Here is an extract of her election speech, she wrote the speech by herself with no help at all. I can only write down what I can recall, she won't let me keep a copy! Part of the speech was about how she came last in the cross-country (4km) last year and the house captain was there to encourage and support her till she crossed the finishing line. She promised to be supportive and encouraging. She is there to give a helping hand and if she doesn't know the answer as she admittedly is not good at all sports, she will point you to the right person who can help. WOW, if only the politicians learn from the kids - be honest and have a real understanding of what leadership is about. More importantly admit that you don't know everything!
Fay attended 'Monet's Garden' Exhibition at National Art Gallery of Victoria. In her own words, she just loves the masterpieces, she was fascinated by how Monet mixed the colours and brought them to live. Her favourite piece was 'Water Lilies, Evening Effect' - she couldn't help herself going back to this particular painting and stared at it for at least 10 minutes. Poor girl, she has to appreciate the exhibition on her own as the 'boys were so immature and making fun of the paintings' and the 'girls criticized the painting as if they know anything'.
She also performed a solo piece 'El Condor Pasa' with her clarinet. That was one performance I will never forget, I didn't realise how well she played until that evening. When asked if she was nervous, her response was 'Of course I am.' Here is her secret to calm herself, she visualised a BIG BLUE WHALE jumping out of the waters! You might try it sometimes, I just laughed when I visualise that.
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| Taken by a drunken photographer |
Officially I graduated from primary school with Fay - I have been with the school for 15 years. The kids take 7 years to graduate, I took double the time. It was a good school with great community spirit, I think I actually will miss volunteering at school fundraising events and exchanging notes with parents about the kids.
Matt is in Year 10 this year. I was surprised that he is now playing saxophone in the symphonic band, the highest level at the school. (I obviously do not have high expectation of my kids.) The band performed at Federation square during the Victorian School Music Festival and was awarded 'Platinum' - highest award. Indeed, Fay's primary school band also performed at the Festival, they received 'silver' award.
Matt did his work experience this year, I will not name the company he worked for. This is his findings, 'Most people are so lazy. They took long hour for lunch, took their time for tea break. I just want to learn and I didn't learn anything!' This is what I told him, 'But you did learn. You learn something you could never learn at school. You find out the truth about people, how people behave in the real world.' Time to give him lessons in 'Human Behaviour 101'?
One of many career choices for Matt: Professional Gamer. Yeah, I know, I didn't even know such a career existed! His team (5 players) played for the first time in tournament in Melbourne and came third - prize is an optical mouse. Then they entered another competition against other countries, this time it is online and they came second, prize is $100 cash for the team.
My favourite part of the blog, a quote to reflect on. As most of my friends are in same age group, where our hair has miraculously changed colour, our face seems to have some lines added without our knowledge nor permission. I think the following extract from a poem by Sam Levenson is appropriate. This quote was made popular by one of my favourite actress, Audrey Hepburn, and many has incorrectly assumed that she wrote it.
"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!" - Sam Levenson
Now, doesn't that make you feel so much better!
