Twin girls Jade and Dionne Dillon, although sad to be leaving all their friends at Garryduff, are really looking forward to an adventure of a lifetime emigrating to Australia.

Their dad, John Dillion has family in Australia and their mum, Norma Dillon, a local hairdresser in the town, has already secured a job there.

The application has take two years to process, but all is now completed and the final farewells are being said before they fly out to Cairns, Queensland later this month.

At a special assembly to which John and Norma were invited, the infant class sang songs and recited poetry which they had learned during their Australia topic this term.

The junior and senior classes sang and played Waltzing Matilda on recorder as well as the Australian National Anthem. Also lots of kangaroos and didgeridoos were on display.

The children's teacher, Mrs Sandra Beattie praised the girls for their hard work and enthusiasm during their Australian project.
Mrs Beattie explained: "The girls visited Australia last summer and recalled with great enthusiasm the animals they saw, the sights they visited, and the relatives they met for the first time.

"All the children and staff will miss Jade and Dionne very much, but we hope they will keep in touch via email."
The Principal, Mrs McKenzie also thanked John and Norma for their great support to the school.
"Mrs Dillion has been a great asset to the PTA in helping to organise various activities," she added.

"The whole family will be greatly missed but everyone looks forward to hearing about their new lifestyle via the internet."
John and Norma presented a leaving shield to the Principal to be awarded for 'The World Around Us' at foundation stage and in turn they received a small gift.

After the emotional good wishes were made, everyone was treated to Lamingtons - an Aussie sponge cake dipped in chocolate and covered in coconut, specially made by the children of P1/1.