Sun, sports and swimming

1st Grade three-legged race

We've had a lot of sports competitions in school in the past few weeks since we are now in autumn here and the weather is a little cooler and better for sports competitions and such like.  Every child in the school is put in a "house" of which there are four and they compete in their house teams for the rest of their time in the school.  There is often a lot of fierce competition particularly at sports events and the primary gymkana two weeks ago was no exception! 


So on Tuesday morning, all the kids doned their sports kits and the teachers their hats and suncream and we took to the patio in the middle of the school for some very competitive games.  There was a three-legged race, an obstacle course, relay races and some crazy games involving giant red balls and balloons!  Everyone had a great time and although unfortunately my house (Macgregor) lost quite badly we all tried not to take it too seriously and we certainly all enjoyed a day free from lessons!

I never did figure out the aim of this game

Last week the competitions carried on with the Interhouse swimming gala.  We all set off in a convoy of coaches from the school at 9am to a pool in Barranco - the bohemian heart of Lima (so I'm told anyway although I can't remember seeing any artists or musicians around).  The children spent the day competing in races to win points for their house and the teachers spent the time cheering wildly for our own teams.  After the races the children had a few hours to splash around in the pool and the teachers got competitive with bottles of water - the aim of the game was to sneak up on someone and pour as much of the bottle of water down the back of their t-shirt before they had time to turn around and get you back!  The fun and games ended with the P.E teacher, Miss Erika, who was particularly good at dousing people in freezing water, being dumped in the swimming pool, clothes and all much to the delight of the childen!  

Not my photo (courtesy the music
 teacher but great glasses! 

Another celebration in the school (Peruvians like parties!) was on Friday - Dia de las Americas or Americas day.  The 14th of April is the day when the countries of central and south america celebrate peace and unity between them and remember their pledge to help and support one another.  Its a great day of carnivals and celebrations and a chance to put the dark past of many of these countries behind them and look to a brighter future.


Every class in primary decorated a flag from one of the countries latin american countries and we had a special assembly with a presentation about each country and its culture.  One of the pupils in the school is a national competior in the folk dancing competition and she treated us to a brief demostration of a Peruvian folk dance called "la marinera" which is known as the national dance of Peru!   We then sang the "Himno de las Americas" (Anthem of the Americas) while the children all waved their flags and then we all marched around the patio in the middle of the school to the anthem banging our drums and cymbals.  It was a lovely day and enjoyed by all.