Weekly News - Friday 6th December 2024
Posted on: 06/12/2024Christmas Assemblies
It has been feeling very festive at school this week! The Nursery and Reception children presented charming Christmas nativity performances for parents and their Lower School peers at the North Hillingdon Methodist Church on Long Lane.
On Tuesday and Wednesday the Nursery Robins and Wrens took to the stage and delighted parents by singing a collection of fun Christmas songs in fabulous nativity costumes. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the children perform so confidently and truly shine! You can see more photographs of the children on our Christmas gallery page on the school website.
On Thursday and Friday it was the turn of Reception Owls and Kingfishers to perform. The children delivered a fantastic retelling of the nativity story in full costume, including solo speaking parts and beautiful singing. Well done to all of the children for learning their lines so brilliantly and delivering such polished performances.
Thank you to the Revd. Ken Kingston for joining the assemblies and sharing important lessons and reflections with the children about gratitude and selflessness at this festive time of year.
Pets As Therapy Charity Visit
On Monday we welcomed two very special furry visitors to Upper School assemblies; therapy dogs Buddy and Bobby! Following suggestions from our school council, we have made an exciting new link with national charity Pets as Therapy who will be making weekly visits to school next term to run reading and play sessions with the children.
The charity volunteers explained how the therapy dogs are specially selected for their calm temperament and are carefully trained to work with children and vulnerable people in different locations including schools, care homes and hospices. We look forward to welcoming Buddy, a gorgeous cavapoochon, to St. Helen's College in the spring term!
Year 2 and 3 Snow White Theatre Trip
On Friday morning Year 2 and 3 enjoyed an exciting trip to the Compass Theatre in Ickenham to watch Snow White a Christmas pantomime. The children had a wonderful time participating with the songs, laughing along with the jokes and soaking up the fun atmosphere.
Carols Around The Christmas Tree
Thank you to all of the families who joined us for festive Carols Around The Christmas Tree this afternoon. It was wonderful to gather together at this joyous seasonal event, led by our brilliant school choirs.
End of Term Church Service
We look forward to welcoming all parents to the Upper School end of term Christmas Service at All Saints' Church, Long Lane on Friday 13th December at 11.00 a.m. This will be a lovely opportunity for the St. Helen's College community to give thanks at the end of a busy term and to enjoy readings from the pupils, music from the school orchestra and carols from our accomplished school choirs.
Co-curricular Clubs Next Week
Please note only the following co-curricular clubs will be taking place next week; string quartet; recorder club, junior choir, senior choir, percussion and punjabi speaking for beginners. Allocations for spring term co-curricular clubs will be sent out to parents next week.
Parents' Association Christmas Plate
Many thanks to the PA for funding and organising personalised Santa plates for every child as a special Christmas gift. We hope the children will enjoy using the plates to leave out a customary mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph on Christmas Eve for many years to come as a reminder of St. Helen's College.
Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal
St. Helen’s College are supporting the Hillingdon Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal this year and invite families to donate a gift for a local child who may not receive a Christmas present. If you would like to contribute please donate a brand new toy/game for ages 3-11 with a value of approximately £12. Gift suggestions include teddy bears, puzzles, colouring sets, dolls, cars, books and Amazon vouchers. The item should not be gift wrapped and should fit inside a shopping plastic bag. Please can all donations be sent into school on Wednesday 11th December only, when they will be collected by the Salvation Army to be distributed.
Uxbridge Junior Chess Championship
Entries are open for the Hillingdon & Ealing Schools Junior Chess Championship which takes place on Saturday 18th January 2025 at St. Catherine's School, West Drayton. This is a great opportunity for members of the Middle and Upper School chess clubs to play competively against other local children of a similar age. Registration forms have been handed to the children and can also be found here with more information. Places are limited so please register as soon as possible.
Oak Farm Library Events
Oak Farm Library will be running free family activities over the Christmas break, including craft events, festive story times, board game sessions, computer coding and more. If you would like to make a light up Christmas card, a New Year wreath or join a 'Book Bunch' you can book via the Discover Hillingdon website. Details of the activites can be found here and all events are free.
Methodist Church Christingle Service
The Methodist Church will be holding two special services for families in the lead up to Christmas. There will be a Christingle celebration on Sunday 15th December at 6.00 p.m. and a Great Carol Countdown on Sunday 22nd December at 4.00 p.m. where attendees are invited to nominate three favourite carols. Both events are suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.
Next Week
Monday 9th December - 1C Coffee Morning And Class Assembly
Tuesday 10th December - 1O Coffee Morning And Class Assembly
Tuesday 10th December - Y4/5/6 Robin Hood At Rose Theatre, Kingston
Wednesday 11th December - US Santa Dash in Court Park
Thursday 12th December - JTA Festive Footsteps
Thursday 12th December - Christmas Lunch and Jumper Day
Friday 13th December - US Carol Service at All Saints' Church
Friday 13th December - Term Ends (11.50 a.m. Ducklings; 12.00 Reception; 12.10 p.m. Y1/2; 12.20 p.m. Y3/4 and 12.30 p.m. Y5/6)