Dyke Primary School enjoys festive final week of term

A LOCAL school has filmed its nativity to ensure friends and relatives get the chance to enjoy it, despite current coronavirus restrictions.

Dyke Primary ran a series of events during the last week of the school term with the intention of keeping things as normal as possible for the pupils.

Unfortunately, the school community was unable to do many of its traditional festive activities such as enjoying the pantomime at Eden Court, Christmas parties and the nativity for friends, family and other invited guests.

However, the teachers ensured everyone still enjoyed themselves before the break for the festivities.

Mrs Sheena Tulloch explained the Dyke Primary School nativity is traditionally performed by P1/2 with children from Dyke pre-school as part of the school’s transition work.

She said: “The nativity marks the beginning of our Christmas celebrations and the children look forward to taking part in it.

“It is often the first time some parents get to see their children perform at school.

“It is also a great way for the children to learn the story of Christmas and performing it can really boost their confidence.

“This year, the story has played a major part in developing play-based learning in my classroom, which the children have loved.

“While they knew it was different to previous years, they have been really resilient and enjoyed performing it outside.”

She added: “Hearing from teachers all over Scotland, I decided that we could film the nativity and share it with the children in other classes.

“We rolled up our sleeves and turned into directors and producers.

“We aired it to the other classes throughout the last week of term.

“We also ran it on the school’s Facebook page which meant that families could enjoy it too.”

‘We’re Going on a Baby Hunt’ was filmed in the school’s nurture garden and edited by teacher Mrs Yvonne McKenzie.

The pupils were also treated to another filmed pantomime by Out of the Darkness Theatre Company and a live-streamed performance from Eden Court Theatre.

To kick off the last week of term, all of Dyke Primary’s teachers surprised the children by dressing as Christmas-themed characters.

The children wore Christmas jumpers all week and had Christmas lunch in the school hall.

Head teacher, Mr Stephen Simpson, confirmed the staff’s aim was to make sure that, after a challenging few months, everyone had a great end of term.

He said: “Whilst we’ve had to change how we do things, everyone has had fun.

“We’ve been able to - through the efforts of all staff - continue with some of our usual traditions as well as introducing some new ones.”

He added: “We were unable to decorate the school as we would normally, so instead a wooden Christmas tree was made by the children which now stands proud in the playground.

“This not only allowed the children to use their measuring and woodworking skills, but it also meant that we have a festive focal point for everyone in the village to enjoy.

“Since returning after lockdown in August, the children have responded brilliantly to new ways of learning in school and the staff have been amazing.

“Everyone now deserves a great Christmas break.”