Day 5 Reflections by Daphne, Ying Qi, Ong Rui, Kira, Alicia and Angela

Today, we had to wake up at 5.30 am in the morning. When I woke up, I realised that I was shivering and freezing cold. I persevered just like what the CHIP values taught me. I felt much stronger inside and went to prepare all that I needed for the day. While I was in the toilet, there was a lack of water. Everyone was really scared but we picked up our courage and pretended like nothing happened. I’ve learnt  to be grateful for the water and electricity that we have as some people in different parts of the world would not have these things. After our scrumptious breakfast made by Aunty Rosa, we continued our journey and went to Belmont Primary School. Belmont Primary School was similar to Harmony Primary School in some ways. I’ve managed to make new friends and have really enjoyed my trip there. I hope that I have made my school proud and would love to go another trip like this. I hope everyone had an enjoyable time.

By Daphne Lee

I awoke to a freezing atmosphere. I shivered madly and my teeth chattered uncontrollably. However, I did not complain as I knew that people in other parts of the world live in very cold places. Instead, I picked up my toothbrush and toothpaste and made my way to the toilet to brush my teeth. However, I found that the water supply had been cut off. Ms Sim gave each of us one cup of water to use. After we had all brushed our teeth and changed, we went outside to see the stars for the last time. They were just tiny flecks of light, dancing in the night sky. After stargazing, we went for a hearty candlelight breakfast. The milk in my cereal was fresh and cold. Perhaps it was from the farm's own cows. We climbed onto the bus and set off for Belmont Primary after waving goodbye to Uncle John and Aunt Rosa. The pupils at Belmont Primary were warm and friendly; they explained to me how to play their game. Looking back, it was a memorable experience to be able to go to Perth.

By Soh Ying Qi

Today is the last day we are in Perth! We can go home at last! It was a very exciting day I had in Perth today. We had to wake up early in the morning at about 5.30 am (that’s what we don’t usually do on a daily basis). Unfortunately for us, the lights went off! Blackout! All of us were shocked and we gasped in horror! In the end, we had to remain calm and use our torches as lights. Our group did it systematically to avoid any accidents from happening. From this we must learn how to solve the problems ourselves as crying and panicking would not stop the problem. Electricity is very important. However, some countries don’t have electricity and we must be grateful that we have it. We settled everything at about 6 am and it was breakfast time! We had a scrumptious meal that Aunty Rosa cooked for us!

After breakfast, we went to Belmont Primary School We had a tour around the school and the facilities in there were very new although the school is 100 years old! We played traditional games with the school kids. They were very fascinated with the games we played and they enjoyed it very much. We played 5 stones, chatek, paper balls and bubbles! After having so much fun, we broke up into different groups and played games with them too! I played the jigsaw puzzles. The game required cooperation, patience and thinking skills from us. I had an enjoyable time playing with them. I hope to come Australia again!

By Ong Rui

Today, I went to Belmont Primary School. In that school, there were both boys and girls. Alyssa, Amanda and I were grouped together to play with the Year 1s and 2s. It was quite fun playing with them as they were cute and smiley! We played ball and “Duck Duck Goose”. I learnt to interact with other people and I enjoyed my time fully. Hope that one day I will be able to come back and play with them again!

By Kira Anne Satwant

Ring! My annoying alarm woke my roommates and me up. Suddenly, I cannot flush the toilet and the tap released so little water. After we knew what had happened, we realised that we have to save water. We then had a breakfast and then headed towards Belmont Primary School. The students there makes friends very easily too. We gave our gifts to them and set off to the airport. I felt that when I am in Perth, we can make many friends, even with the adults!

By Alicia Teo

Today, we got an early start in the morning. We wanted to turn on the lights, but there was no reaction. It dawned on us that there was a blackout. It was freezing cold but we soon solved the problem. This taught us to use electricity when necessary. It was so grateful that Singapore do not usually have blackouts!

We had a great breakfast of fried rice with eggs and mushrooms and then we set off to Belmont Primary School. The pupils there were kind. We did some activities there and we taught the students to play our traditional games. It was really fun!

I was kind of sad to leave. We took a group photo before we boarded the bus to the airport. Uncle Steve gave us a koala souvenir each. How nice!

Then, we were off!!!

By Angela Li 

Day 5 - Belmont Primary

 Belmont Primary is a 2-hour drive away from Ferguson Farm. To avoid the morning jam, the girls woke up as early as 5.30 am! Upon arrival at the school, some of our girls presented gifts to the school.

 A peek at their beautiful classrooms

Australian schools are big in their green efforts. Check out their recycling bins! They collect reusable materials, ranging from bottle caps to cupboard to plastics.

 Our pupils were given interaction time with the Australian children. They shared our traditional games such as Five Stones, Paper Balls, and Blow Bubble.

A last shot at the school with their principal and teachers before waving goodbye. Off to the airport! Home awaits us!

Day 4 Reflections by Chloe Ng and Nika Sadri

Today, we first proceeded to Ferguson Farm! It was quite a long drive to reach there but I closed my eyes and went to sleep! I meant, I relaxed my mind. I was so excited I could hardly sleep. When we reached, we went to our hut! Amazingly, I found that the room in the farm is much more cleaner than the hotel! We went to see animals such as cows, chickens, rabbits, ponies and sheeps! I was so excited that we could ride the pony! It was so fun. Overall, this was my best day in Perth!

by Nika Sadri

I was so excited when I got out of bed because I was looking forward to the trip to Ferguson Farm. Well, I felt sad as we left the hotel as I remembered the fun memories I had with my roommates. We went down for breakfast and was ready to set off for the farm. Halfway through the journey, we stopped for toilet breaks and we stopped by to eat our scrumptious lunch. Four of us shared two big plates and although I was really full, I tried my best to finish. I was reminded that other people in the world do not have any food to eat. So now, I'm grateful for everything I have. Finally, after 3 hours, we reached the farm. We put our bags down and quickly went to Uncle John, the owner of the farm. He first showed us the cows and we fed them with milk. We went around the farm and saw many other animals. We even sat on the tractor! The favourite animal in the farm was Fred the pony as he was very cute and I even sat on it! After that, we had our scrumptious dinner and saw the beautiful sky! I saw the Milky Way! We went back to the chalet and Good Night!

by Chloe Ng

Day 4 - Overnight Stay at Ferguson Farm

En route to Ferguson Farm. Behind them is the Penguin Island

Lunch at Han's Cafe

After a 3-hour drive, the pupils arrived at Ferguson Farm!

They sat on a tractor round the farm. Many pupils were thrilled.

All of them had a go at the trampoline!

Fred the pony giving the girls a ride on its back.

The pupils star-gazed at night and saw thousands of stars and the Milky Way. They sat around a campfire and drank Billy Tea prepared by Uncle John. 

Day 4 Announcement

Dear Friends,

We may experience poor Internet connectivity in the countryside during our farm stay. As a result, we may not be able to post the photos and pupils' reflections in time. Stay tune for more updates!

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Best regards

OLGC Perth Trip Teachers   

Day 3 Pupils' Reflections by Sue-wei, Amanda, Natalia, Janine and Daphne

As I woke up at 7.14 am, I was already excited and all ready to go to the chocolate factory, Wildlife Park and Gravity Discovery Centre. The first stop was the Gravity Discovery Centre. I learnt a lot about the Sun and the new AIGO project being set up in Perth. We also learnt about the sound waves and how Albert Einstein discovered them in space. Next stop was for lunch. I was so hungry! I enjoyed being able to serve my friends the food and drinks. I think the food was very yummy although I do not like salad, I ate it because I was famished. Next, I was waiting for this all day! Excitedly, I walked the wildlife park with my group. All of us were looking forward to seeing the animals. I enjoyed it very much. I wished the endangered animals would give birth to more babies so that they would not be endangered anymore. I fed the kangaroos and it felt ticklish. Next we went to the long-awaited chocolate factory. I learnt how the cocoa trees and the cocoa flowers give cocoa beans which give us chocolates. I learnt a lot today. That’s all for now.

by Sue-Wei Chung

Today in the morning, I ate a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, hashbrown, sausage and a tomato. I also enjoyed a cup of apple juice. After that, we waited for Uncle Steve, our bus captain, at the lobby. He came in a different coach today and we headed for Gravity Discovery Centre. We watched a short film about sound waves. I did not understand some of it but I tried my best to listen and understand. After that, we went to look into the telescope to see the solar flare. I think that it was super cool as I haven’t seen it before. We then went around the hands-on exhibits and they were interesting. We stopped for lunch at Whitemen Park to have lunch – BBQ chicken & sausage with fried rice and salad. It tasted fantastic! We went to Caversham Wildlife Park after lunch. We saw many animals which I have never seen before. I love the koalas as their fur was fluffy and soft. The kangaroos were cute too. We took pictures with a wombat as well. Finally, we went to Margaret River Chocolate Company. It was a chocolate paradise there. I bought many items there. We had dinner at the same Chinese restaurant as on the first day. The food was above average and it was such a pleasant day!

by Amanda Toh

Today we went to Gravity Discovery Centre. On the way, our bus captain, Uncle Steve, told us facts like only certain plants can grow in sandy conditions. We saw the leaning tower of Gingin. We watched a documentary about gravity and we saw the sun’s flare through a special telescope. I began to understand more about gravity after the visit. We then went to Caversham Wildlife Park. I even fed the kangaroos! We went to the koala enclosure and we stroked the furry animals with the back of our hands so as not to scratch it. I felt that certain types of animals should be saved as people are killing them. I learnt more about animals and their diet and habitat. We then went to Margaret River Chocolate Factory. I spent a little too much, $121.45. What can I do? I have to buy at least one item for my family members. Today was an educational day as I understood more about gravity and the animals.

by Natalia Boey

Today I started off my day with Jasmine tea and a big hearty plate of eggs and sausages. The food was a little bland but I learnt to accept all food and be grateful as other people, such as those in Africa, do not have sufficient food to eat. Then, we kicked off the day by going to the gravity centre. It was a long journey but it was worth it as the gravity center was amazing! We viewed the Sun’s solar beams through a special telescope and saw pictures of the supernovas from the big bang theory. After that, we had a scrumptious lunch and went to the Caversham wildlife park. I learnt that all animals are amazing and have special personalities. Before meeting the kangaroos, the koalas and the wombats, I thought they were just normal, boring animals but my view of them as completely changed now. I also learnt very good tips about the animals as I fed them. Then, we went to the chocolate factory but the chocolates were expensive so I spent my money wisely.

by Janine Toh

I started my day with scrambled eggs and apple juice. It sure was a hearty breakfast. We then proceeded to Gravity Discovery Centre, where we learnt more about gravity. The trip there was really valuable and it really increased my interest in gravity. Next, we went for lunch which was really delicious! Yum yum! Then we walked to Caversham Wildlife Park as it was very close to where we ate. At the wildlife park, we saw kangaroos, wombats, koalas etc. We even fed the kangaroos! The kangaroo that I fed had a joey in its pouch. I was lucky to see the joey’s head as many people rarely see its head. It soon was time to go to the Chocolate Factory. There, we saw lots of cute chocolates being made. I have learnt how to treat animals much better and how interesting they made the chocolates. I have really enjoyed my trip today.

by Daphne Lee

Day 3 The Excitement Continues!

All gearing up for Caversham Wildlife Park.

The pupils had an upclose and personal encounter with the kangaroos, koalas and...

 ... the sleepy wombat!

Finally, like typical Singaporeans, all emerged from the Margaret River Chocolate Company with their prized possessions.

Day 3 Another Day of Excitement

 The teachers and pupils were greeted to a chilly morning at the Gravity Discovery Center. In the backdrop, stands the Leaning Tower of Gingin.

Looking at the Sun and its solar flare through a specialised telescope set up by Uncle Bob. Amazing sight to behold!

All tucked in to mouth-watering barbecue fare of chicken and sausage along with fried rice and crisp salad.

Day 2 Reflections

A fresh start in the morning. I went to the hotel's restaurant and had a scrumptious breakfast. Fremantle Market was waiting ahead! I was worried that I did have enough time to shop. Interesting shops passed my way. I bought only what I thought was worthy. I spotted a street performer. He did fascinating tricks. Next, we went to King's Park. It was a wonderful sprawling garden. The fresh air, colourful flowers and water features! What a beautiful sight! We did a worksheet which was as easy as ABC and then watched a show on Astronomy. It felt real! The movie was exciting and we learnt what astronauts did. We headed to an Asian restaurant for dinner.

by Kimberly Tham

On 4th June 2011, we had breakfast in the hotel. It was decent. Soon, we were ready to set off. When we were on the bus, Uncle Steve, our bus captain, and tour guide told us about the Swan Lake. By the time we knew it, we went up to a hill where a war memorial was. Although it was freezing cold as the wind blew strongly, we enjoyed the scenary and took many pictures. Next, we proceeded to Fremantle Market and bought a lot of things for our family. I thought that Perth was a wonderful country as it was clean. Then we went to eat the awesome fish n chips. It tasted marvelous. Next we went to King's Park where we saw many different types of plants. I learn that some plants are critically endangered and we had to take good care of them. Finally we went to watch a film at scitech. It was about astronauts. I had an enjoyable time.

by Rachel Tan

I woke up and started to brush my teeth. I got ready for breakfast at the ground floor of the hotel. I ate cereal and a plate of sausage, egg, tomato and mushroom. After that, we took the bus and headed off to Fremantle Market. When we reached the hilltop, it was freezing cold! We took a group photo against the scenic backdrop. The next place we went was shopping! I bought some things for my parents and sister. After shopping, we went to eat fish n chips. It was yummy. We then went to the scitech discovery center and it was cool. We had a delicious dinner and then we headed back to the hotel. Good night!

by Zeia Nicole

Day 2 Nature versus Technology

 The naturalists hard at work at King's Park. The pupils embarked on a learning trail and learnt all about the native plants of Australia. Some of them are rare species that are critically endangered. The pupils marvelled at the wide patches of carpet grass. They even took a dive at rolling over them! How carefree they were!

The final stop before dinner was the Scitech Centre. They viewed a documentary on Astronomy in a theatre that is Singapore's equivalent of the Omni-max Theatre. After which, they adjourned to an Indonesian restaurant for an Asian cuisine. That was pretty much for Day 2!

Day 2 Shopping, Eating and Sightseeing in Perth!

 Group photography at Frementle hilltop. It overlooks the beautiful Indian Ocean!

 We were off to Singaporean's favourite pasttime - shopping! At the Fremantle Market, the pupils bought souvenirs for their families and friends.

Lunch was at Fremantle's Cicerello Seafood Restaurant. The girls enjoyed a delectable Fish n chips meal with lots of malt vinegar. Typically Aussie!

Day 1 Reflections by Ong Rui

Today we went to Harmony Primary School. This trip has taught us a lot. We learnt to be more social and friendly. Their school life is very different from us. They plant their own vegetables and even learnt how to cook. Through this, we must learn to be independent and pick up survival skills. Their kitchen is the size of a classroom and there were a lot of culinary sets. They have PE lessons, however, they are more challenging. We had to run 1.5 km around the school. That built our stamina and perseverance to complete the cross country run. We had a lot of fun during the football lessons. We stayed in the New Esplanade Hotel. Although life is unlike that of Singapore, we have to learn to adapt to changes and not complain.

Day 1 at Western Australian Museum

 In the late afternoon, the team paid a brief visit to the Western Australian Museum. Here, they were greeted by the natural and social history of Western Australia, from the beginning of the universe to contemporary times.

By the time the visit to the museum ended, the pupils were exhausted and famished. They gobbled down the delicious Chinese cuisine from a local restaurant. Their day concluded with a trip to the local supermarket and mall. Finally, they retreated to their hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Day 1 at Harmony Primary School

Upon arrival, the pupils enjoyed a sumptuous meal at the all-time favourite McDonald's outlet near the airport.

 The Deputy Principal of Harmony Primary School warmly welcomed all the teachers and pupils. The school is unique in design and the materials used to build it are recyclable and environmentally-friendly.

 The pupils were thrilled to see fine powdery sand in the school's playground.

The pupils took part in Harmony Primary School's annual cross-country run that spans 1.5km. The girls were sporty and they all managed to complete the walk/run. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the cool windy climate in Perth. In addition, the pupils picked up a few skills in the playing of Australian Football. How cool they were!

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff of Harmony Primary School for their hospitality and efforts in making our stopover a memorable one.

Day 1 in Perth!

The team arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 10 pm and the check-in was smooth. All raring to go! Both the excited parents and children hugged one another goodbye and the team left Singapore at 1.15 am on 3rd June 2011.