Last week, Christmas arrived at The Junior School in the most unforgettable way. The girls, nursery included, were told they were going off timetable for the entire afternoon. Excitement was already bubbling before they even stepped foot into Kensington Hall, but nothing could have prepared them for what happened next.
As the hall filled, I announced that the teachers “ought to leave” as I had a very important announcement to make. They dutifully filed out… or so it seemed. In reality, they slipped quietly through the backstage door, where they hurried into position behind the curtains, armed with santa hats, inflatable candy canes and baubles, and enormous enthusiasm.
What followed was pure festive theatre and an absolute sight to behold.
The PE department burst onto the scene first, transformed into a troop of mischievous “naughty elves,” complete with spray snow and silly string. Laughter erupted as they danced around, spreading cheer (and foam!) across the hall. Then, to the girls’ absolute delight, Father Christmas himself made a grand appearance before disappearing back behind the curtains.
See what the elves got up to here
As the curtains finally swept open, revealing the full cast of costumed teachers, giant baubles were tossed playfully into the crowd. The hall exploded with squeals and giggles as the girls danced, jumped, and sang along to Christmas songs. It was one of those rare moments where joy becomes almost a tangible thing, sparkling in the lights, echoing off the walls, and settling like magic over everyone present.
The celebrations continued throughout the afternoon where each girl made Christmas decorations, crafts, and beautiful Candlemas lanterns. Staff rolled up their sleeves and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the fun, modelling the can-do attitude that sits at the heart of our school community.
This time of year always carries its own special glow, a mixture of anticipation, generosity, and togetherness, but witnessing it through the eyes of children makes it all the more magical. Working with students of this age is a genuine privilege; their wonder, their honesty, and their capacity for unfiltered joy remind us daily why we do what we do.
We are immensely proud of the academic outcomes our girls achieve and how wonderfully intelligent they are. But it is the spirit modelled by staff, that infectious enthusiasm, that willingness to celebrate, create, and embrace joy, that shapes the atmosphere of our school. It’s what makes this place and our community so special.
Last week’s Christmas launch wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder of who we are: a community that chooses to work incredibly hard, delights in learning, and never misses a chance to have fun together.
And on that afternoon, Kensington Hall felt simply magical. Christmas is around the corner and I wish you all the most wonderful time with your loved ones when it arrives.
Beccy Newton, Junior Head