Accolades to Jeff we are SO PROUD!!!

I spoke to all of my daughters this morning – oh the luxury of being near Telstra towers and managing to achieve CONNECTON!!

Nicky and Claire were at Katy and Jeff’s, with all of the little ones, kidwrangling happily.  We had a debate of sorts as to the status of my crocodile sighting yesterday.  Is it one of the pivotal events of my life thus far?  Well no…the birth of each of my darling children takes precedence.  Apparently…And then the births of my grandchildren. Could we have a separate nature category, I suggested.  Well yes…but surely the most thrilling Attenborough Moment had to be when I saw a mother and baby whale in the Derwent, in the company of Claire??

Katy rang soon after, from the very sophisticated Sofitel in Melbourne, where they arrived with my slightly mouldy purple suitcase – I had swapped it for their newer, larger less smelly one at the last moment when I left in April… The porter didn’t think he needed to touch it, Katy said.  Jeff has been asked to make a speech and he is very nervous – the speech will be happening right about NOW.  Jeff is very happy, apart from his nervousness, because he was confronted, this morning, with the full glory of the Sofitel Breakfast Bar.  He ate yoghurt, salmon bagels, an omelette, muesli, a blueberry Danish, just for starters, and he drank juice, and coffee.  Blissikins!  Katy was entranced, watching him poised over the selection, little tongs at the ready.

From today's Mercury (Tas)

A TASMANIAN has been named one of the best 12 teachers in Australia.

Jeff Thomas has been recognised for creating the Magone program at Glenorchy's Dominic College.

It was designed for children who were disengaged or at risk of becoming disengaged from education.

Their self-contained classroom is their base until they reach goals they set at the start of their stay, which is usually for a year.

They take turns to prepare meals between classes, go on a daily run and even build furniture for the centre. Educational, social and emotional issues are addressed.

Mr Thomas is now doing a doctorate on alternative education.

"Our society is very good at writing people off instead of saying let's see what they are good at. If they're keen to do well, let them do well," he said.

Up to 10 children from years 7 to 10 take part in the program.

Student Jess Direen was full of praise for Mr Thomas and said her work was almost back to the standard she wanted to return to mainstream class.

"He's really nice and really funny. You can ask him something and he won't forget," Jess said.

Zane Cowen said: "He's good to talk to when you have any troubles."

The awards will be presented in Melbourne today.