It's time to Explore Easter again!  Every year we invite schools to our walk-through of the Passion week story, which takes them from the streets of a packed Jerusalem as Jesus rides in to cries of Hosanna, through to the stunned reactions of Peter and Mary to the violent end of the one they loved, and with him all their hopes.
But that's not the end of the story..........

The event is always really popular with staff and pupils, and can only help with the help of our dedicated volunteers who get into character and explore the often confusing events as Jerusalem citizens with the pupils.  Comments back from pupils show that taking part is what makes this event so memorable for them, tasting the bread and 'wine' (grape juice!), dressing up, moving from scene to scene and seeing video clips of Jesus' death and resurrection (huge, scary angel!!!).

We've found that most schools in our area really struggle to afford transport to come to events like this, so we've decided to go 'On Tour' this year.  After two sessions in Mold, we're heading out and about next week to visit the outlying Welsh language primary schools.  It's been a real challenge to think how to stage an event, which usually involves 5 large spaces, in school halls, but that's where teamwork comes in again. Arawn and Hannah have been great, bringing ideas for staging and props that we hope will make our 'On Tour' event as valuable as the last five years of residential work.

Hello there friends! If you don't know who I am, and If you're currently a bit gutted that this is not Wendy. Smile and move on, there are far more important things to worry about. For example how to pronounce my name.  Just say Around with out the 'd'. There you go, you've learned a handy new thing today. It has been a great day. 

While I'm currently writing this, I'm doing Wendy's work for her. The first thing I need is to send Hannah to get Judith's ruler. 'GO HANNAH'
(this is actually happening - Live Blog guys)
..........
Some time passed - 'Thank you Hannah'

Right, I'm sitting in front of two pieces of cardboard ready to do sign posts for our Easter Event in the Welsh schools next week. 
'Jerwsalem' and 'Gardd Gethsemane' will be written on the cardboard. 

The first thing is to get your ready prepared before this blog pieces of card board at the ready with a pencil in hand. 
Then try and remember how a sign looks. When that is done - your ready to start. 

 First make sure that you've consider the length of your words on the cardboards. Then you're ok to start painting white on. Then wait to dry (ideally when you're away doing an after school club)

Then start with your permanent marker, block out the letters. remember that it is permanent  Maybe using a pencil first would be ideal, but If you're short with time just go for it! Colour in. then cut them out using scissors (be very careful when doing this - ask an intern) 

I think if it looks good, you're finished. If it look rubbish then I recommend starting again. Poor quality signs means you get lost. And being lost is not good.

Thanks for reading! 

Arawn

The office is often a warzone, Wendy has many projectiles, which when in the wrong hands could be lethal :P Arawn has previously added a tennis ball to the collection on the left. Luckily this isn't a daily occurrence. So the projectile of choice is the orange googly eyed object named Squishy, because he is so fun to play with and bounce about! Then for a more angry throw we tend to use the earth stress ball, as it has a greater impact. The balloon is often a failure , as we try to stretch it like an elastic band to try and watch it fly. This often leads to a sore hand or hitting yourself with the balloon! :P And finally we have the new addition of the soft rugby ball, which we are still testing for effectiveness! The latest threat to world peace is Arawn's wooden elephant named Calcutta, which he has been testing in a secret laboratory, he insists this will only be used in extreme break down of communication and that he can easily be pacified with a crème egg  or spaghetti bolognese! 
The elephant is more of a deterrent against any threats of a severe nature towards the nation of Arawn.  A peace treaty has been formed between me and Arawn - because I'm baking him a cake this evening.

Hannah :) with comments from Arawn

Wendy's been crying in the office as I worked out I'm already over half way through my year and two thirds of the way through in two weeks time! I can't believe how quickly time has gone, I guess time flies when your having fun! We're always busy too, so I'm sure that contributes! :P It's been really good getting involved in the great variety of work here at Agathos! From lunch time clubs, to after school clubs, assemblies and a youth club! Oh and even the odd lesson thrown in there!