Tutoring not only helps equip the kids for life in Australia, but it also passes on quite a number of benefits to the tutors. Through tutoring we gain any number of incredibly useful skills, both in working with people, and also ... 'Australian Life Skills'. I've noticed these skills over the last few tutor outings, and think that incorporating them into our program could be quite beneficial for the kids.

After the reflection that Margaret kindly hosted last year those dedicated to practising these skills stayed on and headed west. The first skill that became apparent to me that was lacking from our usual agenda was loud obnoxious singing. What we really need to aim for here is to equip the children with the confidence to break into a chorus, and eventually work them up to the verses, without actually knowing the words but rather mumbling along in a tune one note and a sharp higher or lower than the actual tune. There is an abundance of capable tutors in this discipline to impart their knowledge and will be eternally valuable when they leave our school.

A small aside is the habit of some tutors, who will remain nameless, to break into a Frank Sinatra number. This kind of behaviour could disrupt the Aussie ocker image that we are aiming for, so should be monitored.

As the evening progressed into the city we ended up, as usual, at Icon bar. This again made me think of relevant skills required for the children to embrace the Australian way - that is, dancing. I am thinking lessons with a little Nutbush, a little Holy Grail (ie jumping in a crowd, backslapping etc) and to round it off some Kylie. These kind of skills take awhile to develop so the earlier we start, the better.

These are just some ideas to get the ball rolling, I am sure others have more ideas. And those wishing to showcase their skills in order for the programs to begin, there will be ample time at the next tutoring function.