France 2025 - Day Four

Day 4 – Bed Hair, Big Waves and the Bittersweet Goodbye

Yet again, all children had been sound asleep within a short time of going to their rooms. Our final morning arrived with a bang. With so much to do: eat breakfast, clean rooms, pack bags, clean rooms again after discovering someone had “forgotten” about their sock pile, we were up bright and early. This level of chaos finally triggered something we’ve been waiting for all week…Yes, that's right parents, we finally had bed hair! It was glorious. Messy. Gravity-defying. Beautiful. And it wasn’t a staff member.

One forgetful young man, who will remain nameless (but is very familiar with losing things at home and school), declared proudly that he was going to “pat himself down” before leaving the room to make sure he had everything. He did a full body-check like he was heading through airport security and we’re pleased to report: no forgotten room keys, socks or dignity.  What marvellous attention to detail from that young man.  However, later in the day another pupil admitted that he had managed to lose one ring (expensive;  from the market), his goggles in the swimming pool, and a third thing which at this point became vague…. A brief discussion about looking after our possessions fell on deaf ears, as things just “disappear”.  We’ve all been there. Car keys, work diaries, mobile phones….

Swimming – Like Nemo, but Louder

Then came the swimming. 

Interestingly, on the way to the pool we were met with one curious query:

“Wait… are the boys swimming with the girls?”

Yes. Yes, they are. There is no secret boys-only pool hidden behind a velvet curtain.  

Wow. This pool wasn’t just a pool, it was a full-on aquatic adventure zone. The wave machine alone had us questioning if we were still in France or had been swept out to sea. These weren’t your polite holiday waves; these were “grab your goggles and scream” waves. One of our veteran visitors from last year smirked knowingly and floated into position… seconds later, a giant curtain of water collapsed from above onto a group of unsuspecting Year 6s. He was very pleased with himself. Last year we were somewhat taken by surprise at this pool, as it was our first visit, and despite the prior risk assessment trip by some of the team, we had not been aware of quite how violent the wave machine was.  This year we were fully prepared, and all of your children were kept back behind the rope in the less deep part, with only Year 6 staff and a volunteer member risking certain drowning in the fathomless  end.  They stood (well, thrashed around) in a line like rugby defenders; even the bravest Year 6 lad would not dared to have breached that rope.

The pool fun lasted long enough to forge great memories. One girl adopted our inflatable Nemo and spent the day gliding like a chilled-out starfish, while others zipped down flumes, belly-flopped into the waves, and generally made memories that will be talked about long after the clothes are cleaned.  Sadly Nemo became poorly at some point, and no amount of CPR or blowing up could inflate him to his full glory.  This didn’t seem to bother his friends,  who dragged him round the pool in a deflated state.Even the less confident swimmers had an absolute ball, and with the choice of indoor and outdoor pools and a jacuzzi, there was something for everyone.  A big shout out to the staff for gallantly bobbing around in the pools for nearly two hours - supervising whichever children were in that one.  Yes, the sunbeds looked inviting and yes, we would have loved a coffee but in true St Michael’s spirit, the staff were resilient and soaked to the end.

Staff at the pool came up to praise your children’s behaviour, they were impressed, complimentary and honestly, just a little shocked at how well-mannered and kind our pupils were. Not that we were surprised. They've been an absolute credit to you.  We have had comments like that, from the public, all week.

Lunch – Manners, Sunshine and a Small Army of Drenched Swimmers

After drying off (mostly), we headed for lunch at a lovely little restaurant. Despite looking like a soggy pack of wild adventurers, the children were model diners, especially one or two children who charmed the staff by ordering drinks en français and even asking for “plus d’eau, s’il vous plaît” with perfect manners.

Travel Home – One Last Look at the Sea

With heavy hearts (and slightly damp socks), we made our way back to the coach. There was just enough time for one last beach visit, a final round of your lovely messages and some quiet moments of reflection.

As tends to happen, a few children began to feel a little under the weather. What followed was genuinely touching. Classmates stepping up with care, helping on toilet trips, offering support and just quietly looking out for each other. If you could bottle the kindness and friendship we saw today, you’d have something truly special.  

The Eurostar ride home was impressively quick. So fast, in fact, that we arrived back in the UK before we’d technically left Calais. Eat your heart out, Doc Brown. Sadly, Doc Brown was nowhere to be seen on the M25, and due to the closure of the Dartford Bridge, it was a challenging journey home, with long delays and some travel-sick children.  Everyone pulled together, and the children’s final learning experience of this trip was the fragrance from a coach toilet after a 3.5 hour drive in stop-start traffic.  Cries of “good luck!” and “see you on the other side!” greeted anyone who braved it (and plenty did) - this again, is indicative of the fantastic humour and personality of your children.  Never before have your children been given a round of applause for emerging from a toilet experience, seemingly in one piece.

Epilogue – Thank You

And just like that, it’s over. Four days of laughter, learning, sunshine, bling, broken-down rides, surprise birthday parties and more croissants than should legally be consumed in one week.

Your children have been incredible. Funny, kind, curious, brave, supportive and just the right amount of chaos. They’ve made us laugh until we cried, beam with pride, and yes, at times, sprint wildly.  (One of two members of the team can definitely move fast!)  But every single one of them has added something wonderful to this trip.

When you see them again, don’t be surprised if there are a few sleepy tears. This week has been full of emotion, new experiences and memories that will stay with them forever. After a shower, a nap, and a snack (possibly all at once), they’ll be back to their usual selves but we hope with a little extra sparkle from everything they’ve seen and shared together.

Thank you for trusting us with your amazing children. It’s truly been a privilege.

With tired feet and full hearts,

The France 2025 Team