Cirque 2 Sea Day 28 : 28-08-2016

The Derwent estuary is generally thought to end between the Iron Pot lighthouse and a point called Tinderbox. At least that's what I'm saying because I crossed that line this afternoon after paddling south from Taroona with Nic and called it a day on the Cirque 2 Sea expedition. Thinking back to where it all started with the students and Dr Alastair up in the mountains with the snow and ice, and then down through the lakes, around the dam walls, on the river and now finally out to sea is a satisfying feeling. I've learnt new things everyday and to experience a river from the first trickle to it's salty end point has been a wonderful adventure. 

There were days at a time where I didn't see another soul and there were special moments where I shared stories with people who live and work on and around the river. Hopefully students and teachers have enjoyed being part of the adventure because I'd have to say my favourite part has been the discussion  boards buzzing with questions, answers and encouragement. Thankyou everyone who has participated online whether we heard from you directly or you used the lessons and reports quietly on the side. These projects are ONLY about students loving learning and getting to experience it in a new way. And now for a few thankyou's...

We at the Bookend Trust have had an enromous amount of support for this project starting with our core long term partners at the Australian Department of Education and Training- Australian Maths Science Partnership Program, Pennicott Foundation, UTAS, ICS Multimedia (John and Doug), Mercury NIE (Damian), Sea to Summit and Wilderness Equipment. Special support for Cirque 2 Sea has been with a partnership with the Derwent Estuary Program, thanks Christine, Ursula, Jason, Sam and Inge. This sprouted links to Hydro Tasmania and Taswater (Kate and Gina) who gave us great access and excursion help. Royal Life Saving Society- Tasmania joined in to get the water safe message out (sorry but we had to skirt around the rule where you don't swim alone!). Kara Spence wrote most of the lessons and did much more than that besides. My wife Nic ran the website and, with help from my parents, made sure our two kids remembered who their absent dad was. Our experts scientists need a clap, as do many others that if I list by name will exceed the word count! And finally...

If you haven't signed up to receive the e-newsletters, do it at the bottom of this page because I'm going to tell you about next year's plans very soon. And please, please, pretty please take a moment or three to complete our student and teacher surveys. We rely on your honest feedback to make the programs as useful, educational, and just plain fun as possible. 

Click here for the TEACHER SURVEY

Click here for the STUDENT SURVEY

See the report yesterday for info on how to get involved in our Cirque 2 Sea printed booklet. Email me anytime with specific questions ah@bookendtrust.com. 

Cirque 2 Sea is a partnership project between the Bookend Trust, the Derwent Estuary Program and our supporters.

Let's make an expedition booklet!

Lots of students and classes have been doing some fantastic artwork, science investigations and research during the expedition and I think we need to gather some of it for a Cirque 2 Sea booklet. Get involved in two ways: As a class or as individuals (if you weren't doing this in your class)

1. Email your name (firstname surname) and/or class name/teacher (Year 3-4 Mr Hughes- Expedition Primary, Tasmania) and we'll publish you as expedition members in the back of the booklet.

2. Email me up to 5 photos of selected work (art/experiment/class activity) for possible publication in the booklet (please provide in JPEG form). We'll fit in as much as we can. We'll also put information about the River Derwent, weekly expedition reports and photos.

You can preorder copies for your school $5 each to cover the cost of design and printing.

Email: andrew@expeditionclass.com by the end of Term 3