Heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to Disneyland we go!

PUPILS and staff at Donard School are saving their 2p coins for the trip of a lifetime to Disneyland.

They are appealing to the wider community dig deep down the back of their sofas to help send some of the district’s most needy kids on the trip to Paris.

And the Leader is also doing it’s bit to get involved by donating 2p from each copy of the paper in October.

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Donard principal, Mrs Edel Lavery, explained that the children are wildly excited about the trip.

“We are going at the end of May and everyone, staff and pupils alike, is looking forward to going,” she said. “Ever since we told the kids about it all we have heard is ‘Disneyland, Disneyland, Disneyland’!”

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for the pupils who are already practising their French in preparation for the trip. It has captured the imagination of everyone in school.

“On Thursday we had a special visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and all the kids were wondering how we got them here and how they knew that they were coming to Disneyland. They are all looking forward to seeing their favourite characters - it will mean so much to them all.”

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To get there though they need to raise over £12,000. One of the main ways they are doing this is by collecting a mile of 2p coins, as Mrs Lavery explained.

“Somebody worked out that we need over 63,000 2p coins to reach our target, but our aim is to collect a mile of coins which would raise over £1,000,” she said.

“We would welcome any support from the local community to help us raise our target. If anyone wishes to complete a fundraising activity, we would be very appreciative.

“We have a pub quiz coming up and we are hoping to organise a fashion show as well as a Christmas raffle. The support of the public will be greatly appreciated.”

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This is the first time that the school has organised such a trip and it is hoped that almost 30 pupils will go on the trip - a big task for the staff at Donard.

To go on a trip like this it needs to be well staffed,” Mrs Lavery added. “We have some parents coming along too because of their child’s medical needs, but it will be good for them to go on a trip like this too with the level of support that we will be providing.

“The parents have been wonderful with the support that they have provided as they recognise this as a great opportunity for the children and young people.

“It’s all been busy so far but we all know that it will be worth it in the end. We are all putting the hours in to make sure that the money is raised and that everyone will be able to have a wonderful time.”

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Unfortunately not all the kids at the school can attend the trip as they are too young to travel, but the week will be made just as special for them.

“We have trips organised for those who can’t go during the week in May and some of the money raised will be put towards that.

“But in the build-up to going away we are planning French clubs, Disney clubs and other activities and projects.”

- Anyone who wants to donate their 2p coins can do so by getting in touch with the school on 028 406 62375.

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