School Visitation | Drouin VIC
Friday: 4 April 9:30am – 1pm
Junior School & Middle School Campuses – Drouin VIC
The first event of the day was held at the Chairo Middle School Campus, located approximately 6 minute’s drive from our accommodation at the Warragul Gardens Caravan Park. We arrived around 8:30 AM, parked the car and trailer in the lot near the large playing field, and proceeded to the main reception area. A teacher kindly offered to guide us to the appropriate location.
The Middle School classrooms were situated at the right-hand end of the campus, and we met with a member of the Middle School administration who directed us to set up the display outside in the disabled parking area, near the Balfour Theatre, where the students would be gathering.
Kevin set up the PowerPoint presentation in the theatre, while Andrew Kapusi, a local community member, joined us for some photographs. At 9:30 AM, the Middle School students filled the venue, and Kevin presented the vehicle’s story, highlighting its historical significance and educational value.
Following the presentation, the students came out in class groups over the next hour to view the vehicle and ask questions. We provided the class teachers with copies of “The Overlander” book and distributed QR cards for the associated YouTube program.
After the event, we quickly loaded up and headed to the Junior School Campus in East Drouin, where we had been invited to participate in a specially planned program.
At the Junior School, we were warmly welcomed and directed to set up the vehicle and display in the designated area. The students had prepared various activities, including musical performances, model car creations, and re-enactment scenes depicting the vehicle’s journey. The teachers and students had clearly put a lot of thought and effort into engaging with the story creatively and educationally.
After the tour and interactions with the students, we had lunch in the staff room before departing shortly before the end of the school day. The remainder of the afternoon was spent on various tasks, such as shopping, vehicle maintenance, and preparing for the evening meal.
Overall, it had been a productive and rewarding day, and we were grateful for the opportunity to share the story and engage with the students in a meaningful way.
