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We welcomed Marcel Pusey from the award winning ‘Bassistry Music’ to lead a ‘Live World Music’ workshop. Marcel worked with each class in an interactive, energetic and fun workshop using body rhythms, movement and dance. The children were introduced to new songs and used percussion to explore world and popular music. Marcel and each class performed all they had learnt during the day at our ‘Music Serenade’ for parents. We also invited instrumentalists to ‘serenade’ us and a number of pianists, guitarists and a violinist took part in the performance.  It was lovely to be reminded of what a musical school we are!

Class 1 and 2 had the experience of meeting and handling a variety of snakes, spiders and stick insects! This gave the children a first-hand opportunity to observe the similarities and differences between the animals and to learn about the many different types of life cycles which animals go through as they grow.  We had a wonderful time with Jonathan and all his animals!

We ended the Autumn Term with our Christmas Service at St Faith’s Church on Friday 15th December.  This service was led by the pupils in Class 3. The children recited the Christmas story, reflected on Bible verses and helped lead the prayers.  Our School Choir sang ‘The First Nowell’ and the whole school sang their hearts out - it was a joyous occasion!

Pupils in Class One took centre stage in our Nativity production of ‘The Very Hopeless Camel.’ Children in Class 2, 3 and 4 helped narrate the play and joined in with songs.  It was, as always, a lovely occasion for the whole school. An amazing £305.03 was raised in donations for Crisis, a national charity which works directly with thousands of homeless people every year. Crisis provides vital help so that people can rebuild their lives and are supported out of homelessness for good. Thank you for supporting this charity. FoSS organised refreshments of savouries and hot soup, mulled wine and cakes and a fantastic £236.10 was raised.  The Christmas Hamper Raffle also raised an incredible £252.

Our School Choir took part in ‘The Big Christmas Sing’ in the Oxford Town Hall with other primary schools from across Oxfordshire. The event celebrates the festive season while raising funds for Christian Aid.  The children performed beautifully. Thank you to Mrs Roberts for directing the choir and to Mrs Thorp for accompanying the children on the keyboard.

We all enjoyed our recent visit to the Watermill Theatre to see ‘The Borrowers’.  The children are always totally captivated by the wonderful costumes, the colourful stage set and all the different musical instruments that the cast play.   The school would like to thank FoSS for covering the cost of the coach transport for this event.

Thank you to Miss Potter for organising a ‘spotty-themed fancy dress’ day and for your generous donations.  We raised a grand total of £133.52 for Children in Need.  Thank you for supporting this worthy appeal.

We had a really positive week recently which focused on empowering children to celebrate what makes them, and others, unique without the fear of bullying. This gave the children time to reflect on their understanding of the term ‘bullying’ and opportunities to discuss how to deal with it should it occur.  This was also used as an opportunity to gather information from the children about their experiences both in and out of school.

We were absolutely delighted that Tom Scrivens from The Royal British Legion was able to attend our Act of Remembrance and Dedication held at St Faith’s Church.  The Royal British Legion’s attendance was felt by all and the service helped the children understand the significance of honouring those who have died in service of our country.  Jemima Johnson and Lauren Elvidge-Tappenden in Year 6 read beautifully during the service.  Our school choir sang ‘Crying out for Love’ and Teddie Stockbridge (Year 5) and Hanna Miozga (Year 4) also sang solos beautifully.  We raised £109.66 for the Poppy Appeal which supports and looks after serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families who are in need financially or otherwise.

During the first week of Autumn Term Two Mrs Roberts organised another week of ‘Secret Readers.’ Everyday a surprise member of the school or local community were invited to come along and share a favourite book with the children.  This was again a huge success and every day the children were eager to find out and listen to The Secret Reader!  Annabelle’s Nursery, staff and parents all shared stories with the children.