Dear Parents and Carers,
We have reached the end of term!
There have been so many highlights over the past couple to share with you.
EYFS and KS1 Christmas Celebrations
Well done to all the children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 who presented their interpretations of the Christmas story through their Christmas Celebrations to their families last week. It was so lovely to see every child perform with confidence and joy. Thank you to all the staff who planned the celebrations and then enabled the children to shine so brightly.
Christmas Carol Services
Thank you to everyone who joined the children at St. Mary’s Church to enjoy our Christmas Carol Services earlier this week. In both services, the children were able to share their reflections from the Christmas-themed R.E. learning, whilst also enjoying singing some Christmas carols.
CYE’s Christmas Assembly
On Wednesday, your children may have told you about a slightly different version of the Christmas story which was presented to us by our friends from CYE (Christian Youth Enterprises). We met the main characters from the Christmas Story as they all entered a wrestling ring! They all had their own entrance music – apart from the baby Jesus who, very movingly, who came in silence. The children were able to reflect on how God didn’t need any kind of fanfare to bring his Son to earth.
KS2 Young Voices Choir
The children in our Key Stage Young Voices Choir have been particularly busy during the month of December. As well as singing at the Yapton Village Hall Christmas Lights Switch-On, they have sung at Arundel Cathedral, Edgcumbes Coffee Roastery , their Showcase evening and the KS2 Carol Service. They have sung so well at each of these events and now can’t wait until they head off to their Young Voices concert at the O2 Arena in January.
Christmas Hamper Raffle
A massive THANK YOU to everyone who has bought some raffle tickets ahead of the Christmas Hamper Raffle Draw which took place after school today. Am amazing amount of money – a whopping £906.50 – has been raised. This money will be carefully spent on enhancing the resources to support the teaching and learning of Maths across the school.
Rock Steady Gig
The last day of term was kicked off in rock and roll style with lots of children performing in their bands to the rest of the school and their families. It was brilliant to see them all perform on the stage, under the lights, with so much confidence and skill. The bands who performed were:
Ketchup Said Put Your Hand Up: Bani, Pearl, Felix, Reegan, Charlie and Olivia M
The Rockers Of The Day And Night: Emilia G, George S, Luca K, Jessica, Alex P, Bonnie F, Benny and Liam K
Goose: Alfie H, Dexter, Nihal, Tommy and Spencer
Star Nuggies: Peyton, Phoebe O, Amelia A, Arlo, Flynn, Isaac L, Isla M and Robin S
Max, our Rock Steady Leader, said there are a few spaces for any more potential Rock Stars who may be hiding in Years 4, 5 or 6. Look out for the flyers that have come home with the children today.
Reindeer Run
All the children have enjoyed taking part in our Reindeer Run in aid of Chestnut Tree House today. Thank you to all of you who have brought in the donation envelopes. If there any more to come in, please bring them into school after the Christmas break.
Year 5 and 6 Cross Country Runners
Last week, our team of Year 5 and 6 runners took part in some cross country races at St. Philp Howard School. They all did every well as they took on a very muddy 2,100m course. As always, high levels of sporting behaviour and resilience was on display.
Active and Sports Clubs
If your child is going to be taking part in one of the active or sports extra-curricular clubs in the Spring Term, they need to wear their P.E. on these days – even if it is not a class P.E. day.
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Spring Term Learning Hooks and Key Dates
Attached to this letter are the Learning Hooks for the first day of the Spring Term along with the key dates of all the things that will be going on over the next few months up until the Easter holidays. You will noticed we have not sent out a Forest School timetable. This due to some continued maintenance work that needs to be completed.
Joint Merits Winners
Well done to both St. George’s and St. Patrick’s Houses for being this half term’s Merits Champions. The children in these houses will be able to enjoy their reward from the Merits Menu early on in the Spring Term.
Inter-House Geography Challenge
The Spring Term brings along our annual Inter-House Geography Challenge. The children will find out more about what they will need to learn and remember in January, but attached is an outline of the tasks.
Thank you for all of your continued support in your children’s learning. It has certainly been a very busy but very enjoyable Autumn Term. Have a happy (and hopefully a little bit restful) Christmas. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school at the beginning of the Spring term on Monday 5th January 2026!
Take care
Kim Huggett