Mel Maria Catholic PS: we had a long visit at Mel Maria, organised by my friend, Mr Lindsay. The kids attended the talk and showed real enthusiasm. Rick worried that he may have sprained a wing but survived okay. Then we school finished we attended an all girls Auskick centre at the school. Nearly 100 girls were enjoying their footy. Mr Kirkham from the East Fremantle FC did a great job.
Parkerville PS: Ms Herrick and the kids from Parkerville enjoyed a lovely day along with a vintage display from Rick. He had a little trouble finding his bearings and kept walking into walls (and gardens!) It was a beautiful drive to a beautiful school.
Swan View PS: now, here was a school that loved their Eagles. Not only were the kids in the blue and gold, but so were a good number of teachers, including Mr Webb. We had a fantastic time with many smiles all round.
Waroona DHS: a week on the road began in Waroona, a lovely town on the South West Highway. Rick fell off stage and broke a table – other than that, things went well! I think Mr Carulli and the kids had enough fun to forgive us.
Yarloop PS: a little school with a big heart, we spoke to the children in the library. Mrs Brand has a wonderful group of kids and staff to deal with and we loved their enthusiasm and friendliness.
Harvey PS: as always, Harvey looked green and pretty as we drove into town. After our talk it was down to the oval with some dedicated footballers for a coaching session. Many fine footballers have come from Harvey and it looked that more might be on the way.
St Anne’s (Harvey): it was a big day for sport at St Anne’s. In addition to our visit, cricket was on the agenda as well. Being inside a hall was a nice change for us…but not as nice as the scones supplied by the PP’s! Many thanks to Mr Sirolli.
Hope Christian School: this time we spoke outdoors to the students in a lovely, treed courtyard. Rick looked at peace with the world. And when the clinic began, you would never see more effort on display. The thank you card we received went on the player noticeboard at the club when we returned.
Brunswick PS: there were many brilliant things about BPS but the most brilliant was another batch of scones! No, really, the best bit was another happy, friendly group of kids and teachers. Thanks to Mr Scott and everyone at the school for providing us with such fond memories.
Allanson PS: nestled just out of Collie is this fantastic little gem. We found plenty of blue and gold to keep us happy and heaps of smiling faces. Mrs McGill and the whole community at Allanson made us most welcome.
Amaroo PS: one of Collie’s four Primary Schools, Amaroo was a great place to start. We had a happy bunch of kids who found Rick’s antics most entertaining. He can be a show off at times! And with a heavy emphasis on footy skills in the PE program, we found some gifted footballers. Mr Sheedy loves his football!
St Brigid’s: more of Collie’s finest were on display on a lovely warm afternoon. Whether attending the talk or showing their skills, Mr Dudek had every reason to be proud of his students.
Wilson Park: it almost seemed like a celebration at WPPS with so many contented faces on display. The kids had a lot of fun with Rick, whilst showing how clever they were in regard to footy. The clinic was just great fun. And more goodies…Easter eggs from the friendly staff! Mr Duffield is surrounded by fantastic kids and co-workers.
Fairview PS: the last of our Collie schools continued the positive trends we had encountered. Mr Senn and the kids made us very content with our decision to visit the “Coal Capital” of the South West. Again, we loved catching up with another group of terrific people.
St Michael’s: our last school before the start of the holidays was in Brunswick. With everyone in a holiday mode, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Mr Sell and his staff had things “ticking along” nicely for the end of term. Rick danced with unreserved joy! And yes, we finished off with goodies…a sausage sizzle for the drive back to Perth. Yum!!
St Jerome’s: Term 2 began so well, you just wonder if such a high standard can be maintained. Ms Chisholm and the kids were sensational hosts and Rick and I had a wonderful time – except Rick thought I should have chosen weaker kids for the arm wrestle. Thanks to everyone at St Jerome’s.
St Anthony’s (Greenmount): our climb into the hills surrounding Perth proved most worthwhile. With trees and other greenery all around him, Rick looked right at home. He acted like it too – too relaxed to get the result he was after! Mr Pearce, who loves his footy, was a terrific host.
Neerabup PS: in one of Perth’s newer northern suburbs we discovered a little gem. The school is actually in houses at the moment, but a purpose-built school is currently under construction. Mr Moon and the kids showed us that it doesn’t matter what kind of buildings a school is in, it’s the people that make it great. Thanks for a top morning.
Carramar PS: this is a big school and another northern gem. Ms Clay and the children gave us a lot of laughs as we enjoyed their hospitality. The knowledge and listening skills of the students were of the highest order. We loved every moment of our visit.
Greenfields: the drive to Mandurah has become something of a tradition each year before the first Western Derby. And why not…it’s always such amazing fun! With the Derby colours everywhere, Mr Clark and Mr Bird leading team songs and kids with smiles on their faces everywhere, you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Thanks again Greenfields.
North Mandurah PS: since we had driven to Mandurah it seemed logical to visit some other schools in the area. I’m glad we did. Rick was well received by the kids, but they still had no mercy on him in the arm wrestle. Mr Dunning and Mr Blay made us feel right at home.
Hall’s Head PS: we rounded off our pre-Derby day in Mandurah with a visit to another sensational school. You could sense something important was “in the air” by the high spirits of the kids – they were fantastic and we loved being with them. Mr Beckingham had many reasons to be proud of his school.
Pickering Brook PS: in what has become a bit of a theme, we got a little lost on our way (just ONE false turn!). But once on track we discovered a delightful school in a picturesque setting. Morning tea with the friendly staff proved a most enlightening experience. Rick and I loved the kids too. Unfortunately, it must have been moulting season for eagles and Rick lost a few tail feathers.
Walliston PS: WPS were fantastic and organise our visit as a “last minute” thing. We were so glad they did. Mr Grundy, the staff and students showed a real appreciation of the finer things in football. The singing was exquisite!!
Woodbridge PS: we always enjoy our visits to schools in the Midland area – we seem to have great support. Ms Bryden had things magnificently set up for us and we were privileged to be part of the main school assembly. I know Rick loves being near the river.
St Michael’s (Bassendean): this is a school with a real football and Eagles tradition. Sports teacher, Mr Beros, is a Swan Districts champion and the Embley boys (Andrew, Michael and James) attended the school. It’s reassuring to see that these footy values continue to thrive in the school.
Coolbinia PS: Mr Tang and his students are tucked away in a lovely quiet part of Perth in well established school grounds. But the kids aren’t sleepy – there is so much going on for the students. Rick got to pose for some pictures before our talk and thought he was something special. But it was all in good humour and we had a great time.
Landsdale PS: what a day, what a session! Not only did we get to visit our friends at Landsdale, but the Western Front were in attendance as well. Everyone was excited and the kids got to make plenty of “W’s” for the cameras as well as tip the outcomes for the AFL and WAFL games that weekend. Mr Puccinelli and his students had a big occasion planned and we were happy to be part of it.
Attadale PS: a number of the Dockers coaching staff have kids who attend APS. But Mr Richards, an Eagles man, knew that we, too, would be welcomed and the kids showed a great sense of fair support for their teams. The kids that we met were just fantastic – friendly, happy and positive. It was a pleasure to attend.
St Simon Peter: it was a lovely drive to Ocean Reef and we were rewarded with a big attendance of students. Singing and arm wrestling were taken to new levels and Rick enjoyed both challenges. It was nice to catch up with old friends.
Dianella Heights PS: so many kids were recognised for their positive efforts as part of the normal school assembly that you just know this is a happy school. Brad Smith, one of our players, was doing his first talk on behalf of the club. He was a very nervous boy but did a great job. Mr Seymour and the kids welcome Brad enthusiastically to help him feel at ease.
Lesmurdie PS: last time I visited LPS we attended during a storm and had no power on a very bleak and rainy day. This time was so much nicer in terms of the weather. But the brightness of the kids was undimmed on either occasion. Rick loved the challenges set and was seen to shake his tail feather! Cheeky bird.
Falls Road PS: just a couple of minutes away from Lesmurdie PS, we were able to secure a last minute visit. It was nice to be able to enjoy a friendly and happy group of kids who knew a lot about footy. We left in a very happy frame of mind.
East Kenwick PS: aaahhh yes…a school in blue and gold. If I didn’t know better, I would suggest that Mr Davenport may have picked that school to teach in for that reason alone! But of course, he knew how spectacular the kids were too. Rick and I were thoroughly impressed and loved every moment of our visit.
