Helen Huntly: I have a studio at the back of my house. I found when I really worked at making time for myself, I lost track of time and got into that lovely place of creating, which is a place of comfort and peace.

 

Annette Witherow: I really missed our weekly Parkes Painters gatherings, as that is what inspires me to pick up my paint brushes. We also missed out on our annual exhibition to put our work on show. So, I’ve not been painting much at all, but I did spend a lot of time in my garden.

 

Margaret Marshall: It did 100%! I completed six paintings. I have really enjoyed total isolation as I could spend time on my art every day without any interruptions. I was able to give it my full concentration and enjoy doing it guilt free.

 

 

Evie Brown (Kindy): I enjoyed doing the dance moves for the number counting song and showing my mum my work. I missed my teachers Mrs Harrison, Mrs Melhuish and Mrs Richards.

 

Joshua King (Year 7): The best thing was sleeping in and having nice lunches (not just the same old sandwich). The worst was not being able to see friends and to learn face to face.

 

Ally Francis (Year 12): The benefits were being able to do things on my own timetable and not having to wear a uniform. It was hard not having one on one teaching, being able to ask questions and receive answers straight away and not seeing friends.

 

Kerryn Jones: Here We Are by Graham Swift. A magical story of three vaudeville performers at the Brighton Pier.

 

Dan Fredericks: Teacher, Teacher! By Jack Sheffield. Imagine James Herriot as a teacher in a classroom.

 

Gillian Hunt: The Land Before Avocado by Richard Glover. It’s amazing how food and life have changed since the 60s and 70s.

Deb Abela: The obvious is volunteering with my mates at Georgie‘s Pantry. I have also embraced new technology with Facebook challenges, and increased my bike riding and walks to try and maintain fitness.

 

Louise Moore: My life did not change dramatically. I miss some of the things I normally enjoy, but managed to compensate for them in other ways. Overall, I think I learned to adapt better than I had previously and moreover to appreciate what I have, particularly my family and wonderful friends.

 

Annika Gatt: I have been doing a lot more gardening, lots of long walks, learning French, enjoying new craft hobbies such as diamond art, rock painting, knitting, painting by numbers as well as doing more of my normal hobbies, such as cardmaking and reading. Also been keeping up with my karate and Muay Thai online classes.

Gabriel Goodrick: I’ve been keeping fit by doing routine exercise programs from my school, my own and my tennis coach. They all consist of muscle strengthening and cardio workouts to achieve a good all round fitness level.

 

Abbey Kennedy: I try and maintain a fitness routine every day. Most days I go to the tennis courts for an hour or two to hit with a friend or with the ball machine. If not on the tennis court, I go for a 5km walk/jog around the block, regularly skip sets of a hundred, and I follow a non-equipped circuit video for muscle strengthening, cardio and endurance.

Mitchell and Hayden Arndell: We are fortunate that the tennis courts have remained open and we’ve been going as a family to exercise as often as we can. We also have a wall at home to practice reflex skills.

 

Jake Magill: Fortunately, I have access to a tennis court at home and a ball machine, as well as a home gym where I complete a fitness program.

 

Simeon Kelly: I like playing where no one will comment on my playing.

 

Nathanael says: I like playing my violin in a tree.

 

Rosie Parkin: I enjoy clarinet because it is easy to play and has a peaceful tune. It is also lighter and can fit anywhere.

 

Heidi Parkin: I like being able to practise whenever I want and wherever I want. I enjoy getting to the places where I practise almost as much as I love playing music.

 

Beth Thomas: I just love being at home. Gardening, practising my French grammar, practising my guitar, reading, swimming, keeping fit with my gym and pilates… there’s just so much to do!

 

Samantha Ross-Walton: Sleepins, Netflix and chill – JOKING! I’ve got kids. Most probably working from home, lesson plans, school work, baking, board games, cubby houses, backyard cricket, dance comps, swimming and lots of movie nights.

 

Maralyn Nash: Keeping my house clean, colourful and vibrant. Finishing writing my book and lots of creative art making… plus keeping connected with family, friends and community. Stay strong and healthy everyone!

 

Jacquelyn Greenland: Generosity in relation to sharing knowledge of how to care and educate children.

 

Colette Genet-Marks: The impact of relationships with children, with families and the community.

 

Sue Tait: She never made a rushed decision and always said when making a big decision: “I need to sleep on it.”

 

Ella Butler: I enjoyed seeing the production come together, from us just practicing a handful of songs to the show coming to life with places, plots and characters. It’s been a really exciting experience.

 

Charlotte Ballantyne: This is my very first time and I really enjoy being in the ensemble. I absolutely love all the dancing and the different characters I get to play. The cast and crew are so nice, it has been an amazing experience for me and I hope to be able do it again.

 

Lila Gascoigne: I have enjoyed being part of a new experience that I have wanted to try for a long time.