Monday 11 June 2018

Isle of Wight 2018



Day 4


Good evening to you all! 


I can report that the pancakes went down well here at the Tarvic 2 Hotel, as did the Weetabix and unlimited supplies of toast.  Although a few children still appeared tired this morning, the opportunity to breakfast in pyjamas afforded those weary souls some relaxation time, as did the shorter walk that we undertook.


All in all, Day Four was a triumph of Team EB’s determination despite some adversity.  With strong winds forecast and a bleak grey sky looming in the present moment, we opted for a more straightforward walk along the seafront from Shanklin to Sandown.  This meant extended ‘downtime’ in the rooms- an activity which has forged some really strong friendships this week.  With the wind at our backs and the drizzle dying down, we embarked on the walk.  I must say the children are very kind to an aging squirrel, and often carry me along with them so I can really appreciate the view.  And what a view!  The brooding skies, the crashing waves, the bobbing buoys… fantastic!  After a brief ‘elevensies’ of Kinder chocolate (the children are eating some fruit this week but are perhaps not averaging the optimum ‘5 a day’), we tried out the local playground.  This was extremely popular due to its zipline, large climbing structures and skate ramp.  One thing I have learned from my years as a mascot is that Edward Betham pupils are nothing if not imaginative, and today was no exception.  In the absence of skateboards and scooters, the children created their own game, trying to reach the highest levels of the ramps.  As yesterday, the team spirit on show made the teachers very proud, as children drew others into the game until the majority of the year group were playing it, with many pulling other children up so that everyone could succeed.  Well done Edward Betham!


We then returned to the hotel and ate our picnic whilst looking out to sea and observing the clouds clear and a lovely sunny afternoon emerge.  Perfect weather for swimming!


Another problem arose when the coach transporting us to East Dene pulled over to the side and started making some very strange noises.  It had broken down!  Once again, the team were not put off by this, instead climbing aboard another coach with little swimming time lost.  The walk from the coach stop to the secluded East Dene Activity Centre was absolutely gorgeous; we spotted ducks, fish and even terrapins in the woodland-dappled pond.  The views at East Dene did not disappoint and nor did the swimming experience, with games of water-basketball and limitless noodles and other swimming aids on hand.  Those ex-pupils who came on the residential in 2014, 2015 and 2016 will remember the amazing hillside with a vista spreading far out to sea.  It was heavenly.


Following a meandering journey back, we began packing for tomorrow’s return and preparing for the disco.  Dinner was delicious and the votes are in: the week’s most popular meals are (from most to least):


1.       Turkey roast dinner


2.       Barbeque


3.       Pasta bolognaise


4.       Pizza


Then there was no time to spare- the DJ was cranking up the volume and the first children to be ready would be the first to request their favourite tracks.  Once again, I have received an education in popular music from Edward Betham pupils.  Is it Big Jack?  And does he sing (or rather shout, if the children’s versions are anything to go by) Spam’s the Top?  Here on the Isle of Wight, Spam is very popular with our elderly residents, but I had no idea it was so popular with the youth of Greenford!  I am not the only one to learn new things.  I am currently watching the teachers being initiated into the modern ways of dance by the children.  Without the macarena, they seem to be a bit out of their depth!  I hope they don’t see my whiskers shaking with laughter, as it is important to carry on moving as you enter your advanced years.


This year, Monday’s birthday girl provided the disco refreshments, which are going down a storm.  This is quite surprising to me as the children only finished their enormous dinner a short time ago.


With the delighted sounds of children’s singing resonating through Sandown tonight, it is time for me, your faithful mascot, to bid you farewell for another year.  All the teachers agree that this year’s Year 6 are very special and will be missed when they move onto high school.  It has been a wonderful week and we thank the parents back home for allowing us to look after their lovely children.  We know that, despite the many good times, the children have missed you and are really looking forward to that coach pulling up in Oldfield Lane tomorrow afternoon (hopefully not too late this year!)


Sandy


Day 3

Last night on the pier, Year 6 really enjoyed themselves.  Once again, Edward Betham took control of the end of the pier, where the best rides are.  Actually, a few members of the public did approach our area, and yet having observed (and definitely heard) the children on the dodgems and the helter-skelter, those same people moved away.  Mrs. Curzon, Miss Dodd and Mr. Carney also took a turn on the dodgems; to be honest, it is amazing to me that some of these teachers actually have a driving licence!  The children appeared to be far more adept at mastering the corners and avoiding each other (in most cases).

Today was the best day ever!  The first destination of the day was the Needles and I was very excited as I was going to be a sea-faring squirrel.  It was a steep climb down to the boat and I was impressed by the children’s improved spatial awareness as they politely made room for members for the public on the narrow descent.  The boat was big enough to hold 58 children, six members of staff, two boatmen, one squirrel, one fussed-over dog and a bemused member of the public who was obviously not used to seeing nautical squirrels.  The sea was blue, the sun was yellow and the cliffs were pink, grey, cream and apparently twenty other different colours, according to the tour guide captain.  The boat ride was calm and interesting and we learnt all about the history of the Needles and the lighthouse.  And although he was his usual happy self, myself and the children were concerned that the last thing Mr Davis’ red neck needed was more sun!  The most ingenious idea of the day came from a 6AD Sports Ambassador who put the viewfinders of two disposable cameras together to make a monocular that enabled him to see the rock formations in close-up.

After this intrepid seaquest, we trekked back up the hill to Alum Bay, with only a few children requesting to use the chairlift.  This was refused on the grounds of safety, cost, and lack of parental permission.  Honestly, the teachers are quite fussy at times!  In the gift shop, children demonstrated their generosity in selecting gifts for family members back home.  Expect lots of lovely ornaments including sand sculptures arranged with the famous Isle of Wight sand on the children’s return!

Following a short coach journey, we arrived at Tapnell Farm Park; this was Edward Betham’s first visit to the attraction and we were very impressed.  The newly-built café was lovely and we had sole use of it for the afternoon so the children were able to leave bags and water bottles there.  The farm owner, Charlotte, explained about the activities during the afternoon, including animal feeding.  I was slightly concerned that the wallabies might become confused and try to consume me during this session, but I had nothing to fear from these lovely creatures.  The children were delighted with the friendliness and strokability of the wallabies, and all who wanted to feed a wallaby were able to.  The albino wallabies need daily suncream to protect their nose and ears.  Miss Dodd and several children have requested that Miss Chamberlain convert the mini playground into a wallaby enclosure (with a possible donkey, although certainly not Dennis), so if Miss Chamberlain is reading this, please be aware: Miss Dodd is more than happy to be the ‘Wallaby Coordinator’ should another teacher wish to lead the humanities curriculum from now on. 

There were many delightful animals to observe and on occasion cuddle at the farm, with the cutest being the miniscule harvest mice, although the guinea pigs in their bespoke Guinea Pig Village came a close second.  A further thrill was spotting that one of the guinea pigs had the same hairstyle as Donald Trump (apparently)!  I cannot imagine that this was the look President Trump was aiming for, but I know little of politics and do not generally follow the news.

As well as the animals, Tapnell Farm boasted an enormous bouncy pillow and an adventure barn with zipline, go-carts, tunnels and hay bales to clamber over.  Some lovely girls encouraged me to have a go at the climbing wall- unsurprisingly, I was pretty good at this, but I tried not to show the girls up.  I was less confident about the zipline, but again with cuddles and encouragement, I tried and enjoyed it.  The teachers were so pleased to see many different pairings of children on the go-carts; boys, girls, 6AD, 6HB, and generally a range of children who may not have played together previously interacting positively- exactly what the residential is all about!

Another new experience was the Tarvic 2 Hotel Barbeque, as this was not on the agenda last year.  For this reason, the adults were trying to manage children’s expectations; perhaps this would just involve a burger in the hotel restaurant?  So we were thrilled to see an ACTUAL BARBEQUE on the front lawn when we arrived back.  On closer inspection, chairs and tables had also been set out there.  It really was as close to a ‘barbie on the beach’ as we could hope for.  With burgers, sausages, rolls and baps, fried onions, ketchup, mustard, chicken drumsticks and chips on offer at the buffet, it is no wonder that many children chose seconds (as the teachers crossed their fingers that everyone’ stomachs would then withstand the trampolining session at Isle Jump).  When the mini-Magnums came out, fingers were double-crossed.

Yet as I write this, I am happy to report that no children have seen their dinner again at Isle Jump tonight.  They are just too busy having fun with friends old and new.  On that happy note, I will sign off for now and send our best wishes to friends and families back at home from the team and children here on the ‘sunny isle’.

Sandy 
P.S. Apologies to those who are unable to see the photos being uploaded - my paws can't quite get to grips with new technology!



Day 2

Last night, with no trace of sand on the children (Mr. Carney confirmed this was because most of the sand on the island was on the floor of the children's bathrooms and in their shower trays), we enjoyed a lovely reflection reading my blog and the parents' heart-warming comments.  Each teacher praised a child who had really impressed them, with Mrs. Curzon unable to choose between any of the wonderful children in her group!  Generally, all staff agreed that this was the best 'first day' of the Isle of Wight trip ever, with marvellous behaviour and lots of fun.

After a reasonably good night's sleep, we feasted on a breakfast of scrambled eggs or baked beans, cereal and toast with jam.  Most children were fast asleep by midnight, although I did hear some complaints about being hot and hungry from a group of girls at quarter past eleven.  Removing the duvets from their covers and providing some emergency biscuits seemed to resolve that problem!

With packed lunches and water bottles in bags, we boarded the coach to the beautiful town of Ryde.  There, Year 6 split into two groups, and I had a change of scene and accompanied Miss Dodd and Mr Davis' groups for the day.  We visited the donkey sanctuary firstly, and completed our tree-climbing adventure in the afternoon.

As you can see in the photograph, the instructors at Goodleaf were experts at ensuring that all harnesses, helmets and rope ties were secure, and I was very proud to see that every child had a go at tree-climbing, with many scaling the heights of the canopy until the rope ran out!  Some children in particular would make excellent squirrels, should they choose that career in the future.  One such child is yesterday's birthday girl!  Another is a 6HB girl with scouting experience, much like her travel group leader! The lead instructor at Goodleaf praised the Edward Betham children for their manners and enthusiasm.  Whilst groups took their turn at climbing, others played on the beach and in the park.  Teachers were delighted with the caring, team-focused attitude of the pupils, with one child lending his shoes to a child who had the wrong footwear on and countless children making encouraging remarks to spur their peers onwards and most definitely upwards!   Rain threatened to stop the fun at various points during the afternoon, however the grey clouds soon drifted towards the mainland.

Meanwhile, at the donkey sanctuary, the children got to meet some friendly, funny and furry friends, including some old favourites from last year's visit like Dennis.  Mr. Carney was concerned that Dennis would be too well-behaved, as his group were really looking forward to meeting this infamously badly-behaved donkey.  Fortunately, Dennis did not disappoint and almost immediately began barging and braying at his fellow donkeys in order to get to the children and the food, much to the children's delight!  Other popular donkeys were in the donkey 'slimming club' area, as they were on a strict diet to slim down their large (but cute) bellies.  Also, all children groomed the donkeys to help rid them of their winter coats, and led a Shetland pony around a slalom race.  In fact, certain Edward Betham pupils completed this event excellent time, setting a sanctuary record of seventeen seconds!  The ponies did look tired by the end, but they enjoyed a pat from the children as a reward for their efforts.  Again, the donkey sanctuary manager, Derek, praised our pupils both past and present, for their polite conduct and respectful attitude towards the animals, which sadly according to his reports not all schools can boast of.

On return to the hotel, the children enjoyed some downtime in each other's rooms, before eating a full turkey roast dinner and a slab of chocolate cake.  After some time to calm down following a slightly loud, excitable dinner, we are about to head for the pier.  I for one cannot wait to test out those dodgems again, although after that chocolate cake, I might give the teacups a miss.

I hope to catch up with you later,

Sandy x


Day 1
Good evening parents, carers and friends of Year 6!

First of all, let me introduce myself. I am the 2018 mascot for the residential visit to the Isle of Wight. After a short debate, the children have named me Sandy, after the lovely beach resort of Sandown where we are staying.  I am excited to be a female squirrel blogger, possibly the first in the world! I look forward to updating our friends and family at home this week.

I was beginning to wonder, crouched in a teacher's rucksack as I was from early this morning, when will the coach ever arrive to pick us up? Will it arrive? What will everyone say if it doesn't arrive?  I sensed a certain tension amongst the parents and teachers too - and I certainly detected a great sense of relief when the double-decker white coach turned the corner onto Oldfield Lane.

Despite the late start, we made amazing time on the journey down to Southampton. In fact, we had so much time to spare, that our lovely coach driver Dave allowed us a comfort break at the service station in Winchester. I'm pleased to report that the service station was of a better standard and some other ones I have had the misfortune to visit, and even had a Marks & Spencer's food section!  Children who had forgotten to pack a lunch were certainly well provided for.  At this stage, children were told which travel and activity group they would be in, and who was their lead adult.  

From that point onwards, the excitement was palpable.  After another traffic-clear drive, we arrived in Southampton with plenty of time to spare. Some children pointed out the luxury cruise liner The Oriana, asking if that was the vessel in which we would cross the Solent, and yet the same children were not too disappointed upon boarding our ferry, as it was lovely and clean and there was plenty of space for the children to spread their lunches out and dine in style.  Most exciting were our trips to the deck, and with the beautiful warm breeze around us, it was idyllic. 

The gorgeous weather continued once we arrived on the island.  Before very long, we had arrived at the beautiful Robyn Hill Country Park. Although the children spent time together, we did travel around in our travel groups for our afternoon there. The park also provided a good opportunity to break into our £20 pocket money, which the children were very keen to do, as toboggan rides were very popular.  As a red squirrel native to the Isle of Wight, I had never before encountered the wild animals in the African Adventure Playground.  I don't know what I was worried about- wild animals are not at all scary as they barely move! 

The journey to the hotel was hilarious – I heard lots of great jokes and excited whispers about who the children thought they might be sharing a room with!  Once the rooms are announced, the lobby was filled with delighted screams.  Everyone was happy. 

Dinner was delicious! Pizza, potato wedges and choc ices were exactly what was needed, although one child from reading booster was a little disappointed that the 1970s dessert Arctic Roll was off the menu this year, despite Mrs Lawrence promising the group that they would be able to try it.

The hotel manager, who I know from previous years has very high standards, was most impressed by the children's fire drill. There was no need to even repeat it!  Then, with a few wardrobe changes, we hit the beach big-time! Cricket, sandcastle-building, paddling and running races passed the time really wonderfully.  


Mr. Carney has yet to conduct his first room inspection, however an additional category of 'sand' will have to be added.  The children were completely soaking and covered in sand after their evening play on the beach! 

After hot chocolate and a lot of showering, it was time for reflection and bed. I have to say that this year's group seem very cheerful and polite. What a lovely start to the week.


139 comments:

  1. Dear Kian and everyone, Wishing you all an absolutely fabulous time!!! We hope you will have lots of fun! Enjoy this amazing experience and each others company. We can't wait to hear about your daily adventures. Lots of hugs and lots more kisses Mum(Gish), Dad(Paul), Ciana, George and Louis xxxx

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  3. Dear Edward and friends,
    We hope you are having a lovely time and a wonderful adventure.
    We have loved reading this blog and think that the squirrel might need headache tablets by the end of the week!
    Much love, Mum (Katherine), Dad (Pete) & Lily xxx
    PS the TV programme with Jermiane Jenas at Pitshanger FC has come through and we can't wait to show you it.
    PPS Mrs Curzon - mind the hills! (love Lily x)

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  4. Hi Reaiah and the gang. Glad to know you arrived safely and are have a great time. Looking forward to your adventures with Sandy. Love Daddy (Joseph), Mummy (Kareen), Micah and Grandma (Pat)

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  5. Hi Alyssa and everyone. Hope you are having a fab time..Alanna on the other hand has already taken over your bed, enjoying the top bunk for a change so unfortunately Alyssa, you may be sleeping on the floor when you get back. ONLY JOKING! Cant wait to hear about your adventures when you get back. Love you lots Mum, Dad and alanna xx

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  6. Hey Theo and friends
    Sounds like you all have had an amazing time from the moment you left London, we are very jealous already of your day's events.
    Have a good night guys and GO TO SLEEP when its lights out.
    Love you Theo - #embarrassment - with love from Mum,Dad & JJ

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  7. Tala we miss you all mum ,me, Elaine
    Home is not thesame without you
    Hope you re having a good time with your friends
    Love from all of ussss

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  8. Elaine calling your name yayaaa

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  9. Hi Faith and friends, hope all is well I bet it was hard to not jump into the sea with the beautiful weather today. Sounds like you are all having an amazing time. Love you lots Mum,Dad,Ryan & John xxx

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  10. Dear Ethan and friends. Glad you made it safely. Jump if you can hear us! Have a fantastic time with your friends. Lots of love, Mum (Sam), Dad (Stephen) and Oliver

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  11. Hi Elena. Hope you and your friends are having a great time and have got all the sand out of your toes. It is very quiet here without you, we have had to turn the tv up and put the radio on to make up for the lack of noise. Have a great time. Love Mum and Dad xx p.s SLEEP.

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  12. Hi Simone, glad to hear you are all having so much fun . House is soo quite whitout you ! Enjoy your time with the donkeys tomorrow 😉. Lots of love from all of us...and Ollie xxxx

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  13. Hello year 6 friands, wishing you all an fantastic time, enjoy your adventurers. Lots of LOL from Kacper

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  14. Hello Imogen, friends and teachers..... Day one sounds like a wonderful adventure!
    can't wait to hear what day 2 has in store for you all!!
    Much love.... Mum, Dad, Liv, Thom and Joseph xxxxx

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  15. Hey Shane, Shaun and all. Great stuff for today! Can't wait to read about your day tomorrow. Be good and enjoy yourselves. Nite nite .. ps: slotty says thanks for your comfy bed.

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  16. I am so pleased that you are all enjoying yourselves and hope that today is just as much fun!
    :-( Sorry to hear about the lack of Arctic Roll.

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  17. Best wishes to you all. Hope you all have a fantastic time! Caleb we miss you but know that you are having the time of your life.

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  18. Hi All, Glad to hear you are all enjoying yourselves! Abi, we're all missing you, but especially Bobby, Taylor, Rosie, Jasmine & Aladdin who nearly didn't get their breakfast this morning as you usually do it! Have a great time! Lots of Love <3 xx

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  19. Hi Yasmin & Year 6, glad you made it safely and made the ferry in good time! Hope you had a wonderful time down on the beach and enjoying your day today. We miss you and it's so quiet here without you. Look forward to getting your postcard soon.
    Lots of love from us at home xxx

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  20. Hi Anahita, friends and teachers,
    So wonderful that you all had such a delightful journey and day 1. We hope you all slept really well. Wishing you all the best for your day 2 adventures. We miss you Anahita! Big hugs. xxx
    Mum, Dad, Wida and Farshid

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  21. Hi Sam, Friends and Teachers. Glad you all arrived safely. Sounds like your having an amazing time. We miss you lots. Love Mum, Dad, Lucas and Sienna xxxx

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  22. Dear Rushil ,year 6 children and teachers

    So glad for you all are having a great time. Rushil remember to take photos and if possible share one group photos on the blog .
    Enjoy your trip, stay safe and take care of each other.
    BTW you are versing against Barns in the finals.
    Lots of lover from Daddy , Mummy and Darshil

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  23. Hi dhillon and year 6 , sound like u all are having an amaizing time. Make sure to take it all in and enjoy all the activities and keep safe .
    Dhillon we miss bery much pal , love mummy , daddy , henna and ceaser xx

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    1. Hello Talia `(Nathania Griffith
      Hope you are having a good time. Enjoy every minute of it. Big Shaq and Nicky sent their love. They miss yo.Mummy Ana and Daddy Mike

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  24. HELLO Talia
    Hope you are having a good time with your friend. Big Shaq and Nicky miss you and look forward to your return. Keep Safe
    Mummy Ana ND daddy mIKE

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  25. Hi Tayyab and year 6, glad you arrived safely. hope you had great first night. we are missing you a lot. its not the same without you. Enjoy your time and keep safe. love you lots. mum, dad, easa, saarim and mikail.

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  26. Hi Giorgia and friends
    Glad to hear you had a safe journey and made it in time for the ferry. What a great afternoon! Very envious, beautiful weather and a trip to the beach. Hope you slept well, ready for Day 2. Francesca said it's very quiet here. All enjoy yourselves and see you soon. Lots of Love Mum, Dad and Francesca. Whole family is thinking of you. xx

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  27. Hi Dan and everyone. So happy to hear your having lots of fun and plenty more to come. All our love Mum, Dad, Lou Harv, Ollie and Fifi. P. S make sure you try all the nice food xxxx

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  30. Hello Everone , Hope your all having a wonderful time and enjoying yourselves. ZOYA the whole family is missing you...see you soon..Love The Mohammed family

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  33. From shamaun kinda miss u chubby boy but uno and I bought 80 pound vbucks

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  34. From shamaun kinda miss u chubby boy but uno and I bought 80 pound vbucks

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  35. Hi Sufyan
    I am glad all of you reached safely.We all are missing you Sufyan but I am glad you guys are having fun.Enjoy and explore every moment.I am so proud you went.You room and things are safe so don't worry lolz.Love you sooo much 😘.

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  36. Hello Riley & fellow adventurers big & small
    I’m so glad your enjoying your time away you deserve it!
    Home isn’t the same without you
    I miss you very much but the week will go quickly so enjoy what every day brings you
    Brooke is ready to compare notes!!
    See u on Friday
    All our love
    Mum Dad Nan & Brooke xxxx

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  37. Hello Year 6 and the teachers. I hope you are all having a whale of a time at the Isle of Wight, and thank you Sandy for the fabulous report of day 1. It's great to hear that you are all having fun. We really miss you at home Ada,so please send a postcard to us. Love you, Kasia, Mum and Dad.
    P.S. Ada,please don't forget to get me a stick of lettered rainbow rock. 😀🤣Kasia

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  38. Hi Alissar and everyone.
    I’m so glad to hear that you are enjoying your trip. And a big thanks to everyone who made this happened.
    We miss you so much except Angele 😜joking 😂 Angele missed you so much and she find the house boring without you.
    love from mummy and daddy,Angele and Yara ❤️

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    2. And big hug from Rita , Martin , Maritta and from Klaudia , Maya and the little victor
      And everyone at teta’s house ❤️😘

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  39. Hi Caiden, year 6 friends and teachers

    Glad to know you all arrived safely, sounds like you're all having a great time!
    Caiden, the house is really quiet without you, but Brianna is happy she can watch the TV whenever she wants��.
    Missing you loads. Love mum, dad and Brianna

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  40. Hi Vaishanav (& friends)!

    So good to hear that you're all having fun. Vaishanav, we can't wait to see you on Friday and hear of all the fun. Missing you so much! Thambi has no one to fight with and house is very quite :) Love you lots and lots! <3 xx

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  41. Hello Tala, year 6 teachers and friends so glad you are having a good time looks like uou are hsving a quality time ... it is so quite without you exepet for elaine who keeps calling yaayia
    Love from all of tala miss u

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  42. Hey Imogen, Sophie and all of year 6.... another day of fun and adventures! what a lucky lot you are.
    Hope tomorrow is full of fun, sun and more adventures..... enjoy every second and get a good nights sleep.
    Much love, Mum, Dad, Liv, Thom and Joseph xxxx
    Much love

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  43. Hi Jessica and everyone. Glad you are having fun. We all miss you, especially Cookie :) . Hope you enjoyed today’s activities
    Love you lots
    Mum, dad, Alex , Cookie, Spider xxx

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  44. Hi Sam and all of year 6......sounds like you are all having lots of fun. Can’t wait to read what fun you all had on the rides. We miss and love you so much. Lots of love always mum, dad, Lucas and sienna xxxx

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  45. Dear Ethan,
    Can't wait to see the photos of the "fresh crepes and flat pancakes". Continue to enjoy your wonderful experience.Lots of love, Mum, Dad and Oliver xxx

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  46. Hi Fiona, sounds like you're having a fantastic time, & glad the weather has been so good.I'm jealous! Yes did go to bank for work - very long queue but outside was a crew filming a TV drama - Silent Witness - so that was a good distraction. Rossi came in from his nightclub with a bird & woke me & Cassie up with his proud yowling. Luckily it was stunned so managed to scoop it up and put outside, and this morning it had gone. Missing you and your singing - very quiet without you. Looking forward to hearing all about the trip when you come back. Love Mum, Cassie & Rossi xxx

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  47. Hi Simmy,
    Sounds like ur all having a fantastic time already. Hope the rest of the week continues to be as good the squirrel blogs! Love px

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  48. Hey Imogen, Sophie and all of year 6.... another day of fun and adventures! what a lucky lot you are.
    Hope tomorrow is full of fun, sun and more adventures..... enjoy every second and get a good nights sleep.
    Much love, Mum, Dad, Liv, Thom and Joseph xxxx
    Much love

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  49. Hi Kian and everyone, Wow, what an amazing day for you all. Kian I bet you enjoyed climbing up high, sounds like you are all very brave, well done everyone. Continue to enjoy yourself Kian, enjoy every minute of this experience. We all miss you very much. Night, night. Lots of love and kisses Mum, Dad, Ciana, George and Louis xxx

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  50. Hi Ed, hope you're having a great time. Be good and careful. Dad. P.S I'm having to take Wednesday's football tomorrow. Wish me luck!x

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  51. Hello Joanne,

    I am pleased that you all arrived safely to Isle of Wight thanks be to God Almighty I am sure you are having a great time with your school mates and teachers, we are doing well here but missing you so much. Emmanuel last night said “It feels weird without Joanne at home.”

    This morning of course I accompanied Emmanuel to school and picked him up after school, that immediately reflected on how grown with a mature sense of responsible behaviour that you have shown in the last few months, being very responsible. We are very proud of you BEAUTIFUL GIRL JOANNE.

    I fulfilled your request of which you asked that I give Rachael a hug for you to tell her “bye” on your behalf. She was very delighted and responded that I say a big THANK YOU to you. We drove her to Heathrow Airport, checked in her luggage and spend thirty minutes with her, as we were leaving she shed tears, it was very sad to see her leave but she promised to come again soon.

    Daddy is fine she left very early this money to Germany he shall be back on Thursday night so he shall welcome you back on your arrival! :)

    Elizabeth’s Liza merch has arrived and she is full of excitement!

    I love you so much JOANNE, JOANNE!!!!! ☺

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  52. Dear Sam
    We are so proud of you and you should be really proud of yourself too. Love you lots night night love mum, dad, Lucas and sienna P.S Lucas told me to tell you your the best brother in the whole wide world, I love you very much and I never want a new brother 🤣 xxxx

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  53. Hello Chisom and friends, Mum and I are pleased you guys are having fun, do enjoy every minute of your stay there.
    the house is very uninteresting without you.
    I hope days 3 and 4 will bring more fun than days 1 and 2, can't wait to hear your stories.
    Lots of love Mum and Dad.

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  54. Hi Giorgia
    Love to you all. Glad fun was had by all and climbing those trees. Enjoy the Pier tonight. Sleep well.
    Love Mum Dad & Francesca

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  55. Hi Sophie,Imogen and year 6 gang I have been writing lots of little messages but none have appeared.hope this one reaches you. I am so truly happy that you all seem to be having such an amazing time {even if it is without us boring mums and dads}so relieved you all got there safely .We look forward to hearing lots more of your adventures .We are all missing you so much. Its very quiet and tidy without you . I'm very pleased to hear you are all showing that great Edward Betham politeness. Just one thing left to say " I love you schmoo" {embarrassing mummy alert"

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  56. Hi Anahita, year 6 and teachers. Very pleased to read the update on your second day. It was great that the weather didn't affect your afternoon. We love you and miss you and look forward to hearing all about it first hand from you on Friday.
    In the meantime, have a good night sleep and have another great day tomorrow.
    Mum, Dad, Farshid and Wida

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  57. Hi Theo and pals (teachers too!)

    Fantastic day 2, sounds a great deal better than we could imagine! Well done to all on your achievements today!
    Theo, I bet you LOVED today's adventures especially Denis and his mates!
    Jace was in shock you were not coming back until Friday :) and sends you one of his loudest ROAAAAARRRRRS!!
    Love you Theo! Night night xx

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  58. Hello zoya hope you are doing well...we miss you loads ...have fun year 6!!! Hena puppu and uncle Brian xx

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  59. we are missing you so much.Be safe and enjoy x

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  60. Hi Kaelyn, so glad to know you are all (including the teachers AND SANDY) having a wonderful time. Enjoy every bit of your time there. I'm sure you'll have a lot to say when you get back to make up for these quiet evenings. We all miss you. Love you mama xx

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  61. Faith, Wow what an amazing day 2
    Wish I was with you and the donkeys. (Mum) 😀 we wouldn't be surprised at all if you were aiming for the top of that tree today you crazy child! But we love you. Keep safe. Can not wait to hear in person your stories. Love Mum, Dad, J & R. Xxx

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  62. Shane, Shaun and all, Wow! What a fun filled day. We are really looking forward to all the wonderful stories you have to tell on your return. The house seems so empty and quiet. We miss you both and Uncle William keeps popping into your room forgetting you are away... hahaha.. he misses you two badly. Take care and enjoy tomorrow. Love, Maame and Daddy.

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  63. hi sufyan we all miss you see ya! hope your having a great time bye for now...🤗😎

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  64. Hi Adrian,friends and teachers.
    Just to say have fun in such a lovely place I'm very happy for you and glad that you can be there.Enjoy as much as you can.
    All the best.Love Mum and Dad.
    We miss you...

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  65. Hi Vaishanav and the whole team,
    It's been lovely reading the blog.Two days gone so quickly Amma,Thambi and Me missing you so much.Enjoy your trip and hope your having great adventure with your friends.
    love you and miss you.
    Appa.

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  66. Hello Nae Nae
    Good to see you are being kept busy by the Teachers and other Minders on the trip. I am looking after Big Shaq and Nicky. Not the same like when you are here. Be safe and look after yourself, both kaiydens and Ninway .Miss you girl!Mummy Ana and Daddy Mike

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  67. hey jeremiah we miss you sooooo much EVEN your sister caprice. she told me to tell you she's eating your chocolate cake!!! Glad to know you are having a good time. the house is soooo quiet without ( you wanna stay another week?) just kidding. stay safe stay blessed love you mum dad AND caprice xx

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  68. Hi Rushil and All.

    Seems like you all really having great time over there. Just to say, stay safe, eat and sleep well to stay fit. Don't forget to take lots of pictures. Just in case you read this message - IGCC has thrashed arch rival WHCC yesterday.
    Thanks Sandy for your daily detailed updates.

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  69. H8 JOSEPH. Mummy missing you so much. I'm glad you are all having a great time.enjoy your self.eat and drink well please.joselyn's and Roselyn's missing you so much.live mom,dad,Jose &Rose

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  70. hi baba
    how are you and hope you and friends having the best time, we all miss you a lot especially mummy. hope to see you soon as me and the football team waiting for you ;-).
    love more than you think DAD

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  71. Hi Dan Dan and Co. Sounds like you are having a fantastic time. Can't wait to hear all about, we are all very proud of you love you. Grandad says Hi. Keep up the good work Sandy xxx

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  72. Hi ZOYA
    How are you? The weather is great for you and breakfast sounds yummy...how did your first sleep go...we miss you very much at home as Ramadan is coming to an end.zunni and zizi miss their sister getting them ready in the morning..will send you a message tomorrow to let you know if eid is on friday or not...love you loads nini puppu and uncle B x

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  73. Dearest Ada!
    Daddy keeps wondering all the time what you are up to with your friends, what activities you are enjoying the most and if you like the food. We all miss you but we are learning from the blog that all the children are having a truly wonderful and very educational time on the isle of Wight. Please do not forget to thank all the teachers for looking after you guys so well and for making this trip such a magical time for everyone! Best wishes and lots of love!!! Mama

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  74. Hi Fiona & friends,
    The donkey sanctuary and tree climbing sounded great fun. Hope you gave it your best shot :-) Hope the boat trip today was exciting & enjoy the trampolining & BBQ. Sounds like you're all being kind and supportive to each other - well done! This will definitely be a trip to remember for you all, and for all the teachers for the right reasons.
    And Fiona, Daddy, Vera, Kirsty & Leo send their love too. Don't forget the postcards!!!
    Miss you, lots of love, Mummy, Cassie & Rossi xxx

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  75. Hello Ruby! I wasn't sure if I should post a comment but Mae said I should!
    I hope you are feeling all better now now - such bad timing to get sick. You have a SUPERDAD who deserves extra beer on Sunday for taking you there, don't you think?!
    Hope you are having the BEST time - lots of love Mummy, Daddy, Mae, Spud and Fifi xx
    We miss you!

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  76. Hi Anahita, & friends, I hope you all had a great day 3 and enjoyed the trampoline. We are all wishing a good night sleep so you are all refreshed for a great day 4. Lots of love and BIG hugs.
    Mum, Dad, Wida and Farshid xxx

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  77. Hi Sam
    Hope you’ve had a great day today and enjoyed your Trampolining and BBQ tonight. Glad you are feeling better now. Lots of love Mum, Dad, Lucas and Sienna xxxx

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  78. Hi ZOYA zunni and zizi are missing their school buddy...they said they want you back lol...i will send a message tommrow if eid is on friday...grandma and grand dad were also missing you...hope you have been sleeping well..and enjoying you time there..x

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  79. Hi Serina (Ticki), I hope u all having a great time, we all miss u so much, especially Senhury and Saul, our house is too quiet with out u. We look forward to see u on Friday. Lots of love hugs and kisses. Mummy

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  80. Hi Ticki, r u enjoying yourself with your friends 😃. Saul has been naughty because he misses u. Pls come back soon. From your brother Senhury. 👦🏾

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  81. Tala hi
    I have a news for you ,,Elain can crawl now ......

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  82. Hi Zoya ..hope your having fun . We are all missing ..see you soon.

    Pappa and Mummy

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  83. Hi Tala
    WE are all missing you and Basel came to our house today.
    Much love Dad

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  84. Dear all
    What a busy day! You must be sleeping well ;-) Hope you keep having fun.It is making us remember when we last went to the Isle of Wight - when Ed was 5 weeks old! The Flewitts xx

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  85. Wow! what a busy day!! you must all be exhausted! Another whole day of adventures await you tomorrow..... bet you can't wait!

    Much love to all.... The Ross' xxxxxx

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  86. Hi Kian, we can't believe it's day three already, I bet you all can't believe it either. Your visit to see the Needles and Tapnell Farm Park sounds wonderful. Ciana, Dad and I look forward to reading Sandy's blog each evening, it always so informative. Continue to enjoy yourself with all your friends. Good night for now, I look forward to hearing about your exciting day tomorrow. Lots of love Mum, Dad, Ciana, George and Louis xxxx

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  87. Hi Theo & friends
    Oh my goodness! What a busy day, you've all had. I bet you have fallen asleep pretty quickly tonight!
    Sandy, we love your blogs, it adds a bit more entertainment to our evenings and actually gets Dad away from watching Hustle! LOL
    Granny and Grandad send their love and even they are reading the blogs in Barbados!!! I think Granny wishes she was with you!
    One more day until the DISCO!! Whoop whoop.... Have a good night everyone.
    Love Mum, Dad and JJ xxxx

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  88. Hi All sounds like you had a fantastic day. Elena i bet you loved the farm today and cuddling guinea pigs , I wont tell Snuggles in case he gets jealous. Hope you are enjoying yourself and getting some sleep and I hope you don't have hay fever too bad.
    Enjoy the disco tomorrow night i'm looking forward to reading tomorrows blog, Thanks Sandy.
    Love you lots Elena from Mum and Dad xx

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  89. Hi Joseph.. hope you had a great day today. Miss you lots. Love you ( mum)

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  90. Evening all
    Dearest Jessica,
    I am so happy that you are having fun. Enjoy every moment. The house is so quiet without you. Only your alarm, which goes off at 10pm, keeps disturbing the cat . Don’t worry, she isn’t sleeping in your bed:)
    Missing you, my sweet. Enjoy the disco:) x
    Love, mum, dad, Alex

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  91. Mine oh mine!!!, What an exciting day you've had. Shane/Shaun and all, keep enjoying yourself. Wishing you all yet another exciting day tomorrow. Dancing shoes ready everyone.... good night and God Bless you all. Lots of love and hugs, Maame and Daddyxx

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  92. hi sufyan I see you have had a wonderful day hope you having lot of fun take care have grate Thursday with your friends love you bye for now Amma xx

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  93. Hi Faith I miss you... boys are ignoring me so have decided to visit my cousin! I get you now when it's just you and the boys! Hope you cuddled the mice and hope u enjoy the disco NO FLOSSING lol!!! Oh wait .. u can cause I don't have to watch ! Love Mum

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  94. Hi year 6 we are all so thrilled you are having the best time. we are really enjoying reading all the wonderful adventures you have been on and looking forward to reading more .thank you to all the fantastic staff .we miss you so much and I will be honest I cant wait till Friday when you home {im sure its a totally different feeling for you guys lol}love you so much sophie schmoo x mummy,daddy,aimee.

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  95. Hi Reaiah, glad to know you are having a fantastic time. Missing you. Micah had his ukulele concert and did very well. Enjoy Day 4 and the disco. xxx Daddy, Mummy, Micah and Grandma

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  97. Hi Sophie, year 6 and teachers sounds like your all having a really great time .we miss you sooo much and cant wait to see you on Friday. I hope you've been washing properly lol and hope your not refusing to get up in the mornings like you normally do .we love you very much stinky xxx lots of love from daddy xxx

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  98. hi Sophie I hope you are having a good week...oh and by the way I have turned your bedroom into walk in wardrobe xxxx
    lots of love Aimee.

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  99. Hi Tayyab, year 6 and teachers
    Glad to read the blog. You guys are having fun. Make the most out of this wonderful experience. Looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you on Friday. Missing you a lot. Love and hugs mum and dad xxx

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  100. Hi Alissar and everyone
    Glad to hear that you all have a great time. Alissar we miss you sooooooo much I hope you enjoy your adventure with your friends. We can’t wait to hear from you about it we love and missing you so much 😘 😘

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  101. Dear Daniel,and friends. Hope you have been making the most of your last full day on the I. O. W making more wonderful memories. Your brothers have been busy putting flags up ready for the world Cup (come on England).Well done year 6 for being fantastic ambassadors for your school and community. Safe journey for tomorrow, can't wait to see you all especially u Dan big cuddles. Mum, dad, L, H, O xxxxx

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  102. Hi Vaisanav and the whole team,
    Great to read that whole team is having great time in isle of wight.One more day to go and We all can't wait to see you.
    Have fun lots of love from
    Appa,Amma and Thambi

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  103. Hi Anahita and friends, the account of your day 3 makes us all envious. What a fabulous day you all had. Amazing. Good luck with the rest of your Thursday, which we are certain will be equally as exciting. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Lots of love and big hugs,
    Mum, Dad, W & F

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  104. Hello Everybody
    Thank you Riley for my postcard it was a lovely surprise when it popped through the letterbox
    Hope u have a fun last night
    Hope your clothes have lasted you ok!!
    I’ve got the washing machine on stand by for when u come back hahaha
    Love Mum xxxx

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  105. Hi Joseph❤ miss you libit mummy. Hope you are all doing well.cant wait to cu tomorrow as I'm off work specially to welcome you home. Enjoy your disco night. Love you more than anything in life. Joselyn's and Roselyn's both missing you lots. Love from baba... cu tomorrow

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    Replies
    1. Hi Kaelyn. Thanks for the postcard and birthday wishes. Arrived this morning, just perfect timing for my birthday.
      Enjoy the rest of your time, we look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Lots of love from dad, mum and Tristan.

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  106. Hi Yasmin and all, we are so glad you are having all these adventures and hope you are having a wonderful time. We are all enjoying reading the blog each day to see what you have been up to and it all sounds amazing. Enjoy your last day tomorrow and we can't wait to have you home again. Lots of love, Mummy, Daddy and Blake xxxx

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  107. Dear Ethan, Not long now before you are back in sunny Greenford. Sandy has been brilliant at telling us about your adventures. Enjoy the disco. Oliver says to do some fortnite dances. He has been practising as well. Love you loads, Mum, Dad, Oliver, Nan, and Grandad and Grandma xxxxx

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  108. Nanny and Grandad came over this afternoon. They send their love and are pleased to hear you're having a great time. They can't wait to see you to catch up with your adventures. Love Mum Dad Nanny Grandad and Francesca xx

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  109. Dear Sam, Sounds like you have had the most amazing time and made some lovely memories. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow. We have missed you so much and your lovely singing 😂😂 We have really enjoyed reading Sandy's blog every night with our cup of tea. Enjoy your disco tonight. Xxxx

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  110. Hey Jim, hope you've had an amazing day! Can you believe you are coming home tomorrow? Have an awesome disco tonight and make sure Mr Davis gets on that dance floor!!
    Love you xxx

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  111. Hi Fiona and friends, sounds like yesterday was another great day - super reporting by Sandy and his comments on the dodgems were very funny - wonder what he'll report on Mrs Lawrence's flossing that she promised to learn for tonight's disco. Hope the trampolining & BBQ went well. Just to say dance your socks off tonight and enjoy every moment of this holiday with all your friends & teachers. So looking forward to hearing all about it tomorrow - can't wait to see you :-)
    Love you my lovely girl xxx
    ps Mandy, Darren, Cathy & Tootsie say hi too, and Mandy will compare notes when she next sees you.

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  112. Hi Elena I got your post card I thought you would like the toboggan ride so happy you are having a great time. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Big thank you to all the teachers looking after you all.
    love mum xx

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  113. Hi Theo and pals
    Just wanted to say enjoy your final night in Sandown, everyone deserves the fabulous week you have had after all the hard work you have put in at school.
    Theo- make sure you pack EVERYTHING!!!! - remember our deal!!! ��
    Love you Theo and we can’t wait to see you tomorrow.
    Enjoy every second that’s left.
    Love Mum,Dad & Jace xx
    Ps Jace has decided you are sitting in the back with him on the way home!!!

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  114. Riley please make sure u use your check list x

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  115. Hi Simmy,
    Thanks for the postcard sounds like you’re having an amazing time. Can’t wait see you tomorrow and hear more about your adventures. Plus we have to start filling in your wall chart lol !! Love from all of us xxx

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  116. Hi Sophie schmooo and year 6, wow! what a fun filled packed 4 days you have all had,I hope you can find enough energy for the disco tonight and yah no dad dancing lol.we cant wait for you to get home and have the take away of your choice. Enjoy your last night with all your friends love you so much. Thank you so much to all your fantastic teachers.

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  117. Sam please remember to pack all your stuff!!! Xx

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  118. Hello Serina
    How are you n friends with you? I hope you are enjoying yourself. I came to visit yr home and you are not here. I miss you. Do have a lovely time and see u real soon. You pretty girl. I like your home made pencil box and creative art work. Brilliant. Take care and God bless u all and safe return. Love Tracy

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  119. Have fun today are the disco 🕺 Dan Make the most of every mo..see you tomorrow love you xxx

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  120. Joseph
    Make sure nothing missing, and enjoy your last night in your trip. 🤩🙏🏻🤩

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  121. By the way boys first game of the world cup ended Russia 5-0 Saudi Arabia. For your attention all

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  122. Hello zoya cant wait to see you tomorrow...especially as it's EID!!!!EID MUBARAK!!!!your coming home to a celebration!!!love you see you tomorrow...xxx

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  123. Hi Alissar and everyone.
    Tomorrow big day for you habibti 😘😍❤️ it’s YOUR BIRTHDAY 🎂 🍰 🎁 I hope you enjoy 11th birthday with your lovely friend and teachers HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU 😘
    Love from everyone ❤️❤️❤️

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  124. Hi Serina, I hope u had a lovely week, I look forward to see u tomorrow, please remember to pack up all your staff, and make sure not to leave any of your belongings behind. ❤️ mummy

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  125. To All the Lovely, Kind, Fun, Wonderful Edward Betham Teachers. I just wanted to say a big thank you for giving the children such an amazing week in the IOW. They sound like they’ve had such an amazing time. You have created some lovely memories for them that they will remember forever. Safe journey home. Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow love The Rowlands Family xxx

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  126. Thank you so much to all the wonderful Edward Betham staff for giving up their free time to help our children create some wonderful memories.
    We are immensely grateful.
    Z x

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  127. Hi Reaiah,aka princess just wanted to let you know that we miss you especially your partner in crime Micah,looking forward to having you back home love daddy,mummy,grandma and Micah xx,

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  128. Dear Jessica
    Glam you had another day full of fun. Thank you for your postcard. It’s lovely. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow
    Lots of love from all of us

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  129. Hi Kian,enjoy your final sleep in the Isle of Wight, we hope you enjoyed the Disco. Thank you to you fantastic teachers for looking after our children and helping them make so many lovely memories. Look forward to seeing you tomorrow Kian. Good night, lots of love and kisses Mum, Dad, Ciana, George and Louis xxx

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  130. Hi all sounds like you had a fantastic time! I would love to be a fly in the wall! I am really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow Caleb. Your big sister and daddy say hi. Please bring everything back home with you. Can only imagine the state of your suitcase. Please have a safe trip back. Love mum

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  131. Just want to reiterate what some of the other parents have said ... thank you to the teachers for making this trip possible x we prayed for your safe return, Faith x reading the last blog actually bought a tear to my eye. What an amazing experience you have had.

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  132. Hi all. It sound you all had a great day.food sound yummy. Hi Joseph. Can't wait to cu tomorrow. Love you lots. Look after your self

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  133. Good morning Sufyan, Wow what a wonderful trip, I see you are having alot of fun. Happy Eid, we are all looking forward to seeing you later.

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  134. Hi Anahita, you seem to have had an exciting trip with all your friends. Happy Eid! We are so much looking forward to seeing you later today.

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