On Saturday morning, five excited young men from Norman Pannell set off on this year's ski trip to the Alp: Brian, Joseph and Louis from Y5, Ben from Y4 and Mr. Barbour.  They were joined by one of our governors, Charlie Coyne, and a number of children and staff from other schools.

We will use this page to give updates as their wonderful week in the snow unfolds, including news and pictures, as we get them...

Saturday 6th February:

The boys were waved off by parents and Miss Lewis from Edge Lane Retail Park at 7:30am this morning. After a couple of hours, our first update - everyone safely checked in, through customs and waiting with great anticipation on the runway ready to fly off to the snowy slopes.  I think Mr. Barbour might just be the most excited of all...

Sunday 7th February

Good morning everyone!  While we begin a lazy Sunday morning in Liverpool, the boys are finishing their breakfast and getting ready to hit the slopes.  The flight yesterday went smoothly and, despite some heavy traffic and a slightly delayed arrival at the hotel, the boys are in good spirits and keen to get started.

Afternoon / Evening Update:

"Snowed all day today... none stop, was beautiful!" says Mr. Barbour.  The group have spent their first full day on the slopes in fresh powdery snow.  As the newcomer, Ben has been complimented by the group leader for his rapid progress.  Everyone is having a fantastic time and representing the school brilliantly!

Tonight is Quiz Night in the hotel and Mr. Barbour is the Bingo caller!  Is there anything he can't do?

Monday 8th February

Check out the picture from the slopes!!!  We'll try to update later...

Mr. Barbour says: "Just returned to the hotel - another excellent day!"

It looks like they're having a rather good time!

Tuesday 9th February

Mr. Barbour kindly updated me at 6:17am this morning (thanks for that!)  He tells me Louis was his star skier yesterday for helping everyone and persevering when he fell over.  "The boys have been amazing!" Mr. Barbour was pleased to tell us.

Lunchtime: "Another great morning!" comes the enthusiastic report. "It snowed like this all morning..." (see winter wonderland forest picture)

Wednesday 10th February

"Today was so cold my beard froze!" explained Mr. Barbour.  "Ben has been telling all about his first time on a blue run - 'it was amazing and fast!' Ben said.  After that the boys visited the souvenir shop."

Another brilliant day all round!  

Thursday 11th February

A special treat tonight from the summit of a magnificent mountain scene - watch a short video message from the boys saying hello to us all - click on 'Gallery' and follow the link!

Top marks to Louis for his witty greeting: "Ski you later!" (I think he's quite proud of that one!)

The boys are so happy and relaxed, and the scenery is breathtaking!

Friday 12th February

The last full day of action on the slopes ended with the famous awards evening.  Our four boys took the prestigious 'Best Table Award', and then followed that up with individual awards: Louis - Best Diary; Brian - Best Pupil; Joseph - Best Technical Skier; and Ben - Most Improved Skier.

We are very proud of the boys, and look forward to welcoming them home and hearing about all their adventures!

Saturday 13th February

The boys are on their way home!  

PM - After a delayed flight, the ski trip arrived safely at about 8:30pm in Childwall.  What an amazing adventure for each of the four boys, who represented the school extremely well in terms of both their skiing ability and behaviour.

I am sure everybody involved would like to join me in thanking Mr. Barbour for taking the children out to the Alps for a whole week, giving up his time away from family and friends to enable the boys to have such an unforgettable experience.  

Many thanks also to Miss Lewis who, despite not going on the trip herself, put a massive amount of time into the organisation of the ski trip, without which it would not have happened.  

Finally thanks to our school governor, Charlie Coyne, and the Liverpool Schools Ski Association for inviting and helping our school to be involved.

Have a great half term everyone!

Mr. Simpson