As we reach the end of term, with uncertainty about the increase in COVID cases, it is lovely to look back on all the live celebrations which we have been able to have this December. I was so impressed by the quality of the nativities, which seemed extra special, not just because we missed them last year, but also because of their energy, and polish. It felt like I was transported to my own personal theatre each time. (We hope to be able to send out links to the recordings soon, once we have received permission from every family in a class.) Then there was the carol concert, with full community involvement and sparkly lights as well!  This really must become a tradition for the future. Finally, the choir has sung in many different venues including John Lewis. These will leave us with so many special memories as we move fully into winter.

I hope that you and your family manage to stay safe and enjoy the Christmas holidays, even if you are, sadly, currently self-isolating. I pray for all of us my favourite Christmas prayer.

May the eagerness of the shepherds, the faith of the wise men, the joy of the angels, and the peace of the Christ Child, be God’s gifts to you this Christmas.

Happy Birthday Truffle and Dotty

Our micropigs will be 1 on 28th December 2021. Children are invited to design birthday cards as a holiday project which we will display on return to school. We would also welcome donations of 50p, which we can use to buy them toys.

We are gaining large quantities of pig manure! People are welcome to bring sacks/buckets to take some home/ to their allotments. Advice online states that 'because of the likely presence of parasites that can harm plants grown for consumption, some people recommend never using pig manure for an edible garden'. However, it could be very beneficial for the growth of flowering plants.

Level 1 School Gardening Award

I'm delighted to inform you that we've been awarded our Level 1 School Gardening Award from RHS.  This has been awarded for setting up Little Green Fingers, our gardening club.  Thank you to Mrs Honeybone for all her hard work and skill in leading the school in outdoor learning. I know she has many more exciting plans, so do watch this space!

New PE T-Shirts

In response to your feedback, we are introducing coloured PE T-shirts to replace the white ones. In conjunction with this, we are re-launching and expanding our house system (traditionally in use on Sports Day) to encourage the children to get to know others outside their class and year group. Each child has been allocated a house and each house has its own coloured PE T-shirt. Chestnut - Orange, Elm - Red, Lime - Green, Poplar - Blue. You are, of course, more than welcome to continue to use the white T-shirt for as long as it lasts. You will receive a separate ParentMail letting you know which house your child is in, siblings will be in the same house. 

Christ Church Christmas Events

Christ Church invite you to join them for any of their Christmas services and events:

• Friday 17th December, 8:00pm - showing the Christmas film 'It's a Wonderful Life' in the lounge - seating will enable social distancing and refreshments will be brought to people. This event is for over 18s. 

• Saturday 18th December from 3:00 - 4:30pm - Half Shares Christmas tea party for widows in the lounge 

• Sunday 19th December, 9:30am - The Children’s Carol Service

• Sunday 19th December, 6:30pm - Carols by Candlelight

• Sunday 19th December, 11:00am - Service of Holy Communion 

• Friday 24th December, 11:00pm - Midnight Communion

• Saturday 25th December, 10:00am - Jesus and the Shepherds (All age service)

• Sunday 26th December, 10:00am - Jesus and the Wise Man (All age service)

• Sunday 2nd January, 10:00am - Jesus and King Herod (All age service)

Girls Football Festival - Tuesday 21st December

WMF GIRLS, a girls only football development programme based in West London will be running a Girls Football Festival on 21st December from 10am-3pm at St Mary's University, Waldegrave Rd, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham TW1 4SX. It is open to players ages 5-13 of all backgrounds and abilities. Please note that entry is individual and that teams are not required. Their goal is to deliver a great day of football fun and to develop players. They have an all female FA qualified coaching team that will be delivering the Football Festival. You can find more information and book here.

Reminder – Primary School Applications 

For any parents making primary school applications for September 2022 entry, you can apply online here. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2022. You must submit your application and any supplementary information forms by this date. We will be offering tours at 9:30am on 7th and 14 January 2022. Please contact the office to book a place.

I wish you all a restful Christmas break and hope to see all the children back in school on Wednesday 5th January 2022.

Tabitha White, Headteacher