Ingleside ON- Rothwell-Osnabruck students enjoyed a trip of a lifetime when they visited England during Marchbreak (March 11 to 17, 2011) with EF Tours!
This was a first for Rothwell-Osnabruck Secondary School,which all began over a year ago when a small group of enthusiastic English students asked their teacherwhether she could bring them to England.
Little by little plans took shape and the students dreambecame a reality. Many hands helped develop this dream. Rothwell-Osnabruck’s School Council helpedby donating the printing costs of raffle tickets and many outstanding local businesses donated valuable prizes.
Parents and students helped fund raise in a variety of events, ranging from car washes to yardsales. Upper Canada Village donated gorgeous medieval costumes for a medieval banquet to add authentic flair. Students experienced a real thrill to learn firsthand all about England’s vast history and culture. Many had never travelled internationally and some flew for the first time!
EF Tours provided an excellent educational experience for all the students, as they visited London in depth (with ALL ofthe sites imaginable, including a grisly “Jack the Ripper” tour), as well as marveled at the antiquity ofStonehenge, the Roman baths in Bath, Harry Potter connections in Oxford, the medieval Warwick castle,and Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Mr. Stephane St Denis, a Secondary teacher at RO, was impressed when he asked Rhianna Cleary, a Grade 12 student, what she enjoyed the mostduring her trip. Cleary enthusiastically exclaimed, “Everything!”
This sentiment truly captures studententhusiasm for their trip,” said Ilze Hillier, the teacher group leader. “I knew it was a resounding success when students would repeatedly exclaim that each day was better than the last and that they did not want to return home!” Hillier plans to organize a new travel experience for students, as they plan to visit Italy and Greece with EF Tours during March break in 2012. Bon voyage!
