Easter Holidays

Last week was our final week before the holidays started. This meant that there was no inclusion and very little work, so instead of busying ourselves so books, the Senior class kept up with the cricket World Cup. Before last week I didn't realise how long a cricket match could last... The South Africa vs New Zealand match started at 2am and finished at 12pm - sadly we lost.

On Wednesday the school media department held a 'mystery afternoon' and all the children had to dress up as detectives. One boy didn't quite catch on to the theme of the afternoon and refused to wear anything but a clown suit, but he added a bit of oomf to our group to we decided to let it slide. When we arrived at the event we had mugshots taken with the kids and bought some cupcakes decorated with things like question marks and magnifying glasses.

The lighthearted mood of Wednesday was brought down a bit on Thursday when we had the memorial service for the girl we lost over Christmas. The teachers said a few very touching words and then we planted a tree in the garden - whenever a child in the Enrichement Centre dies the staff plant a tree to remember them by, I think it also helps the other children understand what's happened. After we all shovelled some soil onto the tree's roots, one of the classroom assistants started to sing a traditional South African mourning song. It was absolutely beautiful and soon all the assistants were singing together, I think that's when Kathryn, Zoe and myself let the lumps in our throats get the better of us!

Friday was a very unusual day with very little structure, we watched a movie in the morning and then attended the final assembly. During the assembly Zoe and I were sitting with one of the girls from the Senior class, who's known for her sense of humour even though she can't speak. She also has very delayed reactions so when the school had to give a 'hip hip hurray!' for a child receiving a prize, this girl only did the 'hurray' part after the whole thing was done. The hall finished and then from the back all you could hear was "AY.... AY.... AY". Zoe and I could barely contain ourselves.

After the assembly everyone went home, including the hostel kids. It was actually quite sad watching them go because the hostel is so quiet without them! As for plans for this holiday we haven't got round to anything apart from day trips. We're debating Kruger National Park but will have to find a mode of transport in order to get there... As for next Sunday, don't expect a post - I think the next week will be pretty uneventful but if anything exciting happens, I'll let you all know.

Happy holidays!