Christmas invites us to pause and reflect on the great gift of hope that lies at the heart of our faith. In the humble birth of Christ, we are reminded that God enters our world quietly, bringing light into darkness and peace into uncertainty. This message of hope and love is one that resonates strongly with our vocation as educators, called to serve in line with our core values of Trust, Respect, Faith, Hope and Service. As we prepare to celebrate the Nativity, I pray that this Christmas brings you rest, renewal and time with those you love. May the peace of Christ dwell in your hearts and homes, and may we return in the New Year refreshed and strengthened to continue our mission together. We cannot thank you enough for joining us this Advent to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. Each week in December has brought us closer to the stable with each and every nativity. On Tuesday, our KS2 children brought it to a close as they shared prayer, scripture and song. It was the perfect way to bring everything to a close. Father Peter was deeply touched by the event and I know that it would have given him renewed strength as he continues to get well. Our travelling nativites too have made their way around our school. We hope that they have given you the opportunity to pause this Christmas time.
The joy of Christmas certainly came this week as we enjoyed Christmas parties, Christmas Dinners and Christmas films. The kitchen staff completed the enormous order of getting everything ready for Christmas dinner with nearly 200 orders in this year! It was a mammoth but welcomed task and enjoyed by each one of us. Then the parties hit - from fun and games, dancing and giggles to a visit for our KS1 children from Santa. We loved every minute of it.
This year we introduced a whole key stage film afternoon which went down really well. I thought I had chosen well and always cater for the youngest children in the room. Our EYFS and KS1 film was about a young reindeer who was learning to fly, but to do that, he had to find his dad in the North Pole who was one of Santa’s reindeers and learn his magic. It was a U and classed as family film with comedy - the perfect choice until the small reindeer was chased by a pack of wolves that were not that nice! I have never run so fast in my life to prevent tears and children being scared! A quick fast forward and we were back on track!
Operatic Societies Christmas Carol and songs singalong on the 19th December in the Parish Centre. It's a great festive fun occasion for all the family. It's free!
The bar is open and feel free to bring along some festive snacks and really get into the spirit.
Singing is led by the Op Soc but everybody is encouraged to join in this festive night that really kicks off the Christmas season. Singing starts 7.45pm but come early to get your seats as its usually well attended.
The Staff Panto - From St Annes to Agrabah
The team of people that work in our school go above and beyond every single day. We may not always get things right, but what we do is always come from a place of love and from a place where each child is given the opportunity to thrive and fly. The staff panto is testament to this group - and oh what fun we had! They look forward to this every year and go out of their way to ensure they look their best for the occasion. I think the group dance at the end to Golden was a winner this year with every child on their feet.
On behalf of them all, thank you all for your generosity this Christmas. We are truly blessed to work with such a dedicated group of humans.
Star Virtue and Learners of the Week
All Stars
Thank you to everyone who has completed the booking form for All Stars for Spring term. You will have noticed that there is a new doorbell and a new light been installed for All Stars. This is attached to a different gate - the small gate off the car park. This will be the new drop off and collection point. There will never be a car parked in that space, but as it is a car park - the children will need to be supervised at all times.
Whole School Attendance
At various times in our year, different staff members come and go. This week we have welcomed Mrs Carragher back after her maternity leave. She will be working in Year 4 alongside Mrs Lyons. I have also interviewed for a welfare assistant and TA. I am pleased to say that after Christmas Miss Geraghty will be joining us as welfare assistant and Mr Nay as a member of staff. For many years, we have bought Mr Nay in as our sports coach; but he is now officially one of us! He will be working with us on a Monday and a Wednesday in official capacity. Today we have said a small goodbye to Miss Slater. She has secured a job working in alternative provision and helping children who need her support. We are so proud of her! She will continue to be part of our All Stars team - so we are not fully saying goodbye!
We wish you all a very merry and holy Christmas
God bless you all
Mrs Gregan