Yesterday there was a wonderful event at Christ Church, Frome. It was a twelve hour musical concert held to raise money to support those people suffering due to the famine in the Horn of Africa. It was organised by Ann Burgess, a long term friend of Berkley School. She asked if we would bring along a group of children to take part in the concert and I suggested that it would be even better if more schools were involved – so I got busy organising  and was pleased to find some enthusiastic teachers in other schools who agreed to take  part.

Everyone arrived for our 11 o’clock  slot and joined together to sing the African songs that we had all been learning. We also enjoyed learning some ‘call and response’ African songs, along with the audience, who joined in too.

I was delighted to hear from Ann today. The total raised yesterday was just about £3,500 which is a wonderful total. I can only imagine how many families this will help and how many lives this will save. So to all the Berkley children and parents and staff who attended or gave contributions,  thank you so very much and may God bless you all.

Mrs White

Berkley School is celebrating its 150 years anniversary and this week we held our annual Harvest Festival. This year it was a Harvest Festival with a difference because it had a Victorian theme. Everyone dressed in Victorian style costumes and the songs and hymns originated in the Victorian times. Everyone did very well and it was particularly great to see the Reception children stand up after only such a short time at school and sing several songs and tell the story of The Little Red Hen with actions.

The church was packed with parents and grandparents, other family and friends and it was a really enjoyable service.

In the afternoon we invited past pupils, parents, teachers of the school to enjoy the service. Two past Headteachers, Miss Morgan and Mr Packer were able to attend which was lovely. One past pupil was aged 93 and he watched the 4 year olds as they performed enthusiastically.

Feedback from the visitors was very positive and the children gained so much from the day.

Our next exciting event is on Wednesday 19th October. It is an evening of music and poetry, games and ‘drill’ in the main hall at Selwood Middle School at 6.30pm. Do come along – it will be great fun!

Mrs White

I have just watched Oscar’s animation and I loved it!! Well done!

I would like to say a huge thank you for all the gifts and cards that I received at the end of term – mainly from the children leaving us but also from some of the Year 3 children. I was overwhelmed – as I know the other staff were – by your generosity and thoughtfulness. Thank you letters have been written and will make themselves to you, some by post in the next week or so and some by hand. Finally some of you will receive them via Selwood in September. But in the mean time

THANKYOU!!!

Enjoy the rest of the summer and I look forward to seeing you all in September.

Mrs White

Year 4 are currently working on their Leaver’s Service. It is a time of mixed emotions for the staff. We are proud to see the progress of these children – it only seems a moment ago when they were tiny 4 year olds shyly standing at the edges of the playground. So much has happened over the five years that they have been with us and they have grown and matured to the children they are now. Some have joined us on the way but most have been with us the whole time.

Now they are confident and demonstrate leadership qualities. They comfort the younger children and lead them in games at playtimes. They take responsibility and support staff in school.

In a few days they will leave us and move on to Selwood. They will be the youngest again. But they will make their mark and continue to grow and develop. We wish them all the very best and the greatest success for the future.

Imagine thirty four 7,8and 9 year olds each with a violin, viola or cello. Then add a satisfyingly large audience of parents, grandparents, little brothers and sisters and friends. Into this mix add a music teacher and you will have Badgers class on Friday afternoon.

Year 4 have been learning their instrument for two years and Year 3 since September. The room was filled with music and the standard was gratifyingly good.

We will really miss Hywel Jenkins – Mr J – as he is leaving to open a music shop.

We have really appreciated his lovely calm and patient manner and his excellent teaching skills.