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PAGE 13 2011 Note: The webpage design has been modified and is different to previous
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| Dad
writes:
This has been quite a remarkable year for Sam. So much has happened in his life. He is now in year six at Yarram Primary School. He was House Captain for a term, and Vice-Captain for another. His mid-year report was excellent, excelling in all subjects. He has had a much better social year with no bullying and although not always accepted by his peers for his forthright and often righteous manner, he has good mates, especially Oscar (not at Yarram Primary), and Lochlan. His music achievements have been encouraging and although he is reluctant to practice, has done very well at the Eisteddfod and in other event. He won his prestigious piano category at the Eisteddfod with an excellent rendition of Dvorak's Largo; came second in the solo vocal, the only boy entrnt and coming second to a superb young lady. He came second in the new drum section, with only two competitors, but at the expense of sounding ungracious, he should have won it with an excellent piece of precision drumming. And he played saxophone in the Yarram Secondary College concert band which on their event; and was in the Yarram Primary School choir which won. Add to this a partiupation in the hug choir at the State Schools Spectcular in September and you ould hve thought that ould be enough for the yar. But no, he was invited to play in a saxophone quartet with non other than the famou Wilbur Wilde, togther with his saxophone teacher Russel Preast, and ex Yarram Secondary student, the young master musisian Ashley Skews. His sporting achivements have been lss so as he still has terrible difficulty in running. And lacks an aggrssion that i so much reuired in most sports. But he was at the beginning of the year a team member of the winning basketball team in his league. Football was pretty odinary, but he enjoys playing. Whether he does so next year in under discussion as his running lets him down. He does well at cricket, and is looking forward to the forthcoming season. Sam hasn't has the opportunity to travel much this year, not like in previous years, although he had to trips to Noosa, both rather sad occasions as his 'big brother' Anton's Dad, my dear friend Phil, was not well and passed away. Trips to Melbourne have also been infrequent, and he misses seeing his cousin Lewis. Sam had his first try at scuba this year when he had the opportunity to do so at the Frankston swimming pool. He loved it, so that i nother avenue of activity that he wants to pursue. I think he may need to wait a year or two for that. Sam continues to read voraciously and after corresponding with his favourite author Christopher Paolini replied to him with a kind letter and a signed photo. Sam writes short stories very well, with imagination and good structure. Sam seems to absorb all that he sees and hears, and as he is never prevented from watching TV news and current event, is quick to form and express an opinion - I wonder where he gets that from - we can hardly condemn him for that! He has a kind disposition toward the underdog and has an affinity with animal protection, supporting the Save the Orangutan project and busking to raise mony for the cause. He has a social awareness far beyond his years, and an awareness of conservation and the environment - although he doesn't turn the lights off when he should! On the home-front, there are the usual arguments with Mum and Dad, but most are centred on either him not doing his music practice, and being on the computer playing Tribal Wars and the like, for too long. Perhaps a measure of tollerance is required by us parents this year, but when he is at high school next year, he will need to organise his time a lot better. All in all, it has been an interesting year for Sam, for us as parents - to see his intellectual development and growing up into a teenager. And he has a moustache already!!! Sam's
achievements during the year:
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| IN MELBOURNE WITH THE CHERICIs
and HIGGINSONs.
In January we went to Melbourne
and stayed over one night with John and Heather Higginson. They always
mak us most welcome and Health spoils me. John is a drummer and gives me
good advice and encouragement. Theur little grand-daughter was there also.
She is very nice. After on night we went ino ton and stayed in a hotel
in the city, in William Street I think it was, between Collins and
Bourke Streets. We had a great room overlooking the city. The reason we
stayed there, in town, was so we could catch up with my 'big brother' Anton
and hi mum, Lorraine Cherici. Phil was still in Noosa as he was not well.
We spent a couple of days with them and went to Docklands. The big wheel
whih we went on a few years ago is still being repaired after it buckled
in the summer heat a year ago. Mum of course did some shoe shopping. Dad
bought me Microsoft Flight simulator but he wont let me load it yet. He
said I had to be on exemplary behaviour first, whatever that means! He
did finally put it on but it took ages - months.
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Dad:
John and Heather are dear friends, always so generous and hospitable. If it were not for thm, I would never have met Wendy as she is a close friend of Heather. John I have known since I lectured at RMIT back in 1965 and 1966. I am not sure which year John was there but we resumed a friendship in 1989 I think it was when we ran into ach other in my old print gallery in Blackburn when I dropped in to the see the new owners. As Mum would say - serendipity! |
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Dad:
Of course 'the girls' went shopping in Docklands. I actually bought a wallet for myelf - and a purple ladies one as well as it was just the right size - and the purpl is to remember Mum bu as that was her favourite colour. |
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Dad:
It's good to see Anton get on so well. Anton is growing up into a tall young man with a fine personality. It's always a pleasure seeing the to lads togther, and I hope their friendship endures for the rest of their lives. I see hi dad Phil as my brother such is our close relationship, so it grat to see our boys growing up with a similar friendship. |
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Dad:
Sam did exceptionally well on the congas. He hs the rhythm and is fast. I think Tyrone was rather surprised. He seems like a nice young man. |
| AT SAFETY BEACH WITH UNCLE GREG AND AUNTY NITA
At the end of January, just before we all went back to
school, we came down to Safety Beach to stay with Auntry Nita and Uncle
Greg for a couple of nights. They live right on the beach rod so all we
have to do is walk over the road. Uncle Greg had a sea kayak and I spent
a lot of time paddling around the beach area.
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| AT THE UNION BANK REUNION | |
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Dad:
On 2 February 011, a group of Yarram folk got togther for th tnth nniversary of the unveiling of the plaque at th end of the renovations of the Union Bank building in town - then used as Neighbourhood House, and now as the Yarram Learning Centre. The council was going to knock the building diwn but a group of u mnaged to convince the tempoorary administration of the new Shire of Wellington, Mr John Guy, a charming and considerate man, that the buiolding hould be retained. But it required considerable renovations and the new shire was not prepared to do anything, so they 'gave' us the building. We raised over $30,000 to restore the historic building. The photo shows the majority of the committee - som hve left ton. From the left, rear: me, Julie Brandsma-Mark, Wendy (Sam's Mum), Ross Robinson. Front row: Joy Evans, Anthea McCallum, and Joe Dundon. |
| SAM'S BIRTHDAY | ||
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I had a quiet birthday, just Mum, Dad and I. | .......................... |
| AT THE INVERLOCH JAZZ FESTIVAL | |
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We had a great day at the azz festerville at Inverloch, on 12 March. My saxophone teacher Russell Preast played with his group the Wonder Dogs. Dad reckins Russell is an excellent tenor saxophonist. We wattched them play twice, and we spent some tim at a stamp show. We also went to the RACV resort for afternoon tea and Mum and Dad were so impressed with the place that we have booked in for next year. But during the year Dad cancelled it. |
| SAM AT THE COMPUTER | |
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Dad:
Sam at his favourite spot. He spends far too much time on the computer playing Tribal Wars,and other interactive games. We often have arguments for him to get off and do something else - like music practice. I think at times the computer causes more trouble than it is worth, and when Sam uses up our monthly download quota within a week, the satelite internet virtually grinds to a halt and we are locked in at normal phone line speed - unless we want to pay more mony. So when Mum or I have to get on the internet for whatever reason we sit their like shags on a rock waiting for something to happen. Well, I guess thats all prt of the current internet generation. We will never get broadband out here as there is only one other houe up the road. We can't even gt wireless in the valley (and no mobile phone service) so satelite is our only option. |
| MY FIRST SCUBA DIVE | |||
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Wow!!! This was the best day of the year so far. At the
end of March Dad took me down to Frankston where his friends were having
a Vintage Scuba Day, where they use all the old scuba gear. At the pool
was Mr Venturoni, Dad's friend (Malcolm) with his two kids Felix and ....
They were qualified divers already, and Felix is twelve just like me. They
were great. Mr Venturoni asked me if I wanted to have a dive and I said
yes, of course. Fleix and .... kitted me up in regular scuba gear and showed
me what to do. I really enjoyed it. I also got to have a go at some of
the other older equipment, such as a twin-hose regulator and a full face-mask.
Mr Venturoni said he would teach me to dive. He is an instructor and commercial
diver. I really like Felix and ... I hope I can see them again soon, and
I want to learn how to dive.
On the far left, tht' Dad's great nmat De Williams helping me. And you can see Felix and ... in the other shots. |
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| These shots were taken by my new friends, Felix and Brittany. |
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| BASKETBALL - FINAL WINNERS | |||
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... | Dad:
Sam was a member of the team that won their grad in the local basketbll competition held over summer - with a break for Christmas.Coast Tracy did a great job of pulling the boys together as a team. Pity Sam doesn't seem to have enjoyed it as much as the other lads. This is the second time over the past few years that his team has won their grade. He will be playing again this year, in October. |
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| THE BEAST GOES OUT TO PASTURE | |||
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... | Dad:
I finally sold 'the beast' and bought a new Holden Rodeo ute - well, not quite new. The old Datsun had seen better days and was so rusted out that if I had been pulled over by the police she would have been off the road immediately. It gave me nearly ten years of good service, even though it drove like a truck. In fact, a few months ago,Sam and I painted over all the larger rust spots so that the police wouldn't notice ofthey drove past. I ended up selling it to local friend for the grn sum of $5. He is using it on his property at Woodside and is very appy with it. When I decided to get a new ute I dropped in to King-Church Mitsubishi dealers in town, and there in the yard was exactly what I wanted - a medium sized twin cab. I've had it for a few months now and I am delighted with it. She drives well and with power-steering is a delight to drive - and Wendy thinks so also. |
December: I have to update this. Last weekend Dad wanted to move our old caravan onto a brick pad that we had built, so then he could do it up for Mum. Dad was using the ute to move the caravan, and while getting into position, he slammed into our old apple tree while backing out. Now we have a nice ute with a dent in the tailgate. Dad went crazy at me for not guiding him but he realised that it was all his fault as I didn't not think he would roar backwards under the branches and slam into the tree! He was pretty mad at himself before that because he could not get the ute in the right spot to hook up the caravan and was a bit cranky. You should have seen him after he hit the tree! Anyway, he tried a different approach, missed the tree this time, and we managed to put the caravan in exactly the right spot. Reminds me of Mum backing out in a cranky mood and banging into the concrete carport support in the Outlander - doing $7,000 worth of damage. Not bad for a trip of ten metres. |
| NOOSA AT EASTER
Dad: We hadn't planned to go away at Easter for any length of time
my dear friend Phil Cherici was not well and had been in hopital a few
times so we thought we would drive up to Noosa and cheer him up a bit.
On the way we stopped for one night with dear fiends Darren and Sharon
Swift in Canberra, and one night in New South Wales. We had planned not
to stay with Phil and Lorrain and Anton because Phil needed all the rest
he ould get, so we booked a unit at Noosa Beach not far from them. Apart
friom the fact that it took us an hour to find the place once we got there,
t turned out to be a superb two-bedroom unit overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Thats it on the photo, top floor centre. I could certainly live in a place
like that. Nearby was a small enclave of shops and restaurnt, so well tucked
away that in all our previous visits we had not known it was there. It
was of mixed emotions when we saw Phil - delighted to be with him, but
he looked so ill, could hardly walk, and could hardly talk and eat because
of an ulcerated throat. Considering how fit and well he always kept himself,
this was indeed terrible. We spent as much tim as we could with him over
the four days, but we couldn't go out anywhere. At least it gave Sam and
Anton time to spent together, and they went kayaking on the Noosa River
at Gympie Terrace. It is just as well that we did visit as we were back
in Noosa in August - for the inevitable. Phil passed away after another
long stint in hospital. Such was the sadness of the trip that we took no
photos, except the few at our unit. One positive event on the short time
we were in Noosa was to see my dearest cousin Suzanne and husband Lyn who
had not long moved from Brisbane to Maroochydore.
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| ON THE WAY HOME | |
| Dad: Although Sam had a good time with his 'big-brother' Anton, it wasn't the greatest of times for him, so we had no hesitation in spending a bit of quality time on the way back. And what better way than to start off with a day at one of the theme parks on the Gold Coast. Now this part of the world is not exactly a favourite with Wendy and I. We don't like the vibes - too sleazy, too commercial without any real character. It's a pity that this is where the short-term Asian visitors come to 'see Australia'. | ........................................................................ |
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We booked in at a hotel that Phil put us on to, and chose to visit Dreamworld. I was quite surprised at how much time we spent there and how relaxingly enjoyable it was. Sam had a couple of rides, including a river journey with his mother which soaked them, and I joined them on a 'rough-water' ride which was quite enjoyable. We saw the crocs being fed, enjoyed the bush animals section, ate ordinary food, and spent ;little money once we were inside. It was a pleasant day. In the evening we wandered the street looking for a good restaurant. There were many to choose from and we settle for chinese, near our hotel. It was superb, some of the best Asia food we have had. |
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We always enjoy Ballina whenever we drive to Queensland, and decided on the way up that we would stay one night there on the way back. We made a reservation in a resort hotel on the river, just down from the unit shown in the photograph. It was a most pleasant stay, except that we spent several hour in the very early hours of the morning soon after mmidnight at the local hospital as Sam had chronic ear pain. We waited two hours to be seen to, and gve up. We managed to gt some strong pain-killers at the hospitl, dosed Sam up, and he was fine. We would have liked to tay another night but we had a strict schedule to get back home. |
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... | Another favourite town on the New South Wales north coast is Port Maquarie,
and wew always make a point of having a stop-over at least on one leg of
the trip to Queensland and back. The problem is, that it is always just
for the one night. It is a delightful town, large enough to have all the
fascilities required for a good living, with plenty of choices of restaurants
and shops, all delightfully set on one side of the Ballina River.
Wendy chose the resort on the river from briochure he had seen and
although it had a few years on the clock it was very well preserved. Our
room opened out onto the garden as you can see. Sam and Wendy played tennis;
Sam had a swim, and we all hd an excellent meal at the restuarant in the
hotel - first class cuisine. Before leaving ton the following morning we
strolled along the foreshore, had breakfst overlooking the river entrance,
and spent a few dollars in a marvellous shop selling African artworks -
we bought a soapstone figurine, most beautiful. I noticed that there was
also some connection to Papua new Guinea and spent a few pleasant miniutes
speaking with the shop owner about PNG and a few mutual aquaintences.
From Port Macquarie we decided to have two more nights on the rod before arriving home. We did not leave Port Macquarie until about noon - we hd the long driv to Sydney ahead of us, and I anted to gt as far outh of Sydney before stopping - somewhere. I loathe this section of the drive but it wasn't too bd thi time as we avoided Sydney city and skirted Parramatta before heading down the Hume Highway. |
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... | By nighfall we were going through a number of towns and came to Berima where, after a bit of a drive aroun, found a nice motel and checked in. We had a simple meal in town, and the next morning Sam wanted to go to the cricket museum as this was the town where Don Bradman was born. It turned out to be very interesting and we could have spent more time there but I wanted to move south and have an hiour or so at Berkelouws Book Barn, where I bough a box full of books. It was then on to the next stop, home vi Canberra, Cann River and the coast road to Lakes Entrance, arriving after 9.00pm. We managed to find a motl that charged too much, as they all do here, and the only place to eat was Macdonalds. Wendy and I once again agree that Lakes Entrance is not the most exciting place to be, especially at night. The following day it was a straightforward trip home. |
| ANZAC DAY
Sam gets to represent the school as House Captain. |
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| On Anzac Day, after the parade, Sam and his mate Locky busked outside the Federal Coffee Palace building, to raise money for the Save the Orangutan Appeal,. which Sam has been involved in for some time. Mum also set up a stall to sell second-hand books. They made about $80. |  . |
| SAM DRIVES FOR THE FIRST TIME | ||
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... | Dad:
I kept the ol Mazda after it passed its used-by date and let the registration run out. When turning over the ngine one weekend, Sam asked if he could have a drivie. I showed him the basics, and thought that he could not come to any real harm, so put him in the driving seat. After a few kangaroo hops and stall, he got the knack of it, and after half and hour he went solo. This is all happening on my land so no laws were broken. I put up the old football goal posts to practice driving through them. He now drives nearly every weekend and is changing gears and reversing. Most kids in his class at school who are on the land can drive, and do so on their property. |
| THE EISTEDDFOD | ||
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... | Dad: Sam has prticipated extensively in the Eisteddfod for the past five years, and I have to ay that this yar was his best. He came second in the vocal solo, the only boy in a line-up of twenty three, and only lost out to a mrvellous young lady. He and his mate Lochlan cam second in the duet. He was in the school choir that won their event. He played in the Yarram Secondary College Concert Band which won their heat. He came second in the drum solo event and, I must ay, should have won it as his performance of precision drumming was spot on. The real highlight was the piano solo 12 and under section. Sam has for the pst four years been up gainst one prticular young Chinese lad who is exceptional - he sets the standard for the rest. Sam's piece was Dvorak's Largo, a relativly slow pice tht reqires precision and emotion. Now Sam is not disciplined enough to practice regularly, and we had only heard this piece a few times at home, and frankly, Wendy and were never really impressed. But that did not matter - as long as Sam enjoyed himself and wanted to compete thats fine. Last year he made a thorough dogs's breakfast of his piece but he wasn't too fissed about it - less so his mother and I who are paying for his tuition! We settled in for his performance. After some tn seconds, no more, I looked at Wendy and she me, bith off us with a quizzical look on our face. What' going on here? There was something about his playing that we had not heard before. It had feeling and right strengths. My God, we thought, keep this up and you my be in for a place. Please Lord, don;t stuff up. He finished his piece on a smost delightful sensual even, note, so quiet and yet so deliberate. He rose, bowed and walked off. I swear, there was a good five sewconds before the audience clapped, and clap they did, not just the polite hands-together that usually ends a performance. I think they were as stunned as we were. The lady across the aisle from me leant over and said, 'that was wonderful'. It was only later that I realised that she was the Chinese lads tutor. We thought Sam would be in for a place anyway, as the Chinese lad also played well as usul. But judges look for things that we parents don't - even so, I was sure Sam would get at least an honourabl mention. No honorable mention - no third place (that went to the Chinese lad - good grief, what does the judge want?) , no second place. Good Lord, don't tell me he missed out. First place, competitor number 10. That was Sam. As ungracious as it sounds, Wendy and I couldn't believe it, and Sam was a bit that way also. It was a great achievement and we were very pleased for him. Needless to say, we are proud of him irrespective of where he rates in such competitions, simply because he is prepared to give anything a go. Two weeks after the Eisteddfod, the committee had a presentation night. Sam received an award two years ago for his overall performance and participation in the Eisteddfod. This year Sam took out the overall piano award. Now, if only he would practice. |
| PLAYING WITH WILBUR WILDE | |
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Although Sam is not as yet at the secondary college, he is playing alto sax in the schools Concert Band, having been on clarinet last year. His tacher is Russell Prest, a superb jazz saxophonist and tacher at th Yarram Secondary College. The school pouts on a concert in September each year, and Sam plays in the Concert Band. This year the school had a special guest, musician and saxophonist Wilbur Wilde, better known as the bandleader for the popular Hey Hey It's Saturday TV Show many years ago, and front man for many bands. Sam was selected to ply in a sax quartet with Wilbur Wilde and Sam's tutor, Russell Praest (on the left), and ex-student, the versatile Ashley Skews. They played Swing Low Sweet Chariot. It was a great experience for Sam, even though he had no idea who Wilbur Wilde is. |
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... | The guitarist here is John Rees who played bass in the famous Men at Work band, and is now teaching Sam drums at the Yarram Secondary College. On the right in this 'creative' shot, John on the right is playing with a magnificent young guitarit t the secondary college, John Northmore. John is in his last year the college and hs only ben plying guitar for a few year but he is the emitome of what can be achieved through hard work. John's cxlassical and Spanish guitar is just something else to liten to. It is not simply a matter of him being good for a seventeen year old - he is good, period, and he will do well if he pursues a career in music. The Yarram Secondary College hs an excellent music program and must b congratulated for the encourging programs involving Russel Preast and a wonderful tacher Linda Bowden whose own children have gon on to be superb musicin; son Cliff Bowden is a great jazz singer and came to Yarram earlier in the year with a brilliant modern band called ATM. | ..................................................................... |
| STATE SCHOOL SPECTACULAR | |
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Dad: Sam was once again in the State Schools Spectacular, and what a brilliant performance it was once again. He was in the 1000 voice choir, as he was last year. Yarram Primary School principle Penny Earl is one of the three choir conductors and can be seen at th foot of the aisle. The school has just two boys and ten girls partiipting. Sam thoroughly enjoys it, especially the days off school when the group takes a bus to Melbourne for the rehersal. Our dear friends John and Heather came along this year and they enjoyed the show. John and I were very impressed by a young high school lass who sang Stormy Weather; a true professional with wonderful phrasing. The spectacular is great for not only showcasing exceptional talent but also for the inspiration and encouragement is gives youngsters like Sam. The 100 piece orchestra is something to bhol - they have a tremendous sound but the HiSense Arena does not do them proud. I would love to hear them in a proper concert hall. Sam is determined to make it into the orchestra but he will need to wasit quite a few years yet. Not many country kids can play in the orchestra becuase of the need to reherse each week. No Yarram kid has been in the orchestra, although one of the lads, Cliff Bowden was a solo vocalist and hs gone on to front a top band. Fortuntely Yarram Secondary College has a great music program so you never know. |
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| DOIN' WHAT I LIKE BEST | |||
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I have a drum set in my bedroom. There is only just enough room for it, but I do have a study are where I keep my books and toys and congas. My drum teacher is John Rees, who used to play bass guitar for the famous group 'Men at Work'. I learn this at the high school on a Wednesday morning. Dad takes me and sometimes waits or comes back and picks me up to take me to primary school. I also learn piano and saxophone, but Dad says my passion seems to be the drums. I think he my be right but I'll see what happens next year at high school. | ................................................... |
| YARRAM PRIMARY SCHOOL
150th ANNIVERSARY In October, my scghool celebrated its 50th anniversary. We were ble to hold the celebrations in our new multi-purpose building, in the auditorium which is also a half-basketball size. I played alto sax in the band as usual, and as a house captain, gave a speach appreciating that we had the new building. That's my friend Ella Mallet with me on stage, and the school principal Ms Penny Earle.
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| KANGA CRICKET
Our school won the districtrict competition and in November we went
to Sale to ply in the regional competition. We made the final but lost
to a much bigger team. Dad doubted that the kids were primary students
- if they were, they must have ben pretty dumb as they looked older than
us, said Dad. Unfortunately, they were also bad sports, and jeered us when
we did something wrong. Dad said that was not in the spirit of the game.
It spoilt the day. One of the other teaches had to tell the other school
not to use bad language. It was a catholic school in Warragul. Dad drove
us to Sale. Also Wayne's mum took some kids. That's Wayne, the big kid
at the back. The lady in the photo is a mum at the school, Mrs Askew. She
knew something about Kanga cricket. Dad hadn't even seen a game before
today but he helped to umpire. Mrs Askew was an umpire. We had a great
time and some of the other schools were great sports.
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| AND AT THE GOLF CLINIC
The Yarram Golf Club put on a seven week golf clinic after school on Wednesdays starting at the end o October. Forty-seven kids signed up, all primary school except a few from the high school. It was great fun. We learnt how to drive the ball, to chip and to putt. Uncle Greg and Auntie Nita gav me a great set of club earlier this year. A man came all the way from Me;lbourn on the first and last days of the clinic. And we had Mr Phelan and Mr McIninly showing us how to play. Dad took us around for a few holes but he doesn't plat golf. He said that if I ever saw him playing golf it would be because there was nothing left on earth to do. I like playing golf but it looks as thought I wont be having too many rounds with Dad. On the last day we played four holes, with four in each group. I won our group and the winners were given a golfball. |
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| Playing chess with Cloe, at The Station, where Rotary was having a
pizza night. Dad helped set up the bstation before I was born. It is now
an education centre for kids who have left the high school.
And that me taking over Dad' chair in his office. He is writing a new book on scuba diving. |
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| ANNUAL PIANO CONCERT
My piano teacher Ms Lisa (Blackman) has a concert in December every year at the Regent Theatre in town. We get to play the grand piano. It is at the concert that we hear if we have passed our exams. I played The Lost Seagull, and A Constant Bass. I was presented with my certificate for passing 4th grade piano with Honours. I think Mum and Dad were a bit surprised about that. But I thought I had done pretty well at the exam. That was held in Traralgon a few weeks ago. |
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| GRADUATION NIGHT
Dad: Sam graduated from Yarram Primary School having completed sixth
grade. Although we do not have a report as yet, we know he went well academically
in the last half of the year since the previous excellent half-year report.
In his presention at the Graduation Night on 12 December his introduction
included his academic achievements and the many times he represented the
school. The graduation night started with a dinner for the twelve boys
and nine girls who graduated. This was followed by the kids being introduced
to the parents, teachers and past teachers in attendance on the night -
the kids then lined up with their partners for a progressive barn dance
and cha-cha before being seated in front of the podium. Each graduate was
then introduced to the audience once again with a brief commentary on their
achievements by their final year class teacher; Ms Becky Morton (for Sam),
and Mr Ben Taylor. Each graduate was presented with a certificate, a DVD
of school photos and a Yarram Primary School mug, by the school committee
president, and Principal Penny Earle. The graduates then lined up and as
part of the school tradition sang the encouragement song Reach (for
the stars), during which Sam sang the only solo part - and very well
I must say. It was then time for photos. Most of the kids, including Sam,
will go on to Yarram Secondary College. Some may go on to the alternative
private schools in Sale, such as Zion College (Catholic), and Gippsland
Grammar.
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| Sam and the fellow gradutes; and with mate Nikky Morgan who is in Sam's cricket team also. | |
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| Sorry about the blurred shot Sam, of you doing the solo part for the
song.You sang exceptionlly well.
And, a shot with proud parents. |
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