Christmas festivities have been in full swing at Talbot Heath since the end of November with a sparkling array of events to celebrate in both the Junior and Senior school.
Here are the Talbot Heath 12 Days of Christmas highlights…
1 – Not a partridge in a pear tree, but a beautifully decorated Norway Spruce, provided the backdrop for the annual Sixth Form Winter Ball, which began festive proceedings, at the end of November. Expertly organised by the Sixth Form team, the Main Hall was transformed into a James Bond themed venue, festooned with thousands of fairy lights, and bold balloons, the students enjoyed a photo booth, popcorn and candy-floss to create a memorable evening. Thanks go to Tammy Webb, Mr Sinclair-Smith, and all of the staff who gave up their evening to help support this event for the girls.
2 – Two turtle doves did not feature amongst the My Pet at Christmas Photo Competition however, it did feature pet cats and dogs, tortoises, hamsters, and even a parrot. Thank you to Mr Kirtland for organising this hugely popular annual event, and to all of the entrants. The winner to be announced shortly…
3 – Wise men, along with Shepherds, Mary and Joseph celebrating the birth of baby Jesus, weaving its magical spell over the audience, was the Pre-Prep Nativity. Talbot Heath’s very youngest pupils, shimmered like stars and marvelled at the wonder of the Christmas story. The genuine excitement of the girls was infectious and truly heart-warming. Thanks go to the staff who have tirelessly rehearsed with the girls and to parents and family who supported.
4 – Calling birds in the form of various choirs were to be heard throughout the final weeks of term, beginning with the Christingle Service on the 4th December, in the Jubilee Hall; Concerts for Christmas in both the Junior and Senior School; plus the Junior school’s Care Home Carols. The PSS organised Carols on the Green [relocated to the Hub thanks to Storm Darragh] which was a heartwarming success; families enjoyed festive treats like hot chocolate, cakes, and gingerbread decorating, while the girls created a magical atmosphere with lanterns and joyful carolling. Highlights included Mrs. Brown leading a lively rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” with actions, alongside other Christmas classics. The event raised an impressive £217, contributing to planned outdoor improvements for the school.
A Festival of Carols marked the end of term for the school community in the Senior school; a musical celebration for families, pupils, staff and governors to sing, enjoy and reflect. Grateful thanks go to the fantastic music department for their many hours of hard work with rehearsals, organisation and encouragement.
5 – Green rings, in the form of Christmas wreaths, were created in two separate wreath-making workshops this term, celebrating festive foliage and creativity. A huge thank you to the PSS for organising visiting creator, Laura, from Blooming Marvellous creations, who shared her time, expertise and festive spirit and led the parent workshops. Thanks again too, to Vikki Coates for leading the staff workshop and [thanks also to the site team for foraging the foliage].
6 – Six geese a-laying golden eggs at the Jack and the Beanstalk Pantomime was thoroughly enjoyed by Years 2 and 3 at Bournemouth Pavilion. Oh yes it was!
7 – Turkeys a-swimming in delicious gravy, plus all of the traditional accoutrements were perfectly prepared by Holroyd Howe in the Christmas lunches for pupils and staff, alongside an array of sumptuous goodies for all of the TH Christmas festivities and events. Truly scrumptious! Thank you to the Holroyd Howe team.
8 – Many TH members a-decorating: the Classroom Decorating Competition has been the focus for tutor groups as they transformed their learning spaces into a variety of creative Christmas spaces. Some of the inspired ideas were: Winter Wonderland, a Traditional Christmas, and Christmas Fireplace – complete with stockings, a treat for Santa and fire in the hearth. Winners to be announced shortly. Thanks go to tutors for supporting.
9 – Nine ladies dancing, were amongst a variety of festive acts from staff and pupils, performing on-stage for the annual Christmas Charity Concert. Again, expertly organised and hosted by the Sixth Form team, it proved to be a highly entertaining show, and raised vital funds for an excellent cause – Godfrey’s Kitchen in Rwanda.
10 – Ten or more children were definitely a-leaping and loving the various Christmas celebrations held for them: Years 1 and 2 partied in the Jubilee Hall, and Upper 3 enjoyed their end of term party in the Hub, organised by the Sixth Form Team. Thank you again!
11 – Piping [and other festive embellishments] were witnessed on the garish and gorgeous Christmas jumpers donned by staff and pupils on the last day of term. Mufti-Christmas Jumper Day raised valuable funds for ‘Save the Children’ – Thank you to everyone who donated. Thanks also to the PSS for organising the day long Festive Friday Christmas Fayre for all of the pupils. Year groups from both junior and senior school enjoyed an array of festive stalls including, a photo-booth, snowball throwing and a mobile farm, along with a range of games and naughty and nice edibles on offer. Even Santa made an appearance… Thank you, Santa and the PSS!
12 – Dozens of gifts – including books, games and toys [although no drums for drumming] – were generously donated by the school community, in support of Mission Christmas. As stated by the organisation their mission is: ‘More than just gifts under the tree – it’s about reminding children, in the darkest of times, that they are seen, loved, and valued. It’s about making sure that on Christmas morning, no child feels forgotten.’ Grateful thanks again go to Vikki Coates for organising, and to everyone who has kindly donated.
And to everyone who is reading this; the TH community would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas: pupils, parents, staff, governors and friends…
