This morning Chris took the car to be serviced and we rode our bikes the kilometre or so to the Longreach School of Distance Education, formerly School of the Air. What an interesting place it turned out to be! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and recommend it to anyone, doesn't cost much and you'll be surprised what you see. We tuned into a Preppy class (Kindergarten)- five children scattered over the countryside, talking to their teacher via computer. They were so funny with their spontaneity, as they tried to play a mix and match word game, under the teacher's control ("take your feet off the desk, Nathan"). Priceless.
The school is set up beautifully, the kids do actually get to meet their teacher at least once a year. They are brought in for short periods to stay in the dorms (with several mothers coming too) and iinteracting with each other. They are currently teaching 171 kids from 150 families, in an area bigger than Victoria. Most of the children go to boarding school after finishing Primary, in any event the school teaches only to Grade 10.
On the way back to the caravan park, we visited the Hall of Fame, and we enjoyed that so much we plan to return as soon as Chris comes back with the car. Our entry fee gave us free entry all day, and if we wish we can get a pass-out to return tomorrow as well. We paid $10 extra for the live show- worried it might be a Smokey Dawson sort of thing, but no, it's Luke the all-rounder who has horses, dogs, camels and bullocks well under his control while he tells jokes and recites a few bush poems. Very funny.
The museum's not just about cows, but covers pioneer history with really interesting exhibits. We've only "done" half of it so far and really enjoyed the experience.
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