HWA Blog - 12.12.25
Happy Friday again.
I have loved this week. There have been several highlights across school and so many memorable moments that showcase the enthusiasm and dedication of our children, young people and staff.
Although we’re on the countdown to the Christmas break, teaching and learning have continued in full swing both inside and outside the classroom. From festive activities to inspiring lessons, the energy and excitement have been wonderful to see.
Sharing the highlights…
The Nativity – Hay Bale Hotel
What an incredible show. I am so proud of the achievements our children have made this year.
This year’s Nativity was a whole-school project, and what a collaborative effort it was. Our Super Learning Day in early December set the ball rolling perfectly, sparking creativity and teamwork as our children and young people across school began crafting props for the performance. Together, our amazing primary and secondary classes brought Bethlehem to life, complete with bustling town scenes, camels, barn animals, campfires, and so much more.
A huge thank you to all the families who came to watch the show. Your support means so much to us. I’m sure you’ll agree that the children exceeded our expectations. Yesterday was filled with proud moments that we will cherish. Well done to the stars of the show, our wonderful children, and to an amazing staffing team for making this happen. I would also like to say a special thanks to Mrs Lerigo for coordinating the show. This has been my favourite yet.
Nativity
Festive fun in the Engage pathway
A huge shout out to the children in Miss Bailey’s, Miss McDonald’s, and Miss Davies’s classes. This week has been filled with festive activities and joyful learning experiences that the children have truly embraced.
They have participated in a variety of fun and engaging opportunities, and the progress in these classes is clear for all to see. The enthusiasm, energy, care, and passion from the teaching staff have shone through, making this week one to remember for both children and parents.
The video below captures these special moments. I must admit, I’ve watched it at least ten times with pride and emotion. It’s a wonderful reflection of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating such a magical experience for our learners.
Spreading Kindness This Christmas: Food Bank Donations Delivered
We are delighted to share some wonderful news from our student council. The vision and Inspiration Hub students proudly delivered all the food bank donations to the Derker Food Bank yesterday.
The team at Derker expressed their heartfelt thanks to our school community and asked us to pass on their appreciation. They also wished everyone a very Merry Christmas.
This incredible effort would not have been possible without the generosity of our families and staff. Your donations will make a real difference to those in need during the festive season.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed for your kindness and support.
Food Bank
Now let’s see what has been happening in the classroom.
In Mrs Mayer’s class this week…
"9HMA have had a good start to the academic year and have been pushing through the wet and windy Winter nights as we approach a well-earned Christmas break. This term, we have been learning about budgeting and independence in the community on our Outdoor Education lessons, managing money and speaking with staff members when needing help with something.
During food lessons, we have been gaining confidence through independent learning and have also been developing our breadmaking skills. Our parents and caregivers have begun to look forward to what we bring home from our food lessons, but sometimes, there is none left because we eat it all before we get home!
Staff have been impressed with the confidence shown by students during this term and look forward to seeing them progress in the new year.
In Spanish, we have been learning about clothing and shops, with some grammar work on adjectival agreements. And Bailey has been speaking Spanish at home to his mum and dad. Mrs Cowling is blown away with our vocabulary and our accents.
We have also been making progress in their art lessons, working to create abstract pieces using different materials, whilst also progressing into using more digital based software, which will give us some new skills in this field.
We have also been working on different targets during our EHCP lessons, participating in more social activities as we continue to develop our social skills, working in groups and working collectively on form-based activities. EHCP learning has had a focus on
our mental health, and we have discussed topics including comfort zones and how we can keep calm if something makes us angry."
HMA - 12.12.25
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Creative STARs
Mrs Quinn’s HWA We Are Inspiring goes to the whole class for their participation in the festive fun.
Mrs Quinn’s and Miss McDonald’s STAR of the week is Ethan for doing an amazing job communicating using his words. Well done, Ethan. We are very proud.
Mrs Quinn’s and Miss McDonald’s HWA We Are Inspiring goes to Teddy for taking part in outdoor education and doing brilliant walking, listening and speaking. Well done, Teddy.
Mrs Bailey’s HWA We Are Inspiring goes to William for his fabulous festive singing throughout the week, sharing his wonderful voice with us all.
Mrs Bailey’s STAR of the Week is Roma - For adapting well to change in routine this week and building positive relationships with new adults.
Mrs Lerigo’s and Mrs Sutcliffe's STAR of the Week is Elijah for always showing good listening at learning times and for his amazing signing skills in our Christmas songs.
Mrs Lerigo’s and Mrs Sutcliffe's HWA We Are Inspiring goes to Ezra for trying hard with following instructions and joining in this week.
Miss Boothroyd’s STAR of the Week is everyone for superb contributions to the nativity.
Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We Are Inspiring goes to the whole class; I am so pleased with your effort in class and in the nativity this week.
Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s STAR of the Week is everyone for brilliant practising and performing in our school Nativity.
Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s inspiring star goes to everyone for brilliant practising and performing in our school Nativity.
Mrs Matthews’ STAR of the Week is Henry R for giving some well thought out answers in lessons this week.
Mrs Matthews’ We Are Inspiring STAR goes to Year 6HMS for contributing in some way to the whole school nativity.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s HWA We Are Inspiring goes to Benjamin for being a wonderful part of the group and sitting so nicely during the Nativity performance. Fantastic.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s STAR of the Week goes to Rose for joining her class for her first Nativity. Well done, Rose.
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the Week is everyone or amazing acting, singing and practising for our school nativity.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We Are Inspiring goes to everyone or amazing acting, singing and practising for our school nativity.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is Kian for an outstanding nativity performance.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is Albi-Lee for coping really well at the Christmas show.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Jack, Teddy B, Teddy W, Hope & William for being great in the Christmas show.
Mr Corrigan Congratulates Albi-Lee for being proud of his friends.
Miss Hulme’s STAR of the Week is all of the children for their fabulous performance in our Christmas nativity.
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the Week goes to Maya for projecting her voice in the nativity.
Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Inspiring goes to Derry for inspiring others to read their lines in the nativity.
Mrs Boylan’s STAR of the Week goes to all the class for an excellent performance in the school nativity.
Miss Davies’s STAR of the Week goes to Silva for amazing progress in communication.
STARS of the Week (12.12.25)
Well done to everyone.
Finally, I cannot end without mentioning Mrs Millard and myself and our attempts at “elfin around.” Let’s just say the children didn’t take us too seriously, but it was all in good fun.
Have a good weekend everyone.
Miss Gordon
