Indian Night!

Hello all and welcome back to the term! I’m one of the new gap years this year – all the way from sunny Australia - and have had a very warm welcome into the Allhallows team, especially by the boarders.

Last Wednesday night the boarders’ were able to enjoy an Indian banquet! The tables were set up with many Indian decorations, as well as having Indian music playing in the background which many of the kids began dancing to.

During our three course meal we had poppadoms, chicken curry and rice, naan bread, onion bhaji, somasas, and a delicious orange-flavoured ice cream which used an actual hollowed-out orange instead of a bowl to eat from.

Overall, it was a very FILLING – I’m sure none of the kids felt hungry for a good day afterwards – and an amazing first country-themed night to start us off for 2014.

Will be blogging again soon,

Miss Donato.

  

Carols on the stairs

We have had our boarders carols on the stairs once again! This year Miss Palmer organised our wonderful evening with booklets filled with carols. We had some Spanish carols and good old Australian Jingle bells for the Aussie residents! Everyone got into the spirit of Christmas, singing loud and clear surrounded by friends and our boarding family. Treats were had after all our hard singing was complete then we were off to dream about Christmas! Our last Wednesday activity before Christmas and Miss Stubbings' last post on the boarders blog! Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year to you all! Over and out, Miss Stubbings! :)

 

Carol books at the ready!

 

 

 

 

and we finished with some 12 days of Christmas actions!

 

 

 

 

Countdown begins!

This past week we have a had some activities with our boarders. Our Spanish children were feeling at home on spanish night! A carefully picked menu was cooked for everyone to enjoy. All set up in St Bedes, we has decorations and lots of excitement and noise! Thankyou to all the catering staf for a wonderful meal and night.

St Bedes set up for the Fiesta!

 

Lucas and Lucas enjoying themselves

 

some of our year 7 girls

 

Year 8 girls enjoying the delicious meal

 

Most of the junior boys in shot here...

 

Saturday night we had our year group parties. Where the children would all go to different houseparents flats and enjoy a treat night. The year 8's were seving at the FOAH drinks party, then headed to Mrs Hanahs flat for some pizza and a film. The year 7's were treated by Miss Palmer, Miss Stubbings and Mr Garcia, and they enjoyed decorating gingerbread houses! Then onto a film wiuth lots of treats. Year 6 and below were in Mr Callows flat for some kareoke, before games, treats and a short christmas film. Safe to say everyone enjoyed their parties and the staff had lots of fun too!

 

gingerbread houses!

 

Gregor and Paul constructing their house

 

Singing and dancing in Mr Callows flat

 

Lola, Ellie, Elena and Victoria singing away

 

Fun and games

 

Victoria's turned into Father Christmas

 

Year 8's enjoying their film

 

Sunday we had our Boarders Christmas lunch in St Bedes! While the room was being set up, we all ventured outside to watchg the old girls and our first girls play hockey. Then we were in for lunch! St Bedes was wonderfully decorated, the tables were set oiut with christmas crackers, hats, lovely loud toys and lights hanging from the walls. The catering staff outdid themselves yet again, serving us a delicious full roast with all the trimmings. A lovely afternoon together after what has been a long term, now its nearly time for christmas!

 

St Bedes was dressed for the occasion

 

Our lovely year 8 girls

 

Guillermo, Jaime and Freddie

 

Lola and Isabel

 

Where all the noise was coming from!

 

Hugo and Paul

 

Theresa and Victoria

 

We have a busy week ahead of ourselves with christmas carols round every turn! Boarders carols on the stairs, the junior carols concert and then the seniors. Looking forward to hearing the beautiful voices All Hallows has to offer.

Fun afternoon out!

On sunday we were treated to a trip to @Bristol, The Planitarium and we went Ice Skating! Before we headed off on the coach, Brunch was had then we all wrapped up in our coats and scarves. The Planitarium was first once we had arrived. The children surprised us all with their knowledge of the stars which was great to see. We then had a play around the two levels of @Bristol. Some of our spanish children hadnt been before so they were madly running around trying out every science experiment they possible could. Soon after the children were given five pounds to spend in the shop, i did see many christmas presents being bought for family and friends which was lovely.

 

 

Then we all were outside getting ready for some fun on the ice! Everyone collected their skates and we waited for the rush of people flying onto the rink to start our 45 minutes. Safe to say, i was very proud of all the children. We had some who were very good at skating and for others it was their first time. Everyone was helping each other out when someone fell or if they needed a hand to hold. We all left Bristol on such a high from the wonderful afternoon out!

 

Bright blue boots on ready to go!

 

some nervous smiles?

 

Jaime coming round the corner with Bea close behind

 

Paul was a star! he never stopped trying, even after a few tumbles, well done Paul!

 

Miss Bottger and Miss Stubbings very much enjoyed themselves!

 

Sam, Guillermo, Gregor, Ellie and Benedict

 

Some racing going on perhaps??

 

Then after a full roast dinner and mass it was time to start decorating the christmas trees. Again all of our boarders came together to help decorate the school for this wonderful time of the year, Christmas!

 

The star going up!

 

Theresa, Lucie and Isabel helping out

 

 

 

 

 

 

All Hallows movie night!

Last night we set up our All Hallows Cinema! St Bedes was set up for some fun Monsters University for our under twelves, while our older kids headed to Junior common room for a bit of The Internship. A nice relaxed evening with tuck and everyone laughing together! Not long now until Christmas! Who's counting down the days? Our boarders sure are excited to get home now :)

Party time!

Last week we had one of our very popular boarders disco's! the outfits were decided, the room was set up, Dj Wheatley at the ready and tuck in hand! All the children came running to the sound of music in St Bedes. Lots of dance moves, some from Mr Callow who has been hiding his dancing abilities from us. Everyone was moving and shaking which was great to see. One direction seemed to be popular once again as the singing didnt stop. A great night for all!

some of our year 7 girls

 

Theresa and Tia looking good

 

 

Antonio, Jaime M, Jaime A and Hugo showing us some Spanish moves

 

Guillermo, George and Benedict enjoying themselves!

 

 

Our younger boarders jumping for every photo opp!

 

 

 

 

 

Open Mike Night and painting shirts!

Wednesday night we held our second open mike night. Some dorms had prepared their performances beforehand, whilst others got into the groove of things half way through the night. The year eight girls dressed the year eight boys, so we ended up with alot of year eight 'girls'. With some songs sung, Waka Waka, call me maybe, lighters, we were also treated to some special performances from Mr Callow and Mr Opie singing Barbie Girl. And from Mr Wheatley singing What makes you beautiful by the infamous One Direction, lots of screaming girls at All Hallows! We all enjoyed our rather loud evening and hope another mike night is on soon!

Some of our audience eagerly awaiting the opening number

 

some of our year 8 boys singing Milk, YMCA

 

Junior boys with their Owl song

 

Miss Palmer and Mr Wheatley singing one direction

 

Today the boarders had a nice and relaxed Sunday, with free time around the house before a roast lunch. After lunch there was t-shirt painting. No photos yet but we should have some soon of the finished product!