes down to the basic value paid for the ticket – although had the flight been linked to their international flights it may have perhaps saved us. All our luggage had to be removed from the tarmac before we were shuttled to the Airport ‘Mecure’ hotel for the night.

Despite this disappointment, the kids were ‘quite excited’ to be in such nice surroundings and all piled into Eric’s bed to watch a movie. After the emotional day and early morning start, it wasn’t long before they all headed off to bed, following a very nice seafood buffet for dinner.

Business Class proved to be a big hit – with a request that all future flights be business class, please. Despite this, it meant that by the time we arrived in Cairns and made several trips to the hotel with luggage, we had lost most of our first day in Cairns. Luckily it was the one day that no activities had been booked and paid for. Over the next 5 days we had good, warm and sunny weather with the usual daily tropical rain shower. After the airport we headed up to Kuranda but were too late for the sky rail or train, but instead rode the army ducks, held koalas and headed off to the night markets for dinner and some shopping. We had 1 full day out on the outer ribbon reef with snorkeling, semi-submersible boats and lots of other activities. Jeanette had a dive with the underwater helmets, which she highly recommended. Kelly, who was not a swimmer when she arrived in Australia, spent a long time in the water snorkeling with a noodle to assist her. An early start on Wednesday, as we headed up to the Daintree – stopping off for a ‘crocodile river’ cruise before continuing up to Cape Tribulation to go “jungle surfing” (zip lining above the trees). It is fairly new, and the first time any of our students have done this – one of the best things that we did while we were away. Our last day was spent on Green Island with the sun shining, we spent our time sun baking, snorkeling, visiting the aquarium and crocs, and eating.

Despite the 3am start to head home, all the students looked great in their uniforms. Again with the flights not being linked, we were only able to book the luggage through to Sydney. All going well, until the pilot announced that the plane was overloaded and that luggage was being removed. And yes, of course 4 of the bags belonging to Tai, Jennifer and Kelly were off-loaded in Cairns. The 5 hours between flights was taken up with organizing luggage to be forwarded to Denver, catching the train to the International terminal and trying to get the kids seating at least close to each other for the flight home. Eventually the kids boarded their flight and had an uneventful journey home to be met by their much relieved families.

The delayed luggage finally arrived 3 days later (Pity about the wet beach towels and swimsuits), with Kelly’s new suitcase bought in Cairns on the last night totally destroyed in the journey home. Fortunately she had kept the receipt and Qantas will pay for the bag.

Photos of the Prodigy students in Cairns can be seen on a “glog” page, accessed via the Zeal facebook page or by clicking here.

(adapted from Lynda’s July 2011 Co-ordinators Report)

“Flat out like a lizard drinking….”

By editor | 2011/06/21 12:41 Posted in Coordinators Report, Prodigy, Zeal | Comments Off

Our American Prodigy students have only a short time left here in Sydney – in 11 days they will be flying home via 6 days in Cairns. This last month has been a very busy time for them, with half-yearly school exams now completed, and an exciting time in Uluru and Alice Springs.

Friday 27th May saw the 5 US Prodigy students and our ever cheerful Coordinators Lynda and Larni head off to Uluru for a very busy and enjoyable 6 days. Sounds of Silence dinner, walking the base of Ayers Rock and the various walks and waterholes, a dot painting workshop and talk at the Cultural Centre, walks through the Olga’s, Camels to Sunrise trip with breakfast at the camel station, a 30 minute helicopter flight over Ayers Rock and Katu Juta, a walk to the top of the rock, and many and varied photo stops along the way.

We had a very early start on Monday 30th – driving to Kings Canyon – stopping for a valley walk and then onto Alice Springs. A great time was had by all with feeding the Rock Wallabies – lots of baby joeys in pouches and very friendly wallabies. Alice Springs also included visits to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, The School of the Air, and a long day visiting, Ormaston Gorge, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big hole, the Ochre pits and driving through the McDonald Ranges. Just about gorged/chasmed/canyonned out, we finished off our days in Alice Springs with a didgeridoo lesson before flying home.

Saturday 4th June was the Mayoral Ball, with Tai making her Début with Eden (Ex Kaleidoscope) as her partner. She looked lovely and certainly made the Student Exchange proud of her on the night.

Last Saturday night, June 18th, the Prodigy students held their farewell party – a Chinese banquet, karaoke and dancing kept the students, family and friends entertained, along with a DVD presentation of photo and video moments from their Australian trips here.

Final figures are available for the Australian Prodigy account with all families due to receive a refund of approx $115 each. Final arrangements have not been made at this stage for the refund cheque to be sent. All finances with the Prodigy group will be settled in its entirety as soon as possible after the completion of the Cairns trip.

We have a student meeting called for next Tuesay 28th June to discuss the Cairns trip, school reports, and final details of signing out of school. The students last day of school will be Thursday 30th June. They will be reminded that they have to officially sign out of school, return school books and any other outstanding fees, and have a signed, sealed copy of their school report to hand in when they arrive home. This will be Kellys last week of school, as she is attending Inaburra School and they have an extended holiday break at this time.

Students and families are reminded that the departure on Sunday 3rd July requires full uniform for both the Australian and American students. Students will be required to be at the airport at 11.30am for a 1.25 pm departure on QF926. They will be taking all their luggage with them to Cairns and this will be booked through to Denver via Sydney on the return flight home on Friday 8th United Flight 840 departing Sydney 1350. Hopefully our current volcanic dust cloud will have dissipated by then allowing all flights to be on time and trouble free.

They have been busy as a group with their fundraising, still selling chocolates, and Community chest raffle tickets. They held a very successful car wash on Saturday 21st May at the Menai Salvation Army church grounds, followed up by a movie night on Monday 23rd May at Miranda for the newly released 3D movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

The 2011-12 Zeal students have their Toastmasters Graduation tomorrow night at Miranda RSL. The spokespersons for the group are Olivia and Erin. All are welcome to hear their final presentations and watch them graduate.

Visa interviews with the US consulate are taking place this week, and now all final paperwork has been completed for their visas. A large number of Zeal students and their families attended the Prodigy farewell and are looking forward to catching up with their Liaisons in July. Sunday 19th June a wine tasting evening was held at Lucas Heights community school. There are still order forms available for wine to be ordered – a great selection of Australian reds, white and sparkling are on offer.

Coming up for their final few weeks at home, they have a Trivia night and Silent Auction on Saturday 25th June at Jannali HS. $10 at the door, plenty of tables and tickets left if you would like to join in a great night of fun and prizes and a chance to grab a bargain.

Saturday 2nd July there will be another car wash at Menai from 7.30am. Have the car washed and vacuumed while enjoying a BBQ of egg and bacon rolls or a coffee and muffin.

Wednesday 13th July is the Official Mayoral Farewell of the Zeal group. 5.30pm at the Council chambers, followed by dinner…details yet to be confirmed. I passed on a request from parents and students that the Mayor wears all his official garments at the farewell – especially for photos…..this request has been passed on to the Mayor

Saturday 16th July, 6 Zeal students depart for Denver via L.A. You are invited to join us at the airport to farewell Erin, Olivia, Brigit, Ellen, Simon and Khai on their 6 month adventure to Colorado.

(adapted from Lynda’s June 2011 Co-ordinators Report)

“And the winner is Sidinee”

By editor | 2011/04/04 19:02 Posted in Recruitment, Zeal | Comments Off

Well the applicants have applied, the speeches have been spoken, the process has been processed, and the selectors have selected. Both Lakewood and Sutherland have now finalized their selection process and all will be revealed at the pairings event to be held at Lakewood Reserve at Bonnet Bay this coming Saturday morning the 9th of April 2011.

The successful applicants on both sides of the exchange have been notified and have started the long (actually far too short……) preparation and fund raising process to be ready for the Australians departure date of 16th July 2011.

This year we had 10 Australian applicants and it was a huge job to run them all through the hoops of the selection process. A big thankyou to all the applicants and their families, we would love to accept all the applicants but we are limited by the available spaces in the program.

An even bigger thankyou to this years selection panel who put in a huge effort to churn through the applications, it’s a lot of work but is a rewarding experience. Also a special thankyou to Gooyong Scouts who provided their Scout Hall on the Woronora River as one of the selection venues.

Liasion Weekend (rain, rain go away…..)

By editor | 2011/03/28 19:50 Posted in Prodigy | Comments Off

The last weekend of March saw the US Prodigy students, their Liasion families and the ever enthusiastic coordinators make the annual pilgrimage to “sunny” Nelson Bay. Even though it rained heavily most of Friday night and some of Saturday morning, the Dolphin cruise proceeded and neither the dophins nor the watersport participants seemed to be concerned by the wind and intermittent squalls.

Return to port, lunch, a visit to the movies, a retreat to “The Retreat” a quick visit and slide to the nearby sand dunes, bbq and campfire saw Saturday out. Sunday morning saw all the kids and some of the parents and coordinators head off on a 2 hour sea kayaking adventure (where the dolphins were again sighted at close quarters).

Not particularly good weather for photography but here are a few samples from the weekend for your pleasure. (Thanks Larni)

The Americans are on their way!!!

By editor | 2011/01/21 20:50 Posted in Prodigy | Comments Off

The U.S. Prodigy students are on their way, Jennifer, Tai, Kelly, Evan and Eric have left San Francisco and are currently (as of 21/1/2011) somewhere over the Pacific Ocean heading our way. We are all looking forward to their safe arrival in Sydney before really starting their Australian adventure.

Tai’s parents Andy and Deb have kindly sent us a couple of photos taken as they left Denver Airport.

Hang on to your hat, here we go againnnnn……….

By editor | 2010/11/26 10:54 Posted in Recruitment | Comments Off

Well, it’s that time of year again, yes, time to start recruiting for next years exchange program!!! So it’s on with the spruikers hat and away we go.

We sucessfully held our first information night at the Sutherland Shire Council chambers on Tuesday 23rd of November. There was a good attendance with nine prospective applicants with parents in tow, who were very eager to discover the finer points of the exchange program. It was pleasing to see an almost even balance with 4 boys and 5 girls.

The night was presented by our exchange coordinator Lynda who was ably assisted by 4 of the Kaleidoscope group, and a multimedia presentation. I think many of the prospective applicants questions were answered and we look forward to their particpation in the selection process.

Remember our next information night is on Tuesday 8th of February 2011 at the council chambers, hopefully the current exchange “Prodigy” group (both Australians and Americans) should be in attendance to answer your questions. In the meantime application forms are available on our download page, or you can contact 95432505 for more information.

Cold and getting colder……..

By editor | 2010/11/25 20:16 Posted in Prodigy | Comments Off

You know winter is well and truely on the way when Thanksgiving has arrived and there has been the odd snowfall or two. The realities of living in a cold climate will slowly be sinking into the Aussie Prodigies. Time to throw another log on the fire!!!

I did a quick search on the Net to find out how many turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving dinners in the US, the figures ran from 45 million to 300 million!!!!!! That’s a heck of a lot of turkeys!!!! I suppose the moral of the story is it’s better to be a goose than a turkey, at least at thanksgiving…..

300 million turkeys??????? What do you do with 600 million left over turkey feet??????. No, don’t tell me, I don’t think I really want to know…….

Prodigy Group Survives Halloween Sugar Hit!!

By editor | 2010/11/01 15:29 Posted in Prodigy | Comments Off

Wikipedia tells us that Halloween is an annual holiday observed on October the 31st. It has it’s roots in the Celtic festival Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints’ Day but is today largely a secular celebration.

Common Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, wearing costumes and attending costume parties, carving jack-o’-lanterns, ghost tours, bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, committing pranks, telling ghost stories or other frightening tales and watching horror films.

In reality it is actually a competition to collect huge amounts of “candy” . The winner seems to be the person who manages to collect and consume their own body weight in sugar in the shortest possible time……… would Sir like a wafer thin afterdinner mint with that? Somehow I think the real winners may in fact be the “confectionary companies” but I’m sure lots of fun was had by one and all. Mind you the pumpkins seemed to have got the raw end of the deal……..