Mr Cox had kindly unboxed and set up our BRAND NEW pre-lit tree ready for the children to adorn it with tinsel, beads and baubles. The children got stuck straight in to decorating it, and I’m sure you will agree they have done a brilliant job! Luckily, Mr Whyman arrived at just the right moment to fix the star to the top of the tree!

Our giving tree is our way of giving back to others by providing gifts for children whose parents could otherwise not afford to give presents to their children this Christmas. This is a long standing tradition at Loughton School which has grown in support over the years and each year we hope to be able to give more than the last. Last year, we had 380 gifts donated from our generous families.

We invite you to consider donating gifts for children between the ages of 0-18. The gifts need to be unwrapped so the parents have the opportunity to choose a suitable gift and wrap it for their own children. Donations of wrapping paper, gift tags, tape etc are also welcome. Gifts can be toys, games, books, soft toys, hats, scarves, gloves, pyjamas, jumpers or other clothes. They would prefer new items, but will accept ‘as new’ items, for example unwanted gifts, un-read books. They cannot accept any battery-operated items. The MK Children’s Centre has mentioned that gifts suitable for older children and teenagers are often the least donated, so please consider whether you can provide an offering for this age group, in particular.

Well done to our fabulous school council members! 

Mrs Read

 

 

A reminder of our other festive arrangements:

Our Festive Post Box - from Friday 1 December

The Festive Post Box will be in our school entrance hall and any Christmas cards to staff and friends should be posted during morning registration each day. Envelopes should have full names and classes written on them. The delivery of Christmas post is organised by children in year 6 with a special delivery being made in the final week of term.

Year 4 and 5 Christmas carol concert – Wednesday 6 December at 6pm

Parents of children in years 4 and 5 are welcome to return to join our carol concert. This will be a mixture of carols and Christmas songs. The children have been working really hard during their music lessons and singing assemblies to learn these and are excited to showcase them to you. Families are of course welcome to join in!

Christmas jumpers and Hobbs hot dinner day – Wednesday 6 December for years 3 and 4, Thursday 7 December for years 5 and 6

All children may come to school wearing a festive jumper/top over their uniform. Children in years 3 and 4 can choose to enjoy their hot festive lunch on Wednesday 6 but should bring a packed lunch on Thursday 7 December. Children in years 5 and 6 should bring a packed lunch on Wednesday 6 but can enjoy their hot festive lunch on Thursday 7 December.

Christmas Window Event – on Thursday 14 December at 3.15pm 

As is now an annual tradition, the children at Loughton School will be working on the design and creation of their Christmas windows. The theme of the windows this year is traditional Christmas movies and the children would like to share their hard work with you. Our chair of governors will once again vote for the winning designs and prizes to those classes will be awarded. On Thursday 14 December at 3.15pm please take the opportunity to walk around the outside of school with your child/children and see if you can guess the movie displayed at each window. We look forward to seeing you all.

Please note that year 4 parents are welcome to purchase their child’s enterprise project during this walk around so please do bring cash with you on the day. Further communications will come to you separately about this.

Year 6 visit Christmas cracked – Tuesday 19 or Wednesday 20 December in the afternoon

As you were notified on the trips and visits communication at the start of the year, year 6 will be visiting the church for ‘Christmas cracked’ activities on the afternoon of Tuesday 19 (x2 classes) or Wednesday 20 December (x2 classes). Please ensure comfortable footwear for walking.

Last day of term – Thursday 21 December at 1.15pm

On the final day of the term, children may wear non-school uniform or festive outfits and can bring in a toy from home to play with. Toys chosen will be your child’s responsibility and should be something that can be played with a friend in their class. No electricals should be brought in. For children who usually have PE on this day, fun games lessons in the hall have been planned, so PE kits are not needed. Please remember to make a note of our early collection time and collect your child promptly.

Christmas gifts

Finally, we are aware that members of our Loughton School family often choose to buy a small gift for their child’s class teacher at this time of the year. We are aware that the cost of living is challenging for all at the moment so please remember this is entirely your own choice. This year, we are asking all who wish to gift something to consider instead purchasing an age appropriate book(s) to help us continue to promote a love of reading. This book(s) can then be enjoyed by the class and kept for other children to enjoy for many years to come. 

 

Season's greetings from everyone at Loughton School