Autumn Term Ends with Christmas Crescendo!!
At William Barnes, the end of the autumn term is always an exciting and magical time for both children and adults. As December begins, classrooms are transformed with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and even the occasional Christmas tree. Harts of Sturminster generously provides the school with a tree, which takes pride of place in the hall, and the Christmas post box is dusted off and set up, ready for the children to have their Christmas cards delivered daily to their classrooms.
Miss Gilbert becomes particularly busy as the school choir embarks on their Christmas tour. This year, the choir earned rave reviews for their performances at the Christmas lights switch-on in the marketplace, at Nazareth Lodge care home and at the opening of the PTFA Christmas market.
Meanwhile, children across the school, along with staff, work tirelessly to create Christmas crafts for the market. Reception and Year 6 focus their efforts on the nativity performance, which is the centrepiece of the school’s visit to St. Mary’s Church during the final week of term. Years 1 and 2 concentrate on learning songs, stage positions, and lines for their Christmas production.
One of the most eagerly anticipated events is the whole-school trip to the pantomime at the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole. This high-quality production provides an invaluable opportunity for the children to experience live theatre. A cherished tradition at William Barnes, the visit is made even more special with ice creams for the children, kindly supplied by the PTFA.
In the final week of term, Christmas dinner makes an appearance as staff join the children for a festive lunch in the school hall. In earlier years, this lunch was held in the old town hall next to the library, and later in the main hall of the Exchange.
Despite the festive buzz, the curriculum remains a priority, with teachers completing assessments and continuing normal lessons. However, on the last afternoon of term, children often get a chance to unwind, perhaps having a Christmas Quiz with their classmates.
The autumn term always ends on a joyful note, leaving everyone in the school community ready to embrace the holiday season. (RH)
