Australia Day 2012

Our third and final Australia day in the UK was to be celebrated slightly differently this year.  As our new house is a touch on the small side we opted against a home based party and decided this year to concentrate on educating the masses at school.  I had planned to bring in lamingtons and ANZAC biscuits for Zac and Abbey’s classes but this was thwarted with a new school policy being announced only last week asking parents to refrain from bringing food into the school (a combination of children’s allergies and new government guidelines).  I must say I was not too disappointed but then Nathan’s work had no such restrictions so he set off this morning armed with some ‘Australian’ morning tea, which by all accounts was gratefully received.

 Abbey got into the spirit of things early with her Australia Flag tattoo, Koala pin and Australian head scarf

 Having spoken with the school last week, I had arranged for Zac to give a short spiel about the historic landing of the first fleet and the kids were fascinated by the idea of convicts being transported for simply stealing a loaf of bread.  Abbey was joined on stage by the one other Australian born boy, Henry, to hold up the Australian flag.  Henry also brought in a didgeridoo but, alas, Mr Scarffe chose not to give a demonstration!

 To add to the morning’s entertainment, we had roped in Freddie to assist in little presentation of “How to Speak Australian”.  Now Freddie is never one to shy from a challenge though his Aussie accent did have a rather cockney flavour to it!  The kids thought this was hilarious with Abbey, up on stage, laughing loudest of all.  It was then up to ‘Aussie Zac’ to offer an English translation which he delivered with aplomb.  The boys were a definite hit.

Can you speak Australian? (by Freddie)

G'day Mate,
 what a beaut site you have here, it's real bonza!  Pop over and throw a few snags on the barbie, knock down some coldies, bring the softies for the ankle bitters, plonk your butt and have a natter, it will be a ripper of a day....

You li'le beauty...
See ya cobba



 English Translation: (by Zachary)

Hello, my friend,
 Well you have chosen a lovely site, it certainly is terrific.  Come on over and place some sausages on the BBQ, enjoy a cold beer or wine, bring some pop for the children, sit down and enjoy some conversation....it will be the best of days…
I do so hope to see you there.

As a gesture of good will for our founding fathers, we also gave each child at school a little gold koala pin as a way of remembering their Australian schoolmates.