John & Ida’s trip to open the Australian Anglican Schools Conference in Brisvegas

First and foremost John & Ida did a brilliant job in delivering their speeches to a large audience of VIP’s. While Ida is often the star of these events it was John who stood tall and gave a well-timed talk with clear diction.


The students mingled with other guests at the break and were warmly received. They were the only students who spoke at the conference and stood out like sore thumbs in their bright blazers.

Before delivering the speech they sat in the Hilton restaurant with their laptop sipping a coke and ice and prepared their talk. They looked like they were part of the furniture and fitted in nicely. Earlier in the morning we had breakfast and both John and Ida ate like Trojans throughout the day. In fact I ran out of money long before we boarded the plane for home.









Prior to arriving at the Hilton the students were taken on a shopping expedition into David Jones. There they tried on the most expensive clothes, perfume and aftershave to get a sense of how the other half lives.








After the speeches we went to the movies to see a 3D film which they liked very much. I fell asleep in the film as we had been going since 4 am. John wanted to know if Ms Jean would get upset if she found out we went to the movies so I sent her a message. John wore the 3D glasses on the plane and looked cool. I shouted them a movie on the way home in the plane and they got to have another positive experience in being treated like young well to do leaders because they deserved it.

The students came up with some interesting observations during the trip and here are some:
The city was too big and fast paced for them – they prefer Cairns – John & Ida
When all 4 lights stop at corners they could jay walk across – John was amazed
The toilets in the food court were flash – John couldn’t get over them
They found only one black person while walking around the streets in the heart of Brisbane – John was scanning for familiar faces
Lots of laughs at the movies out loud – Ida has no shame and much joy
Copious amount of notes written down by Ida when we listened to guest speaker Lee Cunxin (Mao’s Last Dancer) who was awe inspiring
A quick and sharp inclusion to acknowledge the ancestors of the land at the start of their speech (which was not written in their original speech) – Ida
Many laughs out loud on the plane with her earphones on in the plane – Ida
John suggested next time we go to Brisvegas we stay overnight as it was along day from 4am to home by midnight

All in all it was a good trip with many splendid outcomes. The students did themselves, the College and Indigenous people proud. They also got to see what life is like when you fly around the country, open national events, go to the movies, eat to your hearts content and shop at DJ’s.

Cheers
Mr Mathew