Hello, ABIS Parents.
I have been given the task of relaying updates about the various Oman Week excursions happening throughout the school. Keep watching this space throughout the week for the latest news and happenings.
UPDATE Grade 7
Thursday @2:00
The camel trekkers have just reached the farm, and Mr. Carberry estimates that they should arrive @ the school by 3:30.
UPDATE Grade 5
Wednesday@ 2:30
Pictures from Nakhal Fort…
UPDATE Grade 3
Wednesday@ 2:30
Grade 3 has just returned from their hike. Mrs. Willis reports that the kids had a great time, and that the views were stunning.
UPDATE Grade 5
Wednesday@ 1:00
Courtesy of Mrs. Healy, here are our grade 5 students, stopping for lunch near Nakhal Fort.
UPDATE Grade 6
Wednesday@ 11:00
from Ms. Saunders: “Each student became the part of the sail boat to help us remember the various parts of boat.
Hannah Mast, Tamika Boom, Taif Tiller, Shamma Tiller Extension, Shahad Rudder, Nicole Hull, Rafael Dagger Board, Etienne Sail and Kalea Kicker made the most of their new identities.”
UPDATE Grade 7, 8&9
Wednesday@ 10:00
From Mr Pemberton: “Three quarters of the way there and students are having their last day out on the water. Yesterday was a day of mixed fortunes as some students were not able to equalise so were not able to complete a dive. However, all students came back to camp extremely positive and looking forward to their day today. Spirits have been extremely high throughout the trip and the camp site has been very orderly and tidy (apart from the tent around three particular young men – I am sure there will be no surprises as to who….)”
From Mr. Carberry, “A good night’s sleep. Sausages, eggs, and cereal for breakfast. Now on our way to Sehaylah past lava flow.”
UPDATE Grade 3
Wednesday@ 8:00
Students had a great night watching movies outside. They woke up to a healthy breakfast and are now playing cricket.
UPDATE Grade 4
Monday@ 8:00
Lots of updates from grade 6 students, and it seemed the theme of the day was capsizing! The kids started their sailing course and while there were some initial fears, everyone was really excited.
UPDATE Grade 5&7
Monday @ 9:00
Mr. Carberry just sent along an update for grade 7. They enjoyed a swim this afternoon. Burgers for dinner, and now they are sharing stories around the campfires, with the Omani guides singing up a storm.
Mr. George has checked in as well to say that all is fine in Grade 5, and that day one has bee a successful one!
UPDATE Grade 7
Monday @ 8:20
Photos from day 1 courtesy of Mr. Kearney
UPDATE Grade 4
Monday @ 7:30
From Mr Mohamed: “The miniature falaj and forts in the Beit al Baranda courtyard proved to be a popular spot with the kids. We also learned that the unit of currency till 1970 in Oman was the Indian rupee and that Oman used to be called Muscat & Oman. ”
UPDATE Grade 6
Monday @ 7:00
The wind is apparently not cooperating with grade 6 dinner plans, but as you can see here, Mrs. Mansell, the camp cook, has gotten a little creative!
Monday @ 6:00
Lots of updates from the Grade 6’s. So far the highlights seem to be the speedboat, and something called Chubby Bunny, which appears to be a contest to see who can stuff the most marshmallows in his/her mouth at once. Shahad was the winner with an impressive 16. They’ve done some snorkeling today with Mr. Hampton, but what they are really excited about is to have a shower this evening. Below are some pictures sent by Ms. Saunders.
UPDATE Grade 7
Monday @ 6:00
Mrs. Rabie has just passed along photos of our intrepid explorers braving the Omani desert. She reports that all is well…
UPDATE Grade 6, 8, and 9
Monday @ 2:45
Mr. Pemberton has just passed along the following: “The grade 6’s have arrived back at the Millenium Hotel and after a break for lunch they were in the classroom for a safety talk. They have now headed out for their introductory session on the boats – Good luck Grade 6!
Grade 8’s and 9’s have had a morning in the pool practising dive safety techniques and some basic diving skills…. They are back in the pool this afternoon for more practise before hitting the open water tomorrow.
All students have been fed and are happy, although some students are displaying obvious nervousness at learning new skills!”
UPDATE Grade 4
Monday @ 2:30
Stopping At Barka Fort
Mr. Mohammed has just check in with the following: “The children have settled into the hotel, had lunch and are ready for our next stop – Bait al Zubair museum in Mutrah. En route we visited the Barka fort. A worthwhile stop for anyone considering a visit to a well restored fort.”
UPDATE Grade 7
Monday @ 9:30
Mr Carberry has checked in. The desert trekkers are up and mobile and are continuing their journey. More info to come….
UPDATE Grade 8/9
Monday @ 8:30
From Mr. Pemberton: “Everyone was in their tents last night by 9 pm after a spaghetti bolognese dinner and some last minute homework completion. While the students didn’t necessarily enjoy their classroom time yesterday they have been very eager to complete the tasks they need to do to be able to dive today.
Everyone slept very well, personally it was the best sleep I have ever had on a camping trip, and that includes three years doing International Award expeditions….
It is also great to have access to 24 hour toilets and showering facilities. Those of us on the camel trip last year are loving the luxury. Although the cruelty of having a hotel with nice beds and ensuite facilities next to us has not been lost on staff or students…..
Students have cooked their own breakfast this morning with turkey bacon and fried eggs, made by Michael Stephenson, the very popular choice.”
UPDATE Grade 8/9
Sunday @ 3:30
Michael and David working on their higher level theory
Mr. Pemberton has just sent along the following. “Students are currently in classroom having safety stuff explained and watching a DVD. Mrs.Graves and I have done a recky of the hotel and the facilities and had a chat with Chidi and some of the hotel staff. There is a good entertainment area on the other side of the pools with a minigolf course, tennis courts and play areas. We will splash out one early evening for mini golf at OMR2 per kid. We have asked about the pool and asked for discounts but we have been told it is strictly OMR5 per kid. We can’t cover this in our budget at the moment but we may have spare cash at the end of the week.”
UPDATE Grade 7
Sunday @ 12:20:
The Grade 7’s have began their camel trek led by a guide who, Mr. Carberry describes, is the quintessential Omani desert wanderer, right down to the hooded falcon on his perch. Mr. Kearney has joined the group for the afternoon, and will be returning with our first pictures of the trip, so be sure to check back some time later today.
UPDATE Grade 6, 8 and 9
Sunday @ 9:00:
Our first Oman Week update has just arrived! Mrs. Graves has just checked in from the bus. Still en route, spirits are high.
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