Week of May 14 and May 21 - Teaching Winding down, Day Sailing, The Voice

Panorama of Sailing

The past two weeks have been another two weeks were teaching has taken up much of my time.  I have had Year 7 and Year 8 for the past few weeks and recently just gave back Year 12. It's been a fun experience teaching all of the classes.  I enjoy teaching the younger years one class a day because of their enthusiasm and energy, but this experience has further confirmed my view that I would rather teach high school as opposed to middle school.  This Monday, Brittany and I will be switching schools for the day and I'll be going to her school (Normanhurst Boys) and she'll be coming to mine (Asquith Boys).  It should be a good experience for both of us, as although both of our schools are public schools, her school is a selective school meaning you have to pass an exam to get in and they only take a certain number of students.

As my teaching experience enters it's last week, it has been an unforgettable experience.  The faculty at Asquith, specifically the math department has been so welcoming and helpful throughout the experience.  I could not have asked for a better mentor teacher for my overseas experience than Jim French, and the overall department has just made the experience so comfortable and easy for me.  Although the teaching styles and school setup are different, when it comes down to it teaching kids is very similar no matter where you are, and this experience has really been a great one.

Captain Andrew

Besides the teaching there were some other highlights during the past two weeks.  Last Saturday we went spent the day sailing courtesy of Bobby and Maddie's friend Greg.  It was a beautiful day for sailing, with temperatures in the low 70s.  We set out around 8:30 am and didn't get back till 5 pm.  The only problem with the day was the lack of wind!  There was enough wind to sail the way out, but we had to motor back the way in.  We made it to place called America's Bay, which was a nice little treat, and I got to captain and steer the boat back for most of the return trip which was an added bonus. 

Joel Madden, Delta Goodrem, and Keith Urban

Last Monday, Brittany and I attended a taping of The Voice courtesy of Maddie who is the Director's Assistant for the show.  She's also been the DA for many other big shows in Australia, she's a big shot! It was another amazing experience.  It was a very impressive show and we had great seats.  It's the most popular and watched show in Australia, and has some big name judges like Seal, Keith Urban, Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem (famous Australian singer).  It's very cool to be at a live show, that millions of people across the country are watching.  After the show we got to go behind the scenes into the production truck where we met the Director and some of the other people involved in the show.  Just another thing to check off on my Australia list. 

The set of the The Voice

My parents arrive next Monday (just 8 days away!) and we'll be doing a lot of travelling then.  I can't believe I've already been here for almost 2 months.  What an experience it has been!

-Andrew

Australian Words/Phrases

Cheeky - Used to describe someone who is being a bit of smart ass or fresh

Buck's Party - Bachelor Party

Mucking Around - Fooling around, acting silly