My supervisor came to observe me last Thursday, and it went really well. I taught the Year 8 class Divisibility Rules and the little angels worked hard on the work I assigned. The only complaint I had was that it was around 95 degrees that day, and being last period, the classroom was very hot. Our classroom does not have airconditioning, so we rely on fans and opened windows. My supervisor gave me very positive feedback, and he appreciated my preparedness. I have taken on all the classes now for everyday until I leave, so planning is a bit time consuming.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.. I have been feeling a bit homesick the past couple of days, and it has been comforting to know that I can turn to the word to find peace and hope. I know that the lord has me here for a reason. I am learning a lot, having a lot of fun, and very thankful for this opportunity... I just miss my sisters, family, friends, and my comfortable, simple life in the U.S. (One more thing I miss- being able to drive my car whenever and wherever.)

Like I told you all in last Wednesday's post, today was my turn to cook for the Math and Science Department Morning Tea. I was assigned the "sweets" role; so I made fruit pizza. :) Everyone seemed to enjoy it. However, finding all the ingredients last night in the grocery store was not an easy task. Who knew following an American recipes in Australia would be a bit challenging?? They do not have logs of sugar-cookie cookie dough... I had to make that part from scratch... (EEK!)..... and dealing with the metric system for everything! (I know you are probably thinking-- 'haha and you are supposed to be a math person and teach students how to convert things to and from the metric system', but it was overwhelming, OKAY!?)


A little about the culture:
Australians recon when Americans think.
Australians say no worries when Americans say thank you.
Australians say G'day and ask How's you goin'?  when Americans say hello and ask How are you doing?
Australians shorten everything, and I mean everything. (not literally the word everything... but you know) I have noticed that words with only one syllable, they  add an "ie" to the end.
Examples: "sunnies"- sunglasses,"chewie"- chewing gum, "postie"- postman, "footie"- football, "barbie"- barbeque, "Bushie"- someone who lives in the bush, "bather"- bathing suit, "lollies"- any kind of sweet or candy, "mozzie"- mosquito

That is all for now.. THANKS FOR READING :) *AND* MOST IMPORTANTLY-
G'DAY MATES! :)

This past weekend was a lot of fun! We went to a football game Friday afternoon. After the game, we went out for Kristen's birthday. We have met some locals who are really fun and want to show us everything they possibly can while we are here.

By the way, football here is nothing like football in the states.

Walking in for the football game

The football field- it was huge.

Those four poles are how they score points. If they kick it through the middle it is six points, and if they kick it through the outer two sections it is three points.

And dinner time :)

Christina and I in front of the ferris wheel.

The Music Box in downtown Perth.. everything was outside.

Saturday night after watching Valentine's Day

Walking into the Rugby game Sunday

Kristen and I at the rugby game

and a group shot...

We had to take a picture with our chocolate roses Peter gave us for Valentine's Day. :)

February 11, 2010

Wednesdays at Belmont City College are short and relaxed. I only have one class. The math and science department has morning tea every Wednesday, which is where we take turns bringing lunch for everyone. There are two people for each week- one savory and one sweet. We have had amazing food the past two weeks, and I think it is a great way to show support, get to know, and socialize with others in your department. Well, next Wednesday it is my turn. I am trying to think of the MOST SOUTHERN dish I can. I have had some requests for hot wings. I was thinking maybe cheeseburger pie. If anyone reading this has any ideas, please let me know, thanks. (leave a comment or something) :)


Teaching this week has definitely been a learning experience. Like I told you all in the previous post, my teacher has given me both the Year 8 and the Year 10 classes as my own. I have been trying to pinpoint what is different about planning for classes here and planning for classes in the states.