We are approaching the end of a long term and the whole school community is looking forward to the magic Christmas injects into school life.

 The prospect of Christmas cheers us and lifts our spirits away from the cold, dark and depressing weather of the season. At the moment, the Posada is making its way around the homes of some of our children, while preparations are underway for Christingle, as seasonal songs drift through the corridors.

 Next week, we are hoping to see every child decked out in their Christmas jumpers for our annual Christmas meal - the only donation we ask for is an item of non-perishable foods for a whole school donation to Sunderland Food Bank. Tinned/canned foods and dry pasta and rice are well received and donations of 'Bag for Life' bags are also needed to bag up the food once it has been gathered.

 Christmas has always been a magical time for me and to be at Seaburn Dene this year and get to share in the Christmas festivities, as headteacher, promises to be extra special, particularly when I got to see the intense excitement on the faces of our pupils during the Nativity rehearsal of Shepherd's Delight, and the prospect of all those Christmas parties.

 I must also comment on the fantastic attendance of our Performing Arts Choir at New Springs Church on Sunday. Their attitude and enthusiasm really made this a special occasion, one of many, I predict in the coming fortnight.

  Please check your emails for my email today listing all the events and days to remember in our Christmas season.