This year's ski-trip was undoubtedly one of the best we have ever been on. A mile from the slopes on the way to the resort however, it didn't appear so when not a snowflake was in sight. We needn't have worried as the skiing was fantastic and the snow was plentiful. A group of 50 pupils and 8 staff went to Espot in Spain where we practically had the resort to ourselves.
 
The group were of mixed ability, some black slope skiers and some who have never skied before. The tuition was excellent and with groups of between 6 and 8, all made significant progress. This was the coldest ski-trip we have ever been on and with temperatures as low as -12 it was great to see the kids just wrapping up and getting on with it.
 
The children enjoyed activities away from skiing such as bum-boarding, St. Mary's Got Talent which Michael Bowyer won with his Crouchy Robot. James Hale won the chess tournament, Eva Halpin won the fastest bum-boarder, Wade Williams won the pool tournament for boys and Charlotte Manning won the girls tournament. The quiz was won by Adele Kletz, Lucy Tobin, Brady Williams, Jessica McGuinness and Jack Hunter-Dean.
 
A number of the Year 10 and 11 pupils also were assessed for their PE GCSE and we are pleased to announce that Simon Brazier, Peter Gaskell, Brady Williams, Lucinda Burdett and Jack Hunter-Dean all achieved full marks. Well done.
 
Finally, all were outstandingly behaved during the trip and not one pupil missed any skiing for behavioural reasons. The pupil who won 'The Spirit of the Trip Award' for the person who made progress skiing, joined in all activities, tried all different types of food, always said her thank yous and in general was an absolute delight and a pleasure to take away was Niamh Ruane.
 
Well done to all, next year's trip will be announced shortly.