As I write, tomorrow is Friday 1st December. The crib will be placed at the heart of our school, decorations and trees will be coming out of their boxes and will be dusted off and the children will be helping it all to go up.
There’s a rush of new displays being put up in our hall. The theme of light has prompted explosions of colour and I’m surprised there aren’t lots of yellow hand-prints on the walls of FS…
“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12)
‘Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Christmas story’ is ringing out as the children rehearse for their Christmas shows – and across the school classes are going off-curriculum, off-timetable, and every child knows they have a part to play and something to say on stage. For those who struggle with this, there are instruments to play, stages to manage or just singing all the songs. Those children who struggle with unfamiliar routines are – well – struggling.
Christmas presents so many challenges for our emotionally or ASD – challenged pupils, or those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our LSAs and pastoral lead who are supporting these pupils (and families) are fully stretched and having to be both incredibly patient and amazing at pre-empting and preparing their children for the changes each day brings. Our school motto is ‘live fully, laugh often, learn deeply and let your light shine’. We will make this time as special for every child as we can.
As I walk around the school, we are hearing of children who are already talking about the enormous chocolate muffins that are famous at our school Christmas dinner! Class parties are being planned with great excitement and orders placed (just biodegradable where we can!), and the children are noticeably bubbling!
As a church school we encourage our children to be thoughtful of others who are less fortunate than ourselves and we are proud of the links we have developed with local charities who are asking for connections to our vulnerable families so that presents and hampers can be provided.
This year we are actively discouraging children from sending Christmas cards to all their friends – our call to look after the environment is causing us to rethink how we can give best wishes to others. A new innovation led by our new pastoral lead is Advent Angels – secret angels who will surprise their randomly picked colleague with small tokens of love, sustenance and support for the last few weeks of term.
Stain glass windows decorate the school and shine light outside for all to see. Two years ago, due to Covid-19, we changed our carol service to an outdoor crib service around the school but this year we are back in the church with Year 6 leading the event. The school choir, who have recently sung at the Royal Albert Hall, have also been treating the local community to festive cheer through song!
At The Bishops School we teach the children traditional Christmas carols and we’ll send our choir to sing to others. Part of what makes Christmas in a church school so unique is the mix of traditional and modern ways to celebrate. As always, our school encourages both staff and children to have life in all its fullness and over the next three weeks that is what we will ensure all children have!
We are post-OFSTED, so there’s no fear of surprise inspectors’ presence – which means we can relax and enjoy this fabulous season. We hope you can, too.
Greg Waters
Head Teacher
The Bishops’ C of E and RC Primary School
The Bishops’ is one of a small and unique number of joint Anglican and Catholic schools in the country, and we are the only such primary school in Essex. But we are here to serve all those who wish their children to enjoy an education which puts the whole of their development at its heart – academic, creative, physical, social and spiritual. Whilst our heart and foundation is strongly Christian, and our foundation is jointly Anglican and Catholic, our families come from a range of faith backgrounds and none, and we are well supported by our local clergy and community.
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