The recent change in weather has finally ended any hopes of an Indian summer, and pupils of Netherwood are well into their autumn programme of activities and school-work. As Harvest approaches, we are busily collecting bags of rice and pasta, once more, to send to those in need in Eastern Europe. On the theme of food, as part of the pre-prep department's topic this term, they held a 'Healthy Eating Week', when they ran a fruit shop during morning break in order to encourage the children to choose fruit as a snack, instead of the usual sweets and chocolates. The children all took turns at washing the fruit, and at being the shop-keeper and enjoyed learning about food, and about handling money. The small amount of money raised will go towards buying tasty ingredients for the childrens' cooking experiments this term, many of which will feature in the special Christmas calendar already in preparation. Still in keeping with their 'food' topic, the pre-prep department enjoyed a trip to the Llangloffan Cheese Farm, and to Freddie Meyrick's Dairy Farm, to get a first-hand experience of where dairy products come from. Leon Downey, of Llangloffan, explained the whole process of cheese-making to the pupils, and in the taste test, back at school, garlic and chive proved the most popular flavour. At Great Wedlock Dairy Farm, the children were able to feed and to stroke the new-born calves. They were also able to explore the milking parlour and, the highlight of the day, each child was able to have a go at milking by hand. Many thanks go to the Downeys, of Llangloffan, and to Mr. and Mrs. Meyrick at Great Wedlock for a fascinating day.
Sporting successes
William Ebsworth, of Year 5, played for Narberth in an Under 10s rugby tournament at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, and was delighted when his team reached the semi-final. Bea Bea Meyrick competed in the David Broome championships coming 12th out of a class of 53, which included adults and people from all over Great Britain. On day one she came 10th, on day two she finished sixth and on the final day she was fifth. Johnnie and Lloyd Delahunty swam in the Junior Open Meet at Swansea, both making the finals in every event they competed in. Johnnie won the silver medal in the 50m butterfly, while Lloyd won silver in the 25m freestyle and in the Under Nines freestyle relay. Lloyd, however, surpassed himself by winning gold in the 100m freestyle Under Nines, taking nine seconds off his personal best time. As if this wasn't enough, both boys passed their grade one piano exams in the summer with merit! The seniors have had their successes too. Rachel Scourfield recently won the Ladies' Scratch Cup at South Pembrokeshire Golf Club, and best friend, Rosie Thompson has been chosen to play netball the county. Well done to them all.
Charitable Ventures
Netherwood pupils have always had a reputation for caring for the community, be it local or further afield, and this term is no exception. Over £160 was raised in 'Jeans for Genes' day, with staff and pupils paying for the privilege of wearing denim to school, and many pupils are busily putting together Christmas shoeboxes to be taken to Romania. Pupils from Years 7 to 11 have been preparing for the Rotary youthspeaks competition, and Year 6 are looking forward to the Crucial Crew visit next week, while forthcoming senior trips include 'Opportunities 2004' at Haverfordwest, and a production of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' at Cardiff. Certainly a busy term, as usual.