AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND! - IRINA EYAM SITOKA

Hello!! I´m Irina, from Los Tilos School.

I´m 13 years old, and I would like to share my Irish experience with all of you.

My trip to Ireland began a simple school day in Los Tilos. I was in my English class, and my  teacher (Mrs. Helen), told us that we should go to Ireland, and she explained to us, that some students already went there, and learnt so much English and Irish culture. The moment I heard that, I just had one word in my mind: Cool!! I was so excited about the idea, and as I got home, I told that to my mum. She was interested about it, and me too, so that was great!! The days were passing, and my mum went to meetings about going to Ireland, and finally they told me that I was going to go!! That was AMAZING, as you can imagine.

Well, then they told me the details about my family: Tony Whittam, Victoria Whittam, Elisabeth Whittam, Joanna Whittam, Kathryn Whittam and David Whittam. They told me the name of my school too: Sancta Maria College, and they also gave me the details about the address (the house where I was going to live!!!) I was so excited, and I found out how my house would be like, in google maps.

The days were passing, and we had to prepare a lot of things, so my family and I, bought some clothes, because, they told us that it is so cold in there. The teachers gave us some homework too.

The last day of school was a little bit horrible, because I knew that I was going to miss everything, and some of my friends were crying... I was sad, but I was really happy at the same time.

We went to the airport, and… finally we were in Ireland!!! I remember that they took us to Rockbrook´s school, it was big and yellow. 

There, they gave us the school books. The books were very heavy. We were waiting there for our family. I was very nervous, because I didn’t know how my family would look like. Then my father Tony arrived and he helped me with my suitcases and the books, he was so nice!! Then I remember that he told me: Let’s meet the rest of my family! And I answered: ‘I´m so nervous’, and he answered back: ‘It´s okay’

I reached into the house, and it was very big and beautiful. When I reached first I just met David and Victoria. They were all talking to me, and showed me the house. Then, Elisabeth was so nice to me. Later, Kathryn arrived and, suddenly, Joanna too. And I realized that they had two pianos!!!!! That was one of my particular dreams, they were beautiful!!!

After that, we were having dinner, I gave them some African necklaces and bracelets, and I gave them some Spanish ham too. They really liked that. 

Well,the days were passing, and I went to my new school, I remember that Victoria went with me, because I had to know the way to school. She came with me the two first days. When I saw the school for the first time, my impression was good: it was big and beautiful, and the girls’ uniform was all red!!!

Well, then I remember that Mrs. Rowling helped us with everything, and told us the code of behaviour, and we had to choose subjects. I perfectly remember that I entered in the maths class and Mrs. Rowling introduced me to the rest of the class. There was a vacant sit next to a girl called Helen, and I sat there.

As the days were passing, I liked my family more and more everyday, but I missed my real family too. I liked my school but I still missed mine.

Every Saturday we had extra-English classes, and after that we always had some interesting and amazing excursions.

Kathryn and Joanna, made other of my dreams come true!! Guess what... They taught me how to play Bella’s Lullaby!! And David taught me how to do scales and how to put my hands on the piano.

The last days I bought some presents for my family and friends. I gave them a special card, saying thank you and more things, and I told them that they should open it when I´ll be back in Spain, and they did.

I still speak with them, we keep in touch. Well, I loved this experience and I will repeat it next year if I have the possibility. Trust me, this is amazing! I will never forget this wonderful experience!

By IRINA EYAM SITOKA (2nd Year B)

MY EXPERIENCE IN IRELAND - LAURA GARCÍA BORREGUERO

I want to share my experience in Dublin with you. My family was very nice and I met a lot of people, for example I met friends in my school Rosemont, I met some neighbours and I met the whole family: cousin, aunts, granddad, etc. 

I did a lot of activities! Every Saturday, I went with Rockbrook to the aquatic park, to the shopping centre, we played golf, we visited some museums and we bought presents for our family and friends, we saw a famous garden in Dublin (the Powerscourt garden), and we also had a special class for the Spanish people. I had these special activities every Saturday with my Spanish friends.

I also spent some days out with my family meeting the grandad, the four cousins, the aunt, the uncle… I played some board games and Wii with my brothers Jacques and Christopher and with my sister Sarah. They were very nice, and we also visited Bay (the beach), went to the cinema or to the shopping centre.

I went to Rosemont school during the week. It was a good Irish school. I had a lot of subjects. I did my homework and then I did some exams and I passed them all with great marks: I got a nine, eight point seven, eight, another nine, and six point three. I met a lot of girls at school and now we keep speaking and sending emails because we are good friends.

There were some things different from Spain and difficult for me, for example the food. It is different because they don’t eat much and I had to tell my Irish mum to give me more food because I was so hungry! The timetables were very different too. I used to have breakfast at half past seven, a break at half past ten, lunch at twelve o´clock, a snack at four o’clock and dinner at half past six.

But it was a really great experience and I want to come back next year because it was fantastic!! If you have the opportunity of travelling to Ireland some day, just do it! I highly recommend it to you!!

By LAURA GARCIA BORREGUERO (2nd Year B)

SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY - CULTURE AND TRADITIONS

(Picture taken from Google)

Valentine's Day (Saint Valentine's Day) is an occasion celebrated on February 14th.

What happens on Valentine's day in Britain?
Each year in Britain, people give cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine's Day. Traditionally these were sent anonymously, but nowadays people often make it clear who is sending each 'Valentine'. Some Brithish newspapers have a page for Valentine’s Day messages on February 14th. It is also a tradition for children to sing songs on this day. It also represents the last day of winter and the beginning of spring. 

What happens on Valentine's day in USA?
Greeting card is one main attraction of Valentine’s Day in US.  Gift shops in US use to have a festive look far before the actual Valentines’ day to lure the customers. The flower bouquet is the common gift presented with other gifts on the day. Gift basket is a common practice in Valentine’s Day. United States is the land of celebrations and people never want to miss one opportunity to celebrate. Parents gift their kids chocolate basket and toys.


In US, Valentine’s Day is considered as an occasion meant for expressing your love or gratitude to a person. Valentine’s Day dinner and dance parties take place all over America to celebrate the occasion. Even if candle light dinner is an old Valentine’s idea, people religiously follows it till today. Many schools organize children’s programs on Valentine’s Day where children can prove their talent by participating in the fun games and competitions. Children also make flower bouquets and gift baskets for their friends and teachers on that day. 

Enjoy some Valentine's poems by Joanna Fuchs!

Valentine Smile

On Valentine's Day we think of those

Who make our lives worthwhile,

Those gracious, friendly people who

We think of with a smile.

I am fortunate to know you,

That's why I want to say,

To a rare and special person:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wherever I May Go

You’re in my thoughts and in my heart

Wherever I may go;

On Valentine’s Day, I’d like to say

I care more than you know.

Special Connection

Valentine’s Day is for expressing affection;

Fond thoughts are coming your way;

We’ve always had a special connection,

So Happy Valentine’s Day!