G is for Groep 8 - de binnendijk

Its the last day of the school year this week, and for Jolanda it is the last week of her time at De Binnendijk. Next school year she moves to Damstede and continues her education in voorgezet onderwijs (senior school to the brits amonst us)

Its been an eventful year, and she has done well academically - her NIO toets scores got her into a HAVO / VVO class at Damstede!

But so much more has happened to her and her class mates. She began going on shopping trips with her friends on the bus, and the girls went on cinema outings without parents. They have organised sleepovers and film nights, school discos and discos at the homes of various friends. She went to School Camp in April, and as a final weekend everyone cycled to a special camp in Edam and bivouacked in army tents on the coldest night ever recorded in june.

As a group they won the interschool speed skating competition held on natural ice when the canal froze in January; they came second in a national television program for schools which promoted sport and healthy living; and they won the interschool competition run by the local council looking for ideas to use a local recreation area. Their idea was voted the best by a panel including the local police and youth organisations, and their idea was granted EUR10,000 to help bring it to reality.

The end of the school year was marked by a musical performed by Group 8 which was excellent (and in fact the best production I have seen since Jolanda went to the school!). At the end of the show the teacher called each child up and presented them with a going away present and made a short speach about their talents, it was great - but the tears were flowing freely both that night and as the school closed on Thursday.

She has had a great time at this school - and although she will miss everyone she is ready to move onto her next school after the holiday!