All it takes is lots of lists and one very organised mum to get the Bonell brood back to classes.
For many children affected by the Queensland floods, last week saw a return to their normal routine as they went back to school. But for one Toowoomba family, setting off for school means nothing short of a military-style operation for all 14 children.
The Bonells are able to return to their routine after they escaped unscathed from the devastating floods – although as the water headed up their street, they feared the worst.
“But luck was on our side,” says mum Jenny. “The waters only made their way under the house and into the pool. It was frightening for the kids, especially the younger ones, but we’re grateful we’re OK.”
As all 10 of the school-aged Bonell children board their personal school bus in regimented fashion, supermum Jenny takes her place behind the wheel. After a quick roll-call, she runs through their check-list: lunches, water bottles, hats, books, pencil cases… Then seat belts are fastened and the family’s 16-seater weaves through the streets of Toowoomba for drop-offs at high school, primary and prep.
The Bonells have their morning routine down to a tee. Taking their seats for breakfast are Jesse, 21, Brooke, 20, Claire, 17, Natalie, 15, Karl, 14, Samuel, 12, Cameron, 11, Sabrina, 9, Timothy, 8, Brandon, 6, Eve, 4, Nate, 3, and Rachel, 2. Amazingly, Jenny and dad Ray smile as they prepare mountains of toast and pour litres of milk into a metre-long long row of cereal bowls.
