We have just returned from a beautiful and incredibly moving Carol Service, which I cannot quite believe is my fourth one at Sunninghill. Our Form 8 pupils told the Christmas story beautifully and made me extremely proud. We enjoyed performances from our school choirs and orchestras, and a wonderful rendition of ‘Alleluia’ performed by the whole of our Junior Prep, from their recent nativity. What I was particularly delighted to hear was Ava and Grace’s winning Carol Competition entries performed with the Senior Vocal group. These were both beautiful songs, and they can be proud to call themselves composers!
Thank you to Rev’d Magee, Mrs Moss, Mrs Noyce and all the staff and performers who put together such a wonderful service to end our term.
On Friday night we were treated to an another incredible performance at our Christmas Cracker. The children were absolutely outstanding and it was a joyful event, brimming with talent and confidence. We are so proud that 57 of our children took part in this musical showcase!
On Monday we also took time to reflect as we held our beautiful Christingle service in school, led by Rev’d Magee.
It was so lovely to sit together as a school and have this moment of peace as we thought about the meaning of Christingle and about those less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you to all our PTFA parents who helped to make all the Christingles.
After a brilliant term of sport, Forms 5 – 8 enjoyed their inter house hockey and rugby matches on Wednesday.
Yesterday was a fabulous day as it was Christmas Day at Sunninghill! The school was awash with Christmas jumpers and accessories, and the feeling of huge excitement was palpable from all the children – and staff!
We started the day with our Celebration Assembly, where we awarded children sport and music colours, Academic, Sport and Music Endeavour Cups, and certificates for the most house points for each of our school values over the term. Penelope and Baxter won the Commitment prize, Jonah and Sonny the Creativity prize, Penelope G and Albie the Compassion prize and Will and Harry the Courage prize. This term Mr Salisbury introduced the D&T achievement awards, with Agatha, Sophia and Baxter gaining Apprentice 5th Grade, Rosa, Harry, Albie and Shayan the 4th grade and Finlay gaining the apprentice 3rd Grade.
Carols under the staircase followed, where parents joined in with the carol singing. This is one of the events that I most look forward to in the school calendar. Rosa led us with a beautiful solo verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ which set the tone for the event. I was also delighted to see so many of our Nursery children who were all wonderfully behaved.
We were then treated to the most incredible Christmas lunch from Kerry and the team. In the afternoon, whilst Bobbins to Form 2 enjoyed a their Christmas parties, Forms 3-8 enjoyed an ice skating trip to Brewery Square!
It really has been a lot of festive fun!
As I sat last night and reflected on the term that we have just had, I was incredibly proud of all the amazing things our children have got up to this term. With weekly sports fixtures, amazing enrichment opportunities, like sailing and windsurfing, and countless theatre, museum, film and field trips – the children have really made the most of the Autumn Term. Our talented pupils have taken part in 17 music, musical theatre and dance ensembles and groups, and an amazing 85% of children are now learning at least one musical instrument. We have had 3 whole school services and an incredible nativity, with 57 children taking part on in the Christmas Cracker Showcase. I am so grateful to all of the staff who help to provide all these opportunities to our children and I hope that they all take a very well deserved break over this festive period.
All that remains is for me to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and I hope that 2026 is a wonderful year for you all.
Best wishes
David
