Thursday  26^th July

My first day at Robinson River School started at 7.10am with the warmth of the sun making the two minute walk to school very appealing.  The five or six wild horses that wander around the town were happily eating the roadside grass and the town dogs (of which there are many) were wandering aimlessly.

The children’s open friendly manner and infectious smiles made us welcome as they lined up for their 8am assembly, followed by teeth brushing and nose blowing.

I spent the day working with the younger classes, watching them write, sing, and record their own song, guided by a couple of dedicated musicians. Pete and Kerrie travel outback Australia, staying a week at each school and producing a DVD made up of original songs from each class.

Later in the day, (school finishes at 2.00pm) we drove around the town collecting the children who jumped into the back of the 4WD. Then we headed for the river.  Pete and Kerrie, the travelling musicians, wanted to do the filming for the DVD. No permission forms, no head count, no first aid kit …just a Troupie full of children, all laughing and calling out. Down at the river they jumped straight in, effortlessly climbing the trees and somersaulting from great heights into the water…without a care in the world. Things are much more relaxed up here and I clearly need to change my thinking. These children have already won my heart!

Their carefree attitude and happy nature is delightful.

We head off up the dirt road to climb Lubba Lubba, the rocky hill overlooking RR. The children run on past a mob of mean looking cattle and through the long grass in their bare feet totally oblivious of snakes. They climb the steep rocks with such skill and speed that I am amazed, all the time chatting in their unique manner.  We reach the top as the sun sets across the horizon, the children dance and sing on the very highest rock. Their joy is contagious and I begin to understand what draws people to live and work in the outback.