Welcome to the Australia 2013 Al Bateen blog!
From surfing on the Gold Coast to visiting an Australian school, all details will be available here for you to view so keep checking back during our time away.
Day five – The Australian Zoo
On our final full day in Australia we visited the Australia Zoo to see native animals of Australia and learn about the conservation work started by Steve Irwin. Students watched the Wildlife Warriors Show in the Crocoseum, they got up and close with a Koala, elephants, kangaroos and exotic reptiles. They had the chance to visit the Croc School to carry out research into these amazing animals.
Day four - Morton Island
Morton Island (a change of island on recommendation of the tour guide). This is the third largest island off Australia. After the boat trip from Brisbane, we were on our large 4 x4s to sand board and then on to lunch with Simon the carpet python. We then snorkelled around the shipwrecks before heading back to Brisbane. Once back in the city, we went to the Pancake House for our supper and finished the evening off with a well-deserved swim. Yet another full day filled with new experiences for most of our students.
Today’s quote of the day and Random Act of Kindness Award goes to Layal. Firstly she purchased all staff a cup of tea or coffee on the ferry to Morton Island which was much appreciated by all! Secondary, before agreeing to take part in the snorkelling she asked the instructor if there were any sharks in the sea, he replied with I promise there are none and before anyone had a chance to move on to the next question she made the instructor agree to a ‘pinky promise’, he agreed and she had a great afternoon snorkelling among the fish!
Today’s quote of the day and Random Act of Kindness Award goes to Layal. Firstly she purchased all staff a cup of tea or coffee on the ferry to Morton Island which was much appreciated by all! Secondary, before agreeing to take part in the snorkelling she asked the instructor if there were any sharks in the sea, he replied with I promise there are none and before anyone had a chance to move on to the next question she made the instructor agree to a ‘pinky promise’, he agreed and she had a great afternoon snorkelling among the fish!
Day three – Kedron High School
Today we visited Kedron High. We went to three lessons. The first being PHSE – a lesson on “Communication” Student’s from fifty four different countries demonstrated their International, Cultural Awareness. This was a clear feature demonstrated in all aspects of Kedron life.
Another highlight was hearing the Didgery Bone, expertly played by Geoff. I feel all the student’s gained a great deal today (including how to eat an Aussie Burger with the Lot).
Quote of the day from Abdelziz …. “if vegetable oil is made of vegetables what is baby oil made of?"
Random Actor of Kindness Award for today goes to Matteo for helping cleaning up after the Aussie BBQ this evening and is overall helpfulness so far on this trip.
Another highlight was hearing the Didgery Bone, expertly played by Geoff. I feel all the student’s gained a great deal today (including how to eat an Aussie Burger with the Lot).
Quote of the day from Abdelziz …. “if vegetable oil is made of vegetables what is baby oil made of?"
Random Actor of Kindness Award for today goes to Matteo for helping cleaning up after the Aussie BBQ this evening and is overall helpfulness so far on this trip.
Day Two - Burleigh Heads beach
Today we headed for our surf lesson at Burleigh Heads beach, this required an early 6:30am wake up call for all! After a short bus trip we arrived and some headed straight to the beach to begin enjoying the wave and the views while the rest began their lesson.
All had a very successful lesson surfing in the waves and has been quoted by many students as “the best day ever!”
After the lesson we spent the afternoon on the beach to true Aussie fashion playing in the sand and surf.
This evening we returned to South Bank for dinner, just as we arrived a huge storm blew in and we experienced our first Brisbane storm with heavy rain, thunder and lighting. After dinner we headed to the cinema to watch the pre-screening of The Croods.
Tomorrow we plan to visit Kedron High School to experience education down under!
Random Act of Kindness Award for today goes to Mohammed Essa for giving up his seat to Miss Milne at dinner this evening.
Kamal: Awesome day!
Ali: The instructor said I was the best!
Nadine: Wish we could live here by the sea!
Today we headed for our surf lesson at Burleigh Heads beach, this required an early 6:30am wake up call for all! After a short bus trip we arrived and some headed straight to the beach to begin enjoying the wave and the views while the rest began their lesson.
All had a very successful lesson surfing in the waves and has been quoted by many students as “the best day ever!”
After the lesson we spent the afternoon on the beach to true Aussie fashion playing in the sand and surf.
This evening we returned to South Bank for dinner, just as we arrived a huge storm blew in and we experienced our first Brisbane storm with heavy rain, thunder and lighting. After dinner we headed to the cinema to watch the pre-screening of The Croods.
Tomorrow we plan to visit Kedron High School to experience education down under!
Random Act of Kindness Award for today goes to Mohammed Essa for giving up his seat to Miss Milne at dinner this evening.
Kamal: Awesome day!
Ali: The instructor said I was the best!
Nadine: Wish we could live here by the sea!
Day one – Arriving in Brisbane
Today having arrived safely in Brisbane we had an enjoyable afternoon in the sun at South Bank. Students explored the local area and had the chance to swim, purchase gifts from the local market and watch street performances.
Tomorrow morning we’re off to Burleigh Heads for a surf lesson!
Quote of the day goes to Saif, “Will the sniffer dog poo on my suitcase?”
Our first Random Act of Kindness Award goes to Juana who wanted to watch a street magician perform his tricks because there was nobody else watching him.
Tomorrow morning we’re off to Burleigh Heads for a surf lesson!
Quote of the day goes to Saif, “Will the sniffer dog poo on my suitcase?”
Our first Random Act of Kindness Award goes to Juana who wanted to watch a street magician perform his tricks because there was nobody else watching him.
Departure InformationWe depart for Brisbane on Friday 22nd March from Abu Dhabi Airport at 10:25am. Please arrive at the aiport at 07:30am.
Meeting place is McDonalds by the multi storey car park. Opposite Terminal 3. |
Return InformationWe arrive back at 23:30 on Thursday 28th March. It will have been a long flight
for everyone and a prompt collection will enable a great start to the Spring break. |
Checklist1 rain jacket
1 pair of jeans Shorts/skirts 5 casual shirts or tee shirts 1 warm sweater Underwear & Socks (lots) Nightwear Swim wear and towel Toiletry bag (toothbrush, tooth paste, deodorant, hairbrush/comb, shampoo, soap, face towel) 1 small bath towel |
ChecklistInsect repellent
Aspirins/medications – all to be listed on the medical form Handkerchiefs/tissue Sunglasses Suntan lotion (Factor 50+) Writing materials Power adapters – Australian plugs are different to the UAE Day bag Book & magazines Passport Money |
Brisbane 