In all of the excitement and chaos of school life at Christmas time, we have found peace in our prayer stations. Each class has been given a space around school where they have set up scripture and prayer linked to a part of the nativity story. Over the next few weeks, partnered classes will be completing their pilgrimage to the stable, as we quest to become Pilgrims of Hope this centenary year. Our whole-school pilgrimage started at the wreath on Monday morning, as we lit the first Advent candle, before moving to our EYFS nativity on Wednesday. I think you will agree, they all look fabulous. In all of the years I have seen a nativity here, this was one was just wonderful. Every child knew their parts, spoke so confidently, sang like angels - and we had no tears! We are so proud of them all.
Time to spread festive cheer far and wide…
As December has started, the school has been sprinkled with festive cheer - I really love this time of year! On Tuesday, we held our very first pottery session, organised by Mrs Naylor. It was just wonderful (and I definitely think that the parents enjoyed it more than the children). I hope you really enjoy your decorations when they come back from the glazers. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped raise some funds for our school. All of the money that will be raised this Christmas in school is going towards the development of our outdoor area and speaker system in school.
You all know how wonderful our staff team are and how hard they work each and every day. They too needed a treat! For the past few years, we have worked really closely with Fylde Rangers who have supported some of our forest school work and who we support with bulb planting and Christmas tree planting at the dunes. On Wednesday evening, the ranger team came into school equipped with willow and bags and bags of foliage for us to create our own Christmas wreaths. I think you will agree they look rather fabulous! It was a really nice change to the usual Wednesday Staff Meeting.
Don’t forget the Christmas Raffle! We have been blown away by the amount of chocolate and bottles received today. These will be made into hampers by a team of elves next week. Get your raffle ticket stubs and money into the school office to be in with a chance of winning.
Bookings for film night have now closed. Please see the times for collection on Friday.
The Great Our Lady Bake Off
Next Friday is our annual Bake Off…here is what you need to know.
To wear a Christmas jumper = £1
To buy a cake at the Cake sale = £1
To enter a bake into the class or family competition = £3
The children will bring their bakes into their classes in the morning - here they will be judged in true Bake Off style. At break time, there will be the opportunity for cakes to be sold and bought by their classmates. If last year is anything to go by, there will be lots available so we will hold a big cake sale after school in the hall.
Please remember that we are nut free school, therefore no baking with any form of nuts will be able to be brought into school.
STARs of the Week
Well done to our children this week who have been beacons of light for us all. You have shone so brightly to demonstrate our virtues; intentional and prophetic, and with excellent learning. Today was our final Friday celebration assembly of the term. We are so proud that this term, every child’s family have been invited into school to pray alongside us. It has been incredibly special. Next week, I will be recognising some of the stars in school from this term.
Our Learning Stars and Virtue stars this week
Office News
Our Weekly Attendance
Lunch options for next week in addition to sandwiches:
Monday - Pizza Pockets
Tuesday - Chicken burgers
Wednesday - Packed lunch
Thursday - Sausage in a bun
Friday - Pizza slices
Every year, we go all out with Christmas Dinner - it really is a much-loved part of our school year. However, with the kitchen this year and the change in lunches, we are having to do things a little differently - but we are undeterred. Jackie has put together a festive menu for us to enjoy that still includes all of the favourites. The cost of the dinner is £2.50. If your child usually has a dinner on a Thursday, you don’t need to book. If your child doesn’t usually have one and would like one…please complete the booking form below.
All Stars has been such a welcome and exciting addition to school life; and so well received by parents and children. It is still in its infancy and the team are working hard to understand it better and to make it better. Spring term bookings are now open. We will assume that everyone who is currently booked on wants to remain booked on. If this is different, please do let the office know. Due to its success, we are able to open up the club to our nursery children from January - where space is available. If you would require a place, please contact the school office to enquire about places.
Finally, at the end of this term, two members of staff will be leaving us to start a new adventure; Mrs Shields and Miss Liddell. For nearly 25 years, Mrs Shields as worked as part of the Our Lady family in a number of roles around school; more recently as part of the school office team. There is nothing that she does not know, and as myself and Mrs Nel started our new roles in school, Mrs Shields has supported us in so many ways. We know that she will leave a big hole here, but we wish her so much love as she starts her retirement. For Miss Liddell, you will know that we have been incredibly lucky to have someone working in school who specialises in Speech and Languae, they are like gold dust - and she certainly is golden! Alongside her role in school, Miss Liddell has been completing her masters and is now a fully fledged therapist; securing a job within the NHS. We have been so blessed to have felt her love and warmth for so long. I am sure that you will join us in wishing both members of staff all of the love in the world as they start their new adventure.
As Mrs Shields retires, we have appointed Mrs Howe to the role within the office, she will be joining us after Christmas. We also have a teaching assistant role advertised on LCC for 23 hours a week; which is temporary for a term. Pleas edo contact the school office if you are interested.
There are just two weeks left in school! Enjoy the weekend with your families
God bless
Mrs Gregan