Dear Parents/Carers 

We started this week with the final assembly in our Hero series by talking about someone who is often called the greatest hero of all time—Jesus. This led us nicely to lighting the second candle on the Advent wreath representing Peace. Often called the ‘Bethlehem Candle’, the second Advent candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. The second candle recalls that after all of the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth – Jesus is coming, and so is his Kingdom of Peace.   

The doors of the HTPD advent calendar all revealed peaceful activities this week. All the juniors have had the opportunity to place a piece in a peaceful jigsaw, visit our cosy peaceful area to reflect on what worries they might have and what brings them peace, as well as listen to stories at lunchtime. The infants have continued with a chapter a day of the book How Winston Delivered Christmas. 

It has been a week full of performances. The infants performed ‘Born in a Barn’, which was a delightful way to tell the nativity story and the importance of the birth of Christ. The children all performed brilliantly, sang their hearts out and looked fantastic in their costumes. Well done to all the children and staff for putting on such a wonderful show. It’s hard to think that some of the children have only been in school for a term! 

The Juniors poured their energy, talent, and enthusiasm into bringing the timeless story of A Christmas Carol to life. The children were incredible, the acting, singing and backstage crew all worked together to such a high standard. This year has set the bar high for my first HTPD production! I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers for all their hard work behind-the-scenes that made this production possible. Their support reflects the very spirit of giving and kindness that this story teaches us. The performance really reminded me of the values at the heart of A Christmas Carol: generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and love. Just as Scrooge learned to open his heart and share his blessings, may we all carry the spirit of Christmas in our lives—not just in December, but every day. If you attended but were unable to make a donation in our cash free world, you can support our chosen charity, Home Start Guildford by making a donation on ParentPay.  

We would like to thank Holy Trinity Church for hosting this weeks’ performances. It was the perfect venue for very special events at this magical time of year.  

The week ended with a fun filled assembly led by our talented, creative staff.  We read the Christmas story interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols. The children thoroughly enjoyed watching some dramatic and musical interludes from the staff which ranged from a build a manger competition to a staff recorder recital - I played my recorder for the first time since I was in Primary School.  

It’s a busy week next week with much to look forward to. I am sure the children are looking forward to a delicious Christmas Lunch and we look forward to welcoming you to our Carol Services: 

• Infants: Carols at St Mary's, Tuesday 17 December, 9.45am at St Mary's Church 
• Juniors: Carol Service, Thursday 19 December, 9.45am at Holy Trinity Church

Have a wonderful weekend and do pop into the Infant FOPS Christmas Fair at Pewley between 2-5pm if you are able to do so. 

Vicky

Thought of the Week: “Find the true meaning of Christmas” Jesus – the ultimate hero!

Whole school Messages 

End of term arrangements: 

On the last day of term, Friday 20th December, we will be finishing early as usual, 13:30 for the infants and 13:45 for the juniors.  

SCC Term Dates 

Surrey County Council are assessing the option of extending the October half term holiday to two weeks. The additional five days would be taken from the summer break. Please click on the link below to have your say: https://www.surreysays.co.uk/csf/autumn-half-term/

Parent Governor election

A reminder to cast your vote in the HT and PD parent governor elections if you have not already done so. The ballot papers went out via ParentMail earlier this week. If you would like a paper copy or have any other queries please contact the relevant school office. The vote closes at 12.00 next Thursday 19 December.

Donations for Home Start Guildford

Thank you for attending the Christmas plays this week and for your generous donations. Once our costs are covered, the money collected will go to our chosen charity, Home Start Guildford. If you would still like to contribute you can do so via ParentPay.