It was a day in the National Park and at the beach today!
We hiked the beautiful Noosa National Park and its beaches. Students played in rock pools at Tea-Tree Bay, spotted a koala waving from a tall tree and bonded over delicious ice-creams at Noosa Main Beach.
There is a Koala hiding in the photo!
One of the nicest things about TAP in December is the small class sizes.
Students are truly enjoying their intimate classes. Our TAP English teacher Aaron gives TAP students a special project each week. This week, students were to do 5 minutes presentation about their home country, town, school and culture. Students were to observe each other’s presentations and write 3 good points and 1 area for improvement. They were also expected to ask at least 1 question. Misaki, Midori, Yoon Jae and Motoki used project papers with pictures to present their project. They really did well explaining about their life in Japan.
Great effort, guys!
After lunch the students took a short bus ride to Noosa River. It was another beautiful, sunny day and the blue sky and sparkling water made a wonderful sight. Students were given instructions on how to paddle and control a kayak and they were soon the on the river, trying to follow the instructors .
For some, steering was difficult and paddling against the wind was very hard and tiring. But they managed to make it to a lovely sand island in the middle of the river. There they could have a rest and walk in shallow clear water where they could see young fish and crabs before getting back on the kayaks. This time they were paddling with the wind so it was easier and they made it back quickly…..so they had time for a little shopping and ice-cream before the bus arrived.
After lunch the students took a short bus ride to Noosa Surf Life Saving Club.
First they were given a short lecture and shown a video about beach safety. Bryce, the lifeguard, warned them about “rips” and other dangers of the surf and instructed them to ALWAYS swim between the flags to ensure their safety while at the beach in Australia.
Then the lifeguards took them onto the beautiful beach and showed them how to catch waves with bodyboards.The girls learned quickly and were soon riding the waves.
After a sunny day on the beach everyone had a yummy ice-cream before catching the bus back to Global Village.
Students had lessons with David at Noosa Tennis Centre today. It was very hot but we still managed to have a few laughs.
Aaron will join the group for activities next week. Have fun kids, and have a very Merry Christmas!
Motoki joined the girls yesterday for Surfing lessons at Noosa Main Beach. Everyone managed to stand up and their smiles were huge.
Students are looking forward to their next chance to get in the surf, maybe after their tennis lessons today!
We welcomed Poole Gakuin High School students yesterday evening. The group escaped from cold weather to enjoy their summer Christmas on the beach!
They will of course learn English in the morning and off to the beach or the river in the afternoon.
Special thanks to host families who welcomed students to their home and celebrate Christmas together as a part of their family. It will become their most memorable Christmas day ever!
And it’s a lot easier when the wind is behind you.
These ocean kayaks have a small sail on the front so when the wind is with you, there is no need to paddle, and you can steer with your feet!
The girls had a great time and got to experience one of Noosa’s best assets, the river.
Three students from Japan, Midori, Misaki and Yoon Jae got a tour of Noosa today, and they liked what they saw.
Midori said “I have never seen a National Park so big!” Yoon Jae said “I like this place.”
We saw a variety of bird life including an albino Bush Turkey which really impressed the girls. They are looking forward to Canoeing on the river tomorrow.
Sarah who was a TAP student for 5 weeks in July and August 09 has posted her happy news to us.
“Now, I got my first mark in English!! It was really very good!! I’m so happy”.
Her friends Laura, Antonia and Lisa from TAP program will visit Sarah on New Year’s eve.
We are glad to hear Sarah is doing well with her English and has developed a new friendship from the program. We hope the same things are happening to all our TAP students.
