It’s Goodbye to Hautbois

Good day readers. When you left us last we were getting ready for an afternoon of bridge building and abseiling and what an afternoon it was!  Bridge building was great fun and the children worked as a team to build two impressive structures. Waist deep in the river they were taught a variety of knots to tie planks of wood together. The two structures were really impressive and were even strong enough to take the weight of Madame Steed and Mr Andrews, no mean feat.

Abseiling pushed some of the group outside of their comfort zones… the aim of any school residential. Everyone had the courage to attempt the skill, although not everyone managed to take the step off the edge; we were really proud of all of them for having a go!

Dinner was an excellent Mexican feast, right up Mr Burrett’s street! We finished the day with some free time and a campfire! We went around the circle taking turns to speak about our favourite parts of the trip. As our fire petered out we were about to leave when we heard the other school staying at the centre challenge us from afar to an ‘everywhere you go’ loud off. The inevitable occurred and the other school soon regretted their decision as “we are St Faith’s… mighty, mighty, St Faith’s” belted back through the trees. 1 – 0 St Faith’s. 

The children slept soundly again, and after packing and cleaning their rooms, they are now taking part in our final two activities of the trip: den building and the monkey crawl. It has been brilliant to see how much more self-reliant our Year 6s have become. When we went away with them in Year 4, I vividly remember having to help what felt like the whole year group pack their bags, no such problems with that this year! The monkey crawl has been really fun so far, Mr Andrews set the children a height to beat and so far, each child has risen to the challenge. The view from the top of the tree is outstanding and reminds me of the quote.

Good morning readers. When you left us last we were getting ready for an afternoon of bridge building and abseiling and what an afternoon it was!  Bridge building was great fun and the children worked as a team to build two impressive structures. Waist deep in the river they were taught a variety of knots to tie planks of wood together. The two structures were really impressive and were even strong enough to take the weight of Madame Steed and Mr Andrews, no mean feat.

Abseiling pushed some of the group outside of their comfort zones… the aim of any school residential. Everyone had the courage to attempt the skill, although not everyone managed to take the step off the edge; we were really proud of all of them for having a go!

Dinner was an excellent Mexican feast, right up Mr Burrett’s street! We finished the day with some free time and a campfire! We went around the circle taking turns to speak about our favourite parts of the trip. As our fire petered out we were about to leave when we heard the other school staying at the centre challenge us from a far to an ‘everywhere you go’ loud off. The inevitable occurred and the other school soon regretted their decision as ‘we are St Faith’s… mighty mighty St Faith’s echoed back of the trees.’ 1 – 0 St Faith’s. 

The children slept soundly again and after packing and cleaning their rooms are now taking part in our final two activities of the trip: den building and the monkey crawl. It has been brilliant to see how much more self-reliant our Year 6s have become. When we went away with them in Year 4 I vividly remember having to help what felt like the whole year group pack their bags, no such problems with that this year! The monkey crawl has been really fun so far, Mr Andrews has set the children a height to beat and so far, each child has risen to the challenge. The view from the top of the tree is outstanding and reminds me of the quote.

“You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Later:

Long term readers of this Column might remember the escapades of a young gorilla named Boo Boo who went missing for two hours before we left Carroty Wood. It is my pleasure to report no problems for Boo Boo this time, he is safely tucked up in his owner’s rucksack awaiting the coach journey home.  Even little gorillas learn from their experiences.