After an incredibly hectic but wonderfully festive week, we're on the last run up to Christmas. Every class has their party during the week ahead (clothes to be brought in for changing after lunch) and on Friday the Foundation Stage will hold their special Christmas event - singing around the Christmas tree - in our main hall. The final day ends with board games and a calming Christmas Assembly at 2.30pm.
We return to school refreshed and ready to learn on Tuesday 7th January 2020 - after an INSET day - and break up on Friday 14th February for half term.
Our Christmas Fayre at the end of November was a great success, raising just over £1,000! Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort. As you know Santa popped into school for an Evening with Santa on Thursday 12th December, again - another success and thanks to all from the Friends and staff who made this possible.
Everyone's a Star in Shepherd's Delight
One word - fantastic! Years 1 and 2 presented the wonderful Shepherd's Delight to the school and their families last week. It was truly beautiful with amazing acting and melodic singing and went down a storm with parents.
We Say Goodbye to Miss Bliss
On Friday we sadly said farewell to Miss Bliss who has taught with us for the last four years - in Yrs 3 and 5. Miss. Bliss is leaving us to pursue new avenues in the art and therapy world. Everyone who has had their child taught by Miss Bliss, knows the special affinity she has developed with pupils, in both Yr 3 and 5 during her time with us. She has persistently taught the children to believe in themselves and inspired them through her creativity and empathy. Miss Bliss’s commitment to the children has extended beyond the classroom and her Minecraft Club was a star attraction on the after-school club rota. She has spoken of how much she will miss the children, but is looking forward to the new adventure in front of her.
Personally, I would like to thank Miss Bliss for her dedication and commitment to the children of Seaburn Dene. I am sure that all the parents and carers would like to join me in wishing her good luck and happiness on her new journey.
Replacing Miss Bliss in Janaury, will be Mr Good, who will take Yr 3 for the remainder of the school year. Mr Good, who is a former pupil of Seaburn Dene, is a highly experienced key stage two teacher of 16 years standing and a maths lead in his current school – a large primary in South Devon.
Give Children the Gift of a Book This Christmas
The National Literacy Trust has published shocking statistics which revealed that 383,775 children in the UK don’t have a single book of their own.
Their survey of 56,906 UK children found that, compared to children who don’t have a book of their own, children who own books are:
For top gifting recommendations, check out the NLT's Ultimate Christmas book list - an advent calendar of children’s books chosen by 24 leading authors and illustrators who have each recommended a book that they personally love and wish a child could unwrap this Christmas.
The list includes:
And finally all that's left for me to say is.....
I hope you all have a magical and peaceful Christmas followed by a happy 2020.
Coming up in the Spring term:
Week Ending 24th January
Poetry Recital
Week Ending 13th February
Inter House Times Tables Challenge
Half term Science project
Week ending Friday 28th February-
Whole school topic day, "A Day in the Life of..."
Thursday March 5th -World Book Day. This year's theme is Reading Around the World - stories from different parts of the Globe.
Monday, March 16th is Shakespeare Day and the start of Shakespeare Week.
Week ending 6th March
Have a very Happy Christmas everyone!