Team Tims Last Post!

We all got back safely from our trip to the jungle yesterday afternoon. We loved every minute, even though it poured with rain for almost the whole 3 days! The hike in wasn't too bad, and then we did different things, like another hike where we watched traps being set, and then tried traditional jungle techniques with bamboo, which everyone enjoyed. Today we headed out early for our rest day on a real life desert island, which was fan-tastic. Tonight we are all heading out to an Italian for our final meal together, and hitting the karaoke in the evening, so it should be a great end to an amazing trip. This is our last post - we leave the hostel tomorrow at 6 in the morning and should get home at about 12 on Wednesday, so we'll see you all then!!!! xxxxxxxxxxxx

Love from Team Tim

Andrew: Almost on the way home. Went to an island today on our rest day. My washing stinks and everything needs cleaned! Anyway; 1 steak, medium rare, spaghetti, huge glass of milk. Love you x

Lesley: Looking forward to coming home now. Had a relaxing day on the beach and looking forward to the big tea which has been arranged for us all and will be having a go at the Karaoke which some of the group managed to find :P. On the subject of food, what i would really love to have when i get home is one of your strawberry tarts mum,but that's just a suggestion and maybe a sneaky enchilada for lunch when i get home. See you when i get home. Love you xx (p.s The camera is working perfectly now Dad just needed to change the batteries because i think moisture might have got in)

Ashley: Coming home soon. Have had an amazing time. Today we are relaxing on the beach before going for our final meal. See you soon xxx

Rachel Wilson: Well all I can say is Borneo has been proper f-a-a-antastic. Right now lying on a beach trying to top up the tan. Tonight having a huge final meal then hitting the karaoke so see you all soon. ps we're going to mcdonalds xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Vicky: Seriously can't believe it's all nearly over. Don't know what I'm going to do without the proper fantastic banter of the amazing green team! Had the best time ever lying on the beach at the moment with a petty damn good night ahead. See everyone soon for some good food!

Rachel B: Life doesn't get much better than this... lying on a beach listening to some good music and having some "PROPPA" FAAAAAAANTASTIC BANTER with the best Borneo group ever! Going out for our last meal tonight then hitting the karaoke bar. Wooooh!! Happy days can't wait to see everyone soon! love you, rach xxx ps no embarrassing replies please mum! hahaaa x

Erin: Borneo has been amazing, going to miss our group! Loving our final day in the sun on the beach. Can't believe it is almost over. Can't wait to see everyone!! miss and love you xx

Kara: This trip has been the best e4ver! Really do not want to leave. Relaxing on the beach just now. Ot's fantastic. going out for a huge final meal out tonight with the group, shall be good, Gonnah miss this group so much. Love you, miss you xxxx

Jason: Last day. Can't believe it is the last day. It has passed so quick. Going for our last meal tonight. Going to miss Borneo. See you in a couple of days. xxx

Nicola: Hey mother. had a fab time. Will be seeing you soon. hope you are ready for the washing. Now we are just away to leave the beach and going out to our last meal together. Speaking of food it would be great to have a super chicken royale meal with a fanta and a caramel sundae. Thanks very muckel. See you when i get home. Love you xxxx

Michelle: This trip has been such an amazing experience. The jungle was incredible and noises surrounding us were unbelievable. Our final day of relaxing on the beach has been fantastic and i did not get burnt. Whoey Hoay!! Our group has bonded incredibly well and i have loved sharing this experience with them all. I think we will all miss each other when we are home.
Mary, Scott and family i honestly cant wait to see you all as i miss you guys a lot. Papa I would LOVE fajitas for tea on Wednesday. Thanks:) love you xxx

Lois: Hope you had a good birthday Zara + Grandad. The jungle was really good. The trek back was challenging. Defo missing the diving . really missing everyone at home. Love you (L) xxxx

Robyn: Hope Max had a good birthday and you all had fun at Flamingo Land. Cant believe its actually nearly over! Diving was actually amazing. Definitely want to do it again! See you all on the 13Th and don't be late at picking me up please. Love yous xxx

Jodie: Well the Jungle was a different experience. Love the whole trip don't want to leave now. Could stay for ever and ever. By the way mother i would like homemade soup and steak pie with fashas potatoes, sweetcorn, peas and for pudding would like something lovely so i am looking forward to proper food when i get home and DAD no Chinese please. Cheers cya soon xxx

Findlay: The jungle was a different experience anyway! Wasn't as hard as i expected so that was good:) The day on Mamutik Island was superb and a great way to end the fortnight. Missing everyone lots.see you all soon. xxx


Jenni: I don't want it to end!! This expedition has been one of the most memorable times of my life, and i now feel as though team tim is one big family. I have absolutely loved it and it has been so surreal, but so amazing. Mum, can we pleeeeeeeeeease have a nice home cooked scottish meal when i get home? I'm missing the tatties over here!!! thanks xxxxxxxx love you, and see you on wednesday xxxxx

group 1 final update

had an amazing time diving in and around semporna, almost everyone passed their padi open water diving course those who just missed out still gve 110 percent.
stayed on Mabul island on saturday night, pure luxury. dean and kane shared the honeymoon suite! got an insightful presentation on shark finning which gave everyone a shock and pause for thought on a topic which should be known about.but over all mabul gave the group its first real break to just chill out. today we fly back to KK although most of us dont want to leave!

the long 36hours of traviling starts early tomorrow morning and all going to plan we will see you around midday on wedensday.

hope to see everyone soon Kane x
while am here thanks for writting on the blog mum and dad thought id hit two birds with one stone and write back telling you that ive had an amazing time and will share the stories when i am home!

bye xx

Team Tim (green Team)

Arrived safely back to KK after an amazing time in Semporna and Mabul. ALL 21 of us achieved our open water Padi certificate and can officially dive anywhere in the world which we are all chuffed with including our dive instructors who are complete belters! our last dive consisted of 17 of us all diving together, the largest group the instructors have ever had - this is because they loved us! we had a night on Mabul island which was like paradise, 5 star luxury accommodation compared to our "interesting" hostels we have been staying in. beautiful beaches with amazing dive, we wish we were staying there for the 2 weeks. however we are back in KK and now face the jungle experience i.e "survival of the fittest" haha! having an awesome time and cant wait to come home to tell the adventures of TEAM TIM!
Love Vicky and Rachel W. x


Findlay: so i've passed my Padi! was a completely amazing experience and loved every minute of it! just off to the jungle tommorrow so hopefully that will go well :) missing everyone lots. Findlay xxxxx



Jason: Passed my Padi yesterday along with everyone else in the group. we all had an amazing time especially during the massive group dive.i really loved the experience and had an amazing time. the instructors were brilliant. going into the jungle tommorrow so should be interesting. hope to see you all soon. xxxxxxxx


Erin: diving was amazing really didnt want to leave. so excited for the jungle now though. miss and love you. xxxxx


Kara: having an awesome time. diving was amazing and the island we stayed on was beautiful. never wanted to come home sorry mum and dad! about to go to the jungle, cant wait! xxxxxxxx


Rachel B: having an amazing time in Semporna and on the island of Mabul. got my Padi and lots of sunburn along with it (with factor 50+!) HAPPY DAYS! hope everyones well, see you soon. love you all xxxxxxx

Ashley: had a great time during diving and saw Nemo. looking forward to the jungle. hope you are all fine. love Ashley xxxxxx

Michelle: diving was an epic experience i loved every minute of it even though im burnt to a crisp! quite literally excited for the jungle tommorrow actually cant wait, and hope it lives up to the same standard as the diving. missing everyone like mad, cant wait to see you all love michelle. xxxxxxx


Jenni: diving was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, it was amazing. we head off to the jungle (very early) so we are all very busy. havent found any blowpipes yet! having a fantastic time, one of the most memorable weeks of my entire life. im exhausted but loving every minute. missing you all see you in a week! xxxxxxxx


Lesley: having the best time ever. people are great, scenery is great but food is debatable. cant wait to get into the jungle and see how life is there and also cant wait to get home to have a nice cup of hot chocolate and give my cousins a big hug and kiss! xxxxxxx

Jodie: gutted we are leaving the diving but the jungle should be fantastic! (jenni style!) would love to go back and do my advanced and masters soon so will be seeing CHRISTA and the gang soon jodie xxxxxxx

Nicola: hey guys its been great so far, i can actually dive now, woop! away to the jungle tommorrow, cant wait. missing you all and see you soon :) nicola xxxxxx


Robyn: tell Max happy birthday on the 10th love robyn xxxx

Judy: Hi bruce, having a brilliant time, fully fledged diver now. place awesome just like a bounty ad! back in KK and off to jungle tommorrow to face my fears! kids all been amazing a total pleasure to be with, staff v. proud. Judy x

Andrew: Mum and Dad, at last sometime to talk. borneo is amazing, very hot. beautiful and just awesome. the diving was the best i have ever done just like wow! did a night dive and some really cool dives- 13 in total! also best birthday in my life, woke up on Mabul island (google it) it was awesome. just so chilled and lovely! then went back to main land and just had a sort of party thing. thanks for the cards, knife, etc actually sweet! very tired, lots of travelling, swimming and heat. away to the jungle tommorrow which will be cool. hope New York was awesome and did some shopping haa! your the best love and miss you Andrew. xxx
P.s may live here when older ( age 17 ;)

Rachel W and Vicky: as you can see everyone loved the diving experience, but what we loved the most was the karaoke and the banter with the dive instructors and locals, they couldnt have done more for us. we are ready to hit the jungle and our singing will get us through! see you's sooon! x

SEMPORNA BAAAAABY Group 1 update.

Arrived safe and sound yesterday afternoon in Semporna after what we were told was a half hour bus journey but turned into an hour and a half journey. Settled in at Scuba Junkie's dorms, managed to kick the girls from Group 2 out into another hostel by accident. Spent the evening listening to live music in Scuba Junkie's bar with Kali, Caitlin, Andrew W, Findlay and Martin all stepping up to show us their talent. Was good to see Group 2 again and spend the evening telling them horror stories from the jungle, while we were supposed to be in our room revising PADI theory.

Spent a hot and stuffy day inside the bar watching extremely exciting and entertaining PADI videos. Everyone passed the final exam with the lowest score being 43/50! Got kitted up in our wetsuits and fins and met our instructors who are all really cool. Spent time in the markets and the shops and just about everyone has bought themselves a Scuba Junkies tee.

Spending tomorrow and the following day doing dive practise before boating off to what group 2 has told us is paradise. Lynlay's snorkeling with a fiiiiiine instructor all to herself while everyone is diving, don't worry too much though everything we see she'll see too, just not as close :)

We would say we miss you all but there's no time for that because everything here is so amazing.

Love Shona and Lynlay xxxxx

Robbie Young

Hey Mum and Dave! hope the weathers this good in forfar! went to an island off the coast of kk today called manukan. it was absolutely boiling and the sea was like a bath. the jungle camp was dos, took quite a few photos so be prepared.

lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of love robbie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

p.s say hi to the other dave

mark

hi mum and dad, i know that europe won the golf, g mac sunk the winning putt. the jungle was amazing and the food was surprisingly really good. all the guys at mikis were amazing and i have loads of photos from the night trail and the long trek in where the view was unbelievable, but i have broken my camera screen because i fell over and landed on a rock but it still takes pictures. we were to an island today for a rest and it was so hot and i got a wee bit burnt, and im just sweating so much. anyway we are off to semporna tomorrow for the scuba diving, cant wait. bye xo

Paul Ritchie

Hi mum. The weather is great, today at manukan island it was boiling and coulnt spend more than ten minutes in the sun. Food is also really good and cheap in some places. The jungle was a surprisingly amazing experience where we went crab fishing, night walking and made a cup with bamboo etc.. Jane your not getting a present because your using my bed. Bye x

laing

Alright mum :) sup pops! just spent three days in the jungle! You should have seen the bugs :O they were insane got loads of photos to show you. The guide "George of the Jungle" was like a Malaysian bear grylls, had a really amazing time! Was on the beach today and im a bitty sunburned but its all cool :). also im really sweaty and have been since i arrived here. flying off to semporna tomorrow to start the diving part, cant wait. hope everything's going good at home. love from laing xxx

Group 1 Comments

Fiona- Glad you've tidied my room, bit burnt on the shoulders today at sunburn island.. so so hot but amazing see you next week.x

Dean and Shona- Don't even think the two Karen's are signed up to this but just incase we thought we'd better leave you both a comment. Dean's hoping his room isn't bright pink and Shona's hoping hers has been tidied. Suppose we should say we miss you and all that buuuut...Also, Karen Fletcher you failed on the mosquito net!

To the Two Rachel's and Vicky, missing you guys like mad, can't wait to see you on our lovely plane journey home. Good luck for the jungle, lots and lots of bugs and sleeping with spiders and getting at least 20 leech bites each, sure you guys will be fine though...Love you lots and lots, Shona and Abbie.xxxxxxx

Kali Tsokaropoulou.- i would just like to say, even though my parents don't love me enough to log on and leave a comment i'm pretty sure they are missing me terribly.. well they better. However, i am still alive and well. I even coped well in the jungle. if ANYONE loves me enough to care.
Anyway, muma and papa, if you ARE reading these, there is no reason to worry! LOVE YAS from the best daughter in the world. xxx


Hilary - hi everyone, glad you have been able to keep up with the blog in France, and that you are enjoying the weather... just to let you know it's pretty hot here! Can't wait to go diving next week. See you when I get home, after that glorious plane journey... xxx


Lynlay Clark - HI :) the jungle didnt kill me and i didnt freak out until a spider came into my mosquito net so i'm still alive. Tell dada i said hi, how did millie and ty do? and please do NOT write back a huge blurb on them cus ill get too bored to read it muhaha We went to sunburn islands and i didnt change colour.. surprise there eh.. anyway im going on facebook now, bye byeeeee xxx

group 1 update

Sorry guys we've just had the chance to get onto the internet now, but we're all having an amazing time in KK. On the Friday for our first day we were just getting used to the heat, and we got our group into little teams of 4/5 and sent them off to do tasks such as finding places for us all to eat, local transport times and activities for us all to do. The groups were successful and we walked to the bus stop and used the local buses to go to the beach, the water was sooooo warm! After the beach we walked to the night market and that was an incredible experience, there was so many different varieties of local foods such as fish, chicken butt, fruit and veg and these amazing little drinks called ABC's. We got caught in a massive rain storm and we were soaked but it was worth it :)

On Saturday we headed into Miki's Jungle Camp with a 6.15/6.30am start! During our time there we went on night walks, looked at animal traps, camped out in our sleeping bags and listened to the boys scream like little girls at bugs :) we learned how to make floor boards and cups out of bamboo and weaved. We went crab fishing in the river near by and out of 21 we caught 6 crabs which we ate in soup later that night. Thankfully we managed to escape without many bites or leech attacks. Fiona was the only one to have 2 on her feet and ian had a large one on his stomach. Our walk back out was fairly challanging but overall we all had an amazing time in the jungle, it was definatley worth it :D

Arrived back in KK yesterday and went to the night market again for some food. Today we are off to the three islands where we can snorkle and swim in the ocean and soak up the sun. Tomorrow we fly to Semporna for our diving experience and we should have more access to the internet there for everyone else in the group to leave a comment.

Everyones having a great time and cant believe its been a week already since we left home! Missing you all.. not :)

Lynlay writing on behalf of group 1 xxx

Monday 4th October

Diving Phase - Group Two.

Arrived in Semporna Saturday the 2nd, everyone got here fine. Rooms are pretty basic but we can live with it :) We had a rest day the first day we got here. Everyone took a trip to the local market, it was truly amazing, we got to see the side of Borneo where the people were living in horrific poverty. The majority of us were touched and realised how lucky our lives are back home. Even though they lived in great poverty they welcomed us with friendly smiles and let us experience their culture with them. It was such a shock to the system, they have basicly nothing and are so happy where as we get mostly anything we want which we sometimes don't appreciate.

Today we did our first dive which was extremely exciting but tremendously scary. We all found it a challenge but got on with it without a complaint. We saw some great and colourful fish and sea turtles.
From Michelle and Nicola

Rachel Wilson- Hello family, all good here. Hope your all fine! Was diving today it was roasting but loving it. cya soon xxxx

Rachel Beaton- Diving is amazing. Saw a turtle today!! Hope everyone is good! xxxx

Findlay- Hello all! Finally got diving today after a long day of theory on Sunday! I have obtained a champion sunburn but never the less. I am having an epic time here :) Missing everyone lots.
Findlay xxxx

Lois- Having an amazing time, went diving today! LOVED it. Not been eaten yet. Hope you have a good birthday Zara in case I don't get a message on before. Love you lots xxxxx

Vicky- Having an amazing time especially the diving today! Saw a turtle and many fish off of Finding Nemo. Also have a strip of sunburn on my forehead from my goggles which everyone is finding very entertaining as you could imagine! Hope everything at home is OK. Love you all. x

Jodie- Sup, well I came for a tan and have got a wetsuit burn, haha. Oh wells it was fantastic though, saw the real life Finding Nemo and Squirt " fin nogen dude". sliced my hand on coral reef too but was bra. The heat is amazing. Hope its cold and raining in Forfar. Cya Jodie xxx

Jason- Went diving today, it was amazing. The water was 29C !! Really enjoying it thanks. We got a couple of dives still to go so it should be great. Hope to see you all soon. Jason xxx

Ashley- Having a great time. We went to the the market in Semporna and all the people are so friendly. The weather is nice and hot. Hope you are all fine. Love Ashley xxx

Jenni- Went on our first two dives today!! It was unbelievable, the water was so clear and warm. We saw the cast of Finding Nemo. Having a fantastic time, finally caught up on my jet lag :) Missing you all, hope you're enjoying the the rain!! love you xxxxx

Andrew- Mumma I have passed the advanced course. Miss you and love you! xxxx

Michelle- The passed few days have been unbelievable. A few days of us went to the local market on Saturday, which was a complete eye opener. The locals were so friendly and welcoming. We were all treated like celebrities! The children were so ecstatic even though the could barely afford a pair of shoes. It has made me realise how much I take for granted and how lucky we are. Today, we did our long awaiting diving. It is indescribable, we've seen an amazing range of colourful sea life which included many fish and turtles.I've been ridiculously burned, burn marks from my elbow to my fingers. And yes mumma,I wore suncream! I hope everyone is swell and miss you Mary, Scott and family. lots of love Michelle xxx

Lesley- Having a great time so keeping this message short. Love you all and can't believe how happy the kids are even when they are stranded in poverty. Makes me realise how much I take for granted. Anyway, love you and Isla and Samantha I am missing you so much and the fishes were amazing Samantha! xxxx

WE ARE HERE!

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO .After the flight to Brunei, we had a few hours to do something. Both groups went into the town and had a look around. Everything is completely different to home life. Finally arrived in Kota Kinabalu at half past seven(our time- 7 hours ahead) last night. It was an extremeley long journey but lots of movies and games helped to pass the time. We went to our hostels, each groups at different ones but only five minutes away from each other. Once got over the initial shock of it not being five-star luxury it was fine:) Weather exactly like scotland... BOILING HOTTTTT! Just exploring KK now to find things to do for our rest days. Divers (in group 2) have a flight tomorrow to Semporna around 12-ish in the afternoon. Group 1 who are going to the jungle are getting trucks to Miki's survival camp. We have some messages from some of us so here they are.

Lots of love Erin Mitchell and Lois McBean. xxxxxxx


Andrew Woodroffe: I hope mum and dad have a sweet time in New York and don't foget to buy me LOTS of clothes. Cheeeers:)

Rachel Beaton: I saw my first moth in Brunei, happy days. I am terribly sad to say goodbye to my old pal Shones and her wonderful stories of blondeness. Oh, and love to the parents! x

Fiona Adam, Rachel Wilson, Abbie Carnegie: Fiona got through the plane journey due to a VERY long game of tetris! And Abbie's fabulous banter and on-board phonecalls to Rachel. Forgot to mention, hello to the parents and that we arrived safe. Love Rachel, Fiona and Abbie xxx

Kali: goodness me, travelling has been ... fun! Can't wait for the trek and diving, kind of sad its so short! it is hot. xx

Jenni Pearson: i'm having a wonderful time... no tears yet! my UCAS form has been sent successfully sent! missing parents loads! xxxxxx

Nicky Cownie: i am having a blast and the weather is amazing...should get a tan! Went on a water taxi to see a water village it was such a different world, fantastic though! miss you all and hope all is well! x

Lesley Young: i am feeling very jet-lagged but hot weather is keeping me going! enjoyed my boat trip around water village and yes mum i have taken lots of photos! hope uncle George is feeling better! xxx

Ashley Simpson: having great time so far but a bit tired went on boat trip round water village. hope you all are fine! xx

Jodie Leith: i am happy but tired, the journey was long, still feels surreal! dying to get in the water, glad to be somewhere hot! have fun in boring Forfar and hope Dale and Deane are not too upset about me leaving hahahahaha! Hope auntie Rhona is getting better, can't wait to see you! xx

Vicky Stodart: extremely tired glad we are here. so many stories and photos to tell/show you already! miss and love you all. x

Michelle Nicoll: i look like a zombie. travelling had been exhausting but weather is hot! hope you're enjoying weather in forfar, haha! water village was surreal, and showed me how lucky i am to have a roof over my head! diving first - so excited. Mary, Scott and family: hope you're all well and not missing me too much! all my love xxx

Findlay Davidson: WOW the heat hit me hard, feels like i am literally melting! The plane ride was VERY long and tiring but worth it. missing all at home! xxxxxxxxxxx

Mad Mitch(erin): hi everyone, very tiring plane ride but constant films, games and phonecalls on the plane kept us going! lots of good food tooo! very hot here, can't wait to go diving - so excited! miss you all, love ya! p.s give Noah a cuddle from me! xxxxxxxxxx

Lois McBean: hey everyone, its amazingly hot here! Plane journey wasn't that bad, slept most of it! It such a different world here, it really is! missing you all tonnes. Hope your all okay and that Charlies foot is hopefully getting better:( love you lots! xxxxxxxxxx

Kara Robertson: heyooo! having a great time, cant belive we are actually here! so excited to get on with diving and treking. missing you! love yaaaaa suckaaa. xxxxxxxxxx

Final Preparation Day Details

Our final preparation training will take place on Tuesday 28 September from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm in the old common room (across in the extension).

YOU MUST BRING YOUR FULLY PACKED RUCKSACK WITH YOU THAT MORNING. Please ensure you arrive at school early in order to drop your rucksack off (room to be confirmed) before heading to your period one class.

THE RUCKSACK WILL NOT LEAVE THE SCHOOL AT THE END OF THE TRAINING. At 3.00 pm you will move your rucksack to an area where they can be stored securely until you return to school at 2.00 am the next morning to catch the bus.

During the session, your Expedition Leader will carry out a full bag check which will involve emptying your bag, checking for unnecessary equipment and repacking them (including any team equipment supplied by Outlook).

PLEASE BRING A PACKED LUNCH WITH YOU TO SCHOOL THAT DAY. We will break for lunch at the most convenient time during the 4 hour training session and that will not necessarily be during the normal school lunch hour.

Please contact Miss Anderson if you have any questions regarding the Final Preparation Day. We will discuss these arrangements further at our next group meeting on Tuesday 21 September 2010.

Mobile Phone Policy

It was stated at the last Parents' Meeting that pupils were not allowed to take mobile phones with them on this expedition.

We wish to restate this policy and explain our reasons for leaving phones behind.

1. Security - we cannot guarantee the security of pupils' mobile phones whilst away on a school trip - especially on an expedition such as our one to Borneo. Theft or loss of a phone is highly likely and therefore it is better to leave them at home.
2. Signal - it is very likely that in the more remote parts of Borneo where we will be, there will simply be no signal.
3. Emergency contact - yes, this is important but our leaders will carry satellite phones which will receive signal anywhere and a school mobile will be carried by Miss Anderson for contact in cities etc. Essential information can be passed on to parents by Outlook Expeditions if there should be a delay and our phones are not receiving a signal.
4. Protection of Young People - unfortunately nowadays, phones with cameras are often used to post inappropriate images on the internet or to share the photos with other people. Whilst we are sure that such misuse will not occur on our trip, we are not prepared to take the risk.

We hope you understand our reasons for banning mobile phones on our trip and that you and the pupils going on the trip will respect our instructions and leave their phones at home.

Insurance of Personal Possessions

The insurance that we have through Campbell Irvine Direct will cover us for all aspects of the expedition that are included within our itinerary.

You were advised earlier to ensure that you do not take any items of significant financial or sentimental value with you to Borneo. I would like to reinforce that advice as personal possessions are not covered by the trip insurance. Any item such as an iPod that is lost on the trip would have to be claimed through your parents' home contents insurance - you may wish to ask them to check what cover you have for items which are lost out of the country.

The bottom line is - do not take anything of significant value away with you but more importantly do remember that it is your responsibility to look after all your possessions at all times.

I would also like to reiterate that if a member of our expedition group has a medical concern that was pre-existing and not declared to the insurer before our departure, they may not be covered. If you are concerned about this or your medical circumstances have changed since the original application, you MUST contact Campbell Irvine directly on the number below.

Campbell Irvine Insurance "Medical Screening Helpline"
Enquiries on additional cover or pre-existing conditions -
0844 826 2686

Code of Conduct

At the Parents' Night on Wednesday 1st September, a code of conduct will require to be agreed to and signed by both pupils and parents. We will leave the bulk of the items for you to read in the document on Wednesday evening but we want to highlight three items through this blog and draw them to your attention. We think that they will be pretty obvious to you and will come as no surprise.

Firstly, we are travelling on this expedition as a group under the care and responsibility of the staff of the school and the leaders from Outlook Expeditions. Pupils will not at anytime go off by themselves or as a small group. Staff must know at all times where people are and what they are doing.

Secondly, there will be no smoking or carrying of tobacco products on this trip. The rules of our school extend to this trip.

Thirdly, there will be no consumption of alcohol or illegal substances on this trip. Again, school rules apply to our trip.

We hope that you understand our reasons behind these rules, and the other ones in the Code of Conduct. Like you, we all want this trip to be highly successful.

Parents' Evening

The final Parents' Evening before we leave for Borneo will take place on Wednesday 1st September 2010 at 7.30 pm in the Library. This will allow us to pass on the final arrangements for the trip and get the necessary documentation completed. There will also be an opportunity to ask any last minute questions! It is essential that you and at least one parent/guardian attend this event.

Next Group Meeting

A reminder that the next Borneo group meeting will take place on Wednesday 25 August at 1.15 pm in room 132.

PADI Open Water Theory Dates

A reminder that we have to complete approximately 8 hours of scuba-diving theory before we leave for our trip. We have arranged to cover this in 3 sessions. The dates for these are as follows:

* Wednesday 1st September 2010 - 4.30 pm to 7.00 pm
* Tuesday 7th September 2010 - 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm
* Thursday 16 September 2010 - 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm

All lessons will take place in the school Library. Attendance is essential.

Next Group Meeting

A reminder that the next Borneo group meeting will take place on Wednesday 18 August at 1.15 pm in room 132.

Immunisation Information

The following information will be required when visiting your GP for immunisation advice:

Destination:
Continent – Asia
Country – Malaysian Borneo (Sabah)

Remember, Borneo is made up of 3 parts. You must say you are going to Malaysian Borneo and mention Sabah.

Accommodation:
Camping in basic jungle shelters/lodges (during jungle orientation)
Youth hostels (for the rest of the trip)

Activities:
Jungle orientation
SCUBA diving - Semporna

NHS immunisation advice was given in the expedition leaflet you received at Training Day 2. I recommend you take this leaflet with you when you visit your GP.

You should also check the following website for additional information:
www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Training Walk - September 2010

The link teachers are organising a training walk in the Dunkeld area to help prepare for our jungle-trek in Borneo. Our aim is to have all group members walk approximately 10 km carrying your own fully packed rucksack!

The only available dates for these walks are Saturday 4 September and Sunday 12 September 2010.

Unfortunately the Alton Towers trip coincides with one of these dates and there are 9 of us who are taking part in both trips. Having looked at the list for Alton Towers, everyone except Miss A, Ian and Mark are in group 2. Therefore, the best way to organise the training walk will be:

 Group 2 – Saturday 4 September
 Group 1 – Sunday 12 September

If anyone has any problem with the date they have been allocated, please see me asap.

More information about the training walk will be given at our next group meeting on Tuesday 29 June at 1.15 pm. Attendance is essential.

Follow-up from TD2

Can anyone who has not yet handed in a photocopy of your passport (details page), 2 passport photo's (with your name on the back) or the Parent/Guardian Consent Form (issued on TD2) please do so by Friday 25 June. If need be, you can scan and print a copy of your passport in room 132.

Thank you.

Next Group Meeting

A reminder that the next Borneo group meeting will take place on Tuesday 29 June at 1.15 pm in room 132.

175 Club - May Winner

The winner of £20 is ticket number 67 – Alisdare M Bruce (pupil contact is Laing Croll).

Congratulations and many thanks for supporting our fund raising efforts for Borneo.

Training Day 2 - Change of Start Time

A reminder that Training Day 2 will take place on Thursday 10 June in the school assembly hall. Please note that the start time for this event has changed to 2.00 pm.

The training is due to finish at 7.00 pm and you must attend the entire session. Parents/guardians are invited to attend from 5.00 pm to hear a presentation given by the Expedition Leader and Outlook facilitator.

Please remember to bring:
> Passport photocopy x 1
> Passport photo x 2 (with name on the back of each)

Tiso Dundee - Club Discount Night

Tiso is holding a Club Discount Night on Tuesday 1 June from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm in their Dundee store. They are offering the following discounts:

20% off Climbing/Mountaineering Equipment
15% off Footwear, Clothing and Equipment
10% off GPS Systems, Software and Publications

See in store for new Spring/Summer 2010 clothing, equipment and footwear and save 15% off the retail prices on club night.

Tiso Dundee
22-24 Whitehall Street
Dundee
DD1 4AF
Tel: 01382 221 153

175 Club - April Winner

The winner of £20 is ticket number 35 – Liz Nicoll (pupil contact is Michelle Nicoll).

Congratulations and many thanks for supporting our fund raising efforts for Borneo.

Final Payment

A reminder that the final instalment for the trip is due to be paid by Friday 30 April. Please bring your cash/cheque and payment card to Miss Anderson in room 132 before this date. Many thanks.

Next Group Meeting

A reminder that the next Borneo group meeting will take place on Tuesday 20 April at 1.30 pm in room 132.

175 Club - March Winner

The winner of £20 is ticket number 101 – Janet Speed (pupil contact is Martin Speed).

Congratulations and many thanks for supporting our fund raising efforts for Borneo.

GTD 2 – Date, Time and Venue

This session will take place on Thursday 10 June from 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm in the school assembly hall and training suite (for IT facilities when required).

Parents will be invited along to the school from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm on GTD2. At this time they will receive a presentation by your Expedition Leader on his/her qualifications and experience. There will also be a presentation by you on your Expedition Itinerary. The session closes with a Q and A session.

All pupils must attend Group Training Day 2.

GTD1 Tasks to Complete - Check Progress

After Group Training Day 1 you were asked to complete a few pages in your workbook.

You should have:

•Downloaded a map of your expedition destination
•Conducted some destination research – it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the country you are visiting, the necessary inoculations, the culture and the language.

You were also asked to look at:

•Any good guide book (i.e. Lonely Planet, Footprint, Rough Guide – read the introductions and histories given for you destination as well as the location descriptions
•www.cia.gov – the CIA World fact book website
•www.news.bbc.co.uk – BBC news (country profiles)
•www.geographia.com – world facts

By Group Training Day 2 you will have to have decided whether or not you would like to borrow kit from Outlook.

The date, time and venue for Group Training Day 2 have still to be confirmed.

Next Group Meeting

A reminder that the next Borneo group meeting will take place on Tuesday 23 March at 1.30 pm in room 132.

175 Club - February Winner

The winner of £100 is ticket number 138 – Angus Strachan (pupil contact is Dean Fletcher).

Congratulations and many thanks for supporting our fund raising efforts for Borneo.

What Needs To Be Done Before GTD2?

As a group you should have completed the following:

•Printed destination map
•Completed Country Wide/Travel Wise
•Conducted some additional research on the destination
•Planned and set dates for at least one large fundraising event
•Completed all actions outlined in GTD1 Action Plan

It is also important that EVERYONE brings the following with them to GTD2:

•Passport photocopy x 3
•Passport photo x 2 (with name on the back of each)
•If applicable, Kit Request Form and cheque for £75.00, made payable to Outlook Expeditions Ltd

The date, time and venue for Group Training Day 2 have still to be confirmed.

Group Training Day 2 - Information

This session normally lasts 6 hours, from 1300 hours – 1900 hours, and will include:

•A review of all destination research
•A review of progress and report of all fundraising activities
•A review of progress against the action plan formulated at GT1
•An itinerary up-date
•Kit and equipment demonstration and the importance of equipment and safety
•Camp Craft
•Expedition Health and Hygiene
•Culture Shock
•A Parent’s Evening with presentations given by the Expedition Leader on his/her qualifications and experience. There will also be a presentation by you on your Expedition Itinerary. The session closes with a Q and A session.

The main aim of this session is to use hands-on workshops to help you gain a better understanding of expedition life, the kit and equipment you will be using and the kinds of roles you may take while on expedition. You will also get the chance to look closely at the equipment and kit that Outlook Expeditions offer for loan at reduced cost.

The date, time and venue for Group Training Day 2 have still to be confirmed.

Flight Details

OUTBOUND TO BORNEO - Wednesday 29 September 2010

Leg 1 - We will have to depart from the School at about 2am (time to be confirmed) to travel to Edinburgh Airport for a departure at 0630 hours arriving in London Heathrow Airport at 0800 hours.

Leg 2 - Depart London Heathrow at 1005 hours arriving in Brunei International Airport at 1000 hours on Thursday 30 September.

Leg 3 - Depart Brunei at 1835 hours arriving in Kota Kinabalu Airport at 1915 hours.

INBOUND TO SCOTLAND - Tuesday 12 October 2010

Leg 1 - Depart Kota Kinabalu Airport at 0850 hours arriving in Brunei International Airport at 0930 hours.

Leg 2 - Depart Brunei at 2000 hours arriving in London Heathrow Airport at 0625 hours on Wednesday 13 October.

Leg 3 - Depart London Heathrow at 0840 hours arriving in Edinburgh Airport at 1000 hours with onward travel back to the School.

There is no guarantee that the airline(s) won't impose any schedule changes further down the line, however, Outlook Expeditions will definitely not make any changes to these flight details.

You will notice that on each leg there is a wait in Brunei. In these instances, there will be money in the budget for food and we will be able to leave the airport and do some exploring.

Now that these dates have been confirmed, it will be possible for your parents to arrange any October holidays which they were planning while you are away.

Your First Geography Lesson!

The Malaysian Flag

In October, we are heading to Borneo. You need to remember that Borneo is the name of the island - it is not a country. Borneo is made up of one country in its own right - that's Brunei - and parts of 2 other countries - Malaysia and Indonesia. The largest part of Borneo, the west, south and east is called Kalimantan which is part of the group of islands called Indonesia - Jakarta, on the island of Java, is the capital city. The northwest of Borneo which is called Sarawak and the north (where we are going) which is called Sabah are part of Malaysia.

Sabah is one of the poorest parts of Malaysia with a population of over 3 million. The region's population has grown very rapidly over the past 40 years when it stood at only 650,000. The main city of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu or KK as everyone calls it. KK is a relatively modern city to look at as it was more or less totally rebuilt after the ravages of the 2nd World War.

We fly into KK and then on to our locations either in the jungle for the "forest experience" or the east coast for the "diving and marine experience". Remember that our group will split in two and swap over locations half way through before meeting up again for the journey home.

More information to follow on the diving and forest locations.