Big Mix Up

By Jenny Black, aged 9

‘What!’ yelped Mrs Simons the Headmistress of St Margaret’s Primary School. ‘What a surprise! Never mind, we will just have to get on with it’.

At the Monday morning staff meeting, Mrs Simons explained there had been an administration area at the council. St Margaret’s had been twinned with the local Safari Park. The teachers went quite as they thought about teaching tigers their times tables. Only the PE teacher looked thoughtful, wondering if some of the larger animals could play in next weeks football match against St Augustine’s.

After a few concerns from Mr Jones the Safari Park Manager were ironed out, (he was concerned that the children would be squashed by hippos, eaten by the lions or give sweets to the bears) the children set out to visit their new school buddies. St Margaret’s operated a buddy system, this meant that every pupil had an older friend who would look out for them. Mrs Simons had suggested the system to Mr Jones. Mr Jones had agreed but he still felt quite nervous about some of the pairs……..Small and shy Charlie White, with Old Boss head of the Burberry Lion Pride, he would have to keep a watchful eye!

At first the children and the animals had an amazing time, everyone was getting on very well. The animals were happy to share their enclosures and the children were delighted to meet such exciting new friends. Lunch time went well for the herbivores but was a little trickier for the carnivores, with the sea-lions trying to steal Annabelle Perry’s tuna sandwiches.

As the children and animals played after their lunch, a loud warning bell was heard. Mr Jones came running out of his office shouting ‘who has let the monkeys out, again!’ Suddenly monkeys appeared form all directions, three were even driving a golf cart. The monkeys were desperately trying to reach the parks fair ground, they had heard that the long flume and roller coaster were very good fun.

As the monkeys scampered to the carousels the children cheered and waved encouragement. As the excitement grew, Charlie White jumped on to Old Bosses back. Old Boss took a powerful leap and they landed next to the ice cream parlour. This action sealed the fate of the astonishing afternoon. The park had never seen or heard such fun and joy as animals and children piled onto the ghost train, tummies filled with candy floss, pop corn and ice cream.

Mr Jones and Mrs Simons watched on, knowing that there would be little point in hurrying the children and the animals. ‘Let them get it out their system, tomorrow will be spellings, division and homework, today can be magic!’ smiled Mrs Simons.