With the late start to the rainy season this year, the first month of Djilba (early spring) often felt like we were still in the season of Makuru. As the creek has risen and fallen with the rains, it was of great excitement for the children when she finally overflowed her banks a few weeks back. Ponds and puddles have been abundant throughout the forest, making it rich for exploration. Kooya the frog has been happily singing in chorus, and the children follow their sounds in search of the elusive tadpoles (a tad early, perhaps?).

The Bush Kindy children always enjoy a variety of bush cooking with their cup of herbal tea while we are able to have campfires. From damper and pikelets through to baked vegies, there is always something delicious to sample in the pot.

With the late rains Class 1/2 have spent more time during this term practising their skills in lighting and maintaining their own campfires, building up to preparing and cooking batches of vegie soup in small groups. This year it proved to be a challenge for two of the three groups as they grappled with damp wood and building up a sufficient bed of coals in the timeframe we had. We all got there eventually (just), and it was generally agreed that it was the best vegie soup ever.

The activity of djerap (birds) is always particularly fascinating at this time of year. The children are used to regular close up visits from Koolbardi (magpie) and Dowanart (28 parrot), but recently during our morning circle a pair of Kooba (robin redbreast) came in very close. The children softly sang to them ‘Kaya Kooba’ and they stayed for several minutes. A very magical encounter.

We are always interested to observe where Koolbardi build their Noorook-Mia (nest) each year. This year they have chosen very high in a Marri tree close to our campsite. Last Friday the Bush Kindy children were able to catch glimpses of Ngaank Koolbardi (mother magpie) as she adjusted her position on her eggs.

Throughout this term Class1/2 have continued on developing their basket weaving skills. Kristi McMullan delivered us a large supply of reeds which have kept the children busy making cord for their baskets. It has proved a larger project than anticipated, but one that we will persist with over the coming weeks. The children also did an excellent job of planting out the reeds at the Earth Station - we are hopeful they will flourish and provide materials for future projects.