Everyone is settling-in well - there is still homesickness, but they will be past that in a week or so.

They are happy the way the other kids are treating them, the school work is good and the food and accommodation is great.

They spent this homeweekend with Karla, the local aboriginal liaison person - a great woman.

The big job is now for parents to support the kids by encouraging them, most have mobile phones, so you can ring them. they need a bit of money.

They need a bit of money, but don't send too much money for all kids will spent big on fatty things that are no good.

I need photos of each of you parents! I am posting letters trying to get families to give $100 each to pay for plane fares and warm clothes. I need 40 families for each kid - that is 320 families to support our 8 Tiwi at Downlands.

I need photos because you are the parents, and you want Downlands for your kids - and people here will respond when they know they are helping a Tiwi Dad and Mum give their kid a chance.

The Kids know they won't be home until June, but the Brisbane Lions will help us with Gabba tickets and we will get to see the team at training.

It is a tough time for getting money and the kids know they cannot come down for funerals, but Fr John is saying a mass each week for Tiwi who are sick and dying - and the whole school with give extra help when a close relative dies. Fr John is an MSC and his order has been with Tiwi since Bishop Gzell arrived.

They had the Swimming Carnival last week - the kids enjoyed themselves. 

I have posted you copies of the School Prospectus and the Annual for 2008 so you can know more of Downlands College in Toowoomba.