Rio - My best memory at St. Barnabas & St. Philips 

  When I first came to school in Year 3, I couldn’t speak English, so I felt a bit left out for a few months, especially in breaks, as I sometimes had no one to play with or talk to. It was hard for me to overcome this experience in a foreign country, suddenly away from Japan. But everyone in my class helped me to learn so much that I improved so quickly. When I look back to that, I always cry back in tears, thanking all my friends and teachers I spent time with. 

  From all these times I had, my favourite memory I made with other students and teachers in this school was when we all went kayaking in Year 6. 

  Because 30 people were too many to play all at once, our class teacher, Mr. Spencer split us into two groups, so that we could all go there equally, but at different times. My group was in the afternoon, while the others were before that. We put on our lifesaving jackets, belts, and were explained how to ride for a few minutes. After that, we started to get into the water - boys starting with kayaking, girls starting with canoeing. We did water fights as we were riding, and learned about teamwork when I was canoeing with my best friend Adelina, who was telling me to drive forward in front of me. 

  Then later, we all swapped boats - boys canoeing, and girls kayaking. My boat suddenly started to feel so light that I could move at any angle. After playing ball games and water fights with others as we were on our boats, something hilarious in the last few minutes happened. Max and Sebastian (who were on the same boat canoeing together), fell off into the water and went SPLASH!!!! The boat turned over, and then we all saw Sebastian swimming with his soaking wet face, laughing, while Max was getting out from the Thames water. Adelina was laughing as she was going to fall off too. And then another event happened - the next time it was me!! At least it was just up to my waist, but I loathed the feeling of the water coming into my shoes. 

  I learned so much on this trip, and I will never forget this moment. I give thanks to Mr. Spencer!