To end this extraordinary year, Highfields has embraced Christmas celebrations with the aim of boosting the Christmas spirit and giving everyone a joyful lift as we head towards the new year.
Highfields’ embrace of the Christmas spirit has been visible from afar, with lights in the windows at the front of school for the very first time. Once in school, the large Christmas tree in Reception and other decorations within Learning Schools certainly make the school feel festive. Whilst the lights are debuting, our Highfields Christmas tree is always up this time of year; even in this most unusual of years. Near the front of school there is also a donation site for food and other items in aid of the Good Shepherd Ministry because ultimately; without the spirit of giving, the spirit of Christmas rings hollow. This generosity is especially important in a year which has seen many people’s living standards decline.
Leading these incredibly charitable efforts is Mrs Hartshorne who told us, “Staff and students have been incredibly generous. Once again, there have been a variety of donations of food and hygiene items, and local people will truly benefit. The Good Shepherd do incredible work helping to support people with various personal, social and health needs, and without doubt will make good use of everything Highfields have donated.”
In the Communications Learning School, a Christmas Tree of Books has been established in the Library aiming to inspire interest in reading whilst encompassing Christmas vibes. Alongside all other Learning Schools, a staff sing-along competition was a definite highlight of Highfields’ Christmas activities, leaving students thoroughly entertained. The winners were announced at the end of the Highfields Got Talent show which is available to watch on our YouTube channel. The competition celebrated the talents of our students from Year 7 through to Sixth Form. After receiving many auditions from students across the school, the judges; Mr Tate, Mrs Brickwood and Mrs Jevon, narrowed them down to 8 finalists; Anna Tabner, Paige and Millie, Alex Hill, The Three Amigos, James Casey, Effie Bladen-Hayes, Lilly Lowery and The Snowflakes. They then gave a score to each act which decided their position on the leader board. The top 3 acts are now in the public vote, meaning you will decide the winner.
Also on the school’s YouTube channel is a carol service, presented in partnership with St. Bart’s Church. This featured the Highfields Head Team reading passages from the Bible that are at the heart of Christmas. Ms Bishop, Head of Performance, told us, “The carol concert was watched by over 200 people and was a delightful evening in these challenging times.”
Finally, this week the winning entry of this year’s Christmas card competition was chosen. The design was hand drawn by Alex Hill in Year 7; Alex’s talents are endless! It was digitalised and then shared with staff and students.
We have certainly not held back on Christmas cheer this year. Mr Tate said, “Despite the frustrations of this term, I am very proud of how well we have all coped. We have seen an incredible amount of change and challenge and yet we have been able to keep school operating relatively normally. This would not have happened without the energy, commitment and dedication of staff, the resilience and responsible attitude of students and great support from you all at home. I think we all thoroughly deserve a good Christmas break and can look forward to the new year with real hope and optimism.”
Indeed, at Highfields the Christmas festivities were as extensive as ever and we hope that the smiles, that were more infectious than anything at Highfields this Christmas, can continue into the new year.
Written By Joseph Regan - Year 13
