As we returned to school on Monday 5 January 2026, the pupils at St Peter’s gathered for a whole school Celebration of the Word. The focal point of our worship was this nativity scene pictured below. I explained to the children that this porcelain crib, which I inherited from my grandmother when she died in 2006, is always the last item of Christmas decoration to be packed away in our house, staying on show right up to the Feast of the Epiphany.

I drew the school’s attention to the fact that in all the noise, colour and activity of Christmas, and indeed even compared to some of the intricate and decorative traditional Nativity scenes and paintings, the simplicity of this crib speaks volumes to remind us of what truly lies at the heart of the celebration. The power of the birth of Christ, and the message of love that it brings, lasts well after all the other trappings of the season have gone.

Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous 2026.

Mr R Cunningham
Executive Headteacher