~ Seafarers Presentation ~

Together with our Buddy Class, Year 5/6, we had been collecting small items for the Christmas Shoebox Appeal throughout Term 4. The shoeboxes are given out  to Seafarers who are berthed at Dampier's ports on or around Christmas Day. These men are a long way from their loved ones at this special time of the year so this is one way we can demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas, of kindness and caring and the giving of gifts, rather than the receiving of them. We tried to collect something for everyone in the seafarers's family, so included items for wives, children and girlfriends.

We had a small 'army' of parent helpers who swung into action one morning and performed the important task of assigning goods equally and fairly.

ALL WRAPPED AND READY TO GO!

Then it was off to the Seafarers Centre. We were very excited to hear that there would be a crew present but unfortunately it was not meant to be. The Choir presented a short Concert to staff, parents and friends and the crew from Customs, who work closely with the Centre and have been kind supporters to us for the last couple of years.

Shae and Jack O were our comperes and they did a great job. We started off with "My Island Home", dedicating it to all those who love the sea.

We swung into our Christmas program next, firstly singing "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", featuring some gentle jiving from Year 6 and 7 students.

The Dampier Archipelago version of  "The 12 Days of Christmas", called "A "Pair of Thongs That Didn't Fit Me" was next. Jahdal was the receiver of all those unwanted gifts!

Community singing was next on the agenda as we asked everyone to join in with "Silent Night". Once again, it was lovely hearing that mix of voices.

We finished the Christmas bracket with "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", then we sang "Happy Birthday" to Reverend McGilvray.

Mr McGilvray presented us with a plaque thanking us for our contribution to the Shoebox Appeal and a cheque for the school, as the Centre's contribution to our Presentation Night awards. What a lovely morning!

Two weeks later - Christmas Day, 2007

Ian and I delivered around 100 of the Christmas shoeboxes bright and early Christmas morning. The seamen are always quite overwhelmed when they realise the gifts are for each and every crew member.

We were invited aboard several of the vessels but one in particular we spent a little longer, as the captain was well known to Ian and on his final voyage before retirement. Here we are in the engine room.

This vessel was leaving with the tide later in the morning but the other three crews were looking forward to coming into the Centre for the afternoon. Phone calls are always a high priority.

Merry Christmas fellahs!