School presentations by Hondius cruise ship visitors
Report and photos from St Mary's School teacher Rhyanna Swain
St Mary's School pupils with their gifts
On Wednesday 15th of April there was lots of excitement at the school as we had the pleasure of welcoming three visitors from the cruise ship Hondius. Two of them were crew and one was a passenger whose local college is named after one of Tristan's first settlers, Pieter Groen.
The Hondius visitors with teacher Dilys Green
The first member of the crew was an engineer who showed a presentation about his working life including a video of what the engine room looked like.
Engineer from the Hondius, who talked about life in the engine room
The second crew member has made the journey to Tristan since 2013 is a Guatemalan national who was passionate about astronomy and talked about the probe, the Voyager, that was launched in 1977. This was very exciting especially for those who hadn't heard of it.
Hondius crew member talking about the Voyager space probes
The passenger who was from Katwijk in Holland, showed a video that some of the students at Pieter Groen College had put together to show the children here on Tristan. He was in the maritime industry before he retired and owns a museum in Katwijk. The principal from Pieter Groen College made a box of small gifts to be given to the students here at St Marys school. There was a collection of notebooks, pens, highlighters and lanyards inside the box. The children were so excited by these gifts.
Joep from Katwijk, Holland, who talked about Pieter Groen College and the Katwijk link with Tristan
They enjoyed the presentations very much and the asking of questions showed how interested they were. They were overjoyed to receive the gifts from the visitors and eating the syrup waffles was the main event of the day! The students and staff at St Marys would like to say a big Thank You to the three wonderful visitors for taking the time to come to the school and share their presentations with us. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing them back here again one day.
Easter Egg Hunt and generous gifts from visitors
Report and photos from teacher Rhyanna Swain
The children with their presents from Mandy and Noel during a St Mary's School assembly on 31st March.
On Sunday 29th March 2026 we had a visit from the cruise ship the Silver Wind. Approximately 200 passengers were onboard and among them were Mandy and Noel Volpe. They kindly brought sweets, chocolates, stickers and even a postcard all the way from New York, for all the children at St Mary's School.
Mandy and Noel had been in previous contact with the Chief Islander, Ian Lavarello and when asked if there was anything he required or would like them to bring him personally, Ian replied that they could bring something for the school children instead. We appreciated it very much and the children were all very excited to receive their gifts. The students at St Mary's would like to say a big Thank You to Mandy and Noel for their kindness and for taking the time to bring them the gifts.
Children with their Easter eggs and bunnies on 2nd April.
On Thursday 2nd April, Miss Marina kindly did an Easter Egg hunt for all the children in the school including the little ones from creche. The day before Miss Marina was busy wrapping little potatoes in foil so they would be disguised as Easter eggs. This way each child would have the opportunity of finding them and would all receive Easter eggs. So, at 11 o'clock the hunt started. The little ones from creche and playgroup had help from the older classes, and off they all went to find their Easter eggs. The potatoes were found and bought back and at the end the children where all given an Easter egg and bunny. Once the hunt was over all the children were given an ice cream at the end to cool them down after such a long hunt! The children thoroughly enjoyed their morning and the smiles on their faces said it all. We thank Miss Marina for doing this and we look forward to having more fun with her. Happy Easter from all at St Mary's.
St Mary's School End of Term Report, December 2025
Reports and photos from Rhyanna Swain
The 19th December was the final day of school for 2025! This year has brought lots of enjoyment and happiness for both the school and staff. Seeing the positive progress the children make throughout the year makes us teachers feel that we have done something right. It makes our job all the more worthwhile.
St Mary's School students with their end of term awards.
Prize Giving
The students have worked so hard this term, preparing for the school concert and studying for their end of year tests. The teachers try their best and work hard throughout the year to give the children the educational support they need to achieve the goals they have set.
At an awards ceremony, prizes were given to the children who had the most awards this past term, the Peter Day cup for endeavor was given to the student who worked hard and excelled throughout the year and the housepoint shield was awarded to the house that got the most points. Chocolates were given to all the children to say well done for working so well.
Prizes for awards were given to the following students:
Playgroup - Jake Swain Class 1 - Charles Hahn Class 2 - Hannah Green Class 3 - Savannah Green Class 4 - April Swain and Kailey Swain Class 5 - Lucas Swain Peter Day cup - Charles Hahn Housepoint shield - Nightingale Captain, Lucas Swain
The school closed for the four week summer holiday and will be reopened on the 19th January 2026 for an inset day; the children will return on Tuesday the 20th. We wish the children a very happy holiday and hope they enjoy their well deserved break.
School Christmas Party
One of the games at the party
On Thursday 18th December St Mary's School held their annual Christmas party for the children. There were lots going on. There were musical chairs, statues and corners. The children also enjoyed some karaoke as well. There was a selection of foods and drinks for the children to indulge in and they also had the pleasure of enjoying some ice cream. At the end of the day we had a surprise visitor - Father Christmas came to visit and brought some presents too! The children enjoyed a few hours of relaxation and fun after working so hard throughout the year.
Santa with the school students and their presents.
We would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all the staff at Camogli Healthcare Centre for the Christmas presents they gave to the school and creche children.
Christmas on Tristan 2025 |
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| Everything closes on Tristan for the three week Christmas and New Year break, but there is plenty happening. 27-Dec-2025 |
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Christmas Festivities 2024 |
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| News of some of the special activities that take place on Tristan over the Christmas period 2024. 28-Dec-2024 |
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- Report for the End of First Term, 2024 (21-Jun-2024) >>
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