Family Hubs

17th December 2024Sarah Hall

 

 

 

 

 

Carols in the Quad: Year 5 Spread Christmas Cheer

13th December 2024Sarah Hall

On Wednesday 11th December 2024, the quad at Newminster was transformed into a magical festive stage as Year 5 students delivered a heartwarming outdoor concert under the stars. Families gathered to enjoy the holiday spirit with hot drinks and mince pies, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights strung through the trees.

The students showcased their vocal talents with a repertoire of beloved Christmas classics, including “Last Christmas,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Underneath the Tree,” “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” and a lively action packed rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The performances were met with enthusiastic applause!

Adding to the festivities, the event also celebrated the winners of the Year 5 Christmas poster competition. Congratulations to the four pupils whose creative designs stood out and added an extra touch of Christmas cheer to the evening.

The audience was full of praise for the event, with parents and families sharing their heartfelt reactions. “It was lovely,” one parent remarked. “I spoke to lots of parents who thought it was fabulous.” Another added, “It was so lovely. Thank you for organising something so wonderful.”

Well done Year 5!

 

 

 

 

 

Newminster and Chantry Choir Win Northumberland Christmas Choir Competition

13th December 2024Sarah Hall
On Monday, 9th December 2024, the Newminster and Chantry Choir took part in the Northumberland Christmas Choir Competition, hosted by Music Partnership North at St. James’ Church, Morpeth. Competing against four other schools, the choir delivered a memorable performance and emerged as the winners of the event.

The competition began with a filmed first round, where schools submitted their entries for consideration. From these submissions, five schools were invited to perform live in the finals. Representing Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools, the choir consisted of around 140 pupils.

The event began with Gareth Miller from Music Partnership North Newcastle, who judged the competition, leading a warm-up session for all the choirs and teaching them a Christmas song to sing together as the opening of the event. This collaborative start set a festive tone for the performances to come.

The Newminster and Chantry Choir performed ‘O Holy Night‘ arranged and conducted by Naomi Hughes, showcasing well-rehearsed harmonies that filled the church with a rich and resonant sound. Gareth Miller praised their thoughtful use of dynamics throughout the piece, starting softly and building to a powerful finish. “A superb and very deserving win,” he remarked. “Congratulations—they are amazing.”

Audience members were equally impressed, with one commenting, “A beautiful performance.”

As winners of the competition, the Newminster and Chantry Choir have been invited to represent Northumberland at the Durham Choir Festival in February 2025, where they will perform at Durham Cathedral. For this special event, the choir plans to sing Lean on Me.

This achievement reflects the commitment of the pupils and the support of their schools in fostering a love of music. The choir is now looking forward to preparing for the next stage of their musical journey.