Our Lady of Missions Primary School break World Record

A total of 887 pupils gathered together on Friday, April 27, to play the worlds largest game of musical bumps.

An anxious wait followed while video and photographic evidence was submitted to Guinness World Records Team to be verified.

All the preparation and practice paid off and the pupils are now proud World Record Holders.

The outstanding achievement saw £12,000 raised for school funds. The official certificate is now proudly displayed in the school.

Headteacher Catherine Dillon-Ruddy shared the delight of the school’s team.

She said: “The kids were amazing! Every single child threw themselves into the game. Their enthusiasm was infectious and we are incredibly proud of them.”

Rules required that the game be played until there was one winner – P2 pupil Kiera Green who received her trophy from Provost Jim Fletcher as top ‘bumper’.

He said: “It was a pleasure to share the day with the children and Kiera was a worthy winner.”

Gillian Boyle, chair of the Parent Council, said: “As much as we had fun on the day, it was a huge challenge. There were more than 40 pages of requirements from Guinness, including multiple video streams, extensive photography and independent judges.

“We even had to submit our music playlist for approval to Guinness – and ensure it was suitable for young ears!”

Julie Capaldi, of the school’s Parent Staff Association, said: “Each of our 30 classes had to play the game at the same time in their own space, marked off and judged by independent witnesses.

“It was an amazing day but we couldn’t have done it without the support of local businesses and organisations including Eastwood Rotary Club, Arnold Clark/Harry Fairbairn, the Orchard Park Hotel, Alan Denholm for Scaffolding, Giffnock Soccer Centre, Newlands Tennis Club and Woodfarm/St Ninian’s High Schools, as well as a number of kind volunteers who helped judge the attempt on the day.

“Our fantastic parents were out in force on the day and also broke our own OLM fundraising record as this was a sponsored event. All money raised will help us develop our playground to benefit all the children.”

2017/2018 was a big year for the school. As well as welcoming a new headteacher and breaking the World Record, the school had its first International Day – supported by The National Lottery and organised by parents and staff.

Mrs Dillon-Ruddy said: “Over 30 nationalities/heritages are represented in the school.

“The day was a fantastic celebration including performances from the children, arts and crafts, a pakora workshop, international sports challenges and family stalls serving flavours and fun from countries ranging from Pakistan and Poland to Mauritius, Bolivia, Ireland and, of course, Scotland.”

The event was a huge success and the school plans to develop future activities and events celebrating its cultural diversity in years to come.

“We are looking forward to another fantastic year for our school community.

“It might be a while before we try for another World Record… but watch this space!”

The school also saw the community come together to help with an outdoor classroom for the pupils to enjoy.

Pupils used their artistic flair to design pebbles to be used in a special pathway.

Julie added: “It was fantastic to see the community come together. Some turned up with diggers others just a spade, but they all worked toegther to crates something fantastic.”

The school would like to give special thanks to the following businesses without whom this would not have been possible:

Provost Jim Fletcher – For starting the proceedings and presenting the cup;

Michael Healy –Filming;

Cameron Presentations –For equipment loan and extensive support with video footage;

Arnold Clark and Harry Fairbairn – For releasing staff to support the school on the day of the record attempt;

Orchard Park Hotel – For releasing staff to support the school on the day;

Alan Denholm – For providing scaffolding;

St Ninians and Woodfarm High Schools for providing equipment, pupils and premises;

Eastwood Rotary Club – For providing volunteers for judging;

Newlands Tennis Club – For providing equipment;

Giffnock Soccer Centre – For providing equipment.