Well it is time for year two. We are taking 10 of our outstanding leadership students to Australia where they will be embedded in public schools and shadow administrators and teachers for the next 16 days. Pictures from the Birmingham Airport will be my next entry. I am packed and have really streamlined the amount of clothes I took this year.

The weather forecast for this time of year has us in the 60's during the day and 50's at night.

Saturday in Hunter Valley

On Saturday the group loaded up on our van and took off for Hunter Valley, the original area for Australian wineries.  We visited two wineries, Tyrells, the oldest in Australia and Tempest Two, one of the newest. Both were quite interesting and offered contrasting views of wine production. Tyrells was very old, with many of the older production customs and equipment. It was fascinating and the group decided it was the most fun and the best wine.  No shortage of wine bottles in our van!!!!!

I'm not sure if the picture of Hope and Latryce was before or after the wine tasting.

It was a very cool ride through mountains and cattle farms. Plenty of wild kangaroos along the way. They were everywhere and so much fun to watch.

I HAVE DONE A BIT OF UPDATING SO ALL SHOULD LOOK AT THE OLDER POSTS.

Friday at the University of New South Wales and NIDA

On Friday the group visited the Educational Leadership Department at the University of New South Wales. Looks like some joint research projects and new networks are a definite possibility. Many of their program elements are similar to our program but there are some differences as well. I look forward to the possibilities.

After lunch we went to the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) which is located on UNSW's campus. It was quite an impressive tour. There are 7 stages/venues for show productions and many times there will be several plays going on at the same time.  The director really took a liking to us and invited us come back to a play. We go on Wednesday night.

Tuesday at the Alternative School

I spent Tuesday at the Sydney Alternative School with Jonathan and Quebe. It was a typical Alternative School for children with behavior problems. I was interested because of my many years in alternative educational programs while I was a teacher and administrator in my former school system. They use strategies similar to ours. The children are similar as well. Broken homes, learning difficulties, not much outside support from their families for an education. 

Afterwards I went to the grocery store so we could cook hamburgers for the group. Jonathan did most of the cooking. It was a one person kitchen. I think all had a good time.

I wanted to include this picture for all my colleagues and friends who drink cokes on a regular basis. Check out the price for 2 cases of canned Cokes! The exchange rate is pretty much 1/1 so I wonder how many Cokes people would drink at these prices?

The Weekend in Australia

Well we have had a wonderful weekend in Australia. Plenty of touring at Bondi Beach and Blue Mountains in Katoomba. We didn't let the rain stop us. Monday was a national holiday: Australians celebrated the Queen's Birthday today. We begin again in schools tomorrow.

It has been an amazing time. The graduate students are quite adventuresome. They have made the absolute most of this trip! Check out my new friend.

Day 3 and 4 Australia

Day 3 and 4 Australia