It’s been such a busy time with all our Christmas week activities that I don’t think I’ll need to say much, the pictures speak for themselves. Tuesday’s talent show was a great success; we overcame technical difficulties to be entertained by both students and staff, including our very own boy band in the shape of Mr Cawley, Mr Fairest, Mr Hagan, Mr Barker and Mr Edwards – the ladies were swooning!

Mr Barker, Shazia, Sabiha, Cherrie and myself really busted some moves..

Shihab, Jade, Sophie, Farhaana, Joseph S., Omar, Callum, Maryam, Kimchi, Saniya, Bobby-Joe and Usyad all got up to sing..

Junaid did a rap off with Mr Thompson and I think just edged it!

Malcolm did a particularly great Michael Jackson!

Some of our staff and students were lucky enough to go and see Cinderella in Manchester. A great time was had by all…Oh no it wasn’t!…Oh yes it was! (sorry) Thanks to all the staff who helped make the evening a success..

As you may know, every year Mr Taylor organises some unique end of term games for us all to take part in and this year was no exception – these pictures might give you an idea of what we get up to..

Great fun!!

Wednesday saw us all dressed in our Christmas jumpers, sitting down to our Christmas dinner. Students had made their own table decorations, music played and we enjoyed a lovely meal. A special thank you to the ladies in the kitchen who did us proud..

Students were taken by surprise on Wednesday when Father Christmas came to give out cards to all the students. We managed to catch a glimpse of the man himself..

All our students have embraced the theme of ‘The Joy of Giving’, making presents for each other and staff within the Learning Centre. Our Year 13 students have made gift bags for each other..

..while the students in 12SRN have learnt about the old Mexican legend of why poinsettias are given at Christmas. They made poinsettia Christmas cards for whoever they picked in the Secret Santa so they could appreciate ‘The Joy of Giving’. They stuck a copy of the Mexican legend inside their card along with a Christmas poem called ‘The Joy of Giving’ by John Greenleaf Whittier..

I’m immensely proud of our students, staff and families and I’d like to say thank you for your generosity in donating items for the Oldham Foodbank. A number of our students including Miss Kindon’s Supporting Others group and students from the Interactive and Entitlement Bases took three runs to deliver all the donations..

Our final assembly of this year was themed around ‘The Joy of Giving’ and our tutor groups shared several quotations from famous people..

Today’s celebrations were tinged with sadness as we said goodbye to Mr Maycock who is retiring after being with New Bridge for many years. Mr Quinn told us about the many things Mr Maycock has done for New Bridge, particularly setting up the Hortus programme which was our very first pathway. Mr Quinn also talked about the influence Mr Maycock has had on him, particularly about putting the students at the heart of everything we do..

Mr Maycock shared his passion for the students and the Learning Centre, praising the whole staff team – a sentiment I echo. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to Mr Maycock who around 25 years ago employed me as a residential child care officer at Hardman Fold, encouraged me to go into teaching, supported me through 6 years of study and then teacher training, and encouraged me to apply for a job here at New Bridge. Mr Maycock has helped me to understand that building positive relationships with our young people is key to helping them trust in others, believe in themselves and to achieve more than they imagined. Everyone at New Bridge wishes you a happy and healthy retirement, Mr Maycock..

I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Dawn

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