I know! And I'm sorry for mentioning it so soon but Christmas will be well on the way at Seaburn Dene by Friday. Children in Years 1 and 2 are already rehearsing their production which has, I believe, quite a large number of mice! Let's hope they're not caught in a trap before 12th December (performance day).

CHRISTINGLE AND THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY

Today Mike Vallance, former headteacher and a voluntary helper in Years 4 and 5, is leading an assembly to kick off our coins for the Children's Society campaign. On Friday 15th December at 2.00pm Revd Watson is leading a Christingle service. This lovely tradition is to raise money to help children who don't have happy and safe home lives. Every child in the school makes a Christingle and joins in this very calm and touching service.

To fill our Christingle candle collection boxes, we are asking you to check in pockets, down sofas and bottom of handbags and gym bags for loose lost coins. I've found lots of "lost" coins in pockets, handbags and bedside cabinet so I'll kick off the collection boxes today. It's amazing how quickly the copper coins and 5p pieces add up. It would be wonderful if we could fill all the candles.

On Thursday this week we have our Christmas Fair with chocolate and bottles galore and much more besides. We look forward to seeing you win all these wonderful prizes after school on Thursday.

Then on Friday the Posada  begins its journey around Seaburn Dene homes. If your child brings it home they are invited to write a diary of Mary and Joseph's experiences in your care-the diary entry can be real or imaginative. I only hope the donkey behaves itself!

CONGRATULATIONS-to our Year 4 hockey players. Mr. Wilson's lessons last year developed ball and tactical skills beautifully. They beat the very serious school that was very much the favourite to win to become Sunderland champions. In the new year there will be a regional championship so Mr. Wilson will be working with the team to refine their skills and introducing hockey into Year 3.

ATHLETICS

The Year 6 athletes are heading off to Biddick for the next qualifier. Good luck everyone-you put in a very impressive performance at the last meet.

VISIT TO THE NEW BRIDGE-Mrs Tough, our design technology  co-ordinator, has selected a group of children to visit the new bridge on Tuesday. I drive past it every day and it's most impressive.

TODAY..Year 4 are visiting Jarrow Hall. Thankfully it's chilly but dry so we expect the children will have a wonderful day learning all about our North Eastern heritage.