Super Time at Small Schools Camp at Weilmoringle.

Great excitement as students from Wanaaring, Louth and Engonnia all travelled by small bus and 4-wheel drive to Weilmoringle school, arriving Monday afternoon.

 Even more excited were the expert presenters-  Sue Anderson, from Geelong, tennis coach extraordinare, Lou Smith, from Bulahdelah, bringing the gift of wonderful music, Jeanine Boland from Parkes, with a boot full of pre-school activities and more patience than Job, not to mention Phill, with his fantastic games, and myself.

29 kids in all (half in kinder and Yr1) and about a dozen adults, with 3 fantastic local cooks keeping up the food. And what a week we had! It was great to watch children and staff reform or start, new friendships.

A local artist from Brewarrina, Morris Sullivan, came out for a couple of mornings and did Aboriginal art with the kids. I am still not sure how he managed to get so much done in such a short time.

And best of all, I got to leave my hand print.

Each morning was filled with groups moving between tennis, music, art and games with Phill.
Phill hit the ground running and reached into his bag of tricks. First up, First  class- “Tag you’re it !” It was full on till the afternoon.He also ran some  team building games -“Watch out for the Croc!  He is coming !! "

Maria.....no......Lou leads the children in singing the songs they had learned.

Numbers in the preschool room varied but every time I  stuck my head in there were the most wonderful games, stories or craft happening.

Sue kept them all busy on the tennis court with a wide variety of games and in three days managed to get the older ones up to playing a game. The littlies were hitting balls over the net with confidence.

Lou adapted a Colin Buchanan song to include local places and the kids loved it. There were other songs with quieter sections and the concert on Friday morning was wonderful. But the part that kids loved the most was making lots of noise on the drums.

On the Wednesday morning Phill and I did the Easter story with the kids. As only Enngonia school has regular scripture for some of the kids it wasn’t a very familiar story.

Julie explains the Passover.

We did a simple Passover meal (Note to self – Be careful how you describe the grape juice or they’ll all think you are trying to make them drink blood!)

We also nailed messages to God on a cross and watched some fantastic animated videos.

The afternoons had whole group activities.

Aunty Josie, one of the Weilmoringle elders took us into the bush on a number of occasions and shared some of the special places and sacred stories.

One thing for sure, I’m never swimming in the Munda Gutta (rainbow serpent) water hole! The cultural events were finished off with an emu cookout and jonny cakes.

We also had Sam Buckie, from National Parks bring the information trailer, and Ronnie Gibbs from Country Rugby League.


One of the high points was the conversations with the staff and children. One staff member shared that she wished there had been things like this when she was growing up. She only had family and close neighbours to play with and talk to. This really opens the world to these kids, otherwise they just ride their motorbikes or go hunting or fishing, unless there’s a special day on. 

Preschool is in!

Five, very exhausted but elated, presenters climbed into the cars after morning tea Friday for the long journey home in different directions.

My sincere thanks to Sue, Lou and Jeanine who willingly gave up their time and brought their very special gifts to these students from remote communities.

                                 Your special gifts meant the kids had a fantastic time!

                                                                                                                  - Julie Grieg.