Day 2 Evening Update
Evening meal
Starter - Bacon and egg salad.
Main – Roast pork, roast potatoes and broccoli.
Dessert – Apple crumble and custard.
A lot of empty plates again.
Evening activity – Bum boarding
Bum boarding made its first appearance on a Salterford Skiing trip two years ago and was enormous fun again. It really should be an Olympic sport. If it ever does, Salterford may have a potential future champion in Lois. Nobody could beat her, everyone tried and failed. The staff tried to blame a technical advantage. Something fishy about the design of her board? Had she sneaked a tin of Mr Sheen to wax the bottom? Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and admit defeat!
The children were then treated to a showing of the movie Despicable Me in the games room. It was a great opportunity to relax and reflect on the fun packed day we had just had.
Each evening, several awards are handed out.
Skiers of the day – Amelia and Danielle.
This year sees the introduction of “The beret of shame”. A truly hideous piece of headgear which has to be worn by the winner until the end of breakfast the next day. The inaugural “winner” of the beret was Katie who managed to take out Mr Martindale in spectacular fashion earlier in the day.
More fun tomorrow, the weather forecast is for another day of glorious sunshine. The perfect conditions for a jacketless skier :)
Sunday 31 March 2013
Skiing Day 2
Ski Trip Day 2
Previous readers of the blog will be familiar with Mr Britten’s packing calamities. The list grows ever longer. Four years ago – no toiletries bag, Cranedale – no water proofs and the ubiquitous purple coat, Normandy – no towel. This year would be different! The suitcase was packed a week in advance. New toiletries were purchased from Tesco. The year 6 reminded Mr Britten about the towel fiasco. “No problem, I’ve packed two this year!” came the confident reply. On arrival at the hotel, Mr Britten was slightly disappointed to find two white towels on his bed along with some complimentary soap. However, the true horror only became apparent when it came time to get ready for skiing. Let’s just hope it’s warm at the top of the mountain for the idiot teacher without a ski jacket!
Breakfast
Breakfast consists of a buffet system where the children can help themselves to a variety of different things. This morning, there was the usual croissants, French bread, cornflakes, pain au chocolate, ham, cheese, yoghurts, fruit and hot dogs!?! All the children ate well and we were soon in the boot room collecting our skis for our first lesson.
The session began with an assessment of the children’s skiing ability. They were then put into groups and went off with their ski instructor and teacher. The lesson was a gentle introduction to the slopes of the resort. The children used a variety of different lifts and skied on a mixture of green and blue runs.
Highlights of the morning session
1. Mr Martindale falling on the flat part of the slope.
2. George skiing magnificently down the mountain but falling on the nursery slope.
3. The weather – bright sunshine, fresh snow, no wind. It is absolutely perfect conditions.
4. The walk to the slope. Last time we took the Salterford children skiing; there was a 1500m walk from the hotel to the main lift. This was done in +14c temperature and thick mud. This year our walk is the equivalent of walking from the music room to the tennis court. It’s even better on the way back – downhill! You can basically ski into the hotel.
Lunch
Pizza, chips and salad. No complaints. Long may it last.
The afternoon session was more challenging and leads to some ridiculous falls. The children went to the very top of the mountain and skied a rainbow course back to the bottom (a little green, blue, red and black).
Highlights of the afternoon session
1. Katie falling in front of Mr Martindale who took evasive action and ended up buried in six foot of snow.
2. George declaring himself “King of the piste” after falling for the tenth time.
3. Annabelle’s delight after skiing a section of a black run.
4. Seeing all the children skiing down the mountain together.
Quotes of the day
Mr Britten “Henry, why are you wearing jeans?”
Henry “I’m saving my ski trousers for later”
Katie “My Mum says that I have to put my gloves on the radiator every day but they’re not wet. What should I do?”
Mrs Martindale “Whose is this (insert any item of clothing, ski gear etc.) ?
All “Jacks”
This evening we have a session of bum boarding followed by a walk around the local town.
Previous readers of the blog will be familiar with Mr Britten’s packing calamities. The list grows ever longer. Four years ago – no toiletries bag, Cranedale – no water proofs and the ubiquitous purple coat, Normandy – no towel. This year would be different! The suitcase was packed a week in advance. New toiletries were purchased from Tesco. The year 6 reminded Mr Britten about the towel fiasco. “No problem, I’ve packed two this year!” came the confident reply. On arrival at the hotel, Mr Britten was slightly disappointed to find two white towels on his bed along with some complimentary soap. However, the true horror only became apparent when it came time to get ready for skiing. Let’s just hope it’s warm at the top of the mountain for the idiot teacher without a ski jacket!
Breakfast
Breakfast consists of a buffet system where the children can help themselves to a variety of different things. This morning, there was the usual croissants, French bread, cornflakes, pain au chocolate, ham, cheese, yoghurts, fruit and hot dogs!?! All the children ate well and we were soon in the boot room collecting our skis for our first lesson.
The session began with an assessment of the children’s skiing ability. They were then put into groups and went off with their ski instructor and teacher. The lesson was a gentle introduction to the slopes of the resort. The children used a variety of different lifts and skied on a mixture of green and blue runs.
Highlights of the morning session
1. Mr Martindale falling on the flat part of the slope.
2. George skiing magnificently down the mountain but falling on the nursery slope.
3. The weather – bright sunshine, fresh snow, no wind. It is absolutely perfect conditions.
4. The walk to the slope. Last time we took the Salterford children skiing; there was a 1500m walk from the hotel to the main lift. This was done in +14c temperature and thick mud. This year our walk is the equivalent of walking from the music room to the tennis court. It’s even better on the way back – downhill! You can basically ski into the hotel.
Lunch
Pizza, chips and salad. No complaints. Long may it last.
The afternoon session was more challenging and leads to some ridiculous falls. The children went to the very top of the mountain and skied a rainbow course back to the bottom (a little green, blue, red and black).
Highlights of the afternoon session
1. Katie falling in front of Mr Martindale who took evasive action and ended up buried in six foot of snow.
2. George declaring himself “King of the piste” after falling for the tenth time.
3. Annabelle’s delight after skiing a section of a black run.
4. Seeing all the children skiing down the mountain together.
Quotes of the day
Mr Britten “Henry, why are you wearing jeans?”
Henry “I’m saving my ski trousers for later”
Katie “My Mum says that I have to put my gloves on the radiator every day but they’re not wet. What should I do?”
Mrs Martindale “Whose is this (insert any item of clothing, ski gear etc.) ?
All “Jacks”
This evening we have a session of bum boarding followed by a walk around the local town.
Ski Trip Day One
Sorry for delay, only just got internet connection.
Salterford House Ski Trip
Day 1 – The journey
The day began bright and early. After a few hugs, kisses and tears, we were on our way. The drive to Manchester was trouble free and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
On arrival, we were met by some exceedingly friendly check-in staff from fly2.com. They even managed to smile when they told us that we were not booked on the aeroplane and would not be able to check in! Mass confusion all around. Had we made a mistake? Did we come a day early? Surely not. Mr Martindale took control. After patiently showing our booking reference, flight plan, hotel reservation, passports, birth certificates etc. we were finally allowed to check our bags.
Next hurdle came at the security desk. Macy was singled out for special attention, our first aid kit bag was attacked by sniffer dogs and Max’s toothpaste placed everyone on red alert. After more diplomacy, we were allowed to continue our journey.
The flight was stress free. Nothing much to report apart from Jessie, Tatziana, Jessica and Anushka managed to commit the first crime of the week. What appeared to be a rubber dog toy was chewed, chomped and finally exploded all over the plane. If it wasn’t for Jessica and her baby wipes, we would have been in big trouble.
Upon landing in France we met more problems. According to the ground crew, there had not been a flight from Manchester land at Grenoble today. This was strange as we were sure we didn’t dream the journey. Weary from the flight, we accepted that we were in the wrong and had indeed flown from Gatwick. Only then were we able to retrieve our cases.
Time for the bus to Risoul. Unfortunately, our watches hadn’t been synchronized with our French counterparts and there was no bus there. Still, it gave us chance to visit the world’s most public toilets – “The boys are standing up!” It also gave us a chance to return to the airport to collect Danielle’s jacket which had decided to stay.
Once we got on the coach, it became apparent that Danielle’s coat had the right idea. None of the staff knew the French for “Air conditioning” and our sweaty trek to Risoul had many feeling worse for wear.
We eventually arrived at Risoul when our driver suddenly developed the ability to speak English. “Where are you staying?”
“Hotel Le Morgan” replied Mr Martindale
“Where is it?” asked our fluent Frenchman
“Near the ski slopes?”
Fortunately, a sign post was spotted and we could finally get off the coach and into the hotel. Dinner was promptly served. Vegetable soup, pork in breadcrumbs, potatoes and carrots, lemon tart with cream. After dinner, all the children were fitted with skis etc. and went off to be at around 10.30pm. The clocks go forward tonight, so we have an early start in the morning.
Please pass this on to any parents.
Salterford House Ski Trip
Day 1 – The journey
The day began bright and early. After a few hugs, kisses and tears, we were on our way. The drive to Manchester was trouble free and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
On arrival, we were met by some exceedingly friendly check-in staff from fly2.com. They even managed to smile when they told us that we were not booked on the aeroplane and would not be able to check in! Mass confusion all around. Had we made a mistake? Did we come a day early? Surely not. Mr Martindale took control. After patiently showing our booking reference, flight plan, hotel reservation, passports, birth certificates etc. we were finally allowed to check our bags.
Next hurdle came at the security desk. Macy was singled out for special attention, our first aid kit bag was attacked by sniffer dogs and Max’s toothpaste placed everyone on red alert. After more diplomacy, we were allowed to continue our journey.
The flight was stress free. Nothing much to report apart from Jessie, Tatziana, Jessica and Anushka managed to commit the first crime of the week. What appeared to be a rubber dog toy was chewed, chomped and finally exploded all over the plane. If it wasn’t for Jessica and her baby wipes, we would have been in big trouble.
Upon landing in France we met more problems. According to the ground crew, there had not been a flight from Manchester land at Grenoble today. This was strange as we were sure we didn’t dream the journey. Weary from the flight, we accepted that we were in the wrong and had indeed flown from Gatwick. Only then were we able to retrieve our cases.
Time for the bus to Risoul. Unfortunately, our watches hadn’t been synchronized with our French counterparts and there was no bus there. Still, it gave us chance to visit the world’s most public toilets – “The boys are standing up!” It also gave us a chance to return to the airport to collect Danielle’s jacket which had decided to stay.
Once we got on the coach, it became apparent that Danielle’s coat had the right idea. None of the staff knew the French for “Air conditioning” and our sweaty trek to Risoul had many feeling worse for wear.
We eventually arrived at Risoul when our driver suddenly developed the ability to speak English. “Where are you staying?”
“Hotel Le Morgan” replied Mr Martindale
“Where is it?” asked our fluent Frenchman
“Near the ski slopes?”
Fortunately, a sign post was spotted and we could finally get off the coach and into the hotel. Dinner was promptly served. Vegetable soup, pork in breadcrumbs, potatoes and carrots, lemon tart with cream. After dinner, all the children were fitted with skis etc. and went off to be at around 10.30pm. The clocks go forward tonight, so we have an early start in the morning.
Please pass this on to any parents.
Sunday 24 March 2013
Last week of term
| March 2013 | |
| Mon 25th | |
| Orienteering Years 3 and 4 | |
| Tue 26th | |
| 12.30pm Swimming Gala NBHS | |
| Wed 27th | |
| Thu 28th | |
| TERM ENDS | |
| Fri 29th | |
| Sat 30th | |
| Children leave on Skiing Trip until April 6th | |
The video was shot on the slopes of Risoul where Mr Britten, Mr Martindale and Mrs Martindale will be taking a group for an exciting week of skiing on Saturday.
Tips for the skiers
The following have all happened on previous ski trips. Try not to do them this time :)
Try not to...
1. Leave a passport lying on the floor of the airport.
2. Leave hand luggage with passport control and walk straight through to the departure lounge.
3. Lose an ipod on the bus, aeroplane etc
4. Leave lift pass in hotel room.
5. Leave gloves in hotel room.
6. Leave ski helmet in hotel room.
7. Leave room key in hotel room.
8. Get sun burnt because it is "too cold for a sun tan"
9. Ski into Mr Britten.
10. Break the drag lift - twice!
11. Attempt to live solely off french bread.
12. Spend all your euros on pinball, pool and coca-cola.
13. Attempt to break the world ski jump record.
14. Forget what your skis look like.
15. Think that you can put a bin liner full of clothes on the aeroplane.
16. Drop a bowl full of cornflakes and milk on the floor.
The challenge
Can the ski group of 2013 manage an entire week without any of the above occurring?
Quiz of the week
Skiing is an usual word. It contains a double i. Which mushroom also has a double i?
Joke of the week
If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a very small country.
Sunday 17 March 2013
Twelfth Night
March 22nd World Water Day
Quiz of the week
The day before yesterday I was 25 and the next year I will be 28. This is true only one day in a year.
What day is my birthday?
Joke of the week
How did Vikings communicate?
By norse code!
Sunday 10 March 2013
11th March 2013
Here are some examples of Year One Learning Logs.
Quiz of the week
Three days ago, yesterday was the day before Sunday. What day will it be tomorrow?
Joke of the week
What does a clock do when it's hungry?
It goes back four seconds!
Sunday 3 March 2013
World Book Day
| March 2013 |
| Mon 4th |
| YEAR 3 ASSEMBLY |
| Twelfth Night Rehearsals 4-5pm |
| Tue 5th |
| Cross Country - Worksop College |
| Wed 6th |
| Thu 7th |
| 4pm Netball v St Wilfrids Gedling High 5 League - Home |
| World Book Day |
| Fri 8th |
| 12.30pm-5.00pm Dry Skiing - Swadlincote |
| Year 2 visit to Making It |
| Sat 9th |
| 2-5pm Rehearsals for Twelfth Night |
WORLD BOOK DAY 2013
- The specially produced £1 books for WORLD BOOK DAY 2013 are:
Age 2+
Alfie’s Shop
Shirley Hughes Random House
Shirley Hughes Random House
Age 3+
Giraffes Can’t Dance Colouring & Puzzle Fun
Giles Andrae and Guy Parker-Rees Orchard Books
Giles Andrae and Guy Parker-Rees Orchard Books
Age 5+
Horrid Henry’s Guide to Perfect Parents
Francesca Simon Orion
Francesca Simon Orion
Age 7+
Tony Robinson’s Weird World of Wonders: Funny Inventions
Tony Robinson Macmillan
Tony Robinson Macmillan
Age 8+
The Diamond Brothers in… Two of Diamonds
Anthony Horowitz Walker
Anthony Horowitz Walker
Age 9+
Hang In There Bozo: The Ruby Redfort Emergency Survival Guide For Some Tricky Predicaments
Lauren Child Harper Collins
Lauren Child Harper Collins
Age 9+
Tom Gates: Best Book Day Ever (so far)
Liz Pichon Scholastic
Liz Pichon Scholastic
Age 11+
The Chocolate Box Girls: Bittersweet
Cathy Cassidy Puffin
Cathy Cassidy Puffin
Quiz of the week
In which book by Roald Dahl is the main character called Billy?
Joke of the week
My father gave me a really cheap dictionary for my birthday.
I couldn't find the words to thank him.
I couldn't find the words to thank him.
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