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 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 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. 😊

Comber Primary PTA

Bottle Stall and May Fair on Saturday 12^th May (11am-1pm)

In preparation for the May Fair this weekend, please can you try and bring a bottle to school on Friday 11^th May for our bottle stall. This can be a bottle of anything that is unopened. Also if you have any unwanted gifts or donations, these would also be much appreciated. All donations should be brought to the class teacher this Friday. Thanks to all those who have already brought in items.

Hopefully lots of you will be able to make the May Fair this Saturday from 11am-1pm. It should be a great morning.

Comber Primary PTA

Well done to all those who took part in The Big Pedal 2018.  The amazing weather along with a great effort helped us to reach an amazing total of  365 cycle journeys in just 10 days.  This is 60 more than last year.  An amazing effort by everyone.

Thanks to all those who came to the Biker Breakfast this morning and to Mr Bradley for helping out.  29 children from P4-7 attended for free pancakes and a drink.

Just remember this term is the perfect time to cycle and scoot to school more often.  Hope to see the bike shed full of bikes every day.

Mr Pinkerton