SMASH hit for holiday club

Places were again at a premium as young people attended from far and wide to take advantage of the wonderful facilities the school has to offer.

Team leaders Gail Wattleworth and Liz van Graan put together a creative and entertaining programme based on the themes of Native American Indians, the Olympics and Shrek.

The SMASH staff team joined in with the fun as they pitched in together with the youngsters to create a camp scene complete with teepee and totem poles, took on athletic challenges to win gold medals and became movie stars as they made a unique SMASH version of Shrek 4.

Neil Masterton, assistant principal of St Mary's chairs SMASH. He said: "The success of the SMASH scheme shown by the rush for places and the extra bookings taken up during the programme confirms my view that there is clearly a need for specialist activity schemes for vulnerable young people with additional needs.

"'A god-send' as one parent put it.

"In the spirit of partnership central to the Every Child Matters agenda, SMASH is able to work with St Mary's to deliver an extended service.

"Young people from St Mary's and those from the community are able to come together to enjoy the activities and make friends with each other. In addition to using the swimming pool, sensory room, I.C.T. suite and adventure playground, I am particularly pleased with the new activities we have brought in this year such as the specialist drama and photographic/video sessions.

"I would like to thank all those who support this very worthy cause and, in particular, Senlac Rotary, Catharine House Trust, Barclays Bank, The Raymond Trust, The Bexhill Pool League and a very generous anonymous benefactor who have all been instrumental in providing funding for SMASH 2007."