It's been another full half-term at Manorbier VCP and it's not even over yet. Like many of their peers elsewhere, the children are in full Christmas flow getting ready for their Christmas celebration and Christingle Service which, following the success of last year's service, will once again be held at St James Church, Manorbier, on Thursday, December 13, at 1.30 pm. Today (Friday, December 7), there is also the Christmas craft fayre, held at the school and starting at 1.30 pm. A range of gifts, crafts and Christmas cards, some designed and made by the children, others by extremely generous and talented parents, will be on sale. Anyone is welcome to attend and, as always, the school values and appreciates the support of all those in the community. The talents of the children are still on display at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition was opened last week by local famous artist, Philip Sutton, of the Royal Academy. His inspiration to the staff and children of Manorbier and his continued support for the school is apparent in this wonderful display of work by the pupils. It covers a range of influences, artistic styles and media. The school thanks not only to Philip Sutton, but all those who helped the children in their work and of course, to Tenby Museum and Art Gallery for giving the school and the children such a fantastic opportunity to exhibit their work. The exhibition runs for another week until December 14. The children have been giving most generously in many ways. Over 60 Christmas shoe boxes were brought into school recently ready to be sent to Operation Christmas Child and £69.70 was raised for Children in Need. The children relished the 'wear it inside-out and back to front' theme, although how so many could be quite so comfortable wearing their clothing back to front remains a mystery. They certainly had a lot of fun creating the 'penny trail' which stretched round most of the playground so many coppers were donated. Many thanks as always to all the parents and children who gave so generously. There was no let up in the activities on offer during October and November either. The Early Years and Infants took a fun-filled educational trip to the Dinosaur Park in October as part of their work on dinosaurs and had a marvellous time hunting for fossils and taking part in many other activities. Class 4 visited Carmarthen to listen to and take part in the Dr. Ballantyne Science Lectures and the newly-formed football team, coached by Mr. Fearney, recently travelled to Carew to take part in their first tournament which they thoroughly enjoyed. Well done to all those who took part. The children also enjoyed what may seem now as the last clement weather of the autumn when the Early Years class prepared a traditional cawl for the whole school. The children all came together and enjoyed the meal cooked outside over a special camp-fire. The youngest certainly did themselves proud, filling the bellies of the oldest in the school, while the Welsh Folk Dancing Group demonstrated and taught others in the school how to dance traditional dances. The school also had a visit from a Cora Group who came and demonstrated the African instruments and style of playing to the children. All were so amazed that the group was asked back by popular demand to give a vocal workshop that saw the youngest giving of their all yet again. The whole school joined together to take part in 'Take One Picture', an idea from the National Gallery where children take a famous picture and use it for all their work for that week. The picture chosen by Manorbier staff was 'Children's Games' by Bruegel. Instructions for playing some of the games, as well as the main subjects such as maths and literacy were all generated by this famous art- work. The week culminated in an art day and drama session with one class acting out some of the games shown in the picture. Lastly, congratulations go to teacher, Mrs. Niki Craig who was recently presented with her MPQH Award, a major step towards well-earned advancement. And good luck wishes go to the four intrepid musicians who recently took their ABRSM exams.
