Keep up to date with all the news happening in school at the moment.

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• P4-7 Clubs

  Mon 28 May 2018
  Please note that teacher led clubs are on this week for P4-7 children. This is the last week of teacher led clubs for this academic year.

• Final Day in Valkenburg

  Wed 23 May 2018 H.McNeilly

  Final day in Valkenburg! The group woke to the sound of pouring rain this morning as they began their last day in Holland. Today saw the sightseers off to Agogo where the children enjoyed the breath-taking views from the chairlift, followed by the thrill of the roller coaster ride on the toboggan run. It was touch and go whether this would go ahead, as the toboggan cannot run in wet weather. Thankfully the rain stopped as the group arrived and began again as the final child zoomed down the slope....you’d almost think it was meant to be. Each child was able to choose his/her own speed with the brake, and slide down the mountain, where they then got the draglift back up to the starting point again. It was a slow start for many, with some children remaining stationary at times until they were given a gentle push downwards by their fellow classmates coming down the slope behind them. By the end of the morning, all children were flying down the metal slopes at great speeds. Mr Bradley described the toboggan as a baking tray with wheels.....I’m not convinced on that one but the children had a ball. Following their thrilling morning, the group went shopping. Lots of sweets, chocolates and presents were purchased today as the children tried to spend their remaining Euros. After lunch it was off to Kinderstadt Heerlen for yet more adrenalin inducing action! Kinderstadt, I am told, is like Indianaland times 10 – with dodgems, ball pits, a log flume, rollercoasters, trampolines and a giant rubber volcano. I am told that all children made it to the top in their bare feet, however the real challenge is trying to get to the top in their socks.....a few succeeded. The children had a super afternoon with only one downfall.....the soles of their feet are as black as can be. I am told that there will be a foot inspection this evening before bedtime.... rather them than me.  With an enormous appetite worked up, it was back to the hotel for a dinner of burgers. Following dinner the children then went to Laser quest in the darkness of the caves. It was boys v girls this evening with the boys winning both games. It’s a wonder the girls didn’t win with both Mr Bradley and Mr Pinkerton helping them out....maybe that was their problem. Sounds like yet another amazing day and a great end to a very successful trip! The hotel staff have been very welcoming to the children and couldn't do enough to ensure that they all feel at home and well looked after. The staff have also had continuous remarks on the impeccable manners and behaviour of the children everywhere they have been in Valkenburg. It's an early night tonight as 5 a.m. will come very early in the morning when all children will be made to shower (whether they want to or not) before departing the hotel after having breakfast and making their packed lunch for the airport. 

  Congratulations to Mr. Bradley, Mr. Pinkerton, Mrs Galway and Mrs. Brown for making Valkenburg 2018 such an amazing experience for the P.7 children. Just one more sleep parents.....get those beds ready and their favourite meal prepared for dinner tomorrow night. 

  

• Holland Update Day 4

  Tue 22 May 2018 H.McNeilly

  Holland Day 4

  Day 4: The children were up bright and breezy this morning for the 1½ hour journey to Europe’s largest Theme Park called ‘Efteling’. Efteling is a fantasy themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel where all the attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables and folklore. Needless to say, they all had an absolutely amazing time! Another bright and sunny day....perfect weather for exploring the theme park. Many of the children displayed amazing feats of bravery as they attempted rides on rollercoasters for the very first time! A lot of them stepped out of their comfort zone and all were willing to give the rides ‘a go’ and even enjoyed them. One of the rides many embarked on was the brand new roller coaster called ‘The Baron’, which incorporates a vertical drop! The children took a spin on The Teacups, The Flying Dutchman, The Python and The Pirate Ship (not one of my favourites). You’ll be pleased to know they tackled The Pirate Ship before they had their lunch of chicken, sausages and chips. The teachers weren’t too keen on seeing the lunches again. A firm favourite for all was The Piranha. I say for all, but maybe not for poor Mrs Galway, who was tricked into going on to it. You sit in a rubber ring and end up getting soaked as you plummet into the lake at the end. I think she’s finally forgiven the children….and Mr Bradley. Lots of photos of their experience were purchased along with souvenirs. After a thrilling day, it was back to the hotel for a late dinner of even more chips. The children embarked on a relaxing games night of cards and a Mr Bradley quiz. The children are being exceptionally well behaved (like we ever doubted that) and they are all sleeping well.....hopefully they'll do this when they return also! They are off to bed shortly following their diary writing for a good rest before hitting the chair lift tomorrow.

• Day 4 in Holland

  Tue 22 May 2018 H.McNeilly
  A wet end to a great day at Efteling. Weather up in the 20s again but storms this evening.

  

• Holland Update Day 3

  Mon 21 May 2018 H. McNeilly

  Day 3: Following breakfast this morning, another busy and hot day was ahead for the children. The weather topped a high of 25 degrees with a slight breeze which helped cool the group down. First on the agenda today was a visit to the swimming pool, where everyone had a fantastic time going down the various slides, diving off the boards and experiencing the relaxing ‘Lazy River Ride’. The outdoor pool was open with it being such a nice day, however this fooled many into thinking the water would be equally as warm. A few children were tricked into diving into the pool, only to quickly working out the water resembled an icebox. Tut, tut Mr Bradley. They’ll be a little more wary the next time. Following lunch at the hotel, it was off to Valkenier theme park behind the hotel to enjoy the rollercoasters and boat rides on offer so close to where they are staying. The children enjoyed an afternoon of freedom exploring the theme park and went on The Ghost Train, dodgems and paddle boats whilst soaking up the afternoon sun. The popular purchases today were ‘Foot long slushies’ to cool down from the running around. Then it was back to the hotel for dinner which comprised of sweet and sour chicken and chips.....get the salads ready for their return to sunny Comber. The plan for this evening was football and relaxation in the park, however a thunder and lightning storm put a stop to that. The children have enjoyed an evening of games in the hotel whilst watching the spectacular lightning show from the hotel window. Some of them have been mesmerised and fascinated by the sight. Hopefully this means another sunny day awaits the group tomorrow. As you can imagine, they are all now exhausted (as are the children!!!), so they are all settling down for an early night before the big day at the main theme park, ‘Efteling’ tomorrow and a 7:30 a.m. breakfast wake up call. Everyone is in great spirits and having a fabulous time. 

• Day 3 in Holland

  Mon 21 May 2018 H.McNeilly
  All is well in hot, sunny Holland. The children are at Valkinier theme park and are all suitably washed and refreshed after their swim. All looking very cool in their Sunmer attire.  

  

• No Football Club

  Mon 21 May 2018
  Please note there will be no P4/5 or P6/7 Football clubs tomorrow due to staff being in Holland

• Holland Day 2

  Sun 20 May 2018 H.McNeilly

  Day 2: Another fun packed day in Valkenburg! After breakfast at 8 a.m. this morning, everyone set off on what was yet another bright and sunny day (22 degrees) to begin a very full itinerary. A short walk took the children to explore the caves where they saw statues, art work and a finale of a light show with cool music to finish the trip off. The trip through the caves is in pitch darkness, so the light show at the end allows the children to play hide and seek in a safe area and get accustomed to light again. Next on the agenda was a shopping spree, where apparently some purchasing of gifts/souvenirs for home happened along with plenty of ice cream and slushies to help cool down from the heat of the sun. After shopping, a picnic lunch was devoured in the park. The next stop was the Margraten War Cemetery, where the children’s behaviour was impeccable, as they walked quietly around, showing great respect and having great historical discussions. The children were an absolute credit to all. Following the cemetery, the children thoroughly enjoyed walking from the Netherlands, into Belgium, and then into Germany - the famous point where the three countries meet!!! For the first time the children went up to the viewing platform, 200 steps up to witness Holland from its highest point. The steps have some holes in them which makes the ascent quite a mental challenge for some. A little play in the park was in order afterwards where most children got covered in sand, but sure that's the sign of good fun...isn't it? Having worked up a good appetite with all the walking they had done, the group arrived back to the hotel for dinner. The very full and exciting day was rounded off with a game of 10pin bowling this evening followed by the writing of postcards for home, so keep an eye on those letterboxes over the next week. All are now relaxing before getting a good sleep for another jam packed day tomorrow ...which I'm told involves some swimming....and a guaranteed shower and washing of hair....phew! All children (and staff) are in great form and lots of fun and laughter is being had. 

• Day 2 in Holland

  Sun 20 May 2018 H.McNeilly
  Having great fun today in the sun where theee countries meet. A detailed update to follow when the phone call is received...

  

• Holland Day 1

  Sat 19 May 2018 H.McNeilly

  Day 1: Everyone has arrived safely in Holland after a very smooth flight and early landing. As you read this, the children are writing their diaries and about to settle in for the night! Stop one today was the buzzing city of Amsterdam. The highlight of today was a visit to Ajax Stadium in Amsterdam. The boys were thrilled seeing the football stadium in full glory, some of the girls....not so much. This was until they saw a poster telling them Ed Sheeran was playing in the stadium next month. Suddenly there was an avid interest in the tour. Leaving Amsterdam, the children and staff arrived in Valkenburg to a warm welcome at the hotel. The children were treated to a BBQ for dinner and entertained by a Turkish band during dinner. It appears to be a holiday weekend in Holland this weekend, so the hotel is full of buzz and plenty of atmosphere. Following dinner, the children and staff went on an hour walk around the town to take in some of its highlights. The weather is great and this evening’s walk was completed in t-shirts, shorts and sunglasses. Now it’s diary writing time and straight to bed. An early night is needed to recharge the batteries for all the thrills and excitement in store tomorrow including a 8:15 a.m. breakfast start. A busy day awaits the group tomorrow which includes a visit to the caves, where 3 countries meet and most importantly.....some shopping. 😊