December has brought with it many exciting events across the Vine community, not least of all Christmas!
Both the children and the staff have been incredibly busy this term, what with balancing surprise visits from Santa and Nativity play preparations. Parents at Latchingdon C of E Primary School were treated to not one but two unique nativity plays this term, with the Drama Club performing the classic Nativity story and its Key Stage One children acting out a ‘Wriggly Nativity’. Staff and parents were very impressed by the children’s stellar acting performances, with both plays getting everyone into the festive spirit. Plays weren’t just being performed by the students, however, with the school being paid a special visit from the Chaplins Pantomime Company. The group gave a special performance of Dick Whittington, which brought with it lots of laughter and excitement for children and staff alike.
Community has played a particularly important role in our school activities this term, which has seen year groups coming together to raise money for local charities and writing heartfelt Christmas cards to elderly residents who were suffering from loneliness over the Christmas period. Following the success of the Tendring Pen Pals Scheme earlier this year, the children at both Rolph C of E Primary School and Nursery and Great Clacton C of E Junior School were keen to get involved with Tendring Eldercare’s Christmas Project. Students created beautiful Christmas cards for elderly local residents, which were delivered throughout the festive period. The heart-warming project was even broadcast on BBC Morning Live, which is available to watch here.
Vine children have been incredible role models this month, throwing themselves into lots of different charity fundraisers and community support projects. Throughout December, the children at St Margaret’s have been carrying out ‘Acts of Kindness’ across the local community for those in need. Ranging from baking sweet cones for refuse collectors and biscuits for the police force, to performing a virtual carol concert for a nearby care home, the children have shown incredible generosity during the lead-up to Christmas.
Santa Dash arrived at Latchingdon C of E Primary School earlier this term and saw children from across several year groups running, jogging and walking to raise money for local charities. As a reward for their hard work, the children received a surprise visit from Father Christmas, who had a few chocolatey treats in hand to hand out as early Christmas presents. Father Christmas also found the time to visit St Nicholas’ C of E Primary School, where he and Mrs Christmas spent the afternoon decorating tasty biscuits and making reindeer food for his sleigh-bearers.
Christmas is an important time to reflect on our faith, which the children at St Andrew’s C of E Primary School in Weeley did by making their own Christingle oranges in the village church. This was followed by a moving service led by Reverend Stallard, which was also attended by members of the local community. Pupils at Latchingdon C of E Primary School held their own service this month, which was broadcast on Chelmer Radio as part of a special festive feature. We were treated to some beautiful renditions of classic carols during the radio’s Breakfast Show, which you can listen to here.
Looking towards the new year, we have many exciting events on the calendar. In preparation for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, Reception classes from Latchingdon C of E Primary School planted a group of tree saplings in their school field. Despite the wet weather, parents of the children came to support the planting of each sapling, which was followed by some tree craft and paper chain making in the warmth. The plot of tree saplings is a lovely reminder of the children’s contribution to the Queen’s Jubilee.
We’re so proud of everything that the children and staff across our schools have achieved this Christmas. Despite the excitement of the ongoing festivities, community and kindness have been at the heart of each school’s celebrations, and will continue to do so as we move into the new year.
JOHN 15:5
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