Christmas celebrations were in full swing on the last day of term with the Junior and Senior prep kicking off the festivities in their Christmas jumpers with a fun Christmas Congo with Mr Matthews in the Chapel.
A wonderful Christmas lunch followed with both the JPS and SPS all filling the dining hall to eat a fantastic roast dinner cooked by Sodexo, complete with Christmas crackers, candy canes and gorgeous snowmen puddings.
The annual prep school carol service concluded the term with the choir singing beautifully for their friends and family. This year’s carols included a congregational carol of Away in a Manger, a fantastic carol sung by Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 which was a piece from their Nativity and The Prince of Peace sung by Year 3 and 4.
Santa Visit
On the last day of term, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 received a surprise visit from Father Christmas. The children were both shocked and ecstatic when he walked into their classrooms. Each pupil was gifted a book as a present, with Reception class all receiving ‘What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas’, Year 1 got ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh’, and Year 2 were surprised with ‘The Tree that’s Meant to be’.
Christmas Mystery Trip
Pupils from Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 were treated to a delightful mystery trip to the Chichester Festival Theatre, where they experienced the enchanting production of Hey! Christmas Tree.
The heartwarming play tells the story of a tree that discovers its destiny as a Christmas tree while helping a little girl find her way home. The children were captivated by the tale’s festive, including throwing fluffy and giant inflatable snowballs around the auditorium and dancing alongside the characters.
The children were mesmerised by the magic of Christmas brought to life on stage and left feeling festive. The highlight of the day was the ice cream treat at the end-not forgetting the trip on the coach!
Reindeer Run
On the penultimate day of term, children in Reception to Year 4 donned their antlers and giddied up for the annual Reindeer Run. The pupils and staff warmed up with an energetic danceathon to Christmas tunes before taking on the challenge of running laps of the astro to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice.
The charity helps patients and families affected by life shortening conditions, an important cause to support, particularly at this time of year. There was a brilliant, determined atmosphere and it was wonderful to see so many reindeer racing around the track.
Simply the Nativity: Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
Children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 delivered a spectacular performance of the Nativity story. Year 2 pupils took on the leading speaking roles, with the narrators guiding the audience through the traditional tale of Jesus’ birth. The performance kicked off with a hilarious opening scene, where ‘teachers’ organising the casting and managing the copious amounts of glitter and sheep that this festive time brings!
An exuberant donkey led Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, where they encountered fellow travellers, an innkeeper, shepherds, angels, and the Wise Men. Their journey culminated in a peaceful night in a stable, with a bright star shining overhead.
Other memorable moments included appearances by camels, lively party sheep, and a sparkling Christmas tree. The children’s beautiful singing during the musical numbers left the audience filled with festive cheer, perfectly capturing the spirit of the season
Hosanna Rock: Year 3 and 4 Nativity
Year 3 and 4 sang with joy and festive cheer as they told the traditional tale of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. The annual Nativity tradition continued with some familiar tunes and the ever-popular Prince of Peace.
As they approached the excitement of the festive period, pupils took a moment to reflect as the prayer, written by one of the Year 4 girls, was read at the end of the performance and the congregation joined for a resounding rendition of Away in a Manger.
