Welcome back!
A very warm welcome back after our two-week half-term break. I have loved catching up with the children over lunch and hearing about their adventures, from Mauritius to the Maldives, safaris and camping trips. The Johnstons enjoyed some walking in Cornwall, with plenty of good eating along the way! I think we all appreciate two weeks at half-term, although I am not quite sure how it happens, but the children seem to have grown several inches while they’ve been away!
We certainly finished the first half of term with a bang with our Glow in the Dark Disco, which was huge fun and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. We now look ahead to what is always a very special time of year at St Peter’s. With just four weeks until our Nativities, Christmas is already very much on the horizon and there is plenty to look forward to as we build towards our St Peter’s Christmas celebrations.
We have been delighted by the positive response to the news that Hall House, the former Exeter Cathedral School Pre-prep, has joined our group of nurseries. This is an exciting development for the local community and we look forward to seeing it take shape.
Music is another highlight this term, with our Year 4 children beginning their instrumental scheme. Every child has the opportunity to learn an instrument, from the flute and clarinet to the trumpet and cello, at no additional cost to families. Now in its third year, the scheme has more than doubled the size of our orchestra, with many children choosing to continue learning beyond the initial programme. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful variety of peripatetic music teachers at St Peter’s, and I would encourage all children to give learning an instrument a go. It opens the door to joining bands, ensembles and orchestras, while bringing enormous benefits to concentration, confidence and the developing mind. There is something rather special about making music together!
Looking ahead to next week, we hold our Whole School Remembrance Service on 11 November at 11:00. We would like the children to have Poppies to wear on this day and they are available at the front desk for a donation to the Royal British Legion. The younger children are making their own poppies in their classes. This is a very special day in the St Peter’s calendar where we remember the fallen.
Lots to look forward to this half-term. Let the countdown to Christmas begin!
Charlotte
