Here we go again!

Wales, England, Poland and Norway have decided to apply for another project together! We are very happy with our cooperation, and feel we have more work to do together! At the moment we are inviting new schools into the project, and have received positive respond from two Turkish schools. We are waiting for answers from Iceland and Denmark as well. On the 7 th of January Wales, Norway, Poland and England meet in Newcastle to form a new application. Time is a short factor, so we need to get things going fast! We are very happy to have the opportunity to make a new application together! Wait and see what happens!

• Outline for new project:
  We have decided to build a school-development project, focusing on different aspects of our schools and countries pedagogy and methodologies.
• 
  Topics to explore together could be:
  The early years. ( 3-7 years old children)
  Learning through play
  Different learning environments/ Working with Multiple Intelligences
  Different ways of giving feedback and assessment
  The starting age for school in terms of learning and provision.

• Working in this project would include
  Having a very tight focus.
  There would have to be an element of shared pupils work and outcomes as part of the project
  We would have to evaluate the impact on learning etc
  Teachers visiting eachother Language and ICT-training

Project-meeting in Lublin 5th- 9th. November 2009

Our 4th meeting took place in Lublin in Poland. We had much fun and enjoyed fantastic hospitality from our host Magda and her crew. We were happy to see many of our Polish friends again, and to meet new ones. It was a great experience to see your school and meet your pupils in their everyday life. Thank you so much, Magda and all the rest of you friendly Polish teachers! Here is a resyme from our trip:

Thursday After a night in Warsaw, the Welsh and the Norwegian team met onboard the train to Lublin. We were happy to see everyone again. Magda and friends met us at the trainstation and led us to the wonderful Vanilla Hotel in Lublir centre. Also Estonian and English team had arrived safely, and we all enjoyed our welcome-dinner at Vanilla Restaurant.

Friday was schoolvisit-day. We were picked up quite early by Greg, and brought straight to Swidnik by bus. Here we entered the very big school no 5, and were treated with cakes and coffee in the library. We were warmly welcomed by the nice headteacher, before entering class 0 for their morning session.

Later we were guided around school by 3 very polite young men, and also attended various classes.

Finally we were introduced to the Polish legend about the Devils Handprint, very lively presented by students. We were also entertained by very talented childeren, a choire, dance-

groups, cheerleaders and a very special charming young pop-star. We enjoyed the entertainment a lot!!

Lunch was held in the Town Hall, where Mayor Thomas welcomed us and told us about schoolsystem in Swidnik. The result from the Borni-legend was presented, and finally the Polish Treasure-boxes were handed out. Before heading back to Lublin we had a stroll around Swidnik centre, and visited a very special restaurant from the Communist-times. Very authentic, according to Magda. Even the staff was the same as in the 60'ies...Friday night was a lively evening in dinner and dancing at restaurant Czarcia Łapa. A very lively night!

Saturday we went for a guided tour in Old Town and Lublin castle.

Later on our guide took us to see Majdanek Concentration camp Museum. A very heavy experience, but also important. We were all taken by the tragedy of which we were reminded, but also glad that we took the time to face this part of our common Europes history. This visit made a huge impression on all of us, and we thank Magda for giving us the opportunity.

Saturday night was last night in Lublin, and what a night! Our Polish hosts took us to Sielsko Anielsko Traditional Folk Restaurant, and treated us with loads of different delicious dishes and vodka.

There were singing and music to go, and we had a great night together. We have a fantastic friendly atmosphere amongst us, don't you agree?

Sunday was farewell, Wales left early, while Estonia, England and Norway was heading for a night in Warsaw. Monica, Jolla and Magda- propably exhausted- came to say goodbye and make sure we really left! We thank all of the Polish team for having us and making our stay unforgettable. A special thanks is for a very special woman: Magda: You rule!

Borni's legend - Estonian comics

Our students loved Borni's legend. They all felt sorry for her because of the vikings and the troll, but they all were happy when Borni didn't have to marry Weathervane.

Here is what we have done:

Norwegian legend

The legend of Borni

Long, long ago – more than a thousand years, they say, three princesses lived in fair, green Ireland far in the western seas, and they were named Sunniva, Borni and Ingeborg. These were dark times, for greedy and ruthless warlords threatened the coasts and the hinterland. They wanted the pretty princesses for themselves to do as they pleased with them. But the innocent maidens were devout Christians and would rather die than fall into the hands of heathens. So they set out to sea with their maids, each a boat of their own, with no sail and no oars; trusting in their Lord God and destiny.

Powerful winds and currents took them far away from home to unfamiliar waters, and during a terrible storm they prayed to God that if He in his everlasting mercy would save them, they would each build a church to glorify Him. The storm scattered the boats, and they were shipwrecked at three different places on the coast of Norway.

Borni’s boat went aground at the island Kinn, and when Borni saw the island she despaired. How could she build a church here? Wherever she looked, there was rock and raging sea.

Then one day, almost overcome with misery, she met a troll. “I can build your church,” he said, “but in return I want your hand in marriage.” Borni begged him to relent, but no. Then he said, leering: “However, if you can guess my name before I complete the church, I will leave you be.” In order to fulfill her promise to God, Borni agreed.

The troll immediately began building the church and a day came when the church was near completion. He was high on the roof, laying the tiles of the bell tower in the early morning when Borni walked by, deep in contemplation. Then suddenly she remembered something the islanders had told her: “If you wish to know the trolls, go to the cleft of Kinn and listen to their song.”

So she went west, climbed the long, steep and stony slope between the sheer mountainsides, and hidden by the boulders at the top, she heard a voice sing: “Hey now and ho now, today we shall make merry! For Weathervane will fetch his bride at noon and we must hurry!”

And Borni, full of hope, rushed, stumbled, fell and ran back to the almost completed church and shouted at the top of her voice: “Weathervane! Take care so you don’t fall down!”

Weathervane, utterly confused hearing his name called out so unexpectedly, lost his footing and clinging to the bell tower, dragged it with him over the edge and fell to his death.

Borni never married, not even by her own choice. And the bell tower was never replaced.

Project meeting in Norway 4th – 7th June

Participants:

Wales : 3 teachers, 1 headmaster;

England: 2 teachers, 1 headmaster;

Estonia: 3 teachers;

Poland: 8 teachers;

Programme:

Thursday

Poland was the first team to arrive. Our dear Sissel waited for us at the boat and walked us to the hotel. We were surprised that drivers gave us the way – in Poland cars would run over you if you are not as careful as you only can.

9 pm

Welcome dinner at Bryggekanten Restaurant in Quality Hotel Maritime.

Our hosts waited for us in front of the hotel, we met our friends from Norway and Estonia, after a few minutes England and Wales appeared. We talked, laughed, ate delicious fish, and talk, talk …

1

Friday

Our lovely hosts drive us to their school. We passed colourful houses hidden in trees and bushes. When entering the school we found ourselves in a mountain of birds – as the school hall is covered with bas-relieves of wild birds.

We were introduced into the history of Torvmyrane school as well as its organization and pedagogical outlook.

2

After the morning coffee in the staffroom all the visitors were gently guided by three very professional guides from sixth grade. Thank you very much !

3

We visited many classrooms, halls, places where one can learn, play, cook or relax. Additionally, we were taken to external facilities where some lessons also took place. We were (and still are) really thrilled that school may be such a wonderful place.

a

13

A very special experience – massive modern dance performance. An amazing moment!

During Friday assembly the Norwegian Legend was presented. Every class performed some special dance or song for the guests. Some of the guests found themselves singing along with the pupils.

The next point in our schedule was to meet a representative of Flora Municipality. We listened to an excellent music performance, got familiar with school system in Norway and learnt a lot about the municipality and surrounding area. After that, we watched Estonian Legend file and finally treasure boxes were handed out in order to continue our project.

When Triin, Sue, Cary, Magda, Heather met Sissel in a very special place for a project meeting , the rest of the visitors prepared for The Annual Staffs’ Summer Party in Furuholmen…

It was unforgettable night, our hosts prepared amazing food and excellent entertainment, involving us in singing and dancing. We can’t express how grateful we are.

16,17,18

Saturday

Early in the morning there was a national fishing competition. Laif-Bjarte took us to experience a sea adventure. Everybody survived, except three unnamed fish…

12.45 Boat trip to eat some food for lunch on our way to Kinn.

What a lunch !

[To be honest we had monkfish and deer – both were delicious]

Guided tour in the Church of Kinn. Our guide is one of ten people living on the island. She can play various instruments beautifully so that some of us got really moved.

On our way back to Floro.

7 pm –Garden Barbeque at Grete’s

Friheten Paradise

The most inspiring atmosphere was built by our hosts.

At the beginning Grete told us the history of this place – her family life and adventures. After that we were delighted by listening to lively Norwegian songs.

We loved the time spent on that wonderful seashore. We felt that people are genuine, the nature –glorious and benevolent, friendship is everlasting and strong, all songs are good songs.

That is how Paradise in the middle of Freedom manifests oneself into this world.

And I think to myself what a wonderful world ….

Sunday

11 am

Our fearless team is hiking Brandsoyasen.

Hard work – but it is worth doing.

From this magnificent point we had to say GOODBYE

Estonian team flew to Oslo, Wales, England, Poland to Bergen.

Some of us had a chance to meet again in Bergen .....

Norwegian People and your Coordinator - Sissel The Great Boss - Can express how wonderful it was to be your guest. Thank you. Love you. We are the champions, my friends ....