Happy New Year! It has been wonderful to see everyone back at school, fully refreshed and eager to dive into what promises to be an exciting term ahead.
As you are aware, our school site has been icy this week, which has unfortunately limited the children’s access to outdoor spaces. However, I’m pleased to share that the children have embraced the use of our new 'indoor play' activity boxes.
At lunchtime today, it was wonderful to see so many children playing games, working together, and demonstrating excellent communication skills.
Before we broke for the Christmas holidays, our Year 6 children took the time to write heartfelt letters to serving soldiers, thanking them for their dedication and wishing them a Merry Christmas. Many of these soldiers cannot spend the festive season with their families and it was a small but meaningful gesture from our children.
We have returned from the break to some truly magical responses and photographs from the soldiers, which have been a joy to see. The kindness and generosity of our children have clearly made an impact and it's heartwarming to witness the positive effects of this initiative.
Some of the responses we have received:
Merry Christmas!
This Christmas me and my lads received some lovely letters and cards from some of your students and wanted to say thank you for doing such a thoughtful thing!
We received cards and letters from:
Florence, Tylah and Andriya
These three asked us some questions and it would be rude not to answer them!
Andriya:
- how long have you been in the military?
Personally I have been in the RAF for 12 years, the guys out here range from having been in for 4 to 30+ years
- what is the best, worst and hardest thing about the military?
The best thing is the travel, seeing the world and being paid for it!
The worst and the hardest part is being away from family for long periods. We typically do 3 to 4 months away at a time, very occasionally with little to no communication
- Why did you decide to join the military?
Me personally, I grew up in Norfolk and it's really flat there! I wanted to travel and see new places so it seemed like the job for me!
Tylah:
- Have you ever been in a tank?
I have but not in a work role. One of the lads I work with have though and they say it was the best day of their career!
- What is the food like in the military?
The food can...vary...but mostly it is okay! It's nice to travel to the different places we go to because we get to try lots of different local foods
- What rank do you currently hold?
I am a Corporal
Florence:
- Is this your dream job and why?
I really enjoy my job, I have no idea what else I'd want to do! It's very varied and keeps me interested
- Have you won any awards or medals?
I currently have 4 medals. 2 are operational and 2 are for the last jubilee and coronation. The 2 operational ones are for my service in Mali, Africa alongside the French military, and my service here in Cyprus in 2023.
It's nice to hear from the kids that they are learning about remembrance, it's the most thought provoking time of year for most people I work with and it's great that it's being passed on.
We as engineers ensure that the jets are serviceable and our trade specifically work on the explosives and the safety critical ejection seat. It is a challenging role at times, but very enjoyable.
Please see attached some pictures of the jets we have here in Cyprus and a group photo of the lads that received the letters.
Thanks again for the Christmas cheer!
Best wishes to you all. We hope the kids had a great Christmas!
Practical advice to improve your well-being
We are pleased to inform you that all children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 will be provided with a meal on Census Day on Thursday 16th January 2025, from our ‘Celebration Menu’.
