After the festive break, Fyling Hall School is ready to say “welcome back” to all our staff and students for another term of hard work, fun and friendship.

Last term saw the school say goodbye to two valued members of staff who have moved on to pastures new – Ms Antonia McArdle from the Maths Department and Mrs Catherine Passman from the English Department. We are delighted to welcome Miss Jenny Walker and Mr Bernard Fogarty as their replacements. We also said goodbye to our “Gap Year” student Alex Prudence who has returned to Australia to continue his education, and we will be welcoming another Alex in his place.

We also say goodbye to all the students who moved on to new ventures at the end of last term, particularly many of our German students. We hope they go on to achieve great things. To all of our new staff and pupils we say a great big “hello” and hope that you will all be very happy during your time at Fyling Hall.

This is a busy term for our Year 11 and 13 students as they undertake mock exams in preparation for final exams in the summer. We wish them all good luck and hope that they all achieve good grades.

It’s an exciting term ahead, full of extra-curricular activities; not least the week long ski trip at half term which is eagerly awaited by all those involved. There are trips to the cinema, ten-pin bowling and ice-skating planned, plus visits to Xscape in Castleford, paintballing and archery at Battlezone, and canoeing and kayaking at East Barnby. There are also two “inflatable” activity days planned with sumo wrestling, gladiator duels, bungee runs, surf simulators, slides and bouncy castles. And that’s all in addition to the numerous sporting events and tournaments taking place throughout the term. With all that going on, no one can tell us they are bored!

Congratulations to Milan Misak, Malwina Adamczewska, Stefan Walker, Agata Zielinska and Antony von Renner or receiving certificates to recognise their performances in this very difficult competition. Milan was best in school and, along with Malwina, gained a gold certificate; Stefan received a silver and Agata and Antony a bronze.

Today we held our traditional Christmas dinner for all pupils of the school. As usual members of the staff served up and cleared away the tables afterwards.

On the menu was roast turkey & stuffing with 'pigs in blankets', roast potatoes, broad beans, sprouts, carrots and a wonderful tasting gravy. To follow was a choice of ice cream or traditional Christmas pudding with custard. Once again Sarah and her team excelled in the kitchen and produced an excellent meal. This was especially welcomed by years 9 and above who had a long coach journey ahead to the Metro Centre later in the afternoon. All the pupils would like to thank all the staff from those in the dining room to those involved in the kitchen and dish washing areas.

The Junior School held their nativity play on Friday following dress rehearsals on Wednesday. It was called “The Christmas Story” and was based on the cantata “One Bright Star”. A very appreciative audience of parents, pupils and staff congratulated the children; all of whom took part and they were absolute stars.

Pupils and staff got an unexpected day off yesterday when heavy snow forced us to close the school. The daily pupils could not get to school because the buses could not run and staff could not get through as most of the roads were closed.

To make matters worse, power was lost to the whole of the Robin Hoods Bay area in the morning totally isolating the school from the outside world. No phones, no Internet and no electricity meant there was only one thing left for the boarding pupils to do..… snowball fights!!

Once again students (and staff) donned their Santa outfits in order to run around school completing tasks. Everything from pelting Australian GAP year student Alex Prudence to milking a cow, albeit an imitation one. Had Christmas come early? Well yes, in the shape of our annual charity event "Santa's Treasure Hunt" in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Organised by Matron Sutherland for the second year running this was an afternoon where the only lessons learned in school were how to stay warm on a cold and damp December afternoon.

Each task was named after the twelve days of Christmas as were the team names. Teams, each with their very own Santa, rotated around the tasks with 5 minutes allowed for each one.

On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree

Each pupil had to hit the 'Partridge' with a bow and arrow. "We tried to use a real bow but the arrows went straight through the target! and out the other side!" said Mr Weekes.

On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking

Squeeze don't pull! That was the instruction shouted out by Mr Husband while students milked our 'plastic' cow!

Four year 10 GCSE Drama students went to see Willy Russell's Musical 'Blood Brothers' last night as part of their preparation for their exam next year. The group made copious amounts of notes on the actors' portrayal of the characters. In particular 'Mickey', 'Eddie', 'Mrs Johnstone', and 'The Narrator'

The trip was also offered to year 10 and 11 students who wished to see the musical. Aidan Lennon said "An excellent school trip and the best live show I have ever seen" while other comments from the group included "excellent", "fantastic" and "I nearly cried".

Headmaster Mr James & teacher Mr Richardson also enjoyed the show at the Grand Opera House in York.