Prep 5: au revoir!

What a great week!

Prep 5: Vendredi

We have had amazing weather for our last day in France! We went to Jullouville this morning and bought presents and yet more pairs of fluorescent sunglasses at the market. We then had a picnic lunch at the beach, made sandcastles, buried Austin and paddled in the sea. This afternoon we had archery and a final French lesson. We will be packing this evening ready to set off at 9.00 tomorrow. It looks like we should be arriving back at Spring Grove at about 5.00, but I will let parents know if we will be earlier or later than this when we are through the tunnel!

I will be adding more photos to the slideshow later!

Prep 5: Jeudi

Our penultimate day at the château was spent climbing and canoeing. It was lovely to see Diana Page at lunch as she brought her school to the château for the day to do some activities. We drank cider with Gérard, had a barbecue dinner and watched the talent show this evening. We won certificates for our production of Snow White in French and for the combined talents of Paddy (piano), Sam (dance), Callum (diabolo) and Eloise (Rubik's cube). Well done SG!

Prep 5: les escargots!

Last night was la soirée française. We dressed up, ate pork cooked in cider, Normandy apple tart and SNAILS! Not everyone enjoyed the snails, but most of the children tried one. Well done to Sophia who holds the snail-eating record. We then had a French quiz outside on the lawn.

Prep 5: La Boue!

Today was mud day! We spent the morning in the woods in the rain and the mud, clambering over obstacles and shooting down slides into massive mud puddles. It was the coldest I've known it, but the children were brilliant, and kept their good humour throughout.

Prep 5: Mardi soir

La fabrication du pain! Look at the slideshow on the right for lots more photos...

Prep 5: Mardi matin

After a pain au chocolat for breakfast this morning, we were ready to face the rain for a morning of orientation and a visit to the mini-ferme. Some groups got lost in the woods, but managed to find their way back in the end and on the farm everyone wanted to take a baby bunny home with them. Callum showed incredible calm and patience waiting for the rabbits to eat out of his hand and one group were able to hold some newly hatched chicks. Lunch was melon followed by fish and rice, salad, cheese and fruit. Bread-making this afternoon.

Prep 5: Lundi soir

Prep 5 have had an afternoon of French and aéroballe, followed by a dinner of salmon pâté and pork with couscous, with crème caramel for pudding. Then we had an evening of indoor games led by Julien. I think they are ready for their beds tonight!

Prep 5: Lundi matin

After a breakfast of croissants, bread, cereal, hot chocolate, yoghurt and fruit, Prep 5 were given a tour of the Château followed by some sport outside. We've just had tomato and mozzarella salad, hachis parmentier, vegetables, cheese, bread and fruit for lunch and are looking forward to playing aéroballe this afternoon. We also met Jam the parrot!

Prep 5: Au Château!

Prep 5 have arrived safely at the Château! We were met by Julien who greeted everyone in French and whisked us off for a cold meal, a fire drill and a tour of the dormitories. After a quick run around on the front lawn amongst the rabbits, everyone is now asleep in bed, ready for a day of activities tomorrow. Look at the slideshow on the right to see more photos of our day!