Polar Bear Day

Tuesday was Mid Winters Day, and today I went to St Nics to participate in Polar Bear Day.

It all started at St Nics about 10 years ago with a dip in the pool for the hardy and foolish, followed by a drink of hot chocolate. The about 6 years or so ago, we decided to take it a step further. Kev had had a "breakfast" at Irene Primary school - they all brought an egg, a sausage (cooked) and a breadroll and cooked their breakfast at school. But at St Nics, something so simple could never be countenanced. So teachers talked about cooking with their classes. And then Geraldine said "Why don't we wear our pyjamas as well?" and Polar Bear day was born.

The first year many of the the High Scool kids mocched around in uniforms, refusing to get involved, as did some of the staff. But by the next year, it had gone moggy. Teddy bears and blankets accompanied the pjs, slippers and gowns. Breakfasts became more and more elaborate, with pancakes and masses of egg and bacon. The first year we had Matrics, they decided to have their breakfast on the roof - and it has become a Matric privilege ever since. Nicky and I did a breakfast for the "non-aligbed" staff one year - those without classes - and that became a tradition till the Finance Office turned it into a competition! One year, I went to fetch Kev at Oribi airport when he flew down for the holidays, and he had brought the smoked salmon in his bag with him - from Sarah's supplier.

The year of the Public Servants strike we had to cancel, but the staff all got together and had croissants for breakfast. The year of the Energy project I cajoled everyone (except the Finance Office) into cooking on renewable heat surces - biofuel stoves, fondue pot, wood fires, buddy burners, proper charcoal (not briquettes) and hot boxes. One group even put their egg and bacon in orange shells in the fire - they were revolting!

Last year the long holidays for the World Cup meant we didn't have Polar Bear day, and I wondered if it would die a natural death without me there to encourage it. But I got an invitation to come along this year and joined Wendy and Vonnie to eat breakfast with the Gr 3s. The Office had a wonderful spread but closed both doors and had it inside - why am I surprised?

Geraldine really started something with her casual remark. Long may the tradition live.