Shirebrook school transformed into winter wonderland as surprise for pupils

A Shirebrook school planned a winter wonderland surprise for its pupils to bring them some ‘well deserved’ festive fun after a ‘challenging year.’
By Dale Spridgeon
Published 16th Dec 2020, 12:30 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

During their last week of term at Park Schools Federation the pupils discovered their school had been transformed into a winter wonderland of fun!The corridors and classrooms were lavishly decorated for Christmas and the children discovered everything from giant inflatable snowmen, Santas and Christmas trees, to a Santa’s workshop, fairy lights, snow machines and piped cheery Christmas music enhancing the festive theme. There was also a naughty Christmas elf causing mischief in various parts of the school.

This is how much the average UK household spends on Christmas dinner

The children, aged from 3-11, were also delighted to find their usual lessons had gone out the window and had been replaced by a host of socially distanced Christmas activities, fun and treats,

Christmas celebration at Shirebrook Park Schools Federation. Children from year 1 in the decorated entrance. The children are: Evelyn Pittaway, Patrick Cech, Harry Dalby and Courtney-Mae Roberts.Christmas celebration at Shirebrook Park Schools Federation. Children from year 1 in the decorated entrance. The children are: Evelyn Pittaway, Patrick Cech, Harry Dalby and Courtney-Mae Roberts.
Christmas celebration at Shirebrook Park Schools Federation. Children from year 1 in the decorated entrance. The children are: Evelyn Pittaway, Patrick Cech, Harry Dalby and Courtney-Mae Roberts.
Most Popular
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Head-teacher Steve Hewitt Richards informed the children of their surprise with a video sent out to them on Monday.

The children would enjoy everything from online seasonal pantos, movies, Christmas crafts, wooden toy and Christingle making sessions, sweets, a Christmas service, carol singing, gingerbread man decorating and a traditional Christmas dinner.

Headteacher Steve Hewitt-Richards, who has been at the 470 pupil school for the past 18 years, said: “It has been amazing to do something that brought so many smiles to the children and staff. The children were thrilled to bits!

“It was hard work for the teachers and administration team to get it all ready, but they did an amazing job, it was all so worthwhile to see the happy faces! I think we have started a new Christmas tradition now. We really went to town and launched Christmas with a rocket!

Big school Christmas winter wonderland celebration at Shirebrook Park Schools Federation. Children Amelia Dalby, Maja Oliwiak and Harry Newton. Back headteacher Steve Hewitt-Richards, deputy head Claire Bennett and assistant head Jennifer Philbin.Big school Christmas winter wonderland celebration at Shirebrook Park Schools Federation. Children Amelia Dalby, Maja Oliwiak and Harry Newton. Back headteacher Steve Hewitt-Richards, deputy head Claire Bennett and assistant head Jennifer Philbin.
Big school Christmas winter wonderland celebration at Shirebrook Park Schools Federation. Children Amelia Dalby, Maja Oliwiak and Harry Newton. Back headteacher Steve Hewitt-Richards, deputy head Claire Bennett and assistant head Jennifer Philbin.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It has been an unprecedented time, and my staff have been absolute heroes throughout the Covid 19 situation, at times it has been quite stressful for them, they deserve so much credit.

"The children have been fantastic throughout it all, they have worked so hard to keep up with their learning, they have been diligent and just so deserving of a special treat. I decided we’d abandon lessons and let them enjoy their last week with pure Christmas fun and it has been a joy.”

Christmas rules over mixing 'unlikely to change'

To see the video Mr Hewitt-Richards sent to the children to inform them of their special treat see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3aE-z3vo0o.

Related topics:Shirebrook