S5/6 Social Evening

Welcome back to the James Gillespie's South Africa Project blog! Before we travel to Durban in February, this will be used to update pupils and parents about what work is being undertaken by the pupils and staff involved in the project. When we are in South Africa, we hope to provide pupils with the chance to share their thoughts and reflections on their time there each day by updating the blog.

S6 pupils have organised a social evening for S5 & S6 pupils, as a fundraiser for the South Africa project. It will take place next Thursday, the 15th of November from 7pm-10pm in the assembly hall, and features live music! Tickets are on sale on the foyer at break, and cost £5.

Questionnaire for S6 Pupils

Could all S6 Pupils who went to South Africa please remember to complete the Survey for Mr McCallum.
Thanks!

A relaxing Sunday ahead of the Hard work

A rare chance for a long lie, as we had breakfast between 0800 - 0900!! Then we spent two hours organising the equipment and clothing that we had brought over in the cases (with most pupils hitting the 30kg limit, although we had one pupil with 45kg!) The staff were busy trying to coordinate the provisions for all the schools, nurseries and charities we are working with. Then a relaxing walk along the beach to see the stalls and to let our group see their surroundings for the next ten days. Then we were back to the hotel for an hour and time to get ready for the beach party. There were about 200 of us on the beach and there were JGHS, ZHS, DHS pupils and staff, expupils from all the schools and a great afternoon was had by all, with over 250 pies being consumed and enjoyed along with other snacks. Then we were back to the hotel to get ready for dinner at Havana grill, based at the Suncoast casino resort. A very plush mall and hotel resort with cinemas, a variety of restaurants and shops. A grand night where the food was excellent  and we sat with our family groups for the evening.  Another great day and we are all ready to arrive at ZHS and DHS tomorrow for the development of the well established partnership.

Durban Day 2

A good sleep and we were up and down for breakfast between 7.00 - 8.00 and then on the bus and off to Shongweni Game reserve. It was a cloudy overcast day with drizzle, so different to home!! However it was in the high 20's and the rain cleared away. We had a combination of safari trips, where we saw giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Wildebeest. While some were on the safari the others were relaxing and playing some games to relax. We had a wonderful South African BBQ for lunch and all were well fed. Then back to the hotel late afternoon and time to get ready for dinner. We were at Zack's at Wilson's Wharf, beside Durban Harbour. A variety of starters on a platter and then a wonderful choice of main courses. It takes a while to serve 110 people and we get some interesting looks from the locals as we arrive and then leave. Another successful day and off to bed.

Well here we finally are and apologies that we have not been able to post sooner to keep you up to date!!
We departed the school in the pouring rain on Thursday and had a smooth drive to Glasgow airport. All checked in and safely through security. The flight was on time and very smooth, allowing us the full time in Dubai airport. We passed through customs, eventually, moved to the hotel and managed to get three or four hours sleep. Slightly refreshed we went back to the airport and through security again and boarded for the flight to Durban and again we were on time!! Arrived safely in Durban after another good flight. After gathering our luggage and passing through security we were greeted by the staff and pupils of both Zwelibanzi and Dloko high schools, with some of their wonderful singing. This, as always draws a big crowd of interested on lookers. An hour later and we were on the buses and on the way to the Beach hotel. Checked in and quickly put our luggage in the rooms and down to the restaurant for dinner. A quiet evening and a chance to unpack and unwind. Day 1 in South Africa complete :-)

Arrived safe - No Internet!

Apologies for lack of posts - the South African visit is going well but without internet access.

Mr Macdonald spoke to Mr McCallum on Saturday and reports:

"The group arrived safely and are now settled in to their accommodation. One or two have had tummy upsets but nothing out of the ordinary. They have had some rain but at least the rain is warm! We await further news!"

The countdown begins!

3 days to go...

Well the countdown is well and truly on!! 07.30 on Thursday morning we meet in the school Assembly Hall for the bus to Glasgow Airport for our flights to Durban via Dubai on Emirates Airlines. A 10 hour stop over in Dubai, will be made more bearable with a stay at the Emirates hotel and somewhere to rest our heads for a few hours then back to the airport for the second leg to Durban, arriving for a warm and loud welcome from the pupils and staff of Zwelibanzi High school and Dloko High school. We will update the blog on a daily basis so you can follow the trip from here.

Posted on behalf of Neil McCallum

New blog!

Welcome.  We have set up this blog in order to make it easier to share news about our links with South Africa.  In particular, we hope to use this blog to send back information about the visit of students, staff and parents due to take place in February 2012.
Come back soon, and find out what's happening.