I thought you'd all like to hear about Darcie's role in the school Anzac ceremony today. Tomorrow is ANZAC day and a public holiday all across Australia. This is to commemorate the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli in Turkey. It's a major deal here, with every town holding dawn services on Anzac morning. Secret Harbour School hold a special ANZAC assembly every year and invite service men and women from Rockingham Naval Base to come along and address the school, along with a few old servicemen.

It's a really touching ceremony. The old serviceman recited the Ode and the Last Post is played whilst the flag is lowered by a naval officer.

All the children bring in a flower from home and this flower is added to a class wreath which is then placed at the flagpole. Darcie was asked to carry the wreath. It was a real honour and she was very excited and nervous too; she practised and practised last night.

She carried the flowers up, placed them down, took a step backward, bowed her head and then stood for a minute in silence before returning to her seat. She did it brilliantly and we were very proud of her.

Other news:
Sam had his second Aussie Rules Football training session tonight and has his first match on Saturday. He really enjoys it (although it's early days (o: ) and different to the soccer he played in England as everyone here is guaranteed a game and to be part of the team regardless of their ability. He has to get a mouth guard (it's a bit rough - like rugby mixed with a night out in Brixton; plus a mullet for good measure) and has the footy boots and the socks already. I'll post an update with pictures of the match at the weekend. Although I will just mention that he had to have adult SIZE EIGHT boots!!!!!!!!!

Oh - Alan's OK, thanks for asking. He's been a bit busy this week with other work commitments, but he often pops round to let me know he still cares. Yes! I am completely mad. Thank you.