I began my week at a very special concert; the Nottingham Lieutenancy hosted one of fifteen regional concerts supported by The Royal Foundation: “the event formed part of the nationwide initiative inspired by The Princess of Wales to recognise the countless acts of love, kindness and quiet dedication that strengthen communities across the UK each and every day.” It was extra special then that Ruby, one of our Year eleven pupils, was asked to perform in the concert. Ruby’s Mum and I were both so proud to see her perform Silent Night on the flute, first solo and then accompanying a soloist, followed by the congregation. It was a real honour and testament to her talent to be invited, and an honour for Hollygirt school to be recognised among only four other schools.
I was back among lights, decorations and Christmas songs as our Senior Rock band and Prep school took up position in Victoria Centre to entertain shoppers. I’m grateful to the many parents who came along to support and was also thrilled to see so many local shoppers bopping or humming along to the tunes. I even had one or two ‘Old Hols’ approach me, thrilled to see their old school and the familiar uniform. All the pupils performed so well. I want to mention the rock band who came together at the start of this academic year, they’ve been rehearsing with top level dedication in a short space of time and performed incredibly well. The Prep school are old hands at singing in Victoria centre, and they were super slick in their organisation and in very good voice! Between them the groups raised just over £100 which will be added to our donation fund to support our school charities over the year.
Regarding school charities, Dr Holbrook and I are taking a small group of senior pupils to St Ann’s Advice Centre on Monday after school to help them with stocking parcels and wrapping Christmas gifts for local children. We are working to develop a partnership with the advice centre who support local residents with a foodbank service as well as advice and support. We hope this partnership will grow, allowing us to support our immediate community with donations to the foodbank scheme, while providing Hollygirt pupils with valuable volunteering experience that allows them to see and experience where their donations go.
We’re very close to the end of the Autumn term with just one week to go, last week I emailed out a few dates to help you keep on top of events I wanted to draw your attention to some clarifications:
- There are no after school ECAs next week due to various events; Homework club and after school will run as normal with the exception of a 4.30pm finish for both on Thursday 18th Dec due to the Carol Service.
- A festive lunch will be served on Tuesday with the traditional Christmas lunch trimmings; there will be a Vegan Wellington alternative available. This lunch is available to those with lunch passes, and anyone who would like to partake as a one-off at a price of £4.50. Orders can be placed on Monday.
The Winter Wonderland Emporium takes place on Thursday afternoon; I’d like to re-share this plea from our prefects: We are raising money for our Prom and will be running a tombola stall at the Winter Wonderland Market. We’d be very grateful if you were able to donate a small item or two for prizes, these can be dropped at the main school reception. Thank you so much for supporting us! – Ruby (Deputy Head Prefect).
Ever Onward and Upward
Ms Purdy