Kisimul School Newsletter

Published by Kisimul School on Monday 18th of March 2013

SWINDERBY
With the onset of winter and the multiple snow showers our pupils have enjoyed the snow more than anyone else and have enjoyed playing and building snow people. The students have undertaken various off-site activities when the has permitted, naming only a few they have been to see seals in their natural environment on the Lincolnshire coast, bowling and trips to various parks. In January one of our students celebrated his 18th birthday, obviously this was an opportunity for a big party, staff decorated the village hall and provided all the party food which went down as you can imagine very well!

ACACIA HALL
It has been an interesting month at Acacia Hall, we have had the second student council meeting where the young people have advocated that they would like some additional resources to use in the outdoor space, they selected that they would like another sand pit, Space Hoppers and bean bags for relaxing (weather improvements permitting). They also advocated that they would like to enjoy some trips to some theme parks and Zoos. It has been fantastic to see the young people advocating in this way.

WOODSTOCK
The past few months have seen eight pupils celebrate birthdays, with four celebrating eighteenths!
Together with our regular club nights, we have certainly had plenty to celebrate. We marked the start of the Chinese New Year with a special Chinese feast and pupils made pancakes in School on Shrove Tuesday. Valentine's Day didn't go unnoticed either; the houses were beautifully decorated and pupils made cards to send home to family. Getting in the spirit, staff dressed in red to raise money for Comic Relief.
The wintry weather made trips a challenge at times, but we took advantage of the crisp cold days when we could. We made trips to Brighton's Sealife Centre and to Hobbledown Park and participated in companion cycling at Bushy Park. Two local cinemas have begun autism friendly screenings which we have taken full advantage of and will continue to enjoy in the future. There was one particularly exciting trip for two pupils who are ardent Doctor Who fans. They visited the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff and came face to face with the Tardis, Daleks and Cybermen. That certainly put a smile on their faces!
Back at Woodstock we are enjoying a very special visitor each week. Bailey is a beautiful black Labrador who visits us from the Pets As Therapy organisation and is proving a big success with the pupils. They really seem to be benefiting from being able to stroke and pat him.
The Spring break seems to have arrived so quickly, but we are now looking forward to the warmer weather and longer days so that we can start to enjoy the beautiful grounds here at Woodstock.

ADULTS

SUILLEAN HOUSE
It has proven to be another busy month for everyone at Suillean with the redecoration of the house splashing a little colour around the house to freshen it up in places.
A few of our residents are also at the planning stages of a short break to Center Parcs in Nottingham giving them the opportunity to try out new things in a new environment.
New coordinators for in-house activities such as art and crafts and horticulture has led to different activities being sourced and we are currently on the waiting list for an allotment at the other end of the village.
One of our residents is looking forward to a trip to London to watch his first Premiership Football game and a visit to London Transport Museum.
A trip to the Showroom in Lincoln has proved to be a very positive visit, future plans are currently being drafted up to get Rock-Climbing introduced into their Activity rotas. Overall a good start to 2013.

TIGH BRUADAIR
Our residents have enjoyed a visit to an art gallery which included an African room and various sculptures. They spent time watching and feeding the animals on a trip out to Wetlands. Our residents also enjoyed walking along the high wall around Lincoln Castle.

AN DARACH
Over the past few months we have had a number of parties to celebrate birthdays. Lots of music and food were enjoyed by all.

AN CALADH
Some of our new residents have signed up for trampoling and appear to be enjoying the new experience albeit a little tentative to begin with.
The residents always appear to enjoy the snow and many have taken advantage of the hills in the back garden and the local parks to fine tune their sledging skills.

BLYTHE HOUSE
The whole house is in the process of being redecorated so residents have been involved in choosing colours and this has been quite exciting.
All of the guys have enjoyed the little bit of snow we had and built snowmen and igloos. The front lounge in the house has become a relaxation room with sensory style lights which the residents are really enjoying.
We are now planning new activities for the spring, the annual holiday and looking forward to some good weather.