Australia - Perth

After the ELH conference I was scheduled to fly across Australia to Perth and do an all day workshop at the Hale School. The campus was incredible and expansive. Participants came from all over Western Australia but the most exciting part for me personally was that Sue Waters was in attendance. I had collaborated with Sue online but had never met her face to face. Sue became my personal tour guide while in Western Australia and I learned a great deal about life in her region of the world.

We arrived at our hotel in Perth and were thrilled at how beautiful it was. In all my journeys I have never stayed at a place with a courtyard. Incredible!

Sue picked us up at the hotel and took us to a garden called Kings Park where I got to see local fauna and many other natural beauties of Western Australia. She had just given Alan Levine a similar tour a few weeks before so it was interesting listening to the stories of their wild adventures.

We had lunch and conversation at a shop in the park with an amazing view.

The park was set up where you walk through the tree tops and look down on the splendor below.

Sue also took us to see where she works and teaches at Challenger TAFE in Fremantle, Perth.  TAFE is an amazing place. It was my favorite part of the Western Aussie journey.

David got to take a spin on the ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) simulator used for training pilots to work in offshore industry, an opportunity he will never forget!

This is an old abandoned whaling cave that is on the property where TAFE is located.

We also took in some shopping while in Fremantle. The aboriginal art, digaridoos and boomerangs caught our eye for sure.

Maegan wanted to go to the Bell Tower while I was presenting at Hale but she couldn't talk David into going.

Sue also arranged a Blogger's dinner for us. A fellow Perth bloggers and ed-tech enthusiasts attended including Jean Anning, Jane Lowe, Tomaz Lasic and Paul Reid. 

The workshop at Hale School went really well. Peter made sure all the technology was working and provided wonderful assistance.

Having Sue and Jane there was such a special treat and added depth to our conversations.

Overall Reflections
I learned a great deal about Australia's education system while I was there and especially the strengths and weaknesses they have related to ICT. The timing couldn't have been better considering that Will and I are leading eight Australian schools this year as part of the International Cohort with Powerful Learning Practice

I look forward to returning to Australia and would love and opportunity to give in kind the great hospitality I received while there. If you ever get an opportunity to visit, take it.

Comments

[Sue Waters]

I really enjoyed the time we spent together in Perth and glad you enjoyed the sight seeing. Absolutely loved attending your workshop as it's great watching how other people facilitate their workshops.

Especially loved your modeling of the use of the tools and how you used the flip charts. Look forward to your visiting Perth again one day.

[Julie Squires (Bookjewel)]

I'm glad you enjoyed your time here...you've now seen more of Australia than I have!!!

[Jo McLeay]

This is great Sheryl. Love the photos as I have never been to Western Australia. It's really good to read your reflections and see ourselves through another's eyes.

[Mary Warren]

Sheryl,
How lucky you are to experience Australia. I loved the photos and reading about your journeys. Hopefully, someday, I can travel there. Thanks for sharing.
mary

[pengyongche]

though i have never been to australia, i look forward a oppotunity to go abroad to have good time.
i am coming autralia...