31st October 2014

After a tasty Sri-Lankan breakfast of roti, sambal and fish curry (!) we left Batticaloa at 8:30am and stopped for some snacks at Food City before a quick visit to the Dutch fort and the lighthouse in Batti.  We also broke our journey to visit the indigenous people of Sri-Lanka who showed us how to light a fire and shoot with a bow and arrow - well done to the boys for this!  We stopped for lunch at KFC which was most welcome by the students and we are still en route to Colombo, which has been a long journey today.  We are looking forward to some retail therapy tomorrow and some pool time before our journey home.  The students have all been fantastic and really made the most of their Sri-Lankan experience - they are a real credit to us all.

Please remember you will need to collect your lovely students from Heathrow airport on Sunday around 5:40pm.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mrs Angel

Having fun on the way to Colombo

Lovely Lucy and Sweet Serena!

Day 8 - Sophia and Stormie

Day 8 - Sophia and Stormie

Today, we joined the mixed school for a sports day. There were lots of activities, although they had little resources, but were able to produce an excellent event. The activities included football, long jump and a version of basketball, which a bin and a ball was used. The students thoroughly enjoyed the morning, and it was great to see all the smiles and enthusiasm from everyone despite the heat. At the end, the students from the mixed school received trophies and medals as did the students of Calthorpe Park.

At 4pm, the Variety show began. There were so many amazing talents - the dancing was amazing and unique to the country. Georgie, Leanne and Faye brought fake snow which the children loved touching since they had never experienced it before. At the end, everyone was dancing on the stage, it allowed everyone to say goodbye to each other. Due to the bonds created between the students it was very hard to leave them, however we will never forget the children or the experience they gave us. We all learnt the one lesson that you don’t need loads to be happy, as all the children we met had so little, but gave so much.

Sophia and Stormie x

ps. Sorry the storm last night caused the Wi-Fi to stop working and pictures take a while to load will add more when we arrive in Colombo (love Sameena)

Day 8- Nicole and Imogen

Hello everyone,

Today has been a slightly different experience for everyone. After having spent 2 days at the same school with the same children, everyone visited a different school. This was strange due to the fact that we have grown friendships with the children we have taught over the past few days, however we also had the chance to build new friendships and teach new children. Today the PE group did not have the assistance of Mr Taylor, so we were therefore completely independent, which was challenging at times but we were also really excited to do it. Today we were at an all girls school, and from our own experiences of PE, we decided football and cricket was not the best option. 

On arrival we were asked what age group we'd prefer, deciding on the youngest possible we set about games and any last minute changes were handled extremely well and smoothly. Splitting this huge class of fifty we decided that we'd set up stations with different activities parachute, always a crowd pleaser, then adding an abundance of plastic colourful balls that were thrown pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Then they'd retrieve the balls and you can imagine this was extremely popular with the children (even the older ones) this then followed by numerous parachute games.  Another station featured the famous 'duck duck goose' which went down brilliantly with now not just balls flying everywhere the children were zooming round the circle in a desperate attempt to catch the other. The third station was a lucky dip struggling to think of games on the spot Imogen decided to take matters into her own hands creating a dance which spread like wild fire. Soon the third station were teaching Nicole's group, making their way to the stage they then all taught Sameena's group who then after ten or so minutes decided to always proceed to the stage. It was remarkable how they could remember such a long routine that then had a tune as well as basic choreography. We were all so touched on how such small things can make them so happy with fifty smiling faces leaving our lesson we couldnt wait for the next group.

Every group was so different with different personalities the only thing that stayed the same was the huge groups of children and now our sore throats we led another lesson and another until around 12pm. Expecting one class that never showed we were left alone with a group of girls that we'd been introduced to on the first day and whom of which had been with us most of the day acting as translators (they were all 14 and spoke phenomenal English.) We spoke for around an hour and half before lunch about life in England and life in Sri Lanka, the cultural differences are extraordinary and a real eye opener. 

After all of the lessons had been completed we made our way back to the hotel and as per usual, we spent our free time at the amazing pool. After spending hours in the pool with each other, we made our way back to our rooms to get ready for dinner. Everyone is excited for tomorrow as it is sports day, when many schools get together and enjoy the day together with the money the team has raised. Lets hope its another great day at the schools!

Thank you,

Nicole, Imogen and Sameena.

Sameena cramming as many students as possible around a parachute.

Imogen taking charge of her group. 

Nicole with the students.

DAY 7 - Jake and Harry

Today was a really great day. We taught children at really young ages, around 6 upto 16. There was a mixture of boys and girls. The sun was hot. It was hard to play football in the very hot sun.The teachers enjoyed their day also at the mixed school and at the girls school. 

This evening we gathered at a local town hall with Batticaloa's Deaf and Blind society. It was truly inspiring seeing a community so strong after all they have been through. We had various activities going on such as; balloon animal making, crown making as well as many various games that were enjoyed by children and their parents. The highlight of the night for me (Jake) so far was teaching a man, around 50 years old, how to play dominoes. As he started to pick up the rules his smile grew increasingly bigger - for the rest of the night he treated me with real warmth and the usual Sri Lankan kindness and friendliness we always receive. 

The day was ended by the group featuring in a Sri Lankan episode of Trolley Dash in the local 'Food City'.

Thank-you, we are looking forward for tomorrow.

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Day 5 and 6

Day 5 and 6 - Stormie and Sophia

Day 5
As usual, we had to get up at 7 to have breakfast at 8. We had a buffet breakfast which consisted of bread, toast, beans, omelettes etc. We then began our long 5 hour drive to reach Batticaloa to meet the Ocean Stars team. On the way, we visited a stunning beach, the sea was really warm, and everyone took loads of photos! We continued our journey and after an hour we eventually reached the hotel after the coach got delayed. We got to speak to some college students who were really friendly, and were amazed that we were so young! We then met the team and had circle time, then went for a vegetarian dinner at 8pm.



Day 6
After the long wait, today would be the day we would visit the schools! We had an early start and had to get up at 6 in order to have breakfast at 6:30, (so early!). At 7:30 we left to go to the different schools. Whilst the Cobra team visited the mixed school, the Tiger team drove to the all girls school. The Cobra team were greeted by a parade where villagers came out to see us. The band was part of the school, and they were all so talented and enthusiastic - we all felt very welcomed. We then were blessed with some water which was sprinkled on us and we got given some flower garlands. Next, we got to join in the assembly and were introduced by the principal. The assembly was really good, we got to hear some of the girls sing a Sri Lankan prayer, and some others recite some passages. In the assembly, we got to introduce ourselves, and the children's faces lit up with joy especially when Mr T high fived and fist bumped them! We could tell it was going to be an amazing and fun experience.

For most, our first lesson did not go to plan, as we were unprepared for the challenges, but we managed to overcome them, and it was definitely a learning curve. Our second lesson on the other hand was more successful since we were more prepared to teach the children. One team gave the students the choice of making a loom band bracelet or a plastic canvas coaster. This ended up being a double lesson since the cross stitching took a long time! The girls enjoyed making loom bracelets and colouring in fairy masks, they also loved learning new songs and numbers. The other team was the sports group, they taught a variety of activities to the children who loved all the games.

For the Tiger team, the day started with them also getting flower garlands followed by an assembly and a small tour of the school. The students at the all girls school were very excited and Lucy, Serena and Rhianna's group had 72 students in one class! We all got a lunch packet, which consisted of rice, curry, vegetables and fish. For some groups, they had the same students for the whole day, which meant they had to improvise the later lessons!

The Cobra team ended up having a shorter day than the Tiger team, which was great since the Cobra's had the whole pool to themselves! We are really looking forward to meeting some new students tomorrow! 

Cobra Creating Crowns

Loom band Excitement 

Showing off loom band bracelets and rings

Rachel and her new friends

Having fun in the pool after a hot day in the school

Content with his sewing abilities 

Pictures Pictures Pictures

PICTURE TIME!!!!
We have all struggled to upload photos regularly to the blog recently as after we have finished writing the blog it is very late. However, we know that it is important for everyone to see what we are dong out here so here is a picture catch up. There are also more pictures on the beyond boundaries Facebook page.
ps. I am trying to put photos up of everyone to be fair and more will be put up later on.
  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Boundaries/443588245724828?ref=hl
Sameena x




Oli and Jacob getting cosy on the plane.



All very excited to have arrived in Sri Lanka (Nicole is excited on the inside)



Bus journey to freshen up before the elephants.



Stormie posing with an elephant (as you do)



Nicole, Sameena and Imogen adoring the baby elephants.





Day 2 at the sacred tooth temple.

The group admiring the drummers.

Tea picking competition. (This was the results of Sameena's, Faye's ,Georgie's , Leane 's and Rachel's hard work as team B)

Tour of the Tea Plantation.

The teachers being awarded their prize for winning.

Meeting the children at the cricket match.

A special friend that Sameena got the chance to be reunited with.

Snake holding time!

The most bravest and dedicated man we have ever met. Dedicating his life to the research of snakes.
You can take a look at the companies research at www.usavri.org

A very rare siting of a tusker elephant.



On the jeep safari.

Group photo after the cricket match.

Day 2 Catch Up written by Georgie, Faye and Leanne

Day 2 Catch Up

Firstly, we're very sorry for the delay in posting, the Wi-Fi hasn't been great and we've just been so busy with all the amazing activities!!

We began the day at 7:00AM with breakfast ready at 8:00AM. This consisted of waffles, doughnuts, sugar rolls, omelettes, fruit etc. which all went down a treat! After filling our faces, we headed up to our luxury rooms to pack our last few bits together for our continuous journey when we heard Sophia, Stormie and Rachel had found a cheeky monkey sitting on their bed!! That definitely taught us not to keep our balcony doors open!

Our first destination after leaving Thailanka Hotel was the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Before we entered, we were taught about Buddha and the Buddhism Religion and then headed in (with no shoes!!) to the Temple. Wearing no shoes was an interesting experience for the group as our parents have conditioned us not to walk around barefoot due to possible sharp items on the ground, however it was also nice to experience their day to day actions. For us personally, the Temple wasn't anything like we expected - it was much more colourful, loud and busy! In the Temple we saw a religious music performance and various items that meant a lot to Buddhists such as lotus flowers and a special shrine. Afterwards we went into a little museum where we saw King Rajha which is a tusker elephant which they consider to be very sacred.

Later, we went to a tea factory where we took part in a competition to see which group could pluck the most tea leaves, we learnt how the different Sri Lankan teas are made and then even tasted a type of tea called BOPF which could even be used to cure cancer! We were surprised as to how many variations of tea there were and BOPF was a lot sweeter than we thought it would be, but really nice. After that, we hopped back onto the coach and headed off to a jungle of cosmetics!! Here we also had lunch and we had to cross a wobbly bridge high above the ground to get there, which was every exciting!!

The 'cosmetic jungle' was filled with lots of natural products such as hair oil, slimming sets, perfume, skin creams and hair removal cream, which was demonstrated on Jake's leg. We were shown how to make some of the products by the Sri Lankan people. During this not only did we get a massage, but it was using some of the fancy oils; it was lush! We were then taken to the shop where we could buy some of the products and then headed home, all very tired after such a great day!

Georgie, Faye and Leanne xxx

Day 3- 25 October 2014

Day 3-25 October 2014

Today was  a very jam packed day, we did a variety of activities from dusk to dawn. We started off the day waking early and having an 8 o clock breakfast. Afterwards we headed to D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya school, in Kandalama city, where we were welcomed warmly by smiling faces, colourful flowers and a song. We played two exciting games; the Sri Lankan take on rounders, which we lost :(, and a cricket match, which we won :). We then learnt one of the playground games which we found to be very joyful and energetic. We also tried to teach them 'head, shoulders, knees and toes' and blew up some balloons which they were fascinated by.

After saying a sad goodbye, we left for a local eco park which looked after venomous snakes and other injured animals. It was very heartwarming as the curator has been sacrificing his life in order to save these injured animals. We were allowed to hold one of the cat snakes he looked after. It was very surreal as it felt very smooth and soft which was unexpected. We also got to see a very rare albino cobra, which was very interesting and stunning as it was something we had never seen before.

Next we went back to our hotel in Dambulla for a late lunch before setting off again to a National Park for a Jeep Safari ride. It was a once in a lifetime experience and it was very exhilarating. We were allowed to stand on the seats and stick our heads outside of the jeep which gave us an amazing view of the natural beauty of the Sri Lankan wildlife. We saw a very rare tusked elephant, which only 2% of the elephants in Sri Lanka have. We also saw many baby elephants huddling together to their mums one of which was only 1 month old.

After the tiring day, we went back to the hotel where we had a well deserved dinner and headed to bed, looking forward to the next day.

Lucy, Rhianna, Serena

Day one catch up

Day one catch up

It all began at 5am on Wednesday 22nd October as the group left their warm cosy beds to begin the journey to Sri Lanka. At 5 30am the students and other members of the Ocean Stars team said goodbye to their loved ones and headed for Heathrow airport. It then came to the baggage check in where the group faced the challenge of finding their various bags on various different trolleys. Following on from baggage check-in we went through security with no problems and then had free time to explore and shop around Duty Free, Costa Coffee, WHSmiths and many more shops! Eager to get to Sri Lanka we boarded our flight at 9 30am and for 8 and a half hours indulged ourselves on food, movies, music and laughter. We then arrived at Mumbai airport, which was decorated like an Indian Palace, even though Jake did request to go outside to see Mumbai and many of us wanted to explore the beautiful city we only had 1hour and 30 minuets to look around and board our second flight of the day. During the shopping free time a group of us found ourselves in the KFC while others wandered around exploring what the shops had to offer.

Once the group pilled on to the second flight, which to our surprise had TV’s, it was only a 2 and half an hour wait until we landed in the wonderful island of Sri Lanka. By this point only a handful of us had managed to catch up on much needed sleep so many of us found ourselves attempting to sleep but failing miserably in doing so. The plane then landed down in Colombo and we couldn't wait to get off and get on with the rest of our day. The group got through customs and exchanged their English sterling into Sri Lankan rupees. We were then welcomed Sri Lanka by the glowing and smiley face of Madushan (Cobra) and his team of drivers who would take us to a local hotel to freshen up and swim, which was a great way to start our first day in Sri Lanka. All nice and refreshed we made our way to the elephant orphanage, which during the bus journey the majority of the group managed have a nap. We then woke up to the overhead bus announcement of Madushan (cobra) requesting us to wake and get our belongings together so that we could play the elephants a visit.


Cobra showed us to the elephants roaming area and we got to take part in a brilliant photo opportunity posing with the elephants and carefully stroking their trunks. Nicole opted to pay the elephant keeper for a special vista feeding to disabled elephants some green leaves. After adoring the baby elephants taking a bath we strolled down to the elephant bathing lake and topped up on refreshing ice cold drinks. We then returned to the orphanage to witness  the elephants being fed.

After this it became apparent that everyone was very hungry so we tucked in to some lunch at a local restaurant by the lake. After this everyone hopped on the coach and we headed to Kandy to check into Hotel Thailanka. When we arrived at the hotel we were given a set time for dinner and were given then rest of the evening as free time. Some of us decide to splash around in the pool and others voted to relax in their luxury rooms.

We all then met for dinner at 8pm and help ourselves to a wide selection buffet, which had an irresistible desert section. The group was even lucky enough to be serenaded by a local trio band, Jake requested ‘Banana’ and it is safe to say that we will all be singing the Banana lyrics for the rest of the week (its very catchy).

Now it is around 10pm and the everyone is settling down into their rooms after a very busy two days and prepare themselves for a fun packed itinerary tomorrow.

Feel free to leave any comments and we will happily reply to them all tomorrow, we would love to here from you all.

 

Ps. there was a delay in uploading this blog due to a storm that cause a malfunction in the wifi connection.

Everything is great!

Thankfully, the whole group landed safely in Sri Lanka and spent a whole day visiting elephants and touring across Sri Lanka to Kandy, where we stayed the night. We all got a well needed good nights sleep and woke up early to visit the sacred tooth temple and the tea plantation. We are now on our way to see a spice garden and get some lunch.

Last night we had the blog all ready to post but unfortunately there was a storm which effected the hotels Wi-Fi so tonight hopefully we will be able to post a double blog catch up with pictures. The group are missing their loved ones at home but we are having a brilliant time and nothing so far has gone wrong (touch wood). Sorry about the delay with the blog but our expert tour guide has been uploading photos on the beyond boundaries website for you to see while we get the blog back up and running.

Beyond Boundaries Tour Company

Beyond Boundaries Tour Company

The Ocean Stars school team are extremely lucky to have the Beyond Boundaries Tour Company to help organize and plan our trip.

They are a highly recommended company and we have all created such wonderful relationships with people like Gihan (God) and Madushan (Cobra).

Be sure to check them out on Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyond-Boundaries/443588245724828.   As they will also regularly be uploading photos and updates about the team as we go!!!!

PS. We have all arrived in Sri Lanka safe and sound and are now getting ready to visit the elephants. We will be posting a more detailed blog tonight.


 

Ready to GO!

All packed and ready to go!

After weeks and weeks of fundraising and hard work, we are happy to announce that as a group we have reached the fundraising total of £7,000! As a group it is a huge achievement and a brilliant way to end several months of fundraising efforts - by donating all the money to the Ocean Stars charity. 

However, the fundraising total is not the only exciting news: in less than 48 hours the group will be leaving rainy England for (hopefully) a sunny Sri Lanka! This evening the Ocean Stars group had a final meeting where we packed our resource luggage for the planned lessons (half of the allowed luggage weight) and had our first group hug and circle time to discuss how excited we all are for the upcoming trip.

First group circle time (photo credit to Georgie's mum!)

Here are some messages that each group member wrote about how they are feeling leading up to the trip: 

Nicole 
I am so excited for Sri Lanka! I can't wait to help the children in the school and to see the elephants...BUZZING! (Nicole also drew a photo of an elephant)

Nicole's elephant

Leanne

Now that the time has finally come, I'm quite nervous about the trip. I think this is just because the culture is very different and I will be a long way away from home. However I am so excited to teach the children and to explore Sri Lanka! I will make lots of new friends  and memories which I can't wait for!

Lucy

I am looking forward to the trip and feeling very excited. I can't wait to see the elephants and teach in the school. I am really excited to wake up early and go to the airport. This will get me excited for the rest of the trip.

Serena

I'm looking forward to seeing all the elephants and teaching in the school. I'm really excited and can't wait to get there. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm really exited to wake up early and travel to the airport as it gets me excited for the rest of the trip!

Harry

 I'm looking forward to many things:

- visiting schools

- meeting the people of Sri Lanka

- delivering my lesson plans

I hope the trip will be fun and exciting

Georgie

I can't believe we are actually going now. We have been talking about the trip for so long so it's weird that's it's now happening! I am quite nervous but also so excited as this will be an experience like no other and I cannot wait!

Sophia

I am very excited to go to Sri Lanka. It feels like the trip has come round so fast since I applied. I am very excited to go to the schools to experience their education and I can't wait to see their reactions when we give them the stationery. I think it will be an unforgettable experience and I look forward to meeting new people and learning more about the culture. I am so excited!

Jake

I am feeling anxious like last time but at the same time I'm VERY excited!!

Faye

I feel quite scared now that the day we fly has finally come! However I'm still incredibly excited and can't wait for the memories I'll create and the experiences I will have. I've made many new friends already and I'm super excited to go on this trip with them!

 Stormie

I am feeling really excited to go to Sri Lanka. The time has gone so quick since I applied. I can't wait to be away from my parents. I am looking forward to the new experience and to be able to bond with other people. I will be ecstatic to see the children's faces of delight when they see the stationary. :-)

Imogen

I am really excited to go to Sri Lanka. I can't wait for the whole trip. It is hard to pinpoint one thing but I can't wait to meet the children and visit the schools as well as sight seeing and generally the trip as a whole! I am so excited!

Sameena 

I still cannot quite believe that in less than 48 hours we will be on the plane on our way across the globe to Sri Lanka. I cant wait to return to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka and meet and help many new faces. I cannot hide how excited I am to see Madushan and Gihan again and also to work in two new schools. I feel ready to go to and start teaching the amazing children of Sri Lanka.

Mrs Angel

I am super excited about returning to the resplendent isle of Sri Lanka, the warmth, smell of spices, vibrant colours and the elephants. I hope the students will get as much out of the trip as possible, gain some life long memories and meet new friends. 

Mr Walker 

I'm really excited to have the opportunity to do some music and working with both the students and the teachers in Sri Lanka. The plan is to create an amazing musical opening for the sports day, on the final day of our time in Batticaloa. I'm also looking forward to seeing and hearing some Sri Lankan musical instruments. 

Hi, it's Mr T!

 Last few weeks have been a blur at school and so I can't believe we are leaving for Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Over the weekend the buzz really kicked in and I spent a little time looking at photos from last year. I am really looking forward to meeting old friends and making plenty more. The most important thing for me this year is to absorb the moment more as last year was all very new and the trip went too quickly for me.

Wendy Haynes

It's "suitcase night"! I can't believe this evening has come round so quickly. I'm excited to be travelling with the students this trip and looking forward to getting to know them all. the students have an amazing array of activities to do with students in the Sri Lankan schools so we shall have a great time.

Please do keep on checking the blog for more updates as we will be adding a blog post everday while we are out in Sri Lanka and please dont be afraid to leave comments (we would love to hear from you!)

If you are interested in more about Ocean Stars:

Website: http://oceanstars.org.uk/home
Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/oceanstars/

Fundrasing Catch Up!

Final Fundraising Efforts

After the past few months the team have been very busy fundraising for the charity. Here are some pictures to show what we have been up to.

Stormie raised a huge amount of money for Ocean Stars with her pub quiz evening. 

Dilanee and friends getting involved at the pub quiz evening 

Lots of new musical instruments to use during Mr Walkers music lessons in Sri Lanka.

Resources all sorted and counted ready to be packed this evening.

Mr Walker's two big drums for the Sri Lankan Samba band all packed and ready to go.

Lots of sports equipment and trophies for all the winners!

Bats and balls for the children to play and have fun with.

Books, soaps and various coloured balls for the PE group to use.

T-shirts, frisbees and more footballs.