Ladies and gentlemen, the end is in sight! There are only a few days left of the Autumn term and then the Christmas break is all yours.
You can enjoy days upon days of relaxing, unwinding, eating, drinking and, of course, being merry. Oh so merry.
The festive fun has already started too, as highlighted by countless schools across the North East.
Nobody appreciates the magic of Christmas quite like children and young people, so it’s been truly wonderful to see our education staff put so much effort into maximising this magic for them.
Since the beginning of December, our social media feeds have been jam-packed with nativity plays, trips to the pantomime, tasty school Christmas dinners, and more.
You snow the drill by now! Let’s take a look at how some of our schools have been spreading the Christmas cheer.
Superb school shows
Somewhere in our region is the next Idina Menzel… you heard it here first.
Numerous schools across the North East have been debuting their highly-anticipated school plays after months and months of hard graft and rehearsals.
Some schools, like North Ormesby Primary Academy (Middlesbrough) and Stocksfield Avenue (Newcastle), have honoured tradition by performing famous nativity scenes, whereas others have opted for more modern, West End classics.
Remember: there are no small parts, only small actors! Special shout-out to anybody who has ever played a tree in their life.
It really was lovely to see Belmont Community School (County Durham) host local senior citizens at their matinee performance of Snow White & The Seven Men Of Restricted Growth. Similarly, Marden High School in North Shields have been treating their local community to (sold out!) shows of Matilda.
“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it…”
Panto season? Oh yes it is!
Is it really Christmas if you don’t squeeze in a trip to the panto???
We’re so fortunate to have fantastic theatres all over the North East, all of which typically run a series of hilarious pantomime shows across the month of December and beyond.
Reception and KS1 pupils at St Stephen’s Primary (Newcastle) had a fantastic time watching Cinderella at the local theatre, and over 200 Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary (Redcar) pupils enjoyed Jack & the Beanstalk at Billingham Forum.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Going to see a local pantomime is a fantastic choice for a school trip! The storytelling, physical expressions, and audience participation is great for expanding imaginations and improving communication skills.
“Plus, and most importantly, it’s fun! Christmas is all about having fun, especially as a child, so this sounds like a great way to spend the last few weeks of the (often gloomy) autumn term.”
Delicious Christmas dinners before the big day
Christmas dinners aren’t exclusive to 25 December. Where’s the fun in that?
Before schools close for the Christmas break, education staff across the North East have provided tasty, wholesome Christmas dinners that could give your gran’s a run for her money!
The catering team at Belsay School (Northumbrland) received special recognition from staff and students alike for their turkey and trimmings dish, and pupils at Holy Trinity First School (Northumberland) relished their delicious dinners while wearing their festive jolly jumpers, before enjoying a rockin’ Christmas party.
Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year
As well as successful school shows, positive panto trips and delicious dinners, we’ve seen many of our region’s schools enjoy special Christmas parties, carolling sessions, festive arts and crafts, generous charity donations, and so much more!
We’re certain that these children will be heading into the Christmas break with such excitement and enthusiasm (and full tummies!) and that’s all because of you, the staff who made it possible.
Even though you might not personally see the magic in Christmas right now (at least not yet, anyway), you’ve helped them to see it. And that counts for more than you know.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Don’t forget, this year, treat yourself to all the fantastic things we’ve mentioned in this article. To say you deserve it is an understatement!
