Last week we had a great deal of fun and fellowship at the Barefoot Bowls Night on Monday 18 February and I thank Mary Henderson and Greg Hamilton for organising a very successful event. I'm not sure how we would rate the bowls results, but the event did throw up a couple of Rotarians and friends who showed potential.
We had quite a full programme on Monday 25 February with an emphasis on Youth and in particular the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) recently attended by Club sponsored Willetton Senior High School (WSHS) students Bianca Stevenson, Brett Nigli, Mutia Darusa and Mihan da Silva. Mihan's mother Sabrina da Silva was also our guest and filmed the event for posterity. With his usual flair, our Club Director of Youth Service, Simon Cubitt, conducted a Q&A session with the students.
Simon with Brett Nigli and Bianca Stevenson,
Simon (he wasn't "surfing" just reading the questions from his phone) with Mutia and Mihan.
The student's responses were very interesting and informative and it was clear that they had learned a great deal about themselves, their subjects, their future study preferences, networking and building relationships. I am happy to say all four proved most worthy recipients of our support.
As you know the WSHS Interact Club was very active in 2018 but this did not stop several executive members from starring at the recent Year 11 Awards Ceremony: Mihan and Jae Breffies achieved six (6) A grades; Jae topped four (4) of her subjects and was Dux of the year group; Mihan received the Citizenship Award; and Duli and Mutia were each top of at least one of their subjects. In addition Jae has been appointed Year 12 Head girl and Mihan and Mutia were both elected to the Year 12 student council. High achievers indeed!
Just as impressive was a report from Mikhail Acebo who acted as a buddy at the HANDICAMP held at the Point Walter Recreation Centre in January this year. Mikhail was unable to attend so Club Director for Community Service, Ashley West, did the honours. To read Mikhail's insightful, thoughtful and moving report Click here.
Anna has discovered that Year 12 involves a bit of work, She's up for it of course, but is having to be well organised so as not to interfere too much with her beach time.
Now I want to thank the Club Chair for Rotary Foundation matters, Stuart Diggins, for his excellent presentation on where the Club is at with the international project to set up a Mini Dairy Farm in Sri Lanka which will initially provide a livelihood for 40 families headed by women who have lost their main breadwinner during the last stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
The project also draws on the expertise of three other Club members being Pushpa Pushpalingam, Erwin Biemel and David Fraser. For Stuart's excellent presentation Click here .
Speaking of excellent presentations brings me to the international toast to the Rotary Club of Havelock North (at right) which was delivered most effectively by Kieran (Kiwi) English.
Time to register for the District Conference in Collie is fast running out. 28 February 2019 is the deadline. The organising committee has put together a very interesting programme and I encourage everyone who can, to attend. To view the programme and to register Click here.
And finally just another reminder that we are still needing a President Elect for 2019-20. It has been agreed that role will be modified to achieve a better distribution of responsibilities and with the support of the many Past Presidents in the Club it will be very rewarding, not onerous. The other appeal is for nominations for District Governor 2021-22. If you are up for an incredible life changing experience, this would be it.
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