Mardi Gras

I went to the Mardi Gras with Gavin, Rajesh and Rajesh's new girlfriend. Gavin and I dressed up in tights!  It was very crowded so we didn't stay too long, then met Tania and some of her friends in King's Cross.

Butter chicken dinner at Gavin and Tania

 A delicious dinner cooked by Tania. We then strolled to the new Fish Market for ice cream. I had cherry ice cream shake that was to die for.

Michal and his famous baguette!!

Gavin's book launch at Dymocks book store

Gavin has written another book, this time partnering with Dr Mark Williams, a neuroscientist. The book is about limiting the time kids spend on their devices and the dangers of social media for the developing brain. The book is already number one on the book charts!  Our friend Jack, who is a teacher, did a fabulous job of facilitating a talk between Gavin and Mark by asking great questions. After the launch, we all went to the pub to celebrate the milestone.

The whole team together again

Tania's birthday

We met at The Glebe Hotel to celebrate Tania's 42nd birthday. Rajesh and Srini recently returned from India and Gavin from Nepal. It was blissful to all be together again. I love this beautiful group of people so much.

Gavin's book launch

You would never have thought that Gavin had just spent two weeks in bed with Dengue Fever. His presentation at The Manly Library was amazing, full of energy. As always he had the audience eating out of his hand and many books were sold and signed after.  

Here is the book blurb

A life-changing 7-step program for parents who are struggling to help their kids navigate today's complex world, written by one of Australia's most influential teachers.

 

As school refusal, mental health struggles and social challenges in the playground continue to rise, trailblazing teacher Gavin McCormack is redefining what it means to receive a `good education’.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Gavin’s transformative methods can be used by parents, carers and educators alike. He highlights the power of modelling positive behaviour and prioritising essential life skills over academic scores, helping children build resilience, develop emotional intelligence, and thrive beyond traditional measures of success.

 

Drawing on the latest neuroscience of learning and years of teaching experience in mainstream and Montessori schools, he offers practical strategies that will help children navigate life's challenges, learn with passion and grow into capable, confident and compassionate human beings. Gavin believes when children are given independence, the right tools, and the encouragement to build on their strengths, their potential is limitless.

Dinner at Michal and Lucy

 Lucy made a delicious Thai curry. Srini got very tipsy on mulled wine, and much frivolity ensued!

Camping at Mount Wilson, Blue Mountains

A wonderful time camping at Mount Wilson with the boys and doing some climbing the next day. Being the winter solstice, it was pretty chilly but my sleeping bag is very toasty so I was fine.

Camping

Beautiful trees

Climbing

Walk back