Here are a bunch of photos and stories of what we have been up to since moving to Doha, Qatar, in July 2006. Enjoy! Brendan, Samantha, Isabelle, Matilda & Josephine
Here is my horse...
Annika in (favourite colour - NOT) purple helmet, on TJ.
We started off the morning with learning the lines to a Rolf Harris tune.
Multicultural show for kids and helpers. The lone piper got the tear ducts warmed up, oh boy, must bring tissues next time!
Every child was given a helium balloon to attach their national flag and 'hope for the next 30 years' to.
Waiting for the Grand Parade of Nations. The year 6 kids lead warcries of "Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi".
I love international schools! 61 countries were represented. This is the G-spot.
It is 6.30am (gotta get up early to beat the Doha traffic!) and the Beales & White kids are raring to go!
Once at school, the sights are amazing! Families have put a lot of effort into costumes and decorations. How great for the kids. I had green shorts made for all the Aussies who wanted it. Gotta look impressive for the Grand National Parade tomorrow!
Each national group was given one classroom to decorate and organise activities in. Here are samples of the Australian foods Zena and I brought in... fairy bread, pavlova, vegemite sandwiches, damper with golden syrup, milo, pumpkin scones, anzaq biscuits.
Li'l Aussies... our group of Key Stage 1 kids (reception to year 2) in our homemade cave.
Say VEGEMITE!
Our version of Uluru and animal tracking.
Principal, Mr Liptrot, doing the rounds and trying out a vegemite sandwich.
Nippers on our very own beach in the 2D courtyard.
Matilda and her friends came to visit, they were very excited.
Miss Pinson with her helpers (may I add, at the end of the day... we're tired.)
Getting off the bus.
Matilda's partner, Giselle.
Other classmates, Salma, Sydney & Mellina.
This is so fun!
After 60 kids, the ducks are full and just not interested, but the opportunistic koi are having a field day!
Snack time.
Catching the bubbles.
Thanks to the teachers who organised such a lovely morning for kids and mums!
On the school run, stuck at the traffic lights, this is my view to the left...
... and to the front. We arrive 35 minutes later.
After shopping at Villaggio Mall (the one with the indoor canal), I pass the 2006 Asian Games main stadium on my left.
Almost home. The is our compound, Green Village. In true Doha-style, I skip the lights and eventual u-turn, and instead jump up on the kerb in front of the compound. Shortcuts, it's all about the shortcuts.
Here are my regular customers for the morning DESS school run. We used to be seven, but Elsie moved up to high school.
Seriously, tickets cost less than a coffee. You should come along next year!
