Honouring the Bush

The Australian Bush was the theme for the School of Total Education’s (SOTE) biannual Special Day recently.
The event proved to be an impressive display of ingenuity and creativity of both staff and students. There were many varied activities on the day including the “Thong Toss”, “Watermelon Seed Spitting” and “Two Up”.
A treasure hunt was fraught with danger by menacing Bush Rangers but the ever daring Troopers were on hand to rescue the adventurers and save Lassiter’s treasure. Children took a break from all this excitement at the “Bush Café” which was serving Aussie treats of home-made ginger beer, lamingtons and Anzac biscuits.
Once refreshed, the students could then take a didgeridoo lesson from respected tribal elder Roger Knox while sitting around the campfire and cooking damper. Bush Hut building and chalk mural drawings were also popular activities. The chalk mural made a stunning backdrop to the night-time activities when families joined the children and teachers for an Aussie BBQ and entertainment.
Roger delighted children and adults alike with his rendition of “We are One”, with musical accompaniment by Matthew and Bernadine Bradshaw, Colin Alley and Wanda Brett. Sharman Parsons delivered an emotional performance of a blend of tribal and modern dance. The event concluded with a very traditional bush dance, the Heel and Toe.