WELCOME TO TERM 3, 2004
The school term commenced on July 26. We welcomed
new staff members, Melanie Kuss (Germany), Laurie Fletcher (Geraldton)
and Anneliese Rohr (Melbourne).
The term was a busy one with Shopping in Geraldton,
the Ball, Mullewa Show, the trip to Hutt River and students preparing
for Country Week.
We farewelled Gerry Duck on his first journey
overseas to Ireland. Gerry will return to Wandalgu early November -
full of stories we hope!
Monday night reflection in the Church has been a
really good experience for everyone. Time to sit quietly for just a
few minutes; away from the noise in our lives. I would like to thank
the staff who prepare this time for us and the students who come away
from the basketball court and other activities, without grumbling.
Maria Rohr
BOARDING CLOSURE
In the March 2004 issue you were advised that the
boarding facilities at Wandalgu were "downsizing". This followed the
closure of the Primary boarding section at the end of 2003.
Regrettably we must now announce the imminent
closure of the secondary boarding section also. This has looked likely
for some time, and follows the recommendation of the Consultancy group
who were engaged to view the situation in the last quarter of 2003.
Their review confirmed what many had already concluded, that with the
decline in Pallottine numbers and the availability of qualified
volunteers there was no practical way forward for the hostel and it
could no longer accept the responsibility that goes with caring for
students.
The three Pallottine Brothers have elected to
remain at Tardun and continue as long as they can operate St Joseph's
Farm. Its income will thus prolong the financial contribution of the
Brothers to the Australian Pallottine Region.
Use of the hostel's excellent accommodation is
being extended to the neighbouring Christian Brothers Ag School. They
are looking to expand the class range they offer - from Yr 10 to Yr
12. The Wandalgu facilities could thus continue to support education,
including aboriginal students who presently number 50% of the CBAS
enrolment.
At the moment the accommodation is still being used
by 11 secondary students and Maria and her team has formed a vibrant
and happy small community at Tardun.
FR RAY HEVERN
M.D.H.S. BALL
On Saturday 31st July we all went to Geraldton to
order our ball suits from Bennetts. On Friday 13th we got
ready, had a shower, a shave, brushed our teeth, ate, put some
deodorant on and our suits and we had to pose for lots of photos. We
all looked really fancy and very happy and we all enjoyed our suits.
We were all very proud. Then we had a big boys and girls photo and
then we jumped on the bus to cruise along to Morawa. Then around the
corner we hit a kangaroo. Then we kept going to Morawa and got there
around 6:45. Then we all got off the bus and walked into the Town Hall
and there were lots of students and teachers there. Then we sat down
for a while, had drinks, follies and chips, then we started dancing
and enjoying ourselves. We found a partner and enjoyed the music.
All the girls looked beautiful but some of the
girls were too shy to dance.
Bradley Criddle and Asher Taylor won the beau and
belle of the ball. Ashton won best hairstyle and I had glitter all
over my face. Then we got home at about 11.45 and we stayed up all
night and had a sleep in the morning.
BY DOMINIC YANANWANA
Congratulations!
To the beautiful people from Wandalgu who attended the MDHS Ball.
We were very proud of you. You were our Beaus & Belles of the Ball!
HUTT RIVER
We went for a day to Hutt River Province. When we
arrived Prince Leonard greeted us and showed us around the church and
he also told us about the paintings on his walls of the church. Then
he told us which chair was the Queens and which chair was the kings.
A few of us got our photo taken sitting in the King
and Queens chairs and I was one of them.
Price Leonard then showed us the canteen which had
all these certificates and presents that he was presented with.
He then showed us the post office which had all the
old money, coins and notes and he also showed us the old passports. He
told us that they had a blue light to show if the passport was old or
new.
We then had lunch in Prince Leonard's dinning room
and that was a nice lunch. That was all we did at Hutt River Province.
BY MELISSA EGAN
MULLEWA SHOW
On Saturday 4th September we went to the Mullewa
show. When we got there we went and had a look in the Hall at
everyone's entries. Wandalgu won two first places for our bread
entries. Frank won a second prize for his apple cake.
Once we were finished looking in the Hall we went
for a walk and had a look at the tents outside with all the necklaces,
bracelets and other items for sale. We then went to the sideshow alley
section and most people went on the tumbler. It was funny to see
Maria, Anneliese, Laurie and Marinus go on the tumbler. Melanie also
went on with Frank. Maria and Melanie got sick after the ride.
Some of our students brought show bags from the big
truck that was selling them. All the boys brought big sucker drink
bottles that they wore around their neck.
We were all having a really good time at the show
catching up with family and friends but had to leave early as Melanie
and Maria were still feeling sick from their ride on the tumbler.
BY TERRI SIMPSON
COUNTRY WEEK
On the last week of school some Yr 8, 9 and 1 0
students went to Country Week. I played netball and in netball we came
2nd, in the grand finals. It was really good because we went to the
movies, went late night shopping, on a river cruise and plenty of
other things.
We then got to Morawa and cleaned out the bus and
dropped most of the kids off. I couldn't wait until Saturday because I
was going home.
Country Week was really GOOD!
And a special thanks to all staff that came
especially Mr Munro for organising everything and making Country Week
fun.
BY PHYNEA SIMPSON
On the last week of school I went to Country Week in Perth and
stayed at Beatty Lodge. I played football. Our team did well in
football and we came third in the finals.
In Perth we
went to the Boardwalk, Old Fremantle Goal, Kings Park, on a river
cruise, shopping and movies. I liked the river cruise and movies the
best. At the movies we watched Dodgeball. On the river cruise we had
drinks and a disco, it was lots of fun.
We also went to the motor museum and maritime museum and we saw old
money and skeletons. At the motor museum we saw racing cards and old
cards and motorbikes.
We all had a great time.
BY TROY BUMBA
MEANINGS
Standing for what you believe in,
Regardless of the odds against you,
And the pressure that tears at your resistance.
...... means courage.
Keeping a smile on your face,
When inside you feel like dying,
For the sake of supporting others,
...... means strength.
Stopping at nothing,
And doing what's right in your heart,
You know is right,
...... means determination.
Doing more than is expected,
To make another's life a little more bearable,
Without uttering a single complaint,
...... means compassion.
Helping a friend in need,
No matter the time or effort,
To the best of your ability,
...... means loyalty.
Giving more than you have,
And expecting nothing,
But nothing in return,
...... means selflessness.
Holding your head high,
And being the best you know you can be
When life seems to fall apart at your feet.
Facing each difficulty with the confidence
That time will bring you better tomorrows,
And never giving up.
...... means confidence.
CONTRIBUTED BY MARINUS JANS
NEWS FROM FR GERHARD
Fr Gerhard sends his regards to you all. He keeps
very busy at Nazareth House attending the swimming pool, physiotherapy
and Tai Chi and now with his computer installed the world is at his
fingertips.
He looks forward to visits from friends, so the
next time you are in Geraldton, take a trip out to Nazareth House.
The best time to catch Fr at home, is before
lunch....he has a very busy afternoon program!
