DRAGON SALE

It’s Almost Here!
The Sale Committee, staff and children are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the 67th Dragon Christmas Charity Sale tomorrow.

Doors open at 9.30 a.m. with tea, coffee, mulled wine, the BBQ, cakes and Krispy Kremes available to tempt you in. The Sale will be officially opened at 10.00 a.m. by General Sir Richard Dannatt.  There’s a huge amount for you to enjoy and buy at the Sale – just to remind you, check out the highlights here.

Bike Bounty

With your help the Bike Stallhave smashed through their 50 bike target. Thanks to a maelstrom of motivation and mechanical wizardry there is a fantastic line up of bikes waiting to go to good homes.  Find them on the left of the gate as you walk in - locks will be provided for the duration of the Sale so you can collect your recycled cycle at your leisure.

Donate It

All and any last minute donations, from nearly new books, ski and sportswear to toys, gifts and musical instruments, are still very welcome.  Stallholders will be setting up this afternoon, so please drop your stock off directly with them. 

Don’t Forget …

… lots of spare change, some plastic bags (you might need these as well as the very handy jute bags available at the gate), your cheque book, and plenty of generous Christmas spirit.

Whatever the weather all will be poised for a fantastic start to a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year. See you there!

Crafty Supplies

Ma Shepley would be delighted to receive any spare fabric, knitting needles or wool for Girls’ Club. These materials will be put to good use for all manner of crafty things next term. 

Chess Inspiration

On Tuesday, some Year 6 and 7 members of Chess Club visited the London Chess Classic to see some of the world's best players in action.  The dragons were treated to a lesson and simultaneous match with Daniel King, one of England's leading Grandmasters. They then spent some time watching the likes of Vishy Anand, Magnus Carlson and Nigel Short fight it out (albeit gently and slowly) in the auditorium.  Everyone enjoyed being allowed into the commentary room to hear the experts analyse the games - and also of course being given a mug and pen to take home.

Seasonal Form Greetings

Jake Adams brought his camera to school last weekend; he created this picture and the signs to wish everyone a Happy Christmas from 5CO.

Festive Web Wishes

The Dragon Website Group would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas.

E Block Performs

Last week E Block battled through power cuts and illness to put on 6 fantastic Pantomimes. There was singing, dancing, terrible jokes (oh yes there was!), great costumes and one was even in French! (See main picture)

Dragon in WSJ

Parents may be interested to read an article published this week in the Wall Street Journal about the Dragon’s Social Impact programme. Please click here.

NYJO at the Dragon

We are delighted to announce that the National Youth Jazz Orchestra will be visiting us on 19 January 2011. They will run a workshop in the afternoon for our young musicians under the leadership of their Director, Mark Armstrong. Mr Smith is sure that the dragons will be in for a real treat. As the late Sir John Dankworth said of the NYJO: "Forget the word youth, this is one of the best bands you will ever hear".

For many years the NYJO has been the launch pad for successful music careers in jazz, session work and shows. Recognized as a world class jazz orchestra they regularly top the bill at festivals and have played hundreds of concerts in the UK and all around the world.  The orchestra has made numerous TV and radio appearances, has recorded around forty albums and been voted 'Best Big Band' in the British Jazz Awards four times – for further information see their website. NYJO will be performing at the Oxford Playhouse on the evening of 19 January - click here for details.

Tennis and Athletics Trip

Calling all athletes and tennis players in A, B and C Block. There are several places left for next Easter’s sports trip to Mallorca from 7 to 15 April 2011. This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience top class coaching and excellent facilities in a warm climate. Accommodation will be in a 4-star hotel situated on the North East of the island, just a short stroll from the beach. Each day there will be two hours of athletics and tennis coaching, along with further activities and sports around the hotel complex. If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Nativity Creativity

To remind children at Lynams of the true meaning of Christmas they were given a creative challenge. Each was presented with an empty cone-shaped wool spool and a ping pong ball and asked to create a nativity character for Advent.  Each class from Reception through to Year 3 focused on a different character.  On 1 December all the gifts were exchanged and the children distributed them so that every class had a complete nativity scene. Siblings are looking after one another’s characters. The message of the simplicity of making and giving a gift has been spread throughout Lynams.

Reception’s ‘Sleepy Shepherd'

The gym at Lynams rang to the sound of Reception voices last Wednesday as the children performed the story of ‘The Sleepy Shepherd’. They needed very little shepherding as they strolled comfortably through a fine, polished performance. It was a joy to witness such young children managing solos. The humorous lines were brilliantly delivered, and the audience showed their appreciation by laughing at the right time. The most touching moments were of course the unplanned ones – one very lucky mummy knew how much she was loved that day.