The week began with particularly unpleasant rainy weather. Parents and teachers were a bit concerned as to how to proceed with our planned trip, but this did not dampen the jovial spirits of our happy pupils and soon enough, the rain held out and the afternoon saw many tents going up. Gradually the clouds became heavier and the little droplets began to fall, but thankfully not too hard. While enthusiastic parents set up camp, the children frolicked in the rain wielding bright umbrellas and raincoats, singing and dancing, carefree and exuberant! As a well-deserved reward, a vivid rainbow appeared heralding the official start of the campout.

As the evening atmosphere turned festive, with the twinkling of lit fires, tantalising aromas of cooked food and hot chocolate, we began to gather around our big bonfire to sing songs and tell our stories. The grand finale was when Teacher Fran and Teacher Karen (dressed in a monkey onesie) acted out the story of Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson.

With bellies full and our souls nourished, yawning children started brushing their teeth and climbed into their sleeping bags for the first overnight sleepover in the grounds of our magical school.

What an adventure for our precious little people! One could almost see the thought bubbles floating up above the tents. Thoughts like: What kind of animals might we hear tonight? Who is my neighbour tonight? I cannot believe that I am not sleeping in my own bed!

But soon enough a general hush descended as sleep won over excitement. But not for long! At the crack of dawn, the first giggles could be heard, as no one wanted to miss out on a single moment of this memorable experience.

A very successful and fun-filled camping experience was had by all and we wait with bated breath for the next one!