Hello everyone!

These short few weeks of December have been packed with fun and seasonal excitement.

Christmas Market
We held an expanded Christmas market early in the month. Student stallholders sold a variety of handmade art & crafts, home baked goodies, pre-loved toys and books, handmade jewellery and trinkets, beauty products, and fashion items. The cream filled meringues topped with chocolate sauce were very successful, selling out in 15 minutes. :) Staff and parents provided hot soup and drinks and ran a stall of pre-loved items to raise funds to build a parent hub at school.

Citizen Science Stream Index
Students participated in the The Citizen Science Stream Index with the help of a parent volunteer to lead the investigations (thank you Geraldine). The Citizen Science Stream Index (CSSI) is based on the presence or absence of six key aquatic invertebrates. Three pollution-sensitive invertebrates (‘good guys’) are commonly found in clean streams and three pollution-tolerant invertebrates (‘bad guys’) are commonly found in polluted streams. Students used pond nets to take three 30-second kick-samples from the stream. They examined the captured invertebrates and identified them amongst the many other species present. We discovered both good and bad guys. Further investigations will possibly be carried out in spring to find out more.

Elsie and the Magical Land
We were treated to the next instalment in the adventures of Elsie’s magical land. A fire-breathing dragon, a thieving (but well-meaning) elf, a grass-loving deer, and a jedi knight somehow work together in this funny, heart warming drama. The script was written and performed entirely by the students, with some direction and technical assistance from Gayle and Krzysiek.  Parents, friends and family enjoyed this very special performance at close of term.

Christmas Party and Gift Giving
Our Christmas Party this year was bigger and better than ever.Gifts were exchanged under the tree and the Pop Up Cafe outdid themselves, preparing and serving a most delicious vegetarian Christmas feast, complete with 3 kinds of dessert. The afternoon’s entertainment continued with a disco for young and old, and a singalong session with staff and students. We really do wish it could be Christmas every day.

Dreamspace Coding
Coding club held a Christmas themed event this month to share what they have been working on all term, and to share their learning with others. The students have been busy since October creating on Minecraft Coding, Scratch, and Microbit. Wearing Christmas themed clothing they enjoyed shared their ideas and creations with others during the event.

The usual fun and games this month included making card pyramids. Serious concentration required!

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a bright and peaceful New Year!