Last Sunday, our Lower Prep Chamber Choir began the season of Advent at All Saints’ Church, Ockham, lending their beautiful voices to what was a wonderful service. We were blessed to have a past pupil leading us in prayer as we gathered together to begin our preparations for Christmas.
Our school week began with two incredible Nativity performances. First it was the turn of Years 2 and 3 who treated us to It’s A Miracle! They delivered their lines with impressive confidence and comic timing. Following that, our EYFS and Year 1 children performed Little Star’s Story which truly warmed our hearts and put everyone in the festive spirit.
The Upper Prep Reading Challenge is up and running and offers a great opportunity to dive into some excellent works of fiction. Details are available in the Library for those wanting to learn more. Years 3 to 6 enjoyed a great win against ASC International School in this week’s swimming gala and there have been some more strong performances on the rugby fields. Well done to Year 3 on their first set of rugby fixtures.
Next week, we look forward to our Upper Prep and Senior Carol Services on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, followed by our Christmas Jumper Day on Friday. Everyone is invited to wear their Christmas jumpers on the last day of term and this year the donations will be split between the Princess Alice Hospice and Save the Children charities. Thank you to the School Council for their ideas and involvement in promoting these good causes.
Mr Heaver
This week, Year 6 pupils have been bringing their amazing castle projects to school. We have seen an array of creative ideas including exceptional models, Motte and Bailey castles made out of cake, and even garden constructions!
Well done Year 6 on fantastic homework!
Castles in Year 6
Mrs Varney
Castles in Year 6
Castles in Year 6
Well done to Jason S in 4EF for achieving a Distinction for his Grade 2 piano exam.
Congratulations, Jason!
Music News
Well done to Toby F, Harry M and Colson for performing 'Full on Fizzy' in today's Prep Assembly.
They are members of the Intermediate Orchestra which is open to Prep instrumentalists of Grades 1 to 3 standard.
Year 2 had a wonderful afternoon celebrating all their wonderful learning about China this half term. As a fabulous finisher, the children made their own Chinese dancing dragons, learning about the importance of dragons in China as well as developing their design skills.
Learning about China in Year 2
They also had the opportunity to use the VR headsets to explore many different landmarks in China. They explored a range of landscapes and discussed what they could see, making comparisons. They visited the streets of Beijing, sand sculptures, a mountain tunnel, The Great Wall of China, The Chinese Terracotta Army and a lantern festival.
Year 2’s Christingles
Year 2 loved making their own Christingles to celebrate the beginning of Advent. They learnt what each element represented and lit their candles, remembering that Jesus is the light of the world.
A Christmas Miracle: Years 2 and 3 Nativity
Years 2 and 3 gave us a fantastic rendition of their Nativity this year, ‘It’s A Miracle!’ From the ‘Holy-Gram’, to the dancing angels. All the children performed with the utmost poise and professionalism. We were incredibly proud of them all and a big thank you to all the staff for their hard work behind the scenes.
Miss Gallop
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Christmas Miracle: Years 2 and 3 Nativity
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Christmas Miracle: Years 2 and 3 Nativity
The EYFS and Year 1 gave a wonderful performance of ‘Little Star’s Story’ on Tuesday morning. We were so impressed at the confidence from pupils to deliver their lines so clearly, and the singing and acting really gave that extra special magic to the event and reminded everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. A huge thank you to everyone involved.
Miss Gallop
Swimming Gala Win
Year 3 to Year 6 had a fantastic gala win over ACS Cobham on Wednesday. Taking place in the fantastic Cranmore pool, over 35 swimmers took part in more than 40 races. Even though the individual races were quite even, Cranmore dominated the relays showcasing great changeovers. In the end, the result came down to just 6 points with Cranmore securing the win.
We've had a great rugby block across all Year groups with Shrewsbury House this week. The U9s also played against St George's and the U10s welcome Effingham and Leatherhead Rugby Club this afternoon. Also today, our U8s have their first match away against Shrewsbury House. Good luck Year 3!
This Week
This week we marked the beginning of the Church’s season of Advent - that wonderful period of preparation for the great feast of Christmas, when we remember the birth of our Saviour Jesus. At this time we hear the words from the prophet Isaiah who exhorted the people to prepare for their return, out of exile, to their home. Despite all the indications to the contrary, and despite the seeming impossibility of the return, Isaiah was filled with faith-filled hope that the time would come.
Through this season of Advent we are encouraged to spend time reflecting on the coming feast birth of Jesus, the Saviour, who came into our world to save us and to open for us the way to heaven. We are called to be people of hope. We are encouraged to live lives that are characterised by hope, and to develop a deep trust in the God who loves us and who always accompanies us through life, in the good times and the hard times, a God who removes our fears. Let us wait for the Lord and make space this Advent for God.
