Firs School News

Sophia C
3rd day at Rhoscolyn and we’re having our last activities, we had coasteering today with our team leader Jim and accompanied by Mrs Cheshire. Our group all went down to near the beach on the cliffs for some climbing, jumping and swimming. We got down there with all our kit on and floats to make sure we were 100% safe!
I had a great time and only jumped once but was so cold I couldn’t bare to do it again (ha ha).

Megan L
Once I was ready we set off to the beach. We all helped each other to get the boats off the trailer I was in a double with Sophia. We went for a paddle in the sea and we swapped round and I was in a double boat with Matt. We played Simon Sez it was cool.

William S
After we went kayaking it was great fun. I was in a boat with Tom and we jumped out of the kayak it was cold but awesome. Later we went on the Tyrollean it was amazing. I was quite scared but I did it and I loved it.

Daniel B
Later on we did team tasks we all had to work together encourage each other, listen to people when they are speaking and have trust in people and their ideas. One task was made of different mats with numbers on. And you had to go to your number as quick as possible. We got the record for 17.02 seconds. I was the team leader, it was great, I loved it.

Andrew H
This afternoon was one to remember. We went in wet suits and had to climb rocks while big waves of water splashed against you. Next we climbed up the rocks and jumped off into the sea it was so cool.

Matthew H
In the morning we did kayaking it was great fun. I capsized the boat and I kept trying to get in the boat but it took me a long time to get in. Then we did rolling logs I really enjoyed it.

Divya A
Tea was gorgeous with melon and other types of fruit for starters. Then we had garlic bread and really cheesy pasta. For dessert we had lemon tart. I didn’t like it, it was too lemony (ha ha).

By Sophie J

Today I woke up at 6.30 and got dressed ready for what lay ahead. First we had breakfast we had baked beans, sausages, poached egg and bacon and it was lovely. After that we got up to date with our diaries. Then we went and had our free time. After free time it was time for the activities, first we had kayaking with Eve which was great fun we played “Simon says” and somehow Thomas and William fell off. And then it was the 2nd activity, Tyrollean, it was AWESOME!!! The views were awesome, the feeling that you were flying was awesome in fact everything was just AWESOME!

By Matthew B

Today, after a refreshing sleep, I woke up. I had to wait for a bit, before I could go downstairs, as it was too early to go get up. After 30mins I woke up properly and got dressed. Then, when I was ready, I went down to the common room. After a game of cards with my friends I had a delicious breakfast, I was very energised, and I had a game of football. Then Eve, from the surf lines came and told us what activity we were doing. My group were doing the Tyrollean. On the way to the venue of the Tyrollean I felt really confident about the activity but when I saw the line we were going across I felt a little nervous. Our instructor picked me to go first on the Tyrollean and after I had completed the challenge I felt great. I had conquered my fears! I went on it twice and coming back to the centre I had a sense of pride about me. Back at the centre I had an an energising lunch and I was ready for my next activity, coasteering! I was really excited about this activity and before I started it I thought it would be my favourite activity. The tide had ebbed and it was perfect weather for coasteering. When I first went in the sea it was freezing and I wondered whether I would like the activity. Then I began to enjoy myself and then I was jumping in the sea all the time. After the activity I though it was the best activity I had ever done. Then I came back to the centre and had a shower and put on my Man Utd kit ready for the Champions league final…….

The Champions League Final by Daniel P

Man-Utd started off brilliantly, dominating possesion of the ball and in the 28th minute, United broke and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a great header in the bottom left corner. Man Utd still dominated but in the 45th minute just before half-time Frank Lampard scored after lifting it over the keeper. Carlos Tevez had chances to put United 2-0 up but didn’t take them. The 2nd half was all Chelsea. They hit the bar twice from Frank Lampard and Didia Drogba. The final whistle blew and extra time was upon us.

I felt very nervous into extra time but still believed United could win. It was equal in possession and both teams had their chances, but none scored. The whistle blew for half time of extra time. The 2nd half was just the same and I was so nervous about penalties. The whistle blew and it was penalties.

For more photos of the day click here.

We arrived on time to glorious sun shine and after settling into our rooms and eating our packed lunch it was time for the first challenge, the Rhoscolyn treasure hunt. Andy, the centre manager, explained how to use a compass with a map and we set off looking for the clues in 3 different groups. Mr Longman’s group went first followed by Mrs Lawrenson’s group then Mrs Cheshire’s group. Following the clues we went in a circle mostly along the coast and heard stories about ship wreckers and Tyger the dog who saved 3 sailors lives before dying exhausted. Unfortunately Mrs Lawrenson’s group and Mrs Cheshire’s group couldn’t find one of the clues and spent ages looking for it. Mr Longman’s group got back first and started to wonder 45mins later what had happened. Thankfully everyone got back soon later and we enjoyed a lovely tea of chicken and roast potatoes. After tea and tuck shop (in case we hadn’t had enough chocolate) it was back to the beach to enjoy another hour of free play, finding lots of different coloured stones and burying ourselves in sand. Back at the centre before bed we wished Peter happy birthday and shared some of his great chocolate birthday cake before going to bed, lights off at 09.45.

PS Mrs Lawrenson wants to note that although Mr Longman’s group got back first it wasn’t a race and they came last due to not having got all the clues right……

For more pictures click here.

Note the time and they are still working on their diaries. (This picture was not staged!)

Our J2 classes have recently spent a fun, action packed three days at Robinwood, an outdoor education centre in Cumbria. The children spent their days completing a range of adventurous activities which included archery, climbing, a giant swing, a zip wire, canoeing, an obstacle course, a night line, the piranha pool (ask them about that one!) and much much more. They had a wonderful time and got the chance to complete activities which challenged them physically as well as testing their nerve and teaching them about teamwork. As a result everyone left the centre feeling exhausted, exhilarated and with a great sense of personal achievement. We know our current J1 class can’t wait until it’s their turn.

For more pictures please follow this link.

The Kindergarten children take regular trips to visit the secret garden at the end of the day. This gives them the opportunity to sit quietly, have their snack and listen to a story in a peaceful and natural outdoor environment. Sometimes they may take a trip on a ‘bear hunt’ for their story, as seen in these photo’s where Mrs Muddiman showed them the pictures and the children helped to tell the story themselves.

When the children first discovered the secret garden that has recently been created by Mr Robson and Mr Cartlidge, the children were thrilled and excited to discover such a place. Their faces beamed and they wanted to explore all around the garden.

Some comments from the children were;

“where did it come from – it’s great!”

“Mr Robson’s sooooo clever!”

“I love it here, can we come again tomorrow?”

“Wow!”

“This is amazing.”

More photos here.

On Wednesday 7^th May 2008, the Kindergarten children took a trip to the Grosvenor Garden Centre in Chester with their Kindergarten Leader, Mrs Muddiman and assistants Mrs Ankers and Mrs Richards. They were also helped by a number of kind volunteers, including Miss from form Chester University and some Kindergarten parents.

The children enjoyed a tour of the garden centre which tied in with their current theme of ‘Growth and the Environment’. They looked at different species of plants and flowers, using their senses to look at colours, feel textures and smell herbs. They also enjoyed looking at different fish in the aquarium.

The highlight of the trip was the opportunity to do some gardening themselves – they learned about the parts of a plant and the process of planting flowers. They were shown how to look after the flowers they had planted when they took them home.

One child said with a big smile on his face; “Can I really keep them?”. Another said; “This is amazing”

A great day was had by all.

For more photos click here.

Here is the promised part 2 of our Easter Assembly. The Firs Chamber choir performed selected songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, together with readings from relevant parts of the Bible and narration from Rev Ted Longman. It was a great performance as you can see.

Everything’s Alright

Hosanna

Gethsemane

Pilate’s Dream