Well, I doubt there were many Prep Schools in the country who laid on over eight different activities this Sunday; ranging from arts and crafts to canoeing and kayaking. Fresh from an exeat, this was bound to be a weekend that was filled to the brim.
A select few rushed off to enjoy the Uppingham Skills day after an early breakfast before most had lifted their heads off their pillows.
The rank and file went down to breakfast with a spring in their step keen to get on with the day. Mr Cooper from Uppingham delivered a fabulous assembly that managed to link dragons with sunflowers and helped ensure that S. Anselm's continues to produce the leaders of the future!
Straight after this some of the Fifth Year went into Bakewell with their well earned golden coin whilst others larked about on the back field, played in the nets, plunged into the pool and worked on their forhand smashes.
Eight Junior musicians from S Anselm’s took part in an Informal Concert, where the standard was incredibly high. The future certainly looks bright for the school’s music department. Many of these musicians will be involved in a concert in Birmingham Cathedral at the end of June.
In the meantime, Slieve Mor had already jumped onto a minibus and did their bit to boost the British economy as they went on a spending spree at Meadow Hall Sheffield. Although mostly window shopping the girls managed to secure a selection of bargains. Later they held a fashion parade back at the boarding house to display their prize purchases. The girls had a tremendous day out and were a credit to the school with their impeccable behaviour.
Whilst the girls was strutting their stuff, a select bunch were taken by Mr Franklin to Trent Bridge, where they were treated to a festival of superb cricket between Nottingham and Worcestershire. They all returned inspired and elated.
Meanwhile, back at base, lunch was wolfed down and the activities commenced. Mr Northcott took 19 boys through the finer points of cricket bowling and batting in the nets. Will S batted well but gave the covers too many chances, and George M bowled fast but sprayed them around a bit. The U11’s were on fine form battling and bowling with a little more precision and restraint!
After a good hour and a half in the nets we went off for a swim. Mrs Northcott lifeguarded alongside Mr Northcott in what was more like Greek wrestling under water. The boys came out exhausted but having had a great time.
A group of junior girls trooped down to Ashford where they munched on ice-creams and Mr Weller took four boys off to Nottingham for a drum examination.
Mr Mace made sure there was something for the more entrepid types and a band of merry boys and girls raced off to Carsington where they got wet and wild canoeing and kayaking in the lake. Every man jack of them went under at some point but this was nothing that a large slice of shortbread and a pint of hot chocolate could not sort out!
The Hillcrest girls continue to love their arts and crafts over at the house and are frequently in hysterics as they discuss the finer points of life, the universe and everything!
Mille C and Poppy M went off to play for the Derbyshire U12 hockey team and beat both the S Yorkshire U12 and U13 sides. Poppy M was clearly an inspirational captain!
Lastly, but by no means least, Mr Donaldson took a curious bunch off to Crich to the Tramways museum where they viewed some ancient Morris Minors and miniture trams and railways. Quite frankly, this was yet another sparkling weekend and we haven't even mentioned the revision sessions, the three swimming pool sessions, the birthday trips to watch "Wolverine" and eat at Feluccini's and the game of tag around the Pre-Prep swings.
Gosh these guys have it good! In all this the children were fabulous company and a pleasure to be with. Something the general public we come across on our Sunday outings always seem to comment on is their good behaviour and sense of fun. My thanks go to the myriad of staff and parents who have made all this happen and who do it with such great humour and enthusiasm.
Posted on
Mon, May 11, 2009
by DEY
filed under