We have been told the rain in Perth is either plentiful or absent. In that vein, we woke to rain but it cleared quickly. The morning began with what we feel is the best way to start a day – making music in St. Mary’s Chapel in preparation for our Hale assembly.

Midmorning we arrived at Cohunu Koala Park. Animals roamed freely throughout the park, and several girls had friendly visits with emus, rabbits, geese, a pig, and dingos. The highlight and focus of our visit was the Koalas. Several Koalas happily interacted with our girls, eating Eucalyptus and other herbs. [MANY pictures to follow!] Some girls were able to catch a few precious moments watching the Joeys with their Mommas. It is difficult to put into words how special it was to meet these docile and a bit sleepy creatures. Fun fact: The owners named many Koalas for royalty: Harry, Albie, Archie, Eric, and William.

Group Photo at Cohunu Koala Park.

We took a group picture strangely in front of a giant quokka #notarat (and not to be found at Cohunu Koala Park… but we WILL be visiting quokkas in their natural habitat at Rottnest Island tomorrow!)

Mid-afternoon, we sang at a Hale School assembly for an auditorium full of 7th grade boys! PG and GSG singers have a rich repertoire to share and it was great fun to perform songs we had not yet. In particular, as ambassadors of the US, we bring the important tradition of the African-American spiritual and gospel music with us. Singers sang beautifully “I Wanna Be Ready”, arranged by Auburn University faculty member, Dr. Rosephanye Powell. At the end of the assembly, Hale boys also joined in singing Shumeyela, a CY South African standard. Two of our rising seniors, Victoria and Sara, have been doing a great job leading and teaching this to our hosts along the way! #singitforward!

We concluded the afternoon with a rehearsal with one of St. Mary’s Choirs. Girls connected once again with new friends and taught them Total Praise, an excellent musical end to a full day together. Host families quickly whisked girls off to spend more time connecting.

We begin again tomorrow!