As we reach the end of a busy and rewarding eight weeks, I would like to thank all the staff, pupils and you, the families, for the hard work, commitment and support throughout this Half. As ever, it has been a whirlwind of activity in and outside the classroom.
This week’s Scholars Concert was a truly wonderful celebration of musical talent, showcasing an impressive range of performers across different ages and stages of their musical journeys. The breadth and depth of that talent on display was remarkable, with performances demonstrating not only exceptional skill and musicality but also confidence, passion and dedication. It was a real privilege to witness such a diverse and inspiring programme, and a testament to the strength of musical education and the nurturing of talent throughout the School.
Tomorrow, we host the annual Old Dunelmian Society Dinner in Big School and we gather beforehand for the Chapel Centenary service at 5.15, to which you are warmly invited. We are delighted to offer the first performance of Will Todd’s [O.D.] new setting of Noel Hodgson’s ‘Before Action’ with a joint School and O.D. choir, conducted by Will and accompanied by Ralph Woodward, OD. The Rt Rev. Nigel Stock, O.D. will preach.
I offer my best wishes to all for a restful and enjoyable half-term holiday among family and friends.
This season of shaking twigs and pattering acorns is my favourite; I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable half-term holiday, with plenty of opportunities for rest, recuperation and time spent with family and friends in this changing season.
Dr Michael Alderson, Principal
Dear Parents,
This week has been a very good reminder that a school is at its best when its pupils are looking outwards. Service to others has been the thread running through our week, and I have been proud to see it in action.
On Wednesday the school was turned upside down, and the children loved it. Topsy Turvy Day was organised by our School Council in support of the RSPCA. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the staff with their costumes with a special mention to Mrs Barkas who dressed as me and had her own Princess Cheese! Princess Cheese was well represented as Lucy in 4S came as her! Breakfast was served at lunch, lessons rearranged and lots of fun was had. Thank you to our School Council, and Miss Batty for her guidance and never-ending enthusiasm, who showed that even our youngest leaders can make a real difference when they put their minds to it.
Today we gathered for our Harvest Service, a lovely moment to pause and give thanks. Thank you to everyone who sent in donations. They have been taken to the Food Bank donation point in Durham Cathedral, where they will go on to support people in our community who need them. Due to the terrible weather that was forecast we made the decision to shift the service from the Durham School Chapel to the Cathedral which turned out to be a very good decision! Our thanks to Father Simon for helping to make this happen and Mrs Murray for her flexibility with the musicians.
We were also delighted to celebrate the Foundation of Light today as they mark 25 years of outreach in the community. A quarter of a century of supporting children, young people and families is a remarkable achievement. Children and staff were asked to wear something red and white which I have to say some members of staff struggled with! We spoke with the children about committed long term involvement and explained to them that lasting change in a community is built over many years by people who keep turning up.
Whether it is a fun day for animals in need, a bag of food for a neighbour, or 25 years of dedicated outreach, each of these shows that service is something we do, not just something we talk about. At Chorister School we want our children to grow up knowing that they have gifts to share and a part to play. Seeing them do exactly that this week has been a joy.
Thank you for your ongoing support. As we break now for two weeks I hope you are able to find time to relax and enjoy some peacefulness. Next half term promises to be a blur with so much fun to be had and all roads leading to Christmas!
Mr Kevin Hannah, Head of Chorister School
Chorister School – Christmas Jumper Swap
Friends of DCSF are hosting a Christmas Jumper Swap for all FS1–Year 6 families! Donate clean, good-condition, outgrown Christmas jumpers at Choristers’ Reception between 9–20 November, then come along to swap on Friday 27 November, 3:10–4:30pm.
A £5 donation is requested to support projects and ideas in school. All children’s sizes are welcome!
Reuse, share and celebrate the festive season together.
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