St George’s Express Christmas Edition ISSUE 18: 19th December 2014
The Real Christmas Story
Welcome Back
St George’s Express would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope you’ve been good and Santa brings you some presents.
Roving Reporter Interview (Mrs Monaghan)
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Roving Reporter Interview (Miss Ahern)
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Poetry Corner
4 5,6&7
Puzzles: KS1 Wordsearch
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Puzzles: KS2 Wordsearch
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Puzzles: KS1 Crossword
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Puzzles: KS2 Crossword
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Puzzles: Christmas Maze
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Puzzles: Christmas Word Scramble
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Colouring and Drawing Christmas Around The World
Mary was engaged to a carpenter called Joseph and she had to tell him what had happened. So they were married and prepared for the birth of the special baby. At the time the baby was due to be born, they had to travel to Bethlehem as Joseph needed to pay his taxes. Mary rode on a donkey to Bethlehem, it was a very long journey. When they got there, all the inns and houses were full. They searched into the night until a kind inn keeper finally allowed them to stay in his stable. That night a star rose in the sky, brighter then any other star. This star was so bright it made all the others look dull. It rose directly above the stable that Mary and Joseph rested in. It was here that the baby Jesus was born.
Inside this issue:
Storytime
One bright day, a lady called Mary, was outside her house picking flowers when an Angel appeared before her in a flash of white light. The Angel’s name was Gabriel and he told her that God had chosen her to have a very special baby who would save the world and be the King of the Jews. He would be God’s son and she should name him Jesus. Mary felt scared and confused, but she was brave and agreed. The Angel disappeared.
On a distant hillside, some shepherds were tending to their flock of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared in a flash of light. The angel told them to go to Bethlehem because the Son of God had been born. The shepherds started straight away on their journey to Bethlehem. Miles away in the East, three wise men were resting on a hill, when one of them looked up and saw the bright star rising over the land. They knew that a bright star rising meant that a King had been born. So, they followed the star, bringing with them gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Assuming that a King would be born in a palace, they went to King Herod’s palace. Herod was curious about the news of a new King being born. He was jealous and asked the wise men to return to him when they had found this new King. The wise men continued to follow the star and arrived at the stable. Astonished and delighted, they presented the Baby Jesus with their rich gifts. The shepherds arrived too and paid their respects to the new-born King. That night, an Angel appeared in the wise men’s dreams and warned them not to tell King Herod about the Baby Jesus. So, in the morning, they returned to the East without vi siti ng Herod.
14&15 16 &17
Cookery
18
Movies
19
Sport
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An Angel also appeared in Joseph’s dream and told him that he must leave Bethlehem and travel to Egypt, as the Baby Jesus was in danger. The next day, King Herod was furious and even more jealous and ordered that all baby boys be killed! But, the Baby Jesus was safe as Joseph had listened to the Angel and had already left for Egypt with his family.
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Our Roving Reporter Interviews Interview by Matilda Brennan and Elizabeth Woods
Interview with Mrs Monaghan
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? A: I have got a little white West Highland Terrier whose name is Syd. I like to take him for walks and I also love music. I listen to music quite a lot, oh and I love meeting my friends for lunch. Q: What’s your favourite children’s book and why?
Q: What made you decide to come to St. George’s? A: I knew some of the parents at St George’s and they had told me it was a lovely school, and then, when I decided that I wanted to be a Headteacher, I decided that St George’s was the school that I wanted to be Head of. Q: What do you like best about St. George’s and why? A: What I like best about St George’s is the children, because they are absolutely amazing. But, I also like the feeling of community.
A: My favourite children’s story is The Fib by a children’s author called George Layton. I also like a book by Michael Rosen called the Book of Sad. I used to love teaching The Fib and I think it teaches a very good lesson about telling fibs. The Book of Sad is a very helpful book for children, and adults, when they lose somebody that they love. Q: What’s your favourite film and why? A: I don’t watch movies very often, but I do like movies at Christmas time, and I have to say Elf would be my favourite one. Q: Do you like listening to music and if so what's your favourite song and why? A: I spend a lot of time listening to music, I have lots of favourite songs but my favourite singer is called Jackson Browne. However, my favourite singer at the moment has to be Ed Sheeran and I like One Direction’s new song a lot.
Q: What school did you previously teach at? A: I have worked in four different schools. A long time ago, I worked in Kensal Rise Primary School. After that, I worked in St John Fisher Primary School in Perivale and became Deputy Head there. I then went for a short time to help out at a school in Marylebone and that was called St Edward’s. I returned to St John Fisher and then I came to St George’s. Q: What school did you go to as a child and what was your favourite subject? A: When I was a child I was taught from five until nineteen years old in an all-girls convent with nuns, both in Primary school and High school. My favourite subject in High school was History. Q: When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? A: I wanted to be two things, a journalist or a teacher.
Q: Can you play any musical instruments and if so, what are they? A: I can’t play any now, but when I was a child, I went to piano lessons. I still remember the notes but I can’t really play it very well now. I also used to learn something called the melodica when I was at school.
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Our Roving Reporter Interviews Interview by Kaela Owusu and Elizabeth Woods
Interview with Miss Ahern Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I enjoy seeing my family and friends and looking after my nieces and nephews. I enjoy going shopping and love going to the theatre. Q: Do you have any pets, if so what are they? A: No, I don’t have any pets unfortunately. have never had any pets in fact .
I
Q: What do you like most about Christmas and what's your favourite Christmas carol?
Q: What made you decide to join us at St. George’s? A: I heard lots of good things about this school and I knew from visiting the school, it was a very welcoming and friendly school, with lots of wonderful children, so I really wanted to join it. Q: Have you always wanted to be a teacher, if not, what did you want to be? A: Yes I have always wanted to be a teacher. I always thought it would be a fun job and I remember being in year 7, and deciding then, that I wanted to be a teacher. Q: What do you like best about being a Deputy Headteacher? A: I think it’s that I get to work with everybody in the school and I get to see all the different work that everybody does and all the different work that the children do in class and I get to have a good link with everyone in the school. Q: What is your favourite children's book and why do you like it? A: I love anything by Anthony Browne. I think the pictures are amazing! He is one of my favourites. Q: Do you like listening to music, if so, who is your favourite singer/band? A: Oh I do like listening to music, the radio is always on in my car. I like listening to anything that’s in the charts really. There isn’t anyone in particular that’s my favourite.
A: I love everything about Christmas! I just love having that special time with family and I really enjoy putting up the decorations. I love We Three Kings. Q: Do you like sports and if so who's your favourite sports personality? A: I’m not really a sports fan, but I enjoyed the Olympics. I don’t really have a favourite sports personality but if I had to choose one, it would probably be Mo Farah. Q: Finally, what's your favourite parable and why? A: My favourite parable is The Lost Sheep because it shows how we are all special in God’s eyes.
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Poetry Corner Snowflakes by Sherlyn Nammi
A Robin’s View by Sherlyn Nammi
On a snowy day, walking through the snow; While you’re almost trotting, I bet you wouldn’t know. They come from way up high, but slowly drift below; You’re actually walking on creatures that live right the snow.
Flying swiftly through the air, In summer this bird is nowhere.
They’re not snowy fairies, and are not elves as well, Maybe it’s the time to know, and maybe I should tell. They’re something that’s beautiful, something that holds zing; SNOWFLAKES! SNOWFLAKES! A very lovely thing!
Christmas by Ashlyn Mascarenhas
Tweeting out a chirpy song, Stays in winter all month long! Sees some hibernating bears, Sees a family of hopping hares. Snow coated Christmas trees, Sees a mouse nibbling cheese. Out of all the things it sees, Snow is always the best for me.
Christmas by Alyssa Fernandes Christmas, Christmas, Christmas is here,
It’s Christmas time, It’s time for fun. It’s time to remember Jesus’ birth, In the town of Nazareth. The presents piled up at the Christmas tree, Fill you up with glee! The three wise men followed a star, All the way, from afar. It led them to Jesus’ birth, That filled them up with mirth. His birth was in a stable, Where The Virgin Mary was able. This is a blessed event, That comes at the end of Advent.
Christmas Day by Elizabeth Woods Sleigh bells ring, We sleep soundly in our beds, Angels from Heaven sing. Under the Christmas tree, All wrapped in red and green. Presents all shapes and sizes gleam. Jesus was born on Christmas day, In a manger filled with straw, on a floor of prickly hay. A shining star, Rises in the sky, Over the stable it sparkles so high. Three wise men, and shepherds tending sheep, Follow it’s light while the people sleep.
Come on everybody, let’s sing and cheer. Santa`s busy loading in the night, All the children are filled with delight. The house is decorated in bunches of holly, That`s why we’re all happy and jolly. Are you ready to decorate the tree? The sparkling baubles, that shine with glee. It feels like there`s magic in the sky, As church bells ring from churches nearby. One little candle burning low, Beautifully under the mistletoe. Every leaf is covered in snow, We don`t want Christmas to go. Rudolph`s nose is oh so red, There is no time to go to bed. Present time, hip hip hooray Christmas will never go away!
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Storytime A Christmas Disaster by Elizabeth Woods On one special Christmas Eve, a long time ago in 1987, there lived four children named Julia, Hubert, Rodrigo and Ryan... One winter morning Julia woke up to see a white gleam behind her curtains. She threw them apart and saw that the countryside hade been covered in a white, glistening blanket of snow “Hubert! Hubert! Wake up! It’s snowed!” Julia shouted. Before long, they both had their coats, scarves and gloves on and they were ready to go out into the snow. Julia went to get Rodrigo and Hubert went to get Ryan. Soon they were having a great time tobogganing down a big hill. Shortly, everyone got cold and they all agreed that they should go back to Ryan's house for hot chocolate. Ryan's house was warm and they all enjoyed steaming hot chocolate and mince pies. Refreshed, they went back into the snow and Rodrigo suggested, “What about building a snowman?” “OK,” said Julia, “we could make it really nice, with a carrot nose and nice black button holes.” So, they all trudged up to a big field and in no time at all they had made the round body of a snowman. They soon got bored though and Ryan wandered off. Suddenly, he gave a shout “Hey guys, I've found something! Come and help me pull it up!” They all ran towards Ryan and saw a mysterious, black object laying in the snow. They grabbed it and pulled hard. It was surprisingly heavy, but eventually, with a loud TWUMP noise, it gave way. “SANTA!” shouted Rodrigo. “Ah Ah huh, who is there?” said the voice and at once they recognised the red and white coat of Santa. They all helped him up and suddenly he shouted, ”My sleigh, my sleigh, where is it?” They searched high and low until suddenly Julia shouted, ”Hey, I think I've found something!” They rushed over and after a lot of digging up snow, they found the remains of what once, must have been Santa’s sleigh. They all gazed at it until their eyes blurred. Then Santa gave a loud moan, “Oh my sleigh ,my sleigh!” “Don't worry, we can fix it. All we need is some wood, nails, paint and glitter.” “Hey, my dad’s got some wood and nails in the shed,” said Rodrigo. So, he ran up to his house to get them. “I’ve got some glitter and paint for art work,” said Julia. “I’ll get it now,” she yelled, as she trudged up the path to her house. Hubert and Ryan set off to try and find more remains of the sleigh. Soon, Julia and Rodrigo were back with a good supply of tools. Before long, they had one side of the sleigh built and decorated. But it was nearly dark and Santa said that he should be in Australia by now. It was nine-thirty and Santa was now in hysterics. Half an hour later, the sleigh was built and Santa was almost laughing with relief. Suddenly, he announced that they could come with him on his journey across the globe if they wanted to. “Oh wow! I’ve always wanted to see how Santa got around so fast,” said Julia. “Well, it’s the least I can do.” said Santa. “Now hop on!” They climbed aboard and Santa shouted “Rudolf, Blitzen, Dasher, Prancer, Cupid ,Vixen ,Donnar ,Comet and Dancer—GO!” They soared through the air with screams of delight. “Yahooooooooo! Wheeeeeeeeee!” Before long, Santa stopped his reindeers. “Halt! It’s time to make our first delivery.”
They were halfway through Canada by now and they found it surprising that they hadn’t stopped sooner. “Now it’s time to see how the magic works,” said Santa. “Oh great, I’ve always wanted to see how you get down the chimney!” said Julia. Santa hopped up from his seat and took a small brown bag out of his pocket and sprinkled a pinch of bright pink powder over his head. Immediately, Santa shrunk to about the size of a chair. He grabbed the nearest presents and jumped down the chimney. Approximately five minutes later, he popped back up and climbed back into the sleigh. He took another bag out of his pocket and sprinkled some blue powder over his head. “So that’s how you do it. You shrink yourself!” exclaimed Rodrigo. Half an hour later they had also finished delivering to Australia and were speeding through the wide deserts of Egypt. After almost seven hours of Santa shrinking, they were getting very started to fall asleep. Santa looked said “Goodness me, it’s way past should get you home.”
shrinking and untired and Hubert back at them and your bedtime. We
In a flash, they where tucked up in bed, dreaming of Santa, presents and reindeers, happy knowing that they had helped to save Christmas.
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Storytime Delivery to the North Pole by Amelia Wilson and Illustrated by Sherlyn Nammi “Wake up Dave and Sue. Wake up! You need to finish off decorating the Christmas tree and, don’t forget that you need to choose who is going to top the Christmas tree with the star,” called Frankie from downstairs. Sometimes you can have a sister who really gets on your nerves, well Dave and Sue had one just like that. “We’ll be down in ten minutes, just let us get ready!” replied Dave. “Well, hurry up! Mum has just finished making breakfast and wants you to try her new Christmas smoothie.” continued Frankie. Then she started rambling on about how they needed to be quick if they didn’t want cold breakfast. “We’re ready!” cried Sue, as they both bolted down the stairs and bumped into their sister. They tripped on a metal ledge and both fell in a heap on the kitchen floor. “Breakfast is served! said Mum. “Thanks mum. Yum Yum Yum. It really smells good,” said Dave, as he smacked his lips together. “Yeah,” agreed Sue, as she began to tuck into her delicious breakfast. After eating their breakfast, they began decorating fifteen Christmas cards and after a long day squabbling over who was going to put the star on top of the Christmas tree, they finally fell in a heap. They were so tired after all the work that they had done that day. In the end, Frankie and Mrs Winter had to carry the twins to their beds and help them into bed. Frankie read them a bedtime story and tucked them into bed. They were soon fast asleep and snoring their little heads off, not knowing what was going to happen to them later that night… It was midnight and the house was quiet. Suddenly, there was a jingle of bells and then a clicking of hooves! It was Father Christmas! He had heard how much effort Dave and Sue had put into getting ready for Christmas. He was so proud of them. He thought to himself, “These twins have put so much work into Christmas, I can’t just give them a present, I want to give them a surprise.” So, after creeping into their room and he awoke them. They opened their eyes to see a man that looked like Santa Claus. “OH MY GOSH, YOU’RE SANTA CLAUS!” cried Sue. She was already thinking that she couldn’t wait to tell everyone about how she had actually met Santa Claus. “Shhhhhhhh. I don’t want to wake anybody up. Just collect your coats and boots and follow me.” Santa whispered. They never thought that the man in their room could be a fake because if you really believe in Santa Claus, then you would know if he was real or fake. He lead them to the window of their room. “Now please don’t scream, and please keep your hands and feet inside the sleigh.” “Please, what are you doing with us?” worriedly asked Sue. “Sue, please just trust and believe in me and you will be safe.” assured Santa. “Well too late now, we’re here.” said Dave. “Wow, that was really quick. I didn’t even realise that we were flying fifty feet over the houses… We were flying fifty feet above the houses!” cried Sue as she grabbed onto the seat in the sleigh. Suddenly, the sleigh turned upside down and they were dangling from their seats. The twins were flying again, while dangling from their seats. Before long, they stopped at a huge mansion on a private road. “We’re here. Man oh man, I love this house. They always leave me a whole pile of mince pies.” whispered
Santa. “Hey Mr Christmas, can you please tell us what the child who lives there has got for Christmas,” begged Dave. “Sure and call me Ricky Christmas or just Ricky. Well, that girl Jasmine, has got a new puzzle that lights up. I’ll explain it to you, because you two look a bit confused. Here I’ll just get it for you.” As he said that, he walked to where the sack of presents should be. He grabbed a piece of air and walked over to them. They were so confused, they thought that you needed to actually have some presents to be able to deliver them. “Here we go. Look at this beauty!” Santa held up the imaginary present. The twins exchanged a wary look and then Sue stood up. “Umm… Santa.. Ricky... There’s no present.” Sue said kindly. “OH MY STOCKINGS, I FORGOT THE PRESENTS!” “Calm down Santa. All we need to do is go back to the North Pole and collect the presents. That’s all we need to do and it’s only midnight, come on!” said Dave. Before you could say ‘Santa’ they were back at the North Pole, walking through a blizzard. When they reached The Great Pole, which is what Ricky's house was called, Ricky had a little trouble unlocking the door. Mrs Christmas had changed the locks to keep in the warm, and had forgotten to tell him. In the end, with the help of Dave’s crazy karate skills, they managed to kick open the door. They ran over to the present safe. “Nearly there, just one row of elves, till we’re there.” said Santa, panting. The twins didn’t realise that there were rows after rows of elves guarding the safe full of presents. When they finally reached the enormous steel door, Santa had to enter the PIN code which was 1728, Santa’s date of birth. “PIN accepted” spoke the door, and it slowly opened. There were presents piled into a great woven sack, with the words CHRISTMAS PRESENTS sewn onto it. “Help me pull the the sack into the sleigh!” said Santa. Suddenly, the safe was full of elves all helping to pull the the sack. “Pull harder! We need to save Christmas!” shouted Dave. He was the type of boy who would never give up. “It’s no use!” cried one of the elves. “It’s too heavy.” “We can’t give up now! Santa, gather up the reindeer and make them pull the sleigh into the safe.” suggested Dave. “And we can use the huge crane that I saw earlier, to pull the sack into the sleigh.” With great e nthus iasm , t he y worked hard to get everything back on track and with presents loaded, they whizzed around the whole country, helping Santa to deliver presents, before returning back to their beds. Then, early on Christmas morning, the twins woke up and crept downstairs. The reason they had woken up was because they had heard a bell. They saw a small present wrapped in golden wrapping paper. They quickly ripped off the paper and saw a small thank-you note from Mr Christmas. They read the note and smiled...as Santa watched them through the window.
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The Christmas Door by Abpira Wincey and Illustrated by Sherlyn Nammi “Princess Ruby! Princess Ruby? Where are you?” There was a knock on the Princess’s door, at which Ruby guessed it was her trusty butler, Mr Smith. She was lying upside down on her comfy bed, reading. She was just at the part where the girl is slaying the dragon. She got up reluctantly, sighed, and then opened the door. In came Mr Smith, with his white shirt and bow tie. “Ah, Princess Ruby, I have an invitation for you to make a speech at the Royal Academy Of Horse Training. Do you accept?” Mr Smith looked up and gave the invitation to Princess Ruby. “I’m so sorry Mr Smith, but...” “You don’t want to make the speech,” blurted out Mr Smith. He knew ‘Ruby’s personality; shy, timid and no belief in herself. “That’s absolutely fine.” Mr Smith left, Ruby shut the door, and sighed with relief. She was in no mood for writing a speech. She started walking around the room and sitting wherever she wanted in her bedroom, reading her book. She was like her Grandma; pretty, clever and liked books. Her Grandma was still living, by the way, and Ruby had read all of her books. The only thing that was not similar about Ruby was that she didn’t smell of mouldy cabbages, like her Grandma.
fact, yes. We’ve been expecting you. You see, you’ve been chosen out of all the children in the world for your amazing character. I’ll explain more to you when we get inside.” chatted the elf. When they arrived inside, with a nice mug of hot chocolate, steaming in their hands, the elf, whose name was Elvis, unrolled a piece of paper. “Now, let’s begin!” He began to read it aloud. It said: Fellow Ruby, You have been chosen out of all the other children in the world, to help us this Christmas. We have heard and seen lots about you from your Grandma who once visited here and helped us, when she was younger. Here are the reasons you’ve been chosen: 1)
You have been kind and helpful and are on the good list.
2)
The things you and your parents have done for charity are fantastic.
3)
And, to enter this world, you have to read the special book that you were reading.
In a short while, she went downstairs to her Grandma, who for once, didn’t smell of mouldy cabbages, and returned her book. “Thanks Grandma!” Ruby said. “Wait darling,” shouted Grandma after her. “There’s still one book you haven’t read.” Ruby looked behind with a surprised look on her face. “That’s impossible Grandma. I’ve read all your books.” “Not this one. I’ve been saving this for the right moment.” “Once upon a time, there lived a young princess in a homely kingdom,” began Grandma. She shut the book and said “Well, you’re probably bored already,” then smiled and began to walk away. Ruby went after her, and took the book from her. “Thanks. You know exactly what I like!” From there, Ruby went to walk through the Royal garden and began to read the book, under her favourite willow tree.
Please accept.
The book was about a young princess who had magic powers. As Ruby began to think about what it would be like if she had magic powers or a magical wand, she began to be slowly dragged into the willow tree. There was a door, glowing brightly. Was it the book or was she just imagining it?
Elvis made an elf announcement for everyone to report to the elfmobile. “Elfmobile?” asked Ruby, as Elvis covered the microphone with his hands. “Yes, an elfmobile. You’ll be flying in one too. It’s the quickest way to the stables. Now put this suit on please.” said Elvis.
As Ruby leaned further back on the willow tree, she was sucked straight into it! She didn’t bang her head or hurt it in any way. At once, she saw snow falling on her head, streetlights made of peppermint, in hypnotising colours of red and white, whilst on the top, shone a glittery, golden bon-bon light. Houses made of gingerbread, with windows of hardened sugar and high pitched roofs stood in very different places. One big building stood out, which looked like there were elves inside, busily arranging things. The houses weren't all together like in London, although Ruby only imagined what London was like, as she lived in Tenerife. She began to wander around, and realised her dress had changed into snow boots, red leggings and a green dress. Her crown had turned into a maroon colour with sparkling golden gems. Suddenly, an elf dragged her into the building, where a sign read ‘Santa’s Workshop’. “This, is Santa’s workshop?” asked Ruby, in wonder. “Yes, that’s right Ruby.” “You know my name?” asked Ruby. “In
Father Christmas (preferred name, Santa) The elf straightened himself up and asked “Ok with that? We really do need your help. Please?” Elvis’ eyes bulged out as if he was begging with all his might. “Yes! If it’s important. Yes! I can’t risk Christmas disappearing! I mean, Christmas is only once a year! By the way, it’s Princess Ruby, but I prefer to be called Ruby anyway. Now, what’s the problem?” asked Ruby. Elvis replied, “Well, lately, the reindeers have been sick. We need your help, urgently, to make the reindeers better! Come on now, let’s go right away to the stables.”
The other elves arrived and everyone boarded the elfmobile. Ruby was amazed to see 56 inch screen, HD, voice activated, 4K, Sony TV, with five exclusive massage chairs. There were also lots of controls. After flying for what seemed like five minutes, they arrived at the stables. Ruby was told to mix together some berries and give the mixture to the reindeers. She did this and dramatically, the reindeers recovered and were soon up in the sky again. Santa gave her a big hug, said thank you and returned her back to her house. On returning home, she immediately went to find her Grandma. She gave her Grandma a wink and simply said, “Thanks Grandma!”
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Puzzles By Matilda Brennan
KS1 Wordsearch
Find the following hidden words: Christmas, Jesus, Santa, Presents, Reindeer, Star, Stocking, Carol, Bells, Cracker
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Puzzles By Matilda Brennan
KS2 Wordsearch
Find the following hidden words: Christmas, Jesus, Manger, Donkey, Myrrh, Frankincense, Gold, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Stable
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Puzzles By Matilda Brennan
KS1 Crossword
Across 2. What does Santa put your presents in? 6. What does Santa give us at Christmas? 9. They shine brightly in the night sky?
Down: 1. Jesus 3. Carols 4. Reindeers 5. Cracker 7. Santa 8. Christmas Across: 2. Stocking 6. Presents 9. Stars Answers:
Down 1. Who was born on Christmas Day? 3. What do we sing at Christmas? 4. What pulls Santa's sleigh? 5. We pull this on Christmas Day and presents come out of it? 7. Who likes mince pies and has pet reindeers? 8. What do we celebrate on the 25th December?
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Puzzles By Matilda Brennan
KS2 Crossword
Across 2. What was Jesus laid in? 6. One of the most precious gifts Jesus was given. 7. Where did Joseph and Mary travel to? 9. Where did Joseph and Mary travel from?
Down 1. Frankinsense 3. Christmas 4. Stable 5. Donkey 8. Myrrh 9. Jesus Across 2. Manger 6. Gold 7. Bethlehem 9. Jerusalem Answers:
Down 1. One of the three gifts the wise men gave to Jesus. 3. What do we celebrate on December 25th? 4. In what was Jesus born? 5. How did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? 8. A perfume one of the three kings brought as a gift. 9. Who was born on Christmas Day?
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Puzzles By Amelia Wilson
Please help me find my way to my sleigh!
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Puzzles By Alyssa Fernandes
Christmas Word Scramble 1. TSNAA
16. WNOS
2. RESTENP
17. YRTKUE
3. EASMHIRTSTRCE
18. DGOL
4. KFLWNESOA
19. KNAEISNFERNC
5. WTRHAE
20. NLESIT
6. EEEMBLHHT
21. NMRAEG
7. USEJS
22. DYOEKN
8. HITBR
23. ZATHRANE
9. IDERNERE
24.RYHMR
10. YMRA
25. ATESLB
11. KRACECR
26. LESLB
12. ESOHJP
27.ROACL
13. KIOSNCGT
28. SIRHMASTC
14. DUPGDNI
29.GLESHI
15. RAST
20. TINSEL
10.MARY
19.FRANKINCENSE
9. REINDEER
18.GOLD
8. BIRTH
17.TURKEY
7. JESUS
16.SNOW
6. BETHLEHEM
15.STAR
5. WREATH
14.PUDDING
4. SNOWFLAKE
13.STOCKING
3. CHRISTMASTREE
12.JOSEPH
2. PRESENT
11.CRACKER
1. SANTA
30.ANGEL 29.SLEIGH 28.CHRISTMAS 27.CAROL 26.BELLS 25.STABLE 24.MYRRH 23.NAZARETH 22.DONKEY 21.MANGER
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Drawing/Colouring Page By Oisin Carey Complete the other half of this Christmas Tree and then colour and decorate it.
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Colouring Page
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Christmas Around The World By Ashlyn Mascarenhas, Amelia Wilson, Chloe Chambers, Hannah Biszczanik and Kaela Owusu Belgium
playing guitars and beating on tambourines and drums. One Spanish saying is 'Esta noche es Noche-Buena, y In Belgium, there are two Santas, St. no es noche de dormir' which means 'Tonight is the Niklaas and Pere Noel. St Niklaas visits good night and it is not meant for sleeping!' the people who speak the Waloon language, a language that is spoke widely in Belgium. South Africa He actually visits the children twice! Once on 4th Because South Africa is in the Southern December so that he knows the good children and the Hemisphere, Christmas comes in the bad children. He returns again on 6th December to summer. So there is lots of fun and give presents. The children that have been good receive beautiful flowers in full bloom. Like in London, the presents but the children that have been bad are given schools are closed for the Christmas holidays and some twigs! The good children normally receive sweets or people go camping! They also go carol singing on toys, but the bad children get twigs which are left in Christmas Eve, which is very popular in towns and their shoes or in a small basket that is found inside the cities. Fir trees are very popular and children leave doorway. stockings out for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve. Pere Noel visits the people that speak French in The Christmas meal is either turkey or duck, roast beef, Belgium. He visits with his friend Pere Fouettard and mince pies or suckling pig with yellow rice & raisins and asks about whether the children have been good or vegetables, followed by Christmas Pudding or a bad. If they have been good they receive chocolates traditional South African desert called Malva Pudding and sweets, but if they have been bad, they receive a which is sometimes also called Lekker Pudding. People handful of sticks. also like to pull Christmas Crackers! The meal is often eaten outside in the summer sun! If it's really hot they Russia might even have a barbecue or 'braai'. In South Africa The official Christmas in Russia lasts from most of the traditions are very similar to the UK. December 30th to January 10th. In a Japan traditional Russian Christmas, special prayers are said and some people fast for 39 days, until Christmas is not widely celebrated in 6th January, when the first evening star appears in the Japan as not many people there are sky. Then begins the 12 course supper in honour of Christians. However, several customs each of the twelve apostles. The supper includes fish, have come to Japan from the USA such as sending and beet soup or borsch, cabbage stuffed with millet, receiving Christmas cards and presents. In Japan, cooked dried fruit and much more. Hay is spread on the Christmas in known as more of a time to spread floors and tables to encourage horse feed to grow in the happiness rather than a religious celebration. Christmas coming year and people make clucking noises to Eve is often celebrated more than Christmas Day. encourage their hens to lay eggs. On Christmas day Christmas Eve is thought of as a romantic day, on hymns and carols are sung. People gather in churches which couples spend time together and exchange which have been decorated with traditional Christmas presents. In many ways it resembles Valentine's Day trees or Yelka, flowers and coloured lights. celebrations in the UK and the USA. Young couples like to go for walks to look at the Christmas lights and have Babushka is a traditional Christmas figure who a romantic meal in a restaurant. distributes presents to children. Her name means grandmother and the legend is told that she declined to Kazakhstan go with the wise men to see Jesus because of the cold Christmas in Kazakhstan is almost always weather. However, she regretted not going and set off snowy, as it snows for around four to try and catch up, filling her basket with presents. months of the year during the winter. She never found Jesus, and that is why she visits each About 70% of people in Kazakhstan are Muslims, so house, leaving toys for good children. Christmas isn't a big holiday and 25th December is a Spain day just like any other day. This means the shops are open, the public transport is running and everyone is at Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass work. Christians in Kazakhstan, don't normally or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the celebrate Christmas on Christmas day, unless they Rooster). It is called this because a happen to be off work or it’s a Sunday. Instead, the rooster is supposed to have crowed the main Christmas celebrations are on the Sunday before night that Jesus was born. Most families Christmas Day. Christians in Kazakhstan have eat their main dinner on Christmas Eve. The Traditional translated some English songs into Kazakh and Russian Christmas dinner in Spain 'Pavo Trufado de Navidad' and there are a few traditional songs that were which is turkey, stuffed with truffles (mushrooms) In composed in Kazakhstan, but they normally sing their Galicia (a region in north-west Spain, surrounded by usual worship songs in Church on the day they water) the most popular meal for Christmas Eve and for celebrate Christmas. Christmas is also a good time for Christmas Day is seafood. This can be all kinds of Christians to bring their friends along to a Church different seafood, from shellfish and molluscs, to lobster service, those who haven't heard about Jesus and and small edible crabs. After the midnight service, Christmas before. Some people wonder what Christmas people walk through the streets carrying torches, is about and also like the idea of an extra party!
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Latvia Children in Latvia know that Santa Claus (also known as Ziemassvētku vecītis Christmas old man) brings their presents. The presents are usually put under the Christmas tree. The presents are opened during the evening of Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Sometime to get a present you have to recite a short poem while standing next to the Christmas tree! Before Christmas, children learn to say poems by heart. They can also get a present by singing, playing a musical instrument or doing a dance! Guatemala Guatemala is a very diverse country with more than 20 ethnic groups. Each of them has their own special traditions for celebrating Christmas. Most Guatemalans, like other Latin-American counties, plan and build, with the entire family, a Nativity Scene called a "Nacimiento" or "Belen". Although it is originally a Spanish tradition, many Guatemalan elements are now used in the design and construction of the Nativity scenes. The "Nacimiento" is normally put under the Christmas Tree. One unique characteristic of Guatemalan Nativity scene is the use of sawdust dyed in many bright colours. On Christmas Eve, families celebrate together and eat the main Christmas meal. It is made of several traditional dishes, but it always includes some Guatemalan “tamales”. In some regions they are made of corn and other of rice or potatoes. They can be sweet or not, and have several different ingredients inside like olives, prunes, peppers, chicken or pork. Everyone waits until midnight to light hundreds of fireworks or firecrackers to celebrate the birth of Jesus. A family prayer is said around the tree and it is the custom to open the presents shortly after midnight. Australia Christmas in Australia is similar to the UK but Christmas is very hot as it’s summer in Australia. The Christmas dinner is turkey, ham and pork. Some Australian tourists have their Christmas dinner at midday, on the local beach. Some of the families in Australia like celebrating Christmas by having a picnic. Christmas Puddings sometimes have a golden nugget in them. Many people, even if they are not Christians, give each other gifts. People hang wreaths on their doors and sometimes go out for singing Christmas carols on Christmas eve. France On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fire to be filled with gifts. In France, Santa Claus is called Pere Noel. In French, Merry Christmas is Joyeux Noel. The main Christmas meal is called Reveillon. The Christmas meal is roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert a chocolate sponge cake log called a buche de noel is eaten. Another celebration that is celebrated in some parts of France is that 13 different desserts are eaten! The desserts are made from different types of fruit, nuts and pastries. A Nativity crib is usually used to decorate houses.
Italy The Christmas season in Italy goes on for three whole weeks! It starts 8 days before Christmas, known as Novena. During this period children go from house to house reciting Christmas poems and songs. In some parts of Italy, shepherds bring musical instruments into the villages and play and sing Christmas songs. A strict fast (no food) is observed 24 hours before Christmas Eve and is followed by a celebration meal of lots of dishes, but no meat. The traditional Christmas dinner, Cenone, is made up of spaghetti and anchovies, an assortment of fish, fresh broccoli, tossed salad, fruits, and sweets. Children in Italy hang up their stockings on the Feast of the Epiphany on 6th January. They celebrate the visit of the Three Kings to Bethlehem. Instead of Santa Claus, children are expecting Befana. She is a witch-like character who rides around on a broomstick. The legend is that the Three Wise Men stopped at Befana's hut to ask directions on their way to Bethlehem and asked her to join them. She said she was too busy. Later a shepherd asked her to join him in paying respect to the Baby Jesus. Again, she said no. Later when it was dark and she saw a great light in the skies, she thought perhaps she should have gone with the Wise Men. So, she gathered some toys that had belonged to her own baby, who had died, and ran to find the kings and the shepherd. But Befana could not find them or the stable. Now, every year, she looks for the Christ Child. And every year, as she cannot find him, she leaves the gifts for the good children of Italy and pieces of charcoal for the bad ones. Czech Republic During the evening of the 5th December, children are very excited and watch for St. Nicholas (Svatý Mikuláš) to arrive. He normally is accompanied by one or more angels and one or more devils. He asks the children if they've been good all year and also asks them to sing a song or recite a poem, and gives them a basket of presents (often containing chocolate and fruit). The basket normally contains presents similar to the stockings that children receive in the UK on Christmas day. The main presents are often opened on Christmas Eve. The Philippines People in the Philippines like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible! The playing of Christmas carols in shops can start in September! The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16th December, when many people go the the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning Masses. The last Mass is on Christmas Day. The Christmas celebrations continue to the First Sunday in January when Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated. In the Philippines the early Masses held before Christmas are called the 'Misa de Gallo' or 'Simbang Gabi' in Filipino. Most Filipinos are Christians with about 80% of people being Catholics. It's the only Asian country with so many Christians. Because of this, Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines.
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Cookery By Amelia Wilson
Reindeer Cupcakes Remember to always ask an adult to help you and remember to wash your hands before you start.
Ingredients: 125g butter, melted 3/4 cup caster sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour 125ml (1/2 cup) milk 1 tsp vanilla extract 12 red cake cases White icing Chocolate Tiny Teddies Brown Mini M&Ms Red Smarties
Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C or 160°C if using a fan oven. 2. Beat the butter and sugar until creamy. 3. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. 4. Add flour, milk and vanilla extract, beating again until just combined. 5. Place red cake cases in a 12-hole cupcake tray and pour in mixture. 6. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. 7. Leave to cool. 8. Ice with white icing. Decorate with two Tiny Teddies for antlers, two brown mini M&Ms for eyes and a red Smartie for a nose.
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Christmas Films to See Paddington Certificate PG When a young bear finds himself lost and alone at London’s Paddington station, luck is on his side when he is taken in by the kind hearted Brown family.
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Certificate PG Larry and the gang are back in the third, exciting instalment of a Night at the Museum. In their biggest, wildest adventure to date, museum security guard, Larry, and his band of magically brought to life historical relics must journey to London.
Nativity 3: Dude Where’s My Donkey Certificate U The students of St Bernadette’s are back, and with a brand new Christmas adventure featuring the beloved Mr Poppy, brand new teacher Mr Shepard, and, of course, Archie the Donkey!
Penguins of Madagascar Certificate U Everybody’s favourite penguin team are back, starring in their very own spy feature film. This time they’re working for a super elite task force to save the world from Dr Octavius Brine.
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Sport St George’s Netball Team
The St. George’s Netball Team is coached by Miss O’Hara on a Tuesday evening. If you don’t know about netball, I will explain a little bit about it. There are three thirds in a netball court. You are given a position to play. At St. George’s, we play Hi-5 Netball which means there are 5 positions to fill. There are 7 people on a netball squad but only five positions. All players rotate around the different positions. At our school we have a Centre, a Goal Attack, Goal Defence, Goal Shooter and Goal Keeper. As it is only the start of the netball season, new netball players are still getting to grips with all the netball positions. Many people don’t know netball is a mixed girls and boys sport. At St George’s, we have 3 boys and 9 girls. Miss O’Hara treats everybody fairly because she wants the team to successfully win our games. Our current team members are Amelia Wilson, Bobby Davis, Bridie Connolly, Ethan Roche, Matilda Brennan, Mya Alli, Nirusha Venderkoon, Iluckia Paskaran, Izzy Blaylock-White, Kaela Owusu, Lily-Rose Allan Martin, and Lorenzo Egwue. Watch this space for upcoming matches and reports!