Christmas Lunch and Christmas Jumper Day

Mr Gammon’s Western States Adventure

We could not be more proud of Mr Gammon who completed the incredible Western States 100 mile endurance run last week in an amazing 29 hours running through canyons and rivers. You can watch him and his crew coming over the finish line below at 10 hours and 30 minutes into the video. Well done Mr Gammon, you smashed it!

Trip to Westminster Abbey

Recently, we joined a global congregation at Westminster Abbey, for a special service to mark the 80th anniversary of international development agency Christian Aid.

The event involved some 2,000 guests, from staff and supporters, to church leaders and charity partners from around the world, who came together to reflect on achievements of the past eight decades, give thanks, and recommit to the charity’s mission to end global poverty.

We were delighted to be invited to participate in this special service, in recognition of our success in achieving the Gold Level of Christian Aid’s ‘Global Neighbours’ award. We travelled to London with all of the children in Year 4 for this inspiring opportunity; they had previously completed a virtual learning session and tour which helped them to appreciate the grandeur and magnificence of the Abbey. 

It was a wonderful experience for the children and so memorable to be part of the atmosphere outside, after the service, while the bells of Westminster Abbey sounded.

And we even managed to get a 'selfie' with Rev Kate Bottley, who was doing one of the readings!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxf35J-H-Tw

 

School Council Trip to the Houses of Parliament

Our school council children had a very exciting trip to visit the Houses of Parliament in London! The children were excited to spot landmarks and features of London on the drive in and to see the River Thames when we arrived. We were taken on a guided tour around the Houses of Parliament by a guide who shared lots of information about the history and what happens day-to-day in the building. We were all excited to find that both the House of Commons and the House of Lords were in session so the children were able to watch from the visitors gallery. The children had a session in the education room doing some related games and activities and then met Matt Western's (our MP)  assistant. The children gave him some really thoughtful questions to pass on to Matt. After this, we all walked up to Downing Street so that the children could see where the Prime Minister lives and works. As we had children from both schools, they ranged in age from 5 - 11 and all represented our federation brilliantly!