Day 3: Following a well deserved lie in and breakfast this morning, another busy day was ahead for the children. It was much cooler today and rather overcast, however thankfully there was no rain. First on the agenda today was a visit to the swimming pool, where everyone had a fantastic time going down the various slides, chilling in the Jacuzzi or sauna, diving off the boards and experiencing the relaxing ‘Lazy River Ride’. I say relaxing, however there’s nothing very lazy about it as you travel down at quite a speed I’m told. The outdoor pool was closed today, however I am pleased to report that every child on the trip went into the pool and had a great morning of fun with their friends. The non-swimmers in the group enjoyed time in The Whirlpool where they were swept along with the water, however a few needed a little assistance trying to get out of the current of the water. After a morning of swimming, every single child had a shower and washed their hair...I think this is a first on the trip for a few. Following lunch on the steps of the pool, it was off to Valkenier theme park (The Barry’s of Valkenburg) 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 (as they had the whole place to themselves) exploring the theme park and went on The Ghost Train, dodgems and paddle boats. Thankfully no one fell into the water. The popular purchases today were ‘Foot long slushies’ to cool down from the running around. Great fun was had by all, however we have two disgruntled staff members after today’s trip. Poor Mr Bradley was hounded by many on the dodgems and is nursing a rather sore knee this evening, whilst Mrs Galway was tricked into going on a new ride which can only be described as a boomerang rollercoaster (a bit like a pirate ship). I think she’s still having flashbacks of her ordeal. After a fabulous afternoon,  it was back to the hotel for dinner which comprised of spaghetti Bolognese and ice cream for dessert. Following dinner the group went to the park to enjoy some games together. There was football, mount and dismount and others simply made daisy chains whilst chatting to their friends on the grass. Another great day in Holland and yet again impeccable behaviour from all. 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 7:00a.m. breakfast wake up call. Everyone is in great spirits and having a fabulous time. 

Day 2: Another fun packed day in Valkenburg, in fact a very, very busy day! The teachers report that ALL rooms were awake this morning when they went to wake them up..fingers crossed this continues. Breakfast was a buffet of everything and anything the children could imagine....boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, cereal, cheese, cold meats and a variety of different bread....the children were well set up for the day. After breakfast, everyone set off on what was yet another bright and sunny day 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 pictures to finish the trip off. The trip through the caves is in pitch darkness lit only by a gas lantern carried by the tour guide and this year’s guide was telling the children how his father had to live in the cave during the Nazi occupation of the town. The children were in awe of this as they’ve been learning about WW2 back in school and could relate their learning to many of the stories he was telling them. At the end of the tour there is a light show and this year they showed pictures of the town during the occupation of the war which the children watched intently. The light show at the end also 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. 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. A number of the children managed to find memorials with their surname, which was an added poignancy to the trip. The children were an absolute credit to all and have been commended by many on the trip so far for their great behaviour and manners. No behaviour fines have been given out so far...again, fingers crossed this continues. As the group were leaving the cemetery, they could hear the thunder coming in the distance and unfortunately as they travelled to their next stop...the heavens opened. 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...if not rather soggy!!! A number of the children faced their fears and 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...well done to all those who braved the climb. A little play in the park was in order afterwards where ALL children got covered in sand...wet sand! You’ll be glad they weren’t getting back into your cars, however the bus driver was more than accommodating and knew that the sand was the sign of good fun. 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, where Miss Seaton was the champion bowler. As you read this the children are writing 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 a lie in and 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 1: Everyone has arrived safely in Holland and it’s been a very busy first day. The flight was delayed for 30 minutes on the runway, however the day ran very smoothly from landing onwards. As you read this, the children are writing their diaries and about to settle in for the night...I think their eyes are literally hanging out of their heads, they’re so tired! Stop one today was the buzzing city of Amsterdam. The highlight of today was a visit to Ajax Stadium in Amsterdam. The female tour guide failed to mention Spurs’ football club during their tour, despite a few attempts to taunt her from some of the football mad boys. The children were thrilled seeing the football stadium in full glory even managing to get onto the pitch itself. The children were in awe of the size of the stadium and a bit star struck to be on the same pitch as some of their idols. After the stadium visit, the group visited a Windmill Museum getting to see and experience a wealth of working windmills. The children were allowed to explore the museum and stumbled upon a working cheese factory in one of the windmills....I think many made a quick exit! The children enjoyed their little piece of home (packed lunch) on the grass at the museum and fed the ducks....hopefully not with their lovingly prepared lunch. Leaving Amsterdam, the children and staff started their 3 hour bus journey and arrived in Valkenburg to a warm welcome at the hotel. The bus driver is also very friendly and accommodating to the children. For dinner, the children were treated to a buffet of fish, chicken, chips, rice and vegetables for dinner and I am pleased to report that some of the children even managed to take some of the vegetables...I’ll leave you to decide whether your child was one of these children. Dinner was followed by ice-cream for dessert. 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 (Mid 20s) and fingers crossed this continues. Once the diaries are written it’s straight to bed. An early night is needed to recharge the batteries for all the thrills and excitement in store tomorrow. A busy day awaits the group tomorrow which includes a visit to the caves, where 3 countries meet and most importantly.....some shopping. 😊 

There will be no teacher led clubs for P5-7 until the week beginning Monday 13th May. The children will be getting club forms this week to apply for a club for the summer term and clubs will run for 4 weeks allowing P4 children to attend also. Forms will be in school bags towards the end of this week. 

Good luck to all our pupils who are taking part in Grease on the 9th, 10th and 11th of April. We hope you all enjoy the experience and we look forward to welcoming parents, grandparents and friends to our three evening performances. Don't forget your tickets! 

 

A reminder of times:

• Cast members should arrive at 6:15pm and go to Mrs Hamilton's room for make-up checks
• Pupils helping with tickets should arrive at 6:30pm and should stay in the entrance hall
• Chorus members should arrive at 7:10pm and go to the Buddy room. 
• Pupils should be finished each evening at 9pm approx. - please collect your children from the front entrance. 

 

If possible all cast members should arrive wearing their make-up. Thanks in advance for your support in this. 

At present our new clothes bank has been filled 4 times which means that we have raised almost £150 so far for Eco projects in school.  Not bad for very little effort!

 

We have a challenge for you all.  On Thursday 28^th March we want as many families as possible in the school to try and bring in 1 bag of unwanted clothes.  Check at home and ask other family members if they have any unwanted clothes and you might be surprised at how much you can collect together.  These bags are then to be brought into school on Thursday morning and can be left in the Assembly Hall between 8.30-9am.  The bags should be left in via the side door in the P2-3 playground.

Remember to check on the clothes bank to see what can be added.

 

 

Big Pedal Active travel event   Monday 25th March to Friday 5th April

https://bigpedal.org.uk/

 

It is that time of year again where we think about how we travel to school.  From Monday 25th March to Friday 5th April we challenge you to try and travel to school in one of these ways.

 

P1-3 - Walk to school only.

P4-7 – Cycle or scoot to school.  If you can’t cycle or scoot then try to walk in.

 

Those cycling into school in P4-7 MUST wear a helmet and all bikes and scooters MUST be locked up.

 

We will be recording the number of children taking part in each class and there will be a prize for the year group with the highest total at the end of the 2-week challenge.  If you walk, cycle or even scoot to school with your child your journey will be included in their class total.

 

 

In light of recent news regarding inappropriate and disturbing messages on various APPs and online games, please consult the following guidelines and have conversations with your child/children about staying safe online. We have recently taken part in Safer Internet Day in CPS and have highlighted to the children ways in which they can keep safe online. http://www.comberprimary.com/media-news/