November Book Club
November 30, 2010
We enjoyed another lovely get together in November when we reviewed two books at our Book Club meeting; both received very positive comments and were enjoyed by most…
First on the list was Through the Narrow Gate by Kate Armstrong. Book Club score 8.5/10
For more book club news and reviews have a look here.
Gold Stars
November 29, 2010
The seasonal festivities began at school this weekend with the annual Christmas Fair. It was an early start on Saturday morning to get things ready including baking for the cake stall…earlier in the week I picked up these fabulous gold stars from Squires. Sprinkled on top of delicious (but gooey and a bit too runny) cream cheese icing, the stars add a little sparkle to these festive cakes.
Winter time and washing up…
November 24, 2010
News of snowfall over the country has folks buzzing about the weather…is it really the last few days of gorgeous Autumn colour?
Do we all need to rush out and buy one of these?
Meanwhile, back at the Headmaster’s house there is a disaster…the dishwasher has broken and washing up is my least favourite household chore. I’m hoping it’s a case of me pressing the wrong button or too many buttons, and when HM gets back this evening all will be fixed or perhaps he can start on the washing up!
(ok, it’s not a real disaster by any means…i promise more meaningful posts are on the way)
Shoebox Appeal
November 22, 2010
We have been supporting Samaritans Purse and the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal for some years now. It is a brilliantly organised and inspiring charity.
All the children at school are encouraged to take part in this very worthwhile campaign. Shoeboxes were collected from school this morning by friendly OCC volunteers and loaded up into the van with the help of Year One and Two children.
What I really like about this appeal is that the school children physically take part, firstly at home by putting together a box filled with goodies and then, this morning the children had a chance to meet the volunteers and load up the van. So good for the children to know their efforts are appreciated, and especially good for them to play a practical and key role in getting shoeboxes to children in the Ukraine (that’s where shoeboxes in our district are heading this year).
You can learn more at Operation Christmas Child…a brilliant resource for school groups and clubs. I can’t fault this initiative and I encourage you to spread the word!
One last thing…
Shoebox World has arrived! It’s the new Operation Christmas Child website, where you create your own gift-filled shoebox online and they then send it out to a child in need.
No shopping trips, wrapping paper or hours of time required – just a personalised gift sent by you to a child at Christmas. Check it out for yourself…Shoebox World
Oranges and Lemons…
November 22, 2010
The Headmaster had a Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall moment over the weekend and decided we ought to try and make some culinary Christmas gifts. We started with these superb oranges and lemons dipped in rich dark chocolate…a very successful trial run and it was a fun family effort. We ate far too many at home (although the Artist and the Composer were not very taken with the sharp, grown up taste) and the rest ended up in the staff common room and were gone in minutes! The recipe is from a cutting of last years Guardian newspaper, find it here.
Colouring Pages
November 14, 2010
The latest phase for The Artist is ‘fancy patterns’ in all the colours of the rainbow and these printables are perfect for rainy day activities. Milliande is a little tricky to navigate (that may well be my failing), but it’s worth trundling through to find the unique printable colouring pages. I especially like the Christmas Trees which will be great for the childrens play dates during the holidays.
These colouring pages have also been a huge success with The Artist. The mandalas are great and you can find free printables from lots of popular childrens characters too. Check out the Christmas pages for the holidays.
Wouldn’t it be great to spend the afternoon colouring? A spot of art therapy may be just the thing we all need during the busy Festive Season!
Perfect Christmas Shopping
November 11, 2010
I hear new Christmas Stock is arriving daily in this extensive 6,500 sq ft Farnham store. They have a fabulous range of unique and special gifts for family and friends and stunning items for your home. As they say themselves, ‘The Packhouse has all you need this festive season’. And right now you can win £100 if you register on-line at The Packhouse.
Charter for Compassion
November 11, 2010
Karen Armstrong, author of many books including Through the Narrow Gate (the latest book club read) is the force behind the Charter for Compassion. Spare a few minutes to watch this short film to learn more.
Visual Editions
November 5, 2010
Great looking stories at Visual Editions…
Check out these cool books brought to you by two clever ladies…
Music for children and parents too…
November 4, 2010
A favourite in our house since my sister introduced us to Raffi and Baby Beluga a few years ago now. Raffi’s music is the kind parents don’t tire of and the good messages are just that, good and wholesome! Zoom to mid way of the first film to hear Thanks A Lot which brings tears to my eyes every time!
The Headmaster's Wife 
