The countdown to Christmas has begun, but before we get into the full swing of rehearsals and Christmas carols, let's bring everyone up to date with all that has taken place since the autumn term began in September. Steve Briers has started running football training after school each Thursday and the Cycling Proficiency lessons for the keen have begun, very important for our children's safety. All classes have enjoyed some excellent educational visits, or as the children excitedly call them - our 'trips'. Two classes experienced some backroom retail therapy when they descended on Tescos Store in Pembroke Dock, getting first-hand experience of the bakery, cold rooms, freezers and storage areas. The bakery hats were a particular favourite. Class 1 also visited the Mencap Gardens at Stackpole, where they saw a wide variety of vegetables being grown and harvested before appearing on the shop shelves. The children certainly enjoyed naming all the vegetables and their quest to taste as many different varieties of fruit and vegetable is to be commended in these days of 'processed foods'. Teaching assistant, Nicola Spencer, attended a 'Cook It' training course and is running cookery sessions for the children. The aroma of delicious apple pies, fantastic cakes and soups have all been emanating from the school, making waiting parents feel quite hungry. Thanks must also go to Mary Gooch from Manorbier WI, who joined the reception class to bake some Welsh cakes, which were eaten as soon as they left the griddle! Classes 3 and 4 had an early start when they visited St. Fagans Museum in Cardiff as part of their history topics of the Tudors (Class 3) and the Victorians (Class 4). The modern conveniences of home were much appreciated when the children discovered the hard lifestyle of times past. These classes also took part in the Knex Challenge linked to Career Wales, which consisted of designing playground equipment - a task which the children entered into with gusto! Year 6 attended the Crucial Crew at Withybush Showground and also the BT Roadshow Theatre in Education at the beginning of October. The school was transformed for a day for Art Day where well-known visiting artists, volunteers and staff held workshops and drew out the talents of all the children. The resulting art-work is more akin to a professional gallery than a primary school and an amazing exhibition is on view in the school hall - please contact the school to see the results; the children would be delighted and proud to show off their work. The Harvest celebrations saw all the children taking part in a special assembly and donating fruit and vegetables for an auction of fruit and vegetables which took place afterwards. The 'auctioneers' were Jack Willkinson-Dix and Logan Cardy of Year 6. No-one there could deny they have a glittering future ahead of them if Sotherby's is ready and willing, as all parents and friends of the school willingly paid extortionate prices for the offered items. As many of you will know, the school, like many others, has its own website at http://www.pgfl.org.uk/">www.pgfl.org.uk/ Manorbier but, due to be launched on November 13, is our own philosophy website at http://www.ngflcymru.org.uk/pse">www.ngflcymru.org.uk/pse Manorbier is a pioneer in this field, having had commendations from ACCAC (the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales). Do take the time to log on, as some of the questions and issues raised are fascinating. Another feather in the cap must be mentioned - The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has recently written to the school congratulating them on their contribution to a forthcoming publication, 'Setting up and Running a School Garden: a Manual for Teachers, Parents and Communities'. The school has been contributing with both technical advice and comments and anyone who has seen the growing school grounds will agree that the environment that our children have for both learning and play is second to none. Congratulations to all those involved.