We have just left Joala National Park and Curtis Falls - a beautiful example of a rainforest environment right on our doorstep. We really noticed the difference in temperature when we entered the micro climate of the rainforest - welcome relief after the high humidity of the wetlands. We are now on our way back to school.
We have just left the Southport Spit where we had the opportunity to learn all about the vegetation that is vital to the health of the dune system. We also had the opportunity to plant some Beachbean and Pig Face - two plants that do a great job of holding our dunes together. We are now on our way to explore the wetlands on Jabiru Island.
We all made it onto the bus and we are now on our way to the Southport Spit. The weather looks great and it promises to be a fantastic day! More posts to come as the day progresses.
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| Kiva.org - changing lives The students worked in small groups to look at the profiles of people asking for loans through Kiva. They then decided on one person who their group believed deserved the money and tried to convince the rest of the class to agree with them. We then voted as a class to determine who we would lend the money to. The students of 8A decided to lend the money to Sonia Maribel - a lady who runs a butcher shop in El Salvador. Sonia will use the money to repair the vehicle she uses to deliver her product. If there is money left over she will buy a young heifer. The students of 8J decided to lend the money to Josphina Sabala - a mother of 10 who lives in the Phillipines on less than $1 per day. Josephina will use the money to expand her florist business and improve the lives of her children. It has been great working with the students on this project and I have really enjoyed listening to their small group discussions and hearing the reasons why they think different people deserved the money more than others. If you are stuck for a Christmas gift this year, a Kiva gift card could be a great idea! |
I Wandered Lonely as a CloudWilliam WordsworthI WANDERED lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed--and gazed--but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.It's funny how we often equate wealth simply with money. It has been very refreshing listening to the students explain that there is much wealth to be gained by enjoying the simple things in life.
