Headmaster’s Newsletter 55

4th December 2015

Year 6 Dinner Party

The School Hall, daily used for lunch for all the school of course, was transformed last Friday into a dinner party venue, the tables looking fantastic. As Year 6 parents gathered, it was clear that we were in for a fine time, and so it proved. The prawns, soup, turkey, nut roast, cheesecake and trifle were all wonderful, all the result of the tremendous behind-the-scenes preparation and cooking of Mr and Mrs Gordon, Mr and Mrs Baldacci, Mr and Mrs Prescott and Mrs Lippard. Year 6, looking distinguished in black and white, met guests,

helped in the kitchen and were quite the most superb waiters and waitresses. A special thanks to Mrs Gordon for being the mastermind and organizer. It was a fine evening much enjoyed by all.

Infants Nativity “Born in A Barn” was a wonderful experience for everyone, a traditional Nativity, full of joy for all. The children performed superbly, and of course the youngest there were only four years old. The Reception Class were literally stars. Year 1 and Year 2 played the animals and the human players in the story, as Mary and Joseph struggled through to find a place for their new-born, special baby. All the children

had learned their songs and lines really well, and they performed with great confidence and style.

Many thanks to Mrs Wood and Mrs Iaquaniello, Mrs Nash and Mrs Hilditch, and Mrs Kybert, Mrs Lakha and Mrs Eggleton for their superb guidance and direction of the children. Wonderful face painting and a lovely backdrop were the work of Mrs Britton, to whom many thanks too. It was terrific to see on both afternoons so many parents, and grandparents. Year 3 and 4 Play – “Home for Christmas”

The Year 3 and 4 play was an absorbing story of two children’s sympathy with a homeless woman encountered whilst doing their Christmas shopping. A message of the good things arising when we think of and act for others was put across in a very open and

convincing way. The children clearly knew their parts really well, and they spoke and sang with great energy, commitment and conviction. Very well done to each of them. Some budding musical theatre stars here! The play was directed and produced by Mrs Ansell, Mrs Brooker and Mrs Kitsell, (helped on the second night, incidentally by Mrs Botley, who joins us on Monday (7th December) as

Year 3 TA). There was another fine backdrop produced by Mrs Britton. The directors drew something special out of the children. It was a most excellent and stimulating evening, much appreciated by the full audiences on both nights. Advisory Board Visit The second performances of “Born in A Barn” and “Home for Christmas” were watched by the Advisory Board members, who that day were visiting the School and the Nursery. It was very good to see Mr Dyson here of course, as well as his two AB colleagues, Mr Robin Lewis and Mrs Catherine Mentzel. As well as the plays, board members met with staff after school, and there was also a meeting for senior staff when the board had the chance to be briefed about and discuss strategic matters. The day was a very useful chance both to welcome board members and

to reflect on longer term matters, sometimes hard to have the opportunity to discuss amidst daily school life. Swimming Awards – Years 2 and 5 As many parents will know, swimming lessons are now assessed at the end of each term, and certificates of progress awarded. Congratulations to the children in Years 2 and 5, who at assembly today were presented with their swimming badges and certificates by Mrs Wood and Mrs Prescott. The Bronte swimming badges should ideally be sewn onto swimming bags or costumes, so Year 2 and 5 parents are warmly encouraged to take out their needles and thread…unless of course your son or daughter has been attending sewing club!

Christingle - 7.00pm, Monday 7th December, St George’s Church Finally, a word about Monday’s Christingle service. It’s an important school event and attendance by all Year 1 to Year 6 families is really very strongly encouraged. This exhortation does not apply to Reception families, as the children are very young and some might struggle - but not all, I’m sure, so please do join the rest of the school if you feel your Reception son or daughter would enjoy the service. All very welcome…it’s a large church, and, if you wish, do please invite grandparents and other family members or

friends. All children are taking part of course in either the Infants or Junior Choirs. The service lasts for about 45 minutes. There is a collection for St George’s Church and The Salvation Army. Afterwards, Bronte Friends warmly invite you to linger in the church for drinks and mince pies. Looking Ahead

Week 14 Mon 7th December Staff meeting (12.30pm)

School Christingle Service All families encouraged to come 7.00pm, St George’s Church, Gravesend (parking in public car parks adjacent to the church)

Thurs 10th December Infants Slumber Party (6.00 -

7.30pm, School Hall) Fri 11th December Christmas Fun Day

Juniors Disco (6.30 – 8.00pm, School Hall)

Week 15 Mon 14th December Helpers Assembly (11.00

am) Tues 15th December Year 1 / 2 panto (10.30am)

Bluewater Christmas Carols (11.00am)

Wed 16th December 12.00 noon Term ends