Last night our choir, Woodgate Voices, performed to over 140 parents, grandparents and friends in their first Christmas Concert. They entertained us with a mixture of traditional Carols and more modern songs and readings. It was great to see many of the audience joining in with the well known Carols. 

Proceeds from ticket sales are going towards the cost of the new stage lighting. Thanks to the generosity of visitors last night we raised another £89.68p in a bucket collection. This will help towards the cost of a stage for the choir to perform on. A big thanks to Mrs Tabberner, Mr. Davis, Mrs Ansell, Mr Ranger and Mr Jones for putting the show together and hosting so well.

One of my highlights of the school year is the KS2 Christingle service at St. Michael's Church. This year didn't disappoint. The sight of nearly 200 children holding lit Christingles and singing 'Away in a Manger' gave me goose bumps! The children were impeccably behaved adding to the sense of formality and purpose of the occasion. I am truly proud to be Head Teacher for our wonderful children.

We have enjoyed three wonderful productions from Year 3, Year 2 and Reception. They all reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas. The children sang, spoke and acted brilliantly. Thank you to all of the staff that worked so hard putting the performances together and to the families that came to see them perform.

Infant classes have enjoyed learning about the Nativity story through our interactive zones. There are 6 zones that represent scenes from the story, including Joseph's workshop, The Magi's observatory, The Shepherd's field and of course the stable in Bethlehem. The children have travelled the journey and been immersed in the story. Knowing the  story of Christmas and the reasons Christians celebrate it is an important part of our curriculum.

This morning we took delivery of five saplings as part of the 'Queen's Commonwealth Canopy' project. Fifty thousand trees will be planted across the UK to form part of a network of global forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. The saplings were delivered by Preet Kaur Gill M.P. and received by our Head Boy and Girl and Deputy Head Boy and Girl. We will be planting them soon and will enjoy watching them grow - a small part of the fight against climate change.

Our Memory Garden was opened by Councillor John Lines, The Deputy Lord Mayor, on Tuesday afternoon. Jonathan Dakin from Education Staffing Link, who sponsored the sculpture centrepiece, also joined us. Rev. Ruth from St. Michael's Church blessed the garden while governors, staff, pupils and all present braved the wind and rain. Teachers have taken their classes to visit the memory garden this week. Parents and families are warmly welcomed to come and see it. We intend for it to be used as a place of quiet contemplation and reflection.

After the ceremony, all concerned enjoyed tea and cakes, and entertainment from Woodgate Voices Choir.

Congratulations to everyone that has maintained or improved their own attendance levels. As a result of school, children and parents working together on this issue, current whole school attendance is 96.6% which is in line with national standards. Well Done!   

We raised £171.24 for the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal this year. Thank you to everyone that bought a poppy in school and wore it with pride.