We wrapped up the autumn term with a jam-packed week of festive fun for the children (and staff!).

Following Mr Hession’s superb production of Footloose Youth Edition, starring Year 8, we were treated to four wonderful performances of Nativity plays by our Pre-Prep children. Kindergarten and Reception dazzled as Stars, Angels, Travellers, Shepherds and Wise People in The Twinkly Nativity. Years 1 and 2 took to the stage to tell the story of the nativity with a legal twist – a brilliantly heartwarming production with plenty of humour and superb music. Bravo Pre-Prep, Mrs Weager for the musical direction, and Mrs Rockhill for her perfect piano accompaniment.

On Tuesday 5th December, after Prep Buddies had been to collect their Pre-Prep charges, the whole school came together to sing around the enormous Christmas tree in the amphitheatre, including everybody’s favourite, The Twelve Days of Christmas (five gold rings!). Pure magic.

All pupils and staff joined in for Charity Christmas Jumper & Mufti Day on the penultimate day of term when everyone was treated to a delicious Christmas lunch, where crackers were snapped, heads were donned with colourful crowns and plates were filled with stuffing, pigs in blankets and lots of gravy! Year 7s were super helpful and served plates to Pre-Prep before tucking into their own lunches.

Pre-Prep were treated to a very special visit from Father Christmas and his (Year 5) elves from the North Pole! They arrived in a roadworthy, reindeer drawn sleigh before sitting down with each of the children to hand out gifts and hear all about their Christmas wishes. The children were so excited to see them, even if Father Christmas did read all their names upside down!

The afternoon continued with parties across Pre-Prep and Prep, with Years 3 and 4, in particular, celebrating the end of term in style, taking full advantage of the silly hats and glasses in the photo booth. The final assembly of the term concluded with an impromptu, surprise staff pantomime of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring 27 members of staff and orchestrated (and written!) by our very own Mrs Prior.

In the evening, 150 boarders and staff stepped through the doors and into a wonderfully festive dining room. A three course meal with all the Christmas trimmings beckoned, followed by the Head Boy and Girl thanking the catering team with a rousing three cheers. The Year 8s always look forward to the after-party in the theatre, dancing the night away until bedtime.

The Carol Service always marks the end of the term in a pitch-perfect way. Traditional readings, prayers and popular carols sent the whole Farleigh Family off on the right note, to relax and enjoy the Christmas holidays.

The season of Advent has such a special atmosphere at Farleigh, helped along by the beautiful nativity scene in the Chapel and the twinkling lights and decorations throughout the school. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to make this a magical time of year for the children.