Hellesdon High School Activities Week 2009: Paris-Disneyland-Ypres

a new coach company...

This year we are using a trusted local firm. Familiar to many of you, Spratts Coaches from Wreningham have been providing tours for over 50 years. Our coach will be fitted with seat belts, toilets, drinks machines, air conditioning and videos. Every coach company insists on certain standards of behaviour from school parties. These can be found in the final letter for this trip and to the left.

and a new hotel...

At least, a new one for last year's Year 8s. We have switched hotel this year to the Bussy St George's Premier Classe, where the Year 9 girls stayed last year. Not only do we feel this is a slightly superior hotel to last year's Villepinte one, but it is ideally placed for the Disney parks. The only difference to the itinerary is that the traditional visit to Montmartre and Sacré Coeur (which seemed to get shorter each year) will be replaced by a tour of Paris.

changes to the activity

Many thanks to parents and pupils who gave us feedback after last year. This was overwhelmingly positive, and gave us the opportunity to improve this activity more. Our proposal that we extend the trip by one day met with widespread approval, and we are pleased to offer an extra day at Walt Disney Studios, an extension which we believe will increase not only the enjoyment of participants, but also provide the kind of out-of-school educational opportunity that was always the aim of Activities Week. See to the right for other changes.

Important information for parents...

Please note that the cost of the activity includes all entrance fees, accommodation and breakfast and dinner on the French side. You may wish to provide some money or a packed lunch for midday meals. A mixture of pounds and euros would be handy, but we do not recommend more than about €100 in total. In any case, we recommend insurance in case of loss of cash, camcorder, camera, mp3 player, etc., which would not be covered in the school insurance.

Pupils should keep in groups of three or more in Disneyland Park and the Studios. Security is very tight and park staff are frequently placed to deal with queries. Maps are readily available at the entrance. There are many drinking fountains, and on a hot day water bottles should be topped up. School staff will be available at hourly intervals in a designated meeting place (outside Casey's Corner hot dog cafe on Main Street, Disneyland; Studios TBA).

Pupils must also keep to designated meeting times, as a delay may mean curtailing an activity or even missing a ferry. Don't forget to pack a hat and sunblocker! Also recommended are comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket.

Please don't allow your child to take fizzy drinks on the coach - they are the principal cause of travel sickness. Bottled water is quite sufficient. Rubbish must not be dropped on the floor but placed in the bags provided. Toilets should only be used in an emergency. And, please, no chewing gum!

Below is Ypres: