Rotary farewells exchange student

The Rotary Club of Umina Beach and Brisbane Water Secondary College recently farewelled their French Exchange student, Camille Postal, as she returned home after a year's study and life in the local community.

"Camille completed her high school study in her home town of Toulouse by successfully completing the International Baccalaureate but was placed in Year 11 of the college senior campus to experience study in our classrooms," said Rotary Club of Umina Beach youth director Mr Pat Lewis.

"At the college, Camille was extremely popular with students and made many good friends immediately.

"This led to a wide range of social activities which again gave her an insight into our youth culture.

"Camille also engaged in many activities with the other exchange students in the Rotary District, which includes Sydney's Northern Beaches.

"The most memorable of these was the Safari, where the 30 exchange students enjoyed a tour which took them to Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, Adelaide, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and, their favourite, Byron Bay.

"Again, a great benefit of the exchange was the many friends Camille made from so many different countries among the other exchange students."

Mr Lewis said that, while on the Peninsula, Camille lived with a number of local families who took her to a number of local and statewide locations and activities.

"She also experienced the wonders of some of Australia's favourites sports including rugby leagues, soccer and AFL and cricket," Mr Lewis said.

"Camille thanked the college and the Rotary Club of Umina for their hospitality during her visit.

"She said that she had found Australians to be wonderfully friendly and a lot more relaxed about life than those at home."

She also said that she would miss Tim Tams but not Vegemite.

"We look forward to Camille returning to the Peninsula at some in the future to share with us her experiences since returning home."

Press release, 30 Jun 2008 Pat Lewis, Rotary Club of Umina Beach