Christmas has officially landed at Beaudesert Park! The lights are up, the trees are decorated and our mischievous elves, Bo and Dezza, are up to their usual December tricks. Have you spotted them in the Courtyard this week? It is definitely helping us get into the festive spirit.

The Nursery children have been diligently practising their Christmas Songs since November, and had their chance to shine on stage yesterday afternoon, dressed as penguins, reindeer, stars and the rest. They trooped onto the stage in front of parents and siblings; a terrifying concept for us adults, let alone when you are 3 years old! Their renditions of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and 'Jingle Bells' went down a treat, and we are very proud of them.

This morning, our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children did an incredible job in our Nativity, which this year featured a selection of traditional hymns like 'Silent Night' and 'We Three Kings'. Our sheep, stars, cows, innkeepers, angels and kings looked utterly angelic as they told the nativity story, showing so much courage and confidence.

The PAC Foyer was a treat for the senses this afternoon at our Children's Christmas Craft Fayre. There was gingerbread, glitter, chocolate, candles, and beads aplenty, and many enthusiastic sellers! Thank you to everyone who came to support the children and their entrepreneurial spirit.

Ice, ice baby.
Ice, ice baby.

Alright stop — it’s time to celebrate and listen.
The boarders are back with a brand new excursion.
Something that was fun and exciting,
Mr New’s skills were oh so frightening.

Alright — I’ll stop!

But oh, what a night! As we boarded the coach, Christmas jumpers were donned, earmuffs were secured and there was a huge wave of excitement amongst the children. We arrived in Cheltenham and laced up our oh-so-comfy (or not!) skates before taking to the ice. Everyone began with a little trepidation, but children are amazing. In no time at all, they were gliding around, holding hands, and singing Christmas songs. Those who needed a break watched from the side, hot chocolate in hand, while observing several teachers behaving like ten-pin bowling balls (or skittles).

We then made our way to the shops, where the children bought gifts for one another and just a couple (!) of sweets. Rumour has it that one child in Year 8 bought a bottle of popcorn the size of himself. Fortunately, we collected everything in for the children to take home and share with their siblings…

It is such a privilege and a delight to take our children on these trips. Seeing their faces, receiving their thanks, and watching how beautifully behaved they are is truly wonderful.

One week left, and one more bouncy trip to go!

Have a lovely Leave-out,

Oli and Debbie Jones, Houseparents

Very well done to Heidi in Year 6, who has won the Headmaster's Christmas Card Competition with her beautiful design of two children building a 'snow cow' at school. This will be used on all of the greetings cards the Headmaster sends out to staff, Governors and other schools.

Our Eco-Committee have been hard at work already, working towards our Eco-Schools Green Flag for next year. The children have been decorating pots and planting acorn saplings in different environments to see which ones will germinate, ably helped by Mr Hale. Some of these saplings will be planted in the grounds later in the year.

We would like to let our community know that Longfield Hospice are running a Christmas tree recycling service this year in partnership with Just Helping. For a voluntary donation, Longfield will collect your Christmas tree between 10th-13th January. Please visit their website if you would like to organise a collection:

Just Helping Website