Dear Parents,

The run up to Christmas has definitely begun!  The Christmas Fair last weekend was a wonderful event; it was brilliantly organised, well attended and the atmosphere in school was great.  When we can, we will inform you of the total.  My thanks go to the Fofsa team who have worked so hard to ensure the event was successful, enjoyable and profitable.

On Monday we began our reverse advent and the corridor is filling up quickly.  Thank you  for your generosity; it is so important that our children develop their understanding of others in need.  Next week I will be taking the Goldfinch School Council children to the Reading food bank depo; I hope they will be able to return to school and share their experience and what they have learnt.

The weather prevented us from having our Advent service at church.  The service, in school was led by Rev'd Jullian and Rev'd Gemma; the singing was beautiful and it was a perfect opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

This weekend our choir will be singing at Loddon Valley carol concert.  This is always such a special occasion with so many children across Wokingham singing together.  Mrs Gan and Mrs Coulson have worked so hard with the children to prepare them and I look forward to watching them on Sunday.  

We felt very privileged to have been asked to sing at the Nirvana Spa Christmas market.  The singing was so beautiful and many people commented on how well behaved the choir all were.  The children were delighted to have been given a Nirvana bath bomb as a thank you!

Today Reception, Year 1 and 2 all went to watch the Finches Pre-School Christmas play and one boy said it was the best day ever seeing his sisters in their play!

I am looking forward to seeing many of you and your families at the Christmas play performances next week.  The children have worked hard and with each rehearsal the staff are more convincing that it will be alright on the night!  We are delighted that Nirvana Spa will film the play for us during the afternoon performance.

I am very pleased with the new fencing at the front of school and the turf finishes it off perfectly.  We are keen to begin using the new pedestrian gate however I want a safety barrier installed on the pavement first.  Once I have time scales from Wokingham I will let you know.  I have tried to be outside the front of school this week and I am delighted that wardens were able to come on Wednesday; the zig zag lines are not to be used as a drop off point.  Please remember that the staff at the Greyhound pub are happy for you to use their carpark whilst you drop off or collect children.   As we approach many school events please remain considerate of each other and our neighbours.

I wish you a wonderful weekend

Jacquie Vanstone