An Advent of happy surprises at St Malachy’s Catholic Primary School

The idea for the calendar came about to say a big thank you for everything that the community has done throughout 2020 to support and help one another after what has been a challenging year.

Lianne Lomas, Executive Headteacher, said: “Let’s make no bones about it, 2020 has been tough. It has taken a huge amount of effort and resolve to try and navigate through the difficulties that Covid has posed, and we wanted to do something to put a smile on everyone’s face.”

From the beginning of December, through to the last day of term, children and staff have been treated to a new surprise each day. Sometimes it can be as simple as people being given a bacon sandwich when they arrive at school, but some other days have really got the school buzzing.

Mrs Lomas added: “The highlight so far is that we hired a human snow globe (pictured). Every child got to go into a big dome and play in the snow-like confetti. It was great to hear so much laughter and happiness. Happy children make fantastic learners – so doing things like this is vital.”

One of the children added: “It was amazing. Mrs Lomas even spent the day dressed at Olaf the Snowman to help us get in the mood. I loved it.”

The Wellbeing Advent Calendar is one of a number of new initiatives that the school, which is part of The Blessed Peter Snow Catholic Academy Trust, has undertaken since the children returned from the first lockdown.

Richard Williams, the Trust’s CEO, said: “St Malachy’s is a fantastic school with such a strong sense of community.

“Now that the school has a permanent leader in Mrs Lomas, we can really strengthen everything that will help our children flourish and succeed. We want them to achieve their very best in the classrooms, but it is equally important that they leave our school as happy and confident young people.

“The Wellbeing Advent Calendar is just one way to help us all realise that we all have a role to play in our school’s community, and that if we work as a team, the rewards are really rather exciting!”