After two busy and exciting days at Forres Academy the P7 pupils had another transition adventure, their cycle and activity day at Culbin.  This was another opportunity for the children to mix with their P7 peers.  We were all impressed by our pupils’ interpersonal skills, behaviour and fitness levels.  The children cycled approximately 16 miles altogether with smiles on their faces – well done!

On Thursday the 15th of June, P6 pupils went to Aberdeen at 8 o’clock in the morning to watch a theatre production of Gangsta Granny. The pupils ate lunch at Union Square Terrace Park and were back for 3:15. It was a long bus journey for them.

Inside the theatre were other schools from Aberdeen and a massive stage with different theatre props. The first half of the show was really entertaining and all the pupils eyes were almost glued to the stage! It was funny and very clever how they moved all the props and stage buildings around in dance form. (Lewis Mackenzie)

I really enjoyed the show and I liked the way the actors had the audience anticipating what was going to happen next. It was a great day out and I would say money well spent. (Josh Angell)

It was a great day, I think it was worth the long journey and I loved the performance and the day couldn’t have been better. The actor who played Ben had a great voice impression of an 11 year old boy.(Faye Nichols)

It was my first theatre experience and it was definitely one to remember. The acting was brilliant and the props were so creative! (Kelsey Martin)

This was my first time at a theatre. HMT was really big and it was a great experience for me. (Jack Steele)

The last Newsletter of the session is now available by clicking here

Building a mini shelter.

Watching the fast flowing weir at Sanquhar Loch

Our waterproofs are working!

Today the weather created a few challenges as it was forecast to rain continuously all day – and it did! After a consultation process involving the children it was decided that we should test out the school waterproofs and go to Sanquhar Woods.
Today we were learning about survival strategies using S.T.O.P. If we are ever lost we should apply S = stop and stay put (people at home will know we are late back and come to find us), T = think, where would be a good place to stay safe and shelter from the weather? O = observe what is around about me – could I use something to help keep me safe? and P = plan, could I make a shelter? As we become more independent we should always act responsibly and tell our families where we are going and agree on a time to be home.
Our task today was to build a mini shelter for our pine cone people to stay warm and dry. We worked in pairs and collected sticks, moss and leaf litter. Most of us were very successful and we got the chance to visit each others shelters and evaluate these.
Even though it was very wet the grown ups did not hear anyone complain. In fact Keiran Tennant said, “Being out in the rain is the best thing in the world!” When we got back to school we hung up wet jackets and over trousers on pegs and washed our hands in lovely warm water.

Applegrove girls flying into the finish…

Applegrove P6 and 7 runners

On Sunday, Applegrove pupils made up a team of runners to take part in Elgin Rotary Clubs Marafun. They ran just under a mile down the High Street and South Street, passing the kiltmakers, to the finish on the Plainstones in Elgin. Applegrove made up the majority of runners taking part so very well done for supporting the Marafun event and we hope you had a fun day out. Everyone got a finishers medal and Isla Rooney said there was chocolate at the finish too – well worth the effort! Olivia Dawson was first Applegrove girl and Josh Angell was first Applegrove boy.

Looking shady after a day of cricket!

Today our cricket team played at the Moray Cricket finals at the Gordon Linzee Park, Buckie.  A fine standard of cricket could be seen throughout the day and Applegrove played very well.  However they met their match against some very strong cricket teams.  The group winner was Milnes Primary who played against Hythehill in the final.  Milnes won and now go through to the national final in Perth.  Congratulations to Milnes Primary.

More cricket is available on a Monday and Friday evening at Forres St Lawrence Cricket Club, 6pm at the cricket pavilion.

Applegrove was well represented at the Culbin Forest Run on Wednesday evening.  This photo shows some of Applegrove’s runners ready for their race through the forest.  It was great to see some new runners representing Applegrove and especially some of our younger pupils.  The next forest run will be at Quarrelwood on the 7th June.  Registration is 6:15 at Spynie Village Hall,  race starts at 6:45.  The distance is about a mile and all ages and abilities are welcome.

It is wonderful to have our ICT suite back, up and running.  6W have made full use of it this week!

The huts on the Sanquhar Road side of the grounds have been a feature of our school for over 20 years. Most of the teachers have taught in them and a large majority of the children who have passed through the school have been taught in them at some point, but last week we said goodbye. As part of the school’s refurbishment they were demolished and the ground is now being prepared for new projects.