Headteacher's View - Dropmore Infant School in South Bucks

We kicked off the festive season at Dropmore on Friday November 26 with an exciting new event. Turning on the Christmas Lights was more than just a celebration for us, the event also carried an important message: To bring light to our road safety campaign.

For many years we have been fighting for recognition of the need to improve road safety around our lovely village infant school. We believe the children have the right to a safe place to cross the road, pavement to walk to school, and for traffic to pass the school at a safe speed.

Children taking part in a nativity play at the school

Sadly, something that feels essential to us has not been given the same recognition by local councils.

Following a recent visit, our local police officer wrote to the Council to stress the need to reduce risk and to suggest several proposals.

I really hope the reply from Council will recognise the importance of action to protect our children and the local community.

As well as raising awareness of our road safety campaign, the event was a wonderful opportunity to bring together past and present parents, pupils, governors and staff.

An alien in the nativity play

Schools have had a vital role to play over the past couple of years, which have been very challenging for everyone, and adapting and providing education in different ways has been essential whilst also pulling together to support each other’s wellbeing and our community.

It was great to see everyone at the event, to enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies, light up balloons and listen to Christmas carols.

In just over an hour we raised in excess of £1000, thanks to the huge support and generous donations of everyone. The money will be added to the substantial funds the school have already raised for a Vehicle Activated Speed Sign - which, if approved by the council, will help raise awareness of speed restrictions around the school.

Mrs Gitta Streete

The festive spirit continued with our brilliant Christmas Fair on Saturday December 4.

The PTA worked tirelessly in the run up to the event and in just a few hours the school was transformed into a Christmas market with food, drink, gifts and craft stalls as well as a disco, traditional games and a carol concert.

Recently announced restrictions meant additional measures and strict guidelines were needed for the fair - as well as for the nativity performances which have followed this week.

The light switch on was enjoyed by staff, students and parents

But it has been wonderful to see all the children perform on stage in front of a live audience - especially after the pandemic meant this couldn’t happen last year.

And they did a marvellous job performing our chosen Nativity: ‘Christmas with the Aliens’ - which tied in with our topic this term, Space, which was chosen with input from the children.

The light switch on was a great success

We hope to finish the year with a few more in-school activities, including our annual Christmas party and termly inter-House competition.

Fingers crossed for a wonderful end to the term. Have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!