MY FIRST DAY HERE (Jermaine Boona)

Hello! My name is Jermaine Boona, but they call me "Jumunji" by my nickname. I am new to Tardun; I didn’t know any of the boys, till I started making friends at the Hostel. When I went to School for the first time, I didn’t know where to go and I didn’t know where the office was. Then Les Thompson showed me the way. I now have made lots of new friends.

Three weeks ago we started training at the Little Athletics Centre in Geraldton for the first time this year. Last week we saw Nathaniel Franklin at the oval. It was good to see him because it’s been a long time since we last saw him. He came with us to the Hostel for the Year 12 Graduation Party. He was happy to see heaps of people he had not seen for a long time. We had a great night together.

The last few Wednesday evenings we had instructions in Pottery by Mrs Nicole North, from Morawa. She has been teaching Les and me, how to work the Potters wheel and make cups, bowls and vases. It has been good working with Mrs North.

Each Wednesday night students go to the pottery room with Mrs North and learn how to make cups and bowls on the wheel. We’re making good progress. Last week I had to teach students from the Primary School to make small jars. They turned out pretty good for my first class. I like working with Mrs North and am glad that I have found someone who can show me the tricks of working with clay.

Hello, my name is Kyle Chubby and I am from Carnarvon. I have been at Tardun last year but had a few terms off. Now I am back. We went to a blue light Disco last Friday night. It was good. I am really happy to be back.

On 15 September the high school girls were invited to a social at the Christian Brothers Agricultural School. The DJ was from the 96.5 Radio Station. We arrived there at about 7 pm. At first we were all shame but then a few of the girls started to dance. About twenty minutes into the night we did Snow Ball. We were asked to dance so most of us did.

Supper was provided and it was really nice. We then requested to do Snow Ball again. About 11 pm Sue said we could have one more dance and then we had to go. We all had fun. It was cool.

Dancing Gumnuts

On 3 November the high school kids from yrs 8-11 went to Geraldton for their day off. At 9:30 we got on the KFC bus and made our way to Geraldton. When we got there we went to Hungry Jacks for lunch then we got back on the bus and went to Ten Pin Bowling. Everyone played a game but some kids didn’t want to or forgot their socks. Then when we all had had enough fun we got back on the bus and came back to the Hostel. When we got back some kids went to the pool, some went to sleep or had a shower because it was a hot day and it was really hot on the bus.

Well, that day the high school kids really enjoyed themselves. I know I did.

THE DINGHY (Jermaine Boona)

On Sunday the boys went to Dongara for their picnic. Michael, Christian, Joshua, Clifton, Jesse and I found a dinghy and we went for a ride in it. But then Brian told us to get off the dinghy. So we listened to him and got off. It was a good day in Dongara.

The teachers of MORAWA D.H.S. recently nominated Terri Simpson, Rosie Simpson, Bryce Simpson, Adrian Egan, Shannon Mourambine, and me (Lexine) for the Bundiyarra Youth awards. Out of the whole group of year 12’s I was elected as one of five finalists. I didn’t win the Award, but that was OK because I did my best and have been told that I am a good role model.

I shall keep trying my best and you never know I could win later on in life. I was very nervous as I was waiting and standing in front of a lot of people, I knew that I was not going to win but just being there was exciting, as it was a very special occasion. We were suited up in our school blazers and skirts, and many people complemented us all on how we were dressed and how well behaved all Wandalgu students were who attended. The food served was delicious. It was a great day. Well done to all of the Students, who were nominated, I hope we can all do our best again next year and bring home the prize.

In the last week of third term, 13 Wandalgu students participated with Morawa District High School in Country Week. I played basketball for the girls’ team. We competed against all the other district highs schools in WA .We won 4 games and lost 2 and even with 2 injured players in the last 3 games we came 2nd on the ladder. WAROONA won against us by 5 points.

On Friday the 1^st of November Cara and Marika celebrated their graduation. At school they were honoured and farewelled in a special assembly and in the evening they had their Graduation Dinner in a guesthouse.

On Saturday night we had a barbecue dinner at Wandalgu. Cara was happy because her parents and brothers and sisters came to see her graduate. The meal was great; the girls both got mobile phones as a gift from Wandalgu and a folder with pictures of themselves in past years.

I wish the Cara and Marika the best for the future. May all their dreams come true!

NEW AT WANDALGU (Sharona Boona)

I’m a new student and come from Wickham. But I went to Karratha Senior High School.

I like it here at the Hostel. It’s fun here, and I have made new friends and they’re nice. I go to Morawa District High School and I like it there too.

On Friday 1 November I had my birthday. I got a DMX shirt, a watch and a Dirty Denim hat from my mum and 2 pairs of shorts, 2 shirts and a pair of shoes from my dad.

On Sunday all the boys went to Dongara. After a B.B.Q lunch, some of us went to the jetty to do some fishing. Les caught the first fish; it was a Brim. Colin then caught a stingray but threw it back. I caught nothing. The other boys went swimming off the jetty.

On Sunday it was the boys picnic. We went to Dongara. It was good fun because we went fishing, swimming and jumping off the little jetty. Ryan and I were wrestling and he pushed me off the jetty and into the water.

Last Sunday, we went to Dongara for our picnic. We went fishing and swimming and played in the playground. We had chops and chips for lunch. Then we had a little rest. On the way back we saw a kangaroo and lots of emus.

Three weeks ago the Wandalgu Dancers went to Greenough Hamlett to take part in the Cultural Heritage Festival. We did the Murchison Dances with Pop Ross. The people liked our dancing.

CONFIRMATION (Rhiannon Taylor)

I am writing about this because this is very special to me. It is like taking another step for me and moving on. During this term we made crosses out of clay and received our very first Holy Bible. This is really interesting to me because I’m curious.

After being away for a couple of years, I have come back to Tardun. I live at the Junior Primary Girls’ House. My mum, Natalie Simpson, used to look after the Senior Primary Girls House, and Brayden and I grew up there. Two years ago we left to go to Burringarrah, near Carnarvon. I am in Year 4 at school and in Vin’s class. Next year I will be a Senior Primary girl and move back into my old home. It has been good catching up with my my old friends. Even though I miss my mum, I am happy to be back.

AT DONGARA (Leticia and Leilani)

Last weekend the girls went for their picnic to Dongara, but as usual, they had bad weather. It was very windy, but thank goodness it didn’t rain until later. We bought some hot dogs at the shop and went for a walk down to the pier. Some of the Senior Primary Girls went fishing. Then we went to the playground with Jacinta and Erin. At the end of the day we were all very tired.

A DAY AT GERALDTON (Shaquille)

Last Saturday I went with Nanna Marjorie to Geraldton. I wanted to see my Grandfather who lives with my Nanna Margaret, but I didn’t see him. Nanna Marjorie went to the little Athletics to watch Uncle Alan doing sports. I stayed with Nanna Teresa at the Basketball Stadium and I met some other aunties and uncles and cousins. Nanna Marjorie gave me $5.00 and I bought a Mars Bar and a bottle of coke at the canteen. Then Nanna Teresa dropped me off with Nanna Marjorie at the Little Athletics oval.

AT THE CANNA DAM (Ethan Hodder)

On Saturday we went with Pop Ainsley to the Canna dam to catch yabbies. I caught 16 yabbies all by myself. Shemara came over to have a turn with my line and she caught 5 yabbies. So then we put them into a bin and took them home to cook and eat.

On Saturday at Little Athletics I came first in the hurdles race and Alan came third. At shot put I came second and I really enjoyed myself all day. I like Athletics.

Last week we went to the Dentist to have our teeth checked and this week she put fillings in where they were needed. Some people had nothing wrong with their teeth but I had to have 5 fillings.

FOUR OF US (Jeremiah Boona)

My brother Jermaine and my sister Sherona joined Bianca and me at Tardun. They are in High School and we are in Primary School. Now there are four of us here. We like being here. We have a lot of fun at the Swimming Pool.

HOW BIG BROTHER SAVED LITTLE BROTHER

(Erin and the Junior Primary Girls)

With the arrival of fourth term, the Junior Primary Girls, better known as the Super Sleuths of Wandalgu Hostel, were still sad about losing one of their founding members, Adrienne ‘Njangumarda’ Gardiner. She had mysteriously vanished near the end of third term, and her sudden disappearance caused suspicion.

Buddia noticed that his ‘fairies’ had not been themselves of late, so he asked what was wrong. When he discovered the source of their unhappiness, he suggested they take a trip up the North West Coastal Highway, to search for their lost friend.

So along with their slave Nire ‘Fraggles’ Nodrog, the seven girls began their journey by bus from Geraldton Front Beach. Their first clue came just after Northampton, where they discovered Adrienne’s red nail polish next to a feather of some sort and a bucket of fish. Penny, the smart leader of the group, guessed: Kalbarri –

That night, they arrived to find she was right. Next to the pelican feeding area was a Freddo frog for them all, and another clue. This time, along with Adrienne’s cream an unmarked postcard with a photo of a dolphin on it. Shemara told the girls she’d recently been to Monkey Mia near Denham and fed the dolphins. Perhaps they should try there? In typical JPG style, Mara was right – Together with Adrienne’s favourite skirt they found a card for Carnarvon Caravan Park.

The girls headed straight for Carnarvon, but on the way, they came across a girl wandering southward along the road. They pulled over, and found out her name was Chloe Simpson from Burringarrah. She was trying to find her way back to the Hostel after growing up there for five years. The JPG invited her to join their journey, and to come home with them.

The girls went through Exmouth where their friend Boyer-Bill, a four-eyed monster, told them an unknown enemy in Acacia Way, South Hedland, was holding Adrienne captive. Past Carnarvon, Dampier and to Hedland the girls went, until they reached Acacia Way in South Hedland. At the front of the house stood their old foe, Sinister Sue, the most notorious baddie in WA. After a battle to get past her, finally the girls were victorious, and they ran into the house to rescue their tied-up friend. Tired and hungry, the nine girls headed back to Wandalgu, to have a good feed in the dining room.

STAFF REPORT

THANK YOU (Lorrie Rowlinson)

Ken and I will be leaving soon
And I want to say "Thank you"
To all of you for being a part of these
Precious memories.
The picnics in the big bus
To wonderful places in the bush,
Like the day we saw masses of beautiful
Wildflowers, pink, yellow and white
At Coalseam.
The day the children
Went swimming in Ellendale Pool.
The many trips to Dongara,
The beautiful music and singing at all the
Sunday Masses.
The meal times with the staff and
The Barbecues with everyone.
The many skills acquired like how
To master the bread slicer
And how to light the bread oven.
Or how long it takes to make
128 slices of toast.
This has been a precious time in
Our life. May God bless you all!

We thank all at Wandalgu for the opportunity to share your life in the second half of 2002. I enjoyed driving, running the Shop, baking the bread, preparing the Crèche. Gwen was happy standing in as house parent, helping at the shearing of the lambs at Walkaway, and taking children to the Doctor.

We also have enjoyed your company and the opportunity to visit local areas from Perth to Kalbarri and Yalgoo. Gwen and I will be returning to Victoria at the end of the year. We are looking forward to 2003 and the opportunities and experiences ahead.

We wish everyone the very best for the future.

The Melbourne Cup was celebrated in a quiet community spirit this year. With the temperature reaching 40ºC it was very hot work for the kitchen staff who provided the lovely luncheon.

Our new girls from Germany, Patricia and Irmi enjoyed their first Cup Day. Thank you everyone for making the day a great success!

Earlier this term, Father Gerhard, the Wandalgu Dancers and some of the Senior High school Girls attended the Greenough Cultural Heritage Festival. The day was filled with much entertainment and Wandalgu Arts held a stall to display and sell the beautiful artwork produced here. The dances were big hits and 3 of our students made it into the newspaper. Overall the day was a big success and was enjoyed by all that attended.

It took me a long time to recover from my quadruple bypass operation, but now I am back at Tardun, slimmer, fitter.

I thank all for praying for me and sending me good wishes. I thank especially the ladies in the kitchen for working so hard that Colleen could stay with me in Perth whilst I was so ill. God bless you!