A snowy start to our last full week of 2017!
We knew that snow was forecast, but no-one expected quite so much to fall on Sunday and Monday. By Sunday evening it was clear that the conditions of roads and footpaths would make it necessary to close the school, so on Monday the children all enjoyed a SNOW DAY!
This wasn't without its problems however, especially as Induction Day for our new Nursery children was meant to take place on Monday morning, and one of the Christmas concerts was scheduled to take place in the afternoon! So lots of swift rescheduling of this busy week was required, and lots of understanding and patience on the part of children, staff and parents. Thank you to all for your support.
By Tuesday the paths and playground had been cleared and salted, and most people were able to make their way into school. The children enjoyed a lovely playtime on the field, showing wonderful teamwork in making an igloo, with help from children right across every year group.
On Wednesday, Badgers children held their Class Assembly, where parents were invited in to find out all about the work that Badgers have been doing this term. The children played their ukuleles and sang songs that they have learnt in Music lessons, then talked about their work on Ancient Egypt. They acted out the story of the discovery of King Tut's tomb, taking the roles of Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter.
Following this, parents enjoyed a Science presentation about teeth and the digestive system, some fireworks poetry, a demonstration of the children's French conversation skills, and a display of their Van Gogh inspired artwork.
Wednesday was also Christmas Dinner day. All the children enjoyed roast turkey and all the trimmings, served to them by their teachers, and had fun pulling crackers, wearing party hats and listening to festive music!
Then, to round off a busy Wednesday, parents were invited to St Mary's Church in Eaton Bray in the evening, for our Key Stage Two Christmas Celebration. This consisted of traditional carols, and readings, telling the story of the nativity. There were also some individual musical performances, and poetry recital. It was a lovely evening, enjoyed by all who attended.
And so, following a busy Wednesday, an even busier Thursday! Monday's concert which had to be cancelled due to snow, was rescheduled for Thursday morning, meaning that on Thursday there were no less than three Christmas concerts taking place at school!
The first of these was Hamsters Class' performance, "Happy Birthday Jesus." This was a nativity play with Christmas songs and poems from our youngest children. Clever use was made of the interactive technology in the School Hall, as part of the show involved video that had been taken of the children in the classroom, meaning that all the children in Nursery were able to appear in the performance. After the show, parents enjoyed refreshments and a raffle in the Nursery building.
Then there was a quick turnaround, and Hedgehogs, Otters, Squirrels and Rabbits Classes took the stage, for their first performance of "Lights, Camel, Action!" This nativity play was based on Strictly Come Dancing, and featured line dancing Nazareth Villagers, disco dancing Wise Men, ballet dancing Angels, Morris dancing Shepherds and tangoing Innkeepers! There was some lovely singing, and much laughter, as the traditional tale was told in an entertaining and lively way.
The second performance took place in the afternoon, and the Hall was once again packed with appreciative audience members. We hope everyone enjoyed watching the show as much as the children enjoyed performing in it!
Friday was a day of Christmas parties! Rabbits and Badgers had theirs in the morning, enjoying traditional party games such as Pass the Parcel and Musical Statues, and a visit from Father Christmas. Then in the afternoon, it was the turn of Hedgehogs, Otters and Squirrels. Much fun was had by all! Hamsters children will have their Christmas party on Tuesday of next week, while the Main School will enjoy a Talent Show.
All that remains is to wish everyone a very happy Christmas, and a wonderful New Year! We return to school on Thursday 4th January (weather permitting of course...), and look forward to seeing all the children then!
