With just a few weeks left until the much anticipated trip to Dol y Moch, I thought it would be a good idea to send out a few reminders:
Dates: Friday 10th November – Tuesday 14th November 2023
Staff: Mrs Hartwell, Mrs McCloskey, Mrs Kerry & Miss Greenway
Activities include: orienteering, beach exploring, rock and water adventure, mountain and mine adventures.
*We will be sharing the centre with the children and staff from St John Vianney Primary School who we got to know on our residential to Alton Castle
– Children are to arrive at school on Friday 10th November at 8.30am, entering with their luggage through the school hall where they will be greeted by a member of staff to show them where to leave their luggage and backpack
– Children should wear their full All Souls school tracksuit with appropriate footwear and have a waterproof coat handy for the journey
– All medication should be handed to Mrs Hartwell in clearly labelled packaging along with a signed medical form which can be requested from Mrs Cannon. Travel sickness tablets should also be handed to Mrs Hartwell so that these can be given at the recommended times before travel. Even if your child has never been travel sick before, it might be worth a precautionary dose as the roads leading to the house are very winding and often result in a wave of motion sickness (even to children who have never experienced this before!).
– The coach is due to leave our school on Friday at approximately 1.45pm; therefore, we ask that if you wish to wave your children off, that you are the drive waiting from 1.30pm. Children will be asked to load their bags onto the coach before saying any last minute goodbyes!
– If your child is bringing in their own packed lunch on the Friday, please ensure this is all in disposable packaging so that lunch boxes etc are not left at school over the weekend
– Children will be supplied with a snack and drink during our stop at the service station where they will have a chance to stretch their legs and pop to the toilet. However, they may bring a SMALL packet of mints/hard boiled sweets to suck on throughout the journey to reduce travel sickness. They should also have a reusable water bottle with them. No other food or drink will be allowed to be consumed on the coach.
– Children are allowed to bring a small backpack on the coach in which they can carry something to keep them occupied (e.g. playing cards, notepad, book, etc.)
– Please double check the clothing list – the more spares the merrier (particularly spare footwear!) although the children should be aware that they will have to transport their own cases to their rooms so equally need to pack sensibly… (I have attached the kit list as a reminder)
– Children do not need to bring any form of bedding with them as it is all provided by DYM although they will be expected to make their own beds. This is always interesting to watch!
– Children will find out who they are sharing a room with and their activity groups upon arrival at DYM
– I will update our social media accounts to let you know we have safely arrived as soon as possible; however, please be aware, that ensuring the children are safe, settled and happy will be our first priority. I will do my best to share some of our fun with you throughout our time at Dol y Moch but again, the children are our priority so always remember that no news equals good news! Try not to worry – we promise to look after them.
– Children are not allowed to take any food or electrical items with them in their case to DyM. These are DYM’s rules, not ours, and they are very strict with this for health and safety reasons. Any items found will be confiscated.
– If the children earn their group stars, there will be a tuck shop open to them in the evening to purchase treats and on the last night they will have the opportunity to buy any souvenirs/gifts should they wish too. Children will be responsible for looking after their own money.
– Finally, we return to school on Tuesday at 1.15pm. Please be aware that if we are delayed for any reason, I will update you through our social media accounts. You are more than welcome to collect your child at this time (and any other siblings if you so wish) or they can be collected at the end of the school day if this suits more.
I hope that answers any last minute questions you might have and that you are all as excited as we are! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or pop and see me at the end of the school day.
This really is a fantastic opportunity for children where they really learn a lot about themselves, conquer fears, enhance their friendships and create memories that they always look back on so fondly.
I can’t wait! 😃
Mrs Hartwell
Year 6 are off to the cinema tomorrow afternoon as part of this year’s Into Film Festival to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
