As we hurtle towards the end of term, there was great excitement this week as the Christmas Trees arrived in school. Our own Short Woody elves have ensured they are sparkling.

The residents of Heywood Lonsdale Court were treated to some festive cheer this week as our Key Stage 1 choir went to sing Christmas songs for them.  Thank you to the residents and staff for such a warm welcome, we hope to visit again at some point next year.  The choir are also going to be singing at Sunnycroft on Monday 10th from about 12.30 and at Oakwood on Friday 14th from about 12.30, hoping to spread the Christmas spirit into our local community. 

On the theme of Christmas, Year 5 visited Blists Hill Victorian museum on Tuesday this week to learn all about how the Victorians would have been preparing for the festive season.  They stirred the Christmas cake, dipped candles and explored the town. Everyone had a great deal of fun and came back full of enthusiasm. The children were a credit to school and a pleasure to be with.  Next Tuesday (11th December) Year 5 will be presenting Carols around the tree at 6.30pm in the school hall, this is being supported by Jack Pierce from the Schools Arts Trust.  We look forward to welcoming many of you on Tuesday evening. 

Year 6 are looking forward to their 'night at the museum' this evening.  They will explore the school in the dark, make their own pitta pockets and share a movie with their friends.  Thanks to the staff who are volunteering their Friday evening to put on this memorable Year6 event.

Our school council captains Rebecca and Dylan are representing Short Wood at the Mayor's annual Carol Service on Saturday evening from 6.30pm at All Saints Church in Wellington.  They have been asked to read a poem, which they have rehearsed in their own time this week.  Thanks to their families too for agreeing to take them along to the event.  

Nursery and Early Years are busy rehearsing for their outdoor Christmas performances, these will be happening next week.  Class 1 will be performing around the campfire on Monday 10th, Class 2 on Tuesday 11th and Class 3 on Wednesday 12th.  Nursery will have 'special guests' at their performance on Thursday 13th. 

The PTA are organising 'Secret Santa' this year to raise funds for school.  They are asking for a small wrapped gift to be sent into school (please state if it is specifically for a boy or a girl) anytime next week.  These gifts will then be on sale for £1 each on Tuesday 18th on Reception playground and on Wednesday 19th on the KS1/2 playground - where the cakes are usually for sale.  We have a really committed team of volunteers who are organising fundraising events, they are always looking for additional support , if you feel you could help out please contact Marie Duce, PTA Chair, or speak to any of the volunteers on the stalls.  The funds raised all go towards buying additional resources or supporting events in school that benefit all our Short Woodies, we really appreciate the help and support.

The library is hosting some special events next week - Monday is Secret Books, Christmas crafts on Tuesday with Mrs Claus and surprise story tellers on Thursday.....Please do try and go along and join the fun.

On a safety note as the nights are really getting darker please can you talk to your children about the need to be visible and careful while out and about.  Road safety is important at all times but especially so when it is dark and wet/slippy.  We have also had a number of issues regarding safety online recently and would like to remind everyone of the need to be vigilant around the nature of your child's online activity.  If you are unsure about any apps or websites the NSPCC has a useful app called Netaware which gives you details of latest apps including age restrictions and information about content. The online experience is ever evolving, we know keeping up can be a challenge.  Please come and talk to us if you feel you need any support.

Well done as always to our Golden Leaf winners this week we are really proud of their efforts, it is always a pleasure to share in their personal sense of achievement.