Normanton leads off annual MISOTA mini-schools...

School families and staff travel to six separate locations across the north west in term three each year, and Normanton was first cab off the rank.

Families travelled up to six hours each way so their children, ranging from eKindy age to Year 5, could have a week of learning and socialising with friends.

The highlight for many was a trip up to Karumba, funded by the Remote Parent Group, to see some amazing wildlife on a Croc and Crab nature cruise and to visit the Barra Discovery Centre for a freshly cooked fish and chip lunch.

Other children said that spending time with their friends, having dance lessons and the fancy dress disco with travelling artist Leanne from DIMA Dance, school activities and of course the delicious food prepared by the hardworking mums and governesses were the best things about their mini-school.

Related: Country kids come to town

Next week, the MISOTA teachers travel to Boulia, then on to Julia Creek, Cloncurry and Gregory, before finishing off in Mount Isa for the Camooweal minischool, giving geographically isolated children across Queensland and the Northern Territory opportunities to learn alongside their classmates and friends.

Also read: Petition aims to return accommodation to DE families

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