In the current climate Grimsdell's Christmas thoughts have turned to those who may have been having a difficult time. Throughout the season of festive Christmas parties and concerts emphasis has been placed throughout on those in less fortunate circumstances. Prior to Christmas the children took part in 'The Shoebox Appeal' which is part of the charity 'Samaritan's Purse'. 135 boxes were posted to places around the world where children would not otherwise have received a present. Back at home 'Ralph the Reindeer' was the name of the Year 1 and Year 2 Christmas Musical Concert which featured not only all the children in joyous voice but also the String Ensemble.
All the children enjoyed their Christmas lunch and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Well done to Georgina from Year 2, who was runner-up in a National Road Safety Poster competition organised by the Road Safety Charity 'Brake'. The competition attracted hundreds of entries from schools all over the country. In the photo, Georgina is showing her colourful poster and the teddy that she won!
Our Shoebox Appeal is for the charity Samaritan's Purse. This year we collected 121 shoeboxes to be sent to places around the world where children are not lucky enough to receive Christmas presents.
Annabel Karmel, the UK's best selling author of books on children's food and nutrition, is giving a talk in The Jubilee Hall, Belmont, on Wednesday 11th November at 7.45pm. Tickets, which cost £5, are available from Julie Maister or a member of the GPA.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 celebrated Harvest with some lovely songs. The children sang beautifully. We welcomed Bruce Marquart from the Upper Room to speak to the children about the work he does. He was very grateful for all of the donations of tins and coffee. We also managed to raise £362.09 for the charity.
Antonio (whose son is in Reception) come to our assembly to teach the children all about the Violin. He was a real hit with the children and taught them about Benny the Bow and Victor the Violin.
These colourful posters were designed following ideas put forward by the School Council in June as to what makes a good Grimsdell Teacher and what makes a good Grimsdell Learner.
A warm welcome awaits prospective pupils and their families at our Foundation Open Morning on Saturday October 10th. All three Foundation Schools – Grimsdell (pre-preparatory), Belmont (preparatory) and Mill Hill – will be open: Grimsdell from 10.30-12.30 and Belmont and Mill Hill between 9.30am and 12 noon. No appointments are necessary – please come and meet Senior Academic staff and tour the Schools. Parking will be signposted for each School from The Ridgeway.
Reception children thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Paradise Wildlife Park last week when they had a fantastic day studying all the different animals on view. The Park has been in existence for many years and has animal conservation as its main objective. The children visited the Animal Park and the Birds of Paradise Arena.
Meg the Golden Retriever, who belonged to Mrs Bennett-Mills, came to school every day for 11 years. Sadly Meg passed away in 2006 but she is still fondly remembered with a bronze statue on the main lawn. The sculpture was presented to the school by Mr Paul Jessup, who was one of our parents at the time.
