Message from the Head
The run in to Christmas has been an exciting one in the Junior School. Particular highlights have been Year 3 and Year s fantastic production of Superstar’, the Christmas Concert, which showcased the musical talents of our pupils across all four year groups, and the Year 6 Choirs wonderful concert in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.These kinds of performance opportunities build confidence and pride for individuals, as well as fostering a supportive team ethic amongst the performers.
We are sorry to say goodbye to Mrs Harrison this week as she is retiring from teaching after 15 years of excellent service in Hymers Junior School. In recent years, Mrs Harrison has focussed solely on her passion for Art teaching and inspired countless pupils to develop a love for the subject. We all wish Mrs Harrison a long and happy retirement. In January, Mrs Rowlands, an experienced Primary teacher and Art specialist will join the Junior School, teaching Art to all the classes.
It just remains for me towish you a healthy, relaxing and enjoyable Christmas.
Peter Doyle, Head of Junior School
Year 6 Choir Tour
The Year 6 Choir enjoyed a fabulous trip to Edinburgh at the beginning of November. They began their trip by visiting Dynamic Earth where they learnt about the origins of our planet as well as experiencing the wonderful planetarium. The next day, they spent the morning exploring the National Museum of Scotland before preparing for the main event: their concert in the spectacular St. Giles’ Cathedral. Following on from the rehearsal, the cathedral quickly filled up and the children were delighted to have such a large and appreciative audience. The choir sang a varied programme ranging from hymns, inspirational numbers such as Can You Hear Me? and Rhythm of Life as well as some brand new repertoire which included Why We Sing. The children were delighted to receive a huge round of applause and the experience certainly helped build their self confidence. Afterwards, the children had a great time at the water park where they enjoyed the many slides and water chutes. On the Sunday, after a good night’s rest, the choir spent the morning at Edinburgh Zoo. The penguins were a big hit as well as the giraffes. All in all, theyhad a great time. Many thanks to the staff involved for making this happen.
The Year 3 and 4 Christmas Production of Superstar! took place in the theatre on the 12th and 13th December. The children in Year 3 had the main roles on the Monday with the children in Year 4 supporting in the chorus. On the Tuesday, it was the Year 4’s turn to take centre stage. Well done to all children for two fabulous performances!
Tuesday 6th December saw over 150 children perform in the Christmas Concert. There were some fabulous performances beginning with the Orchestra who played a Theme and Variation from the ’Surprise’ Symphony followed by Joy to the World as well as Junior Strings who did brilliantly with Cheesy Christmas Blues despite Mr Quick not being able to be there. The Junior Wind Band played Golden Eye and Drummer Boy beautifully. The newly formed Year 3 Choir sang lively renditions of Pirates and Christmas Has Started followed by the equally new Year 4 Choir who were impressively confident with The Owls and a very moving performance of Love Shone Down. The Year 5 Choir sang The Moon and A Star Shone Out, written by Mrs Redhead, before the Year 6 Choir took to the stage with beautiful performances of Cantate Domino, The Angel Gabriel and Why We Sing. The evening ended with all the performers singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas to an appreciative audience. Very well done to everyone and a huge thank you to all the music staff.
Editor– Mrs T. J. Redhead
The Year
Dance Crew performed at the Yorkshire Schools Dance Festival held at York University. Many thanks to Mrs Marsden for all her hard work with the dancers.