Date for IISAC2011 - school holidays?

iceman (Mike) · #1 12-10-2010, 07:59 AM

Hi all

I spoke to a few people about possibly changing the date of IISAC to February (2012) instead of October (2011) - partly due to having a short break and partly to not be the last star party of the calendar year.

I'm now ok with having it in ~October. The heat in February would likely be pretty bad and as much as it's great to be in the swimming hole all day, it's not the main reason to change dates

And being the last in the year is fine - if people want to come they'll come. If the numbers drop off too much then I'll give it a break for a year.

So now my question is around school holidays.

In 2011, the possible dates are:

- Sep 29th to Oct 2nd
This is the middle weekend of the school holidays, and the October long weekend is on Monday October 3rd.
The weather will be slightly cooler and only the brave kids will likely be swimming in the water hole.

- Oct 27th to Oct 30th
This is NOT in the school holidays. The weather will be warmer and there may be more opportunities to swim in the water hole.

Having it in the school holidays will possibly encourage more families as they're able to bring their partners and kids along. If it's not in the school holidays, the partners and kids may have to stay home due to school etc.

So, what are your thoughts, preferences? Please vote and explain your thoughts

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 12-10-2010, 08:32 AM

Its holidays and I can get there

iceman (Mike) · #3 12-10-2010, 08:36 AM

Would be great to have you there Paul! Haven't seen you since the very first one in 2006!

RB (Andrew) · #4 12-10-2010, 08:36 AM

Prefer it during the holidays.
As long as we have exclusive use of the camp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

Its holidays and I can get there

Now that's something to look forward to.

Allan_L (Allan) · #5 12-10-2010, 09:23 AM

The Rugby League Grand Final is usually on the Sunday of the Long Weekend in October.

Please don't make me choose.

Also, the prospect of slightly warmer (more settled) weather has my vote.

Finally, travelling outside of school holidays has many obvious attractions, not the least of which is No Double Demerrits.

Al

[1ponders] (Paul) · #6 12-10-2010, 09:52 AM

I've been trying to get there Mike, but having it that soon after the Oct hols makes it rather .... challenging to convince my fellow team teachers that I deserve another week off so soon after the holidays.

Especially seeing as I've usually taken a week and a bit off a couple of weeks after the previous school holidays (Astrofest).

mozzie (Peter) · #7 12-10-2010, 09:57 AM

my 2 cents worth!!!
end of october mike im booked on a cruise first week of october and elise wont let me bet out of that (or will she) boat cruise with out me??ooohhhh shell still have the kids!!!!!!!!!

h0ughy (David) · #8 12-10-2010, 10:28 AM

doesnt bother me which set of dates

Shano592 (Shane) · #9 12-10-2010, 11:17 AM

End of October works for me. Every year in the 3rd term school holidays, I have to fly to Perth for work, so I sit here thinking, "If only ..."

Steffen · #10 12-10-2010, 02:28 PM

Having kids at school age I'd prefer a school holiday IISAC. I also couldn't care less about rugby, so...

Cheers
Steffen.

sasup (Stacey) · #11 12-10-2010, 03:51 PM

end of the month YES

sheeny (Al) · #12 12-10-2010, 04:40 PM

I haven't voted yet Mike. There are pros and cons with each, and personally it doesn't matter a lot either way to me, so I'll confer with Lyn and the girls before I vote.

Al.

jamespierce (James) · #13 12-10-2010, 04:55 PM

We had a ball this year inspite of the weather, but skyoyster (alex) will be back teaching next year so make it school hols and we would love to come again. Its a massive drive but very good fun to mix with a different set of star nerds and ogle a new set of scopes.

peterl · #14 12-10-2010, 06:21 PM

Either date would be ok by us.
But it is good to see families there together.

Peter and Sue Langdown..

sheeny (Al) · #15 12-10-2010, 08:13 PM

Voted now...

During school holidays...

If the girls are with us, its all fine, if they aren't then it doesn't clash with their travel arrangements

.

Al.

charsiubau · #16 13-10-2010, 07:19 AM

Middle weekend of school holidays is ideal for us. We couldn't come at the end of October.

skyoyster (Alexandra) · #17 13-10-2010, 02:16 PM

Conveniently, and somewhat surprisingly, the earlier dates would also be Victorian school hols. And that doesn't just help those with kids- surely there are heaps of teachers here who'd like to get there! (not just me.)

Rodstar (Rod) · #18 13-10-2010, 10:42 PM

May I join the chorus of school holidays supporters! Jack starts high school next year, he won't come to IISAC if it is during term time. And I would be most disappointed if my new mates from Vic, James and Alex (hiya!!) can't make it.

I thought this year had more of a family feel to it, I would like to encourage that by keeping it during school holidays. The swimming hole is a minor consideration in all of this IMO.

norm · #19 13-10-2010, 11:18 PM

Hi Mike,

I'd much prefer it during school holidays as well and having the public holiday is an added bonus - one annual leave date saved and opportunity to recover.

As it can be taxing on your sleep cycles, having it earlier at the start of school holidays gives families a few days to unwind when they get home, before possibly embarking on other outings/trips for the rest of the school break.

I assume either of those dates fit into the new moon cycle as well?

Cheers Norm

RB (Andrew) · #20 14-10-2010, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodstar

I thought this year had more of a family feel to it, I would like to encourage that by keeping it during school holidays. The swimming hole is a minor consideration in all of this IMO.

Yes I agree, this year it did seem like it had a more family feel to it.