With temperatures well below zero today, we have the perfect Christmas scene across our gardens and fields. And now I've mentioned Christmas, what a busy week we have ahead of us-the diary is full of special activities and events.

Monday

Today our Key Stage 1 children are having a dress rehearsal of their production Manger Mouse. The rest of the school will be their audience and critics so, that by the actual performance on Tuesday, it should be ready to go!

Tuesday

Key Stage 1 present their play to family members. Curtains open at 2.00pm and I'm sure you'll be enchanted by the children's innocent singing and acting. At this age you'll never know what will happen next which makes it so much fun! Duncan Spence from Picture This Photography has the children's photographs printed so is expecting to be in school to deliver them.

Wednesday

Christmas lunch day. We welcome all those adults who have helped the school during the year to a wonderful feast prepared by Gillian, Julie, Ruth and Faye. Every time I venture into the kitchen, Gillian is preparing one treat or another-the ginger Rudolph biscuits look very tempting but I haven't yet worked out a strategy to sneak one out of the kitchen!

Those of you who have made an appointment will be meeting up with Father Christmas this evening. Thank you to the friends who have used their persuasive powers to entice him to Seaburn Dene Primary School at a time when he is working endless hours all over the world. What an achievement!

*A note from the Friends-all children should be supervised by an adult member of their family.

Thursday

This afternoon is our Public Speaking Competition for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. There are some fabulous prizes including a free Monday evening session with CASA Performing Arts, jigsaws and books. Mrs Wilson from the Nursery has agreed to be one of the judges and there will be representation from the School Council too. Good luck everyone.

Friday (15th)

Christingle Service and Christmas Jumper Day.

We always thoroughly enjoy our festive celebrations whilst, at the same time, keeping the real meaning of Christmas at the forefront of everything we do.  

On Friday Revd Watson will be leading our Christingle Service. This is very a magical event, especially when we darken the hall and light some of the Christingles  while singing. Because Christmas is all about giving, we are donating to two wonderful charities.

Each class has four Christingle candle money boxes to fill with loose change for the Children's Society. The society works towards ensuring vulnerable children feeling safe at Christmas and you can read more about their work by clicking on this link. Thank you to everyone who has already found coins down their sofa, in pockets or handbags. I was amazed at how many coins were in the bottom of my gym bag but I won't miss them at all.

If you wish to wear a Christmas jumper on Friday 15th, you can do so in return for a £1 donation. All money will be given to Save the Children Fund. 

Christmas Parties all take place next week. Children will have been given a plate for parents to fill with their favourite food, not forgetting that everyone will have eaten lunch just a couple of hours before the party tea.