Day 4: Up the children (and staff) got 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! A bright, but cloudy day, however there was no rain and it wasn't too warm....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! 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). Two firm favourites were The Python (the water rollercoaster) and George and the Dragon which is a wooden double rollercoaster which races each other. After a thrilling day, it was back to the hotel for chicken noodle soup, burgers and chips and strawberry ice cream. The children embarked on a little evening shopping, before coming back to the hotel for a relaxing games night of cards, pick up sticks and no doubt a Mr Bradley quiz question or two. 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 for a good rest before hitting the chair lift tomorrow. And finally.....as requested.....a photo of the children at The Dutch Hat outside Efteling. 😊

Day 3: Following breakfast this morning, another busy day was ahead for the children today. A slightly cloudy day (with a little rain 😏) saw the jet setters head 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 lazy river was a firm favourite this morning for a little relaxation before a busy afternoon. Following lunch at the hotel, it was off to Valkenier theme park behind the hotel to enjoy the rollercoasters and boat rides. Then it was back to the hotel for dinner which comprised of burgers and more chips.....get the salads ready for their return to sunny Comber. It was then off to the park for football match and a few games in  the evening sun which decided to make an appearance. 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 tomorrow. Everyone is in good spirits and having a fabulous time and enjoying the experience of being away. 

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 but windy 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 cool music to finish the trip off. Next on the agenda was a shopping spree, where apparently some purchasing of gifts/souvenirs for home happened!! After shopping, a bite of 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. 
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!!! 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, fish and chips were devoured by all for tea. 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 a theme park and some swimming. All children (and staff) are in great form and lots of fun and laughter is being had. 

Day 1: Everyone has arrived safely and, as you read this, the children are all tucked up in bed for the night! The flight went without any hitches. A very smooth journey with no turbulence and a customary round of applause for the pilot on landing. The lovely coach driver is the same driver as last year which makes life a lot easier for the staff. Stop one today was the buzzing city of Amsterdam. Highlights today included a canal cruise down one of Amsterdam's canals, taking in all the city's sights and attractions. The children saw Anne Frank's house from the boat and a large cruise ship. Next stop was a bite of lunch in Dam Square where the children were entertained by a 91 year old English bomber pilot from WW2 telling them stories and adventures from his life. Leaving Amsterdam, the children and staff arrived in Valkenburg 2 and a half hours later to a hearty meal of tomato soups, chicken & chips and Vienetta. After an hour walk around the town to take in some of its highlights, the children came back to relax and have a few fantas and cokes at the hotel before a well deserved rest for the night.  An early night to recharge the batteries for all the thrills and excitement in store tomorrow which include a visit to the caves, where 3 countries meet and most importantly.....some shopping. 😊

 Check out what we get up to in CPS by visiting our gallery of pictures.

http://www.comberprimary.com/gallery/

Well done to  everyone in P4-7 who took part in The Big Pedal.  In total we had 291 cycle journeys to school over the 10 days which is an amazing total.  So close to our target of 300 but the weather let us down on the last day.

 

An extra special well done to the P4 classes as they made over 100 of the total journeys.  The top class was P5P closely followed by P4T.  Super work everyone and thanks for taking part.

 

Remember keep cycling safely to school during the 3rd term.

 

Mr Pinkerton

Stage and Screen photos are now available to purchase from www.whisperingshores.co.uk

 

Once you are on the homepage, click on 'galleries', then 'other work' and finally 'Comber Primary School'. To view the photos enter the password cpsphotos.

 

Many thanks to Melissa Gordon for all of her help with photos.

 

 

At the end of a great week we have reached a total of 153 children cycling or scooting to school.  Great work so far everyone.

 

The top 2 classes are currently P5P and P4T making up 81 journeys.

 

Which class can come out on top in week 2? 

 

At the minute if we keep the same numbers or more we will easily beat the total of 260 from last year.

 

Remember if you are cycling wear a helmet and take care when travelling to school.

 

Also remember every time you cycle or scoot come and get a ticket from Mr Pinkerton.  A large number of children already have 5 tickets in the box so have a great chance of winning one of the prizes.  Let's see how many people can get a ticket in week 2.

 

Good luck everyone and happy cycling.

 

Mr Pinkerton