Well it is officially the countdown to Christmas!! I have just had the pleasure of seeing a practice of one of the special Christmas songs that will be performed not only at one of our own Christmas productions but also at the local Ainsdale Community Advent service in three weeks time! Of course between now and December there are lots of other learning activities planned that will facilitate the development of all our pupils - a residential holiday to the Calvert Trust in the Lake District, raising money for Children in Need, various sporting competitions to name but a few. Visitors to school often comment how quiet and calm the school is as we walk around - this is because everyone is engaged in meaningful activities that they are enjoying and learning from. I know parents are always pleased to receive their individual son/daughter newsletters which showcase the wide variety of learning activities that have taken place each week.

Unfortunately the swimming pool has been causing Gemma a few headaches again! Although we completely refurbished the actual pool itself last year, the plant and pump mechanisms which drive the mechanics of keeping the pool filled with clear, clean, warm water is getting older and has recently developed some faults which require specialist replacement parts. We do try our best to keep the pool in good working order - we have a monthly health check to try to ensure everything is doing what it should but sometimes this is not enough and faults develop despite our best efforts. We know how important the sessions within the pool are so please be reassured that we always try to get the pool back up and running as soon as we can.

The playground is nearly ready for use!! The saga of the roundabout not being round has been sorted but unfortunately there are still some areas of the flooring that are causing us concern. We are hopeful that these problems will be rectified during the next week or so. Obviously this time delay has been a huge disappointment to us all - particularly the pupils who are desperate to explore! The company who have been in charge of the refurbishment do appreciate our feelings about this time delay and will be laying additional artificial lawn as a gesture of goodwill for our patience.

This afternoon we have been lucky enough to secure an additional external Theatre Visit from MandM Productions. This afternoons performance is Peter Pan and I know everyone is very excited to see it!

Hope to see lots of parents and carers at our forthcoming Family Christmas lunches and/or our amazing Christmas productions!

Sue