Exams are over, and pupils have been enjoying the social side of school-life as the term draws to a close.

Years 4 and 5 have been studying living things and their environment, and rainforests, so, to reinforce this, they visited 'Felinwynt Rainforest and Butterfly Centre' in Aberporth.

In their groups, they were able to watch a video, and to see the butterflies in the glasshouse.

Among the many interesting creatures they saw were large Owl butterflies, Glasswing butterflies, even an Atlas moth, larger than two hands put together.

A visit to the gift shop brought to an end what had been an excellent visit, educational, yet truly fascinating as well. Thanks go to Mrs. Pattison and Mrs. Jenkins for arranging it all.

Some of the senior girls had an even more exciting couple of days when Mrs. Shirley James, and parent, Mrs. Thompson took them to Wimbledon.

Although it meant an early start, it was well worth it when they managed to get tickets, and watched some excellent tennis. It certainly was a memorable trip, and who knows, may have inspired Netherwood's answer to Maria Sharapova!

Netherwood pupils were successful in 'Saundersfoot in Bloom' again this year, with Emma Stockton-Morgan, Sophie Callaghan, Eleanor Scourfield, Joanne Thomas, Monami Takada, Morwenna Jones, Tsun Kit Leung and Emily Brighton, all adjudged winners in the poster competition. Each pupil was congratulated by Mr. Williams, and senior mistress, Mrs. Phillips accepted the cup for the outstanding entry on behalf of Monami Takada who has returned to Japan.

SPORTS DAYS

The pre-prep department held their breath as the dark clouds gathered, but in the end the rain stayed away long enough for them to enjoy a successful sports day.

Although dubbed by principal, Mr. Morris, 'The Mini-Olympics,' some of the races were unusual to say the least.

There were flat races, colourful ball races, long distance races, two-in-a-hoop races, culminating in the fun obstacle race.

Other events included the throwing event and the kindergarten tunnel ball.

After all that, it was time for the mothers' and fathers,' race won by Robbie Williams' mum and Skye Murray's dad. Tudor Hurle was the victor in the toddlers' race. Mrs. Bullock presented cups to the winners, and chocolates to the winning parents and toddler, and to pupils of Year 8 for their help with the organisation.

The house cup was won by Harris House and was presented to Ele Scourfield and Nathan Short.

Individual cup winners were: Three-year-old boy - Lucas Parkin-Richardson; three-year-old girl - Skye Murray; four-year-old boy - Spencer Damery; four-year-old girl - Islay Rhys-Davies; reception boy - Morgan Short; reception girl - Rachel Ebsworth; Year 1 boy - Daniel Davies; Year 2 boy - Nathan Short; Year 2 girl - Ele Scourfield.

Then it was the turn of the junior and senior school. Could they be as lucky? Yes, they could. In fact, the sun even shone on their sports day, and it was good to see parents reviving the tradition of enjoying a picnic lunch.

The events were closely contested as always, particularly the last thrilling relay race which had everyone on their feet, but after Mrs. Evans and Mrs. MacNaghten's intense calculations, Merthyr House emerged triumphant for the second year in succession.

Mr. Morris ensured that the races were started efficiently, while other members of staff were deployed all over the field running the other events.

Ribbons were presented to winners as the day progressed, and were proudly worn on shorts or shirts.

Certificates for the best athletes in each year were presented in a special assembly on Thursday. Winners were:

Year 3 - Grant Hughes and Alex Allen; Year 4 - Lloyd Delahunty and Beatrice Meyrick; Year 5 - Daniel Thomas, Lucinda Perrett and Sophie Meinertzhagen; Year 6 - Peter Scammell and Rebecca Morgan; Year 7 - Tomos Palmer, Emily Brighton and Sophie Ramsden; Year 8 - Robert Collins and Kate Mellor; Year 9 - Gareth Morgan and Rosie Thompson; Year 10 - Govan Berridge and Vicky Purchase.

The welly throwing for parents was won by Mrs. Pattison.

Thanks must go to Mrs. Bullock and her team, and to Mrs. James and Mr. Jones for organising such smooth-running and enjoyable sports days.

SUMMER FAYRE

Last Friday saw the annual summer fayre take place. Because of the doubt over the weather many of the stalls set up in the hall, but, as it turned out, the rain stayed away yet again, and many of the attractions were able to set up outside.

This year, the reformed parents' committee had a larger input, and besides the usual stalls pupils and visitors were able to enjoy bouncy castles and slides, beat the goalie competitions, and cream teas on the patio.

Mr. Morris showed his expertise as a barbecue chef, and McMo's proved a very popular stall.

As usual, Mrs. Phillips had managed to beg and cajole an amazing array of prizes for the main raffle, and, all in all, it proved an enjoyable and successful afternoon, with £786.71 being raised. Thanks must go to pupils, staff and parents who worked so hard all day.

The same evening saw another innovation for Netherwood, the senior barbecue and disco, when senior pupils enjoyed a delicious meal prepared for them by the principal, and members of staff. They 'boogied' the night away, relaxed and happy that the exams were just a memory, and the results too far away to worry about just yet!

NETBALL

The last Monday of term saw the annual staff-pupils netball match.

This is an eagerly awaited, keenly contested battle, and this year's match proved no exception.

After some robust play on both sides, the teachers emerged victorious by 20 points to 16.

Well done to them. I believe they had a secret weapon this year in parent Mrs. Goldwait, but Mrs. MacNaghten is still the player to watch!