THIS festive season has been very special at Jacobstow Community Academy with events and celebrations that brought joy, wonder, and togetherness to children, parents, and the local community.

The celebrations began in early December with a trip for Cherry Class, the nursery and reception children, to the Christmas Train in Bodmin. The children were captivated as they met Father Christmas.

This enchanting outing set the tone for the festive activities to follow. Shortly after, Cherry Class was joined by Willow Class, comprising Years 1 and 2, to perform a heart warming nativity play to parents and community members in attendance.

The festivities continued as the school choir, along with some Year 6 children, brought the Christmas spirit to the local community hall during the pensioners' lunch. Their repertoire of traditional carols and contemporary songs left the audience deeply moved. Many attendees praised the children’s manners and politeness, expressing how much their singing had brightened the day.

In the final week of term, the whole school gathered with parents and the community at St. James Church for a Christmas celebration. Classes performed songs and retold the nativity story, delighting everyone present. A standout moment came when Marsha, a Year 4 pupil from the Ukraine, beautifully sang a solo of Once in Royal David’s City before the rest of the school joined her. The school choir also performed ‘Candles in the Window’ from the film - Home Alone and ‘One Night One Moment’ from the film – The Nativity, leaving the audience spellbound.

Adding to the festive spirit, children crafted Christingles in school and brought them to a family carol service at St. James Church. The evening featured candlelit carols, readings by children, staff, parents, and community members, and a shared sense of Christmas magic.

One of the most anticipated events at Jacobstow Community Academy is the Christmas lunch, and this year was no exception. Prepared by the school’s cooks, Joanne and Debbie, the feast featured turkey with all the trimmings. Children enjoyed the festive atmosphere, donning party hats and singing along to Christmas music. On the final day of term, Joanne and Debbie treated the students to party food, ending the term on a high note.

The school also participated in the annual Learning Academy Partnership Trust Christmas tree competition. This year’s theme, “The 12 Books of Christmas,” celebrated a love of reading. The beautifully decorated tree included decorations made by the children to represent items found in the twelve stories. Amongst others, there were hot chocolates and tickets for The Polar Express; elaborately decorated gifts to represent ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’; toy soldiers and ballerinas from the Nutcracker and a star was placed on top to symbolise the nativity story.