We have enjoyed a very happy, busy and festive final week of term, with pupils taking part in buddy sessions, outreach activities, the final sports matches of term and a range of festive events. Christmas jumpers and Santa hats have been enjoyed and the generosity of spirit amongst our community has also been very much in evidence.
ABRSM Exams
Earlier this week over 25 pupils took their latest ABRSM exams on musical instruments as diverse as the euphonium, cello, horn and clarinet. The children looked poised and confident as they entered the Britten Room for their individual assessments, thanks to their dedicated Music teachers and the excellent tuition they have received over the past term.
New Era Results
You may recall that last week more than 35 pupils took their New Era Speech and Drama exams. I am delighted to report that everyone who took part performed extremely well, with almost 80% of pupils gaining a Distinction. A special thank you to Miss Tucker for preparing the pupils so expertly for these assessments.
Sports Awards
On Wednesday afternoon, pupils in Years 6-8 took part in the first Sports Awards of the year in the Sports Hall. Awards were given across year groups for a variety of sports for those demonstrating most improvement, leadership and excellence.
Colours Assembly
Earlier today, we held our termly Colours Assembly where colours are awarded across all subjects for excellence demonstrated by pupils in Years 7 and 8. Colours are also awarded for School and House service, and are an important mark of recognition by the school community. Congratulations to all the children awarded Colours on this special occasion.
Pre Prep Party
Christmas jumpers and sparkly headwear were a festive sight as Pre Prep children walked through Gate 4 on Tuesday morning, in anticipation of their entertaining collection of Christmas parties – involving lots of dancing and singing – later that afternoon. Many pupils also brought with them very generous donations of toys for the Salvation Army. Miss Kennerley was thrilled with the number of books, toys and craft sets that piled up in the golf buggy. These donations were collected later that day for distribution by the Salvation Army.
Carols Around the Tree
Year 3 and 4 took part in their traditional ‘Carols Around the Tree’ celebrations on Wednesday morning, with the event beamed live to their parents via Teams. This delightful occasion provided many of our more junior musicians with the opportunity to perform as ensembles in front of a live and a virtual audience. The musical programme included several familiar seasonal pieces and some fine carol singing, as well as clear and confident readings. For those who missed the live broadcast a recording of the concert can be found here.
Christmas Lunch
On Wednesday the catering team, under the watchful eyes of their Manager Peter and Head Chef Malcom, served up a delicious Christmas lunch for the whole school to enjoy across different sittings. Kilos of potatoes and sprouts were chopped, peeled, boiled and roasted. There was even a surprise visit from the man in red himself who had taken a break from packing presents at the North Pole to visit his young friends at St Faith’s.
Disco Fever
After a hearty Christmas lunch, what better way for Years 7 and 8 to burn off energy than at their Christmas Discos in Ashburton Hall. A special selection of music, dance moves apparently to rival a Saturday night of ‘Strictly’, accompanied with plenty of fun and laughter ensured that everyone at the two parties had a wonderful time.
Christmas Jumper Day Activities
Yesterday, pupils in Years 3-8 enjoyed an off-timetable session of festive activities. During the morning children spent time making Christmas cards for those who might be lonely, as well as for our neighbours in the local area. In return for wearing their Christmas jumpers to school, pupils also took part in a range of charity events. Children in Years 3 and 4 brought in food items to make festive hampers to support Cambridge City Foodbank. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 supported Jimmy’s Night Shelter by putting together parcels of small gifts to show homeless people they are not alone this Christmas. Meanwhile Year 7 and 8 children donated parcels of small gifts to Cambridge Housing Services, for vulnerable young people in our region, who might otherwise not receive gifts this Christmas. Staff members also donated gifts to Age UK, who will be distributing these to older members of our local community who might be alone this year.
In the afternoon the SFPA kindly organised and ran a number of special arts and crafts stalls and festively themed games activities, as well as the ever popular chocolate tombola. In their Year groups, children of all ages were able to enjoy the stalls and we are most grateful to the SFPA committee for organising such a lovely festive event for the children.
During the morning children spent time making Christmas cards for those who might be lonely to receive, as well as for our neighbours in the local area. In the afternoon the SFPA kindly organised and ran a number of special arts and crafts stalls and festively themed games stalls as well as the ever popular chocolate tombola for children across all year groups to enjoy. Our deepest gratitude must go to the SFPA committee for organising such a lovely festive event for the children.
Pre Prep Snow Day
Pre Prep also enjoyed an off-timetable day of their own yesterday as they took part in a number of activities around the theme of two Christmas movie favourites, ‘The Polar Express’ and ‘The Snowman’. Wearing a range of festive attire, the children engaged in a number of energetic activities both in the classroom and across our school site.
Carol Services
Today, our Carol Services were held in Ashburton Hall, shared live with parents via Teams. Amongst the traditional lessons and carols, we enjoyed some excellent performances by the Senior and Chamber Choirs, and Senior Brass Bands. For those who were unable to watch our Carol Services live, recordings of the services will be available on My School Portal early next week.
Finally
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all St Faith’s staff, pupils, parents and governors for their support throughout this Michaelmas Term. Notwithstanding the challenges of Covid which have necessarily required careful ongoing management, it has been a highly rewarding term. The pupils’ excellent achievement and excellent personal development were affirmed in October following the school inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. These superb outcomes were richly deserved and we can look forward to building upon these fine successes.
More immediately may I take this opportunity to wish St Faith’s families a very joyful and restful Christmas and I look forward to welcoming back the pupils in January, ready to embrace all the exciting learning opportunities that the New Year will bring.
With all best wishes,
Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn
