Julia Otani's Farewell Address after a year with the Club as the International Exchange Student from Brazil
Julia shared wonderfully on how valuable this year has been for her with the new experiences and friendships that have developed.
How Julia's time her commenced right from the time of her arrival with a lovely welcome by Warwick, Alison and Bronwyn.
The great friends soon made at school. The events that Julia engaged with at school, like the Sports Carnivals, except that it raining, so no participation here. The School Ball was a great joy, as was the Art Festival Photo Shoot and the pottery.
Julia had the privilege of exploring the city of Perth and many parts of WA with Esperance being a favourite place for Julia. Attending the Royal Show and Kings Park. Being compassionate and taking home sick Swedish RI Exchange Students to Ikea for a cultural reengagement.
The Host families were a marvellous experience for Julia. With Peter helping to fix her wood box project after school. Finally coming to understand cricket but still finding it too hard to explain to family and friends in Brazil. Don makes the best pea soup.
Sunday with bacon and eggs being cooked with Allan and his team. The Ryder Camp was a highlight with volleyball and friends made at that camp.
Attending Festivals in Perth with the host family. Monday movie night with the host family. Going to the Ballet. Bottling wine. Attending a Twenty Twenty Cricket match and four AFL games.
W
At school in woodwork making a wood-box, an electric guitar, and small table.
Learning colloquial words like: breakie, bickie, Bottlo, etc. (and that is just the "Bs"!)
Marvellous places encountered with the favourites being: Esperance, Albany, Margaret River, Cannal Rocks, Rottnest, Coral Bay, Karijini National Park.
Thank you for support and love really appreciate especially to the three host families. To Heirisson for being a wonderful Rotary Club.
I will tell my family and friends in brazil that here in WA you can drive for 8 hours and not see anything. Julia is taking vegemite back as her taste of Australian.
Photos of Host family members receiving a bouquet
Photo Source: Ross Jones
Big Thank You to Warwick for the past twelve months as President
President Warwick spoke of the privilege and joy of being Club President for the past twelve month as he presided over his last meeting.
At the coming change over dinner there are sure to be many glowing statement of appreciation to Warwick for his role, as well as for the Board that supported (now former) President Warwick. The many hours of unseen work in running the Club is greatly appreciated by all.
The generous praise given for the many activities of the Club in the community from Girrawheen Senior High School, and the latest from John Wollaston Anglican community School for Ken and the Team and the benefit of the Eye Contact display on people who have had the experience of homelessness.
Thank you Ken, Board, and all the Director's sub-committees and every member for a worthwhile twelve months as a Rotary Club.
Photos of President Warwick being thanked by Julia
Photo Source: Ross Jones
Greg Hunter Announced as Acting President for 3 to 6 months as required
Alison announced to the meeting that due to circumstances in her life at present that she will not be able to take up her role as President for the coming year.
Greg then announced that he will fulfil the role of acting President in the short term period.
The dinner set for July 6 will still go ahead.