Headteacher's Message - 05/12/25

December is in full swing here as the end of term draws closer and the season of Advent (and cheeky little elves!) begins. Thank you so much to all those who were able to come to our Christmas Fair yesterday and for your generous donations. Huge thanks to the PTA and Year 6s who made this event such a success!

We have been thinking about the significance of Advent; a time for us to get ready for Christmas - both practically but also reflecting on ways we can ’get ready’ in our hearts, by showing love, generosity and compassion to those around us.

The run-up to Christmas is often exciting and busy time of preparation. But it’s important for us all to remember those who find Christmas a tricky time or just need a helping hand.  With this in mind….

YMCA Under the Tree Project—Reminder

As mentioned in last week’s Newsletter, this year YMCA Cheltenham has launched a special ‘Under the Tree’ campaign, with the aim that every local child and adult staying in its   temporary and emergency accommodation wakes up to a present this Christmas.

St Mark’s are supporting this important campaign to help those in need in Cheltenham to have a happier Christmas.

The YMCA have created an Amazon wish list and full details of the campaign and options of how to donate can be found here.

Thank you so much to those who have dropped off presents so far. Gifts can be handed in to the St Mark’s school office by Wednesday 17th December. Thank you!

 

St Mark’s Presents…. Groovin’ - The Nativity!

We can’t wait for lots of fun at our Groovy Christmas night

at St Mark’s Church on Tuesday 9th December

5.30 – 6.15pm – Red & Blue House

6.45 – 7.30 pm –Yellow & Green House

If your child is a member of the school Choir, Recorder, or Orchestra Clubs, please can they attend both sessions.

Children are asked to come in anything brightly coloured - dig out your funky headwear, sunglasses, sequins or Christmas clothes! The brighter & funkier the better!!

Bring family and friends—

all welcome to enjoy an evening of Christmas songs, drama music and sparkle!

I do appreciate that it is a particularly busy time of year but this is a key event in the life of the school and would really love to see as many children and families at the church as possible. It really is a very special evening and promises to lift us all well and truly into the Christmas spirit!  Parking is quite limited so please do walk if you can. For those who need to drive, a polite reminder to park with sensitivity to surrounding residents.

Have a super weekend, 

Mrs A Fitch and the Staff Team