Farewell dinner...

After two days of touring Washington DC the girls are exhausted but their knowledge of The United States and its history and governance has improved dramatically. The group had an early start, leaving New Rochelle at 7am on Wednesday. On their arrival in the capital they met with Dan, their tour guide, and headed straight to The White House for a tour of the visitor centre and a photo opportunity.

 

From there they spent the afternoon visiting various memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, World War II Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial and The Martin Luther King Memorial. It was a big day and the girls were pleased to get to the hotel, have dinner at the Italian restaurant nearby and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Most of the girls were up in time to enjoy a beautiful buffet breakfast and then they were off on the bus with Dan to visit the amazing Newseum. After a couple of hours there they drove around the corner to the Smithsonian museums where some went to the American History Museum and others visited the National Air and Space Museum. Their final tour was of The Capitol before they bade farewell to Dan and boarded the bus for the 5 hour trip home.

The group had a fabulous morning at The Academy of Mt St Ursula in the Bronx. The staff and students were extremely welcoming and the girls enjoyed visiting some classes and had fun at morning tea. Emily led the way on the piano and all of the girls joined in for a sing-along. Their connection seemed almost instant and by the time the group left the girls were promising to keep in touch.

 

 

Although the weather was decidedly ordinary on Tuesday - heavy rain and strong winds - the group made their way down to the 9/11 Memorial. It was an incredible experience. The entire sight has been beautifully transformed. It is indeed a fitting tribute to those whose lives were forever changed by the events of 9/11 and our girls were moved by the experience of being there. All in all a day that tested our girls' travel endurance but a day that offered great rewards.

 

The girls arrived at school on Monday morning with many and varied stories recounting their weekend adventures with their host families.  Most girls spent time in New York City visiting key sights and attractions.  Some were lucky enough to see a show on Broadway, or shopping on Fifth Avenue, Soho or the West Village.

The group were fortunate to be able to experience mass at The Ursuline School.  Sr Pat invited the girls to participate via the Prayers of the Faithful and Offertory Procession.  At the conclusion of the mass, Louise introduced the two videos showcasing St Ursula's Toowoomba style.  They were very well received.  Staff and students were interested to learn that we celebrate Ursie's birthday and excited to see that we have an outdoor pool.  Many commented that we appear to have lots of fun.  Our students were interested to learn that chair stacking after a whole school gathering is a universal practice.  Jessamine expressed a vote of thanks and presented gifts from the College to Eileen Davidson (President) and Carol Kellebrew (Principal).

In the afternoon the group braved the below freezing temperatures and headed to the city to experience the iconic New York Christmas Spectacular at Radio City.  It was an experience like no other.  The girls loved it!

Tuesday saw great excitement as the girls experienced their first flakes of snow. A group excitedly ran outside (minus jackets) to experience some snow falling. This caused quite the scene as many of the students and teachers ran to windows to see what the commotion was all about. Teachers had to explain to the other students that the 'Australians' had never seen snow before. Despite many pictures being taken, there is not much evidence of the flakes, and we were informed that the 'snow' was really a flurry! We are sure that many of the girls have their fingers crossed for more snow!

The girls have eagerly participated in many lessons over the last couple of days. Many of the teachers have commented on how much they are enjoying having the girls in their class, and are appreciative of their contributions to class discussion. Girls have enthusiastically participated in English and Religion lessons offering their insights into the subject matter. In English girls have been discussing the text, The Cruicable,and in Religion they have enjoyed comparing our practices with regard to Sacraments.

 

On Thursday we visited the College  of New Rochelle. It was interesting to see the Ursuline philosophy so deeply entrenched in a university. Girls enjoyed a presentation about the College and a tour of the facilities. 

 

Every morning the teachers are met with great enthusiasm from all the girls. They are truly making the most of this experience.

 

The tour has arrived in New York! 

Much to the excitement of the girls, they were transported to New Rochelle in two yellow school buses (or cheese buses as they are affectionately known). Although it was the end of the Thanksgiving break, one of the busiest days of the year, they were soon pulling into The Ursuline School amid the cheers and screams of 20 host sisters and their families. The girls were whisked away to their respective temporary homes for a long-awaited sleep.

 

 

 
 
 
 
As the girls arrived at school eagerly anticipating their day, they were greeted at the entrance to the school by Christmas carols being played and the Principal, in her Santa hat, welcoming one and all.