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. 

Catch up with us!

What has the group been up to recently?

Since the last blog post the team have been continuing their efforts to raise money for Ocean Stars, in order to reach the team fundraising goal.

Some of the lucky year 11 students in the team are now on their long GCSEs summer. However this did not stop them from continuing to fundraise. Jacob, Nicole , Oli , Fiona, Imogen and Sameena all pitched in to do a teacher's Car wash on Monday 23rd of June.

Not only this but the students who are still attending school and working hard - in years 10 and 9 - have still managed raise money towards the fundraising total.

Faye, Georgie and Leanne went to the B&Q in New Malden and successfully raised generous amount for the charity.

A group of willing cyclists took on the London to Brighton challenge in order to get sponsors on their just giving page.

Car washing efforts form the yr 11 students

Faye, Leanne and Georgie getting reading to fundraise around B&Q

Meetings, Meetings and Meetings!

In the past month the team had a meeting to discuss fundraising success and continue to organise and plan their lessons. As usual the team are working very well together and most of the lesson plans are now complete or coming to the end of the planning process. 

To follow these meetings this week there is a parent meeting and a final student meeting before the end of term.

Mrs Angel, Faye and Leanne discussing lesson plans

Oli, Nicole, Jake and Imogen very pleased as they have nearly finished their lesson plan!

What Has Been Happening

Here is an update on the recent activities in which our team have been involved:

New member 

This month,  the group welcomed a lovely new member! Nicole Washington has joined the Ocean Stars' team. Nicole already has some experience of travelling in Sri Lanka and, as she aspires to become a teacher in the future, she is hoping to use her skills to help the school students in Sri Lanka.

The Calthorpe Park School Ocean Stars Team 2014 is now complete! Here is photo to show who is who.

The CPS Ocean Stars Team 2014

Meetings!

The group have had two after school meetings. We have organised ourselves into the groups in which we will be teaching. The theme for the lessons this year is "Famous British People". The team have also been busy fund-raising for this fantastic charity.

Not only have we organised student meetings this month, we also held our first parents evening. As expected the evening was very informative and there were many questions from the parents about the forthcoming trip. 

First parents evening 

[To the Left] Fiona, Jake, Oli and Mrs Angles discussing lesson plans. ( Possible PE group)

  [To the right]  Georgie, Leanne, Faye and Harry deciding on their lesson plan.

 [To the left] Happy Ocean Stars members.

[To the right] Sophia, Stormie, Serena and Lucy working away.

Fund-raising Update

Mrs Angel held a clothes and book sale to raise money for the group target of £6,000. The hard work and sales paid off as we raised £150 pounds! Other events such as E-bay sales, Mufti day, cake sales and concerts have raised so far the sum of £2,200.00 and counting!

[Above] Photos of the Clothes Sale