On the last day of Term 2, Wallingford School gave to me,
The Winter Newsletter Twenty-Twenty-Three.

And we're sure you'll find the contents more agreeable than all those ornithological gifts in the original song. (Okay, we'll admit there's an owl, a swan, an eagle, and even a little bit of turkey, all mentioned or shown in the newsletter - can you find them all?)

In this issue, read about how Wallingford School helped Brightwell keep a Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, through the wonders of Art and Science.

As well as Sports results, we have an essay on the science of football boots and women footballers, written by Isabel, Year 7, a finalist in the RAL School Science Prize.

Languages had a busy couple of terms, with speed learning and challenges. Normally art-centric Mr Bowen teaches us an owl isn't just for Christmas - it's helping him learn Welsh. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Mr Bowen!

At this time of peace and goodwill to all, it's great to see students engaged in bake sales to raise funds for Warhammer Club, where they get to paint miniatures and wage futuristic war on each other on the safety of a tabletop. For the Emperor!!

Speaking of paint, there are some stunning portraits from GCSE Art students, including one of George Michael. "Last Christmas, I gave you my art..."

On that musical note, you can read about a String Workshop and the Brightsparks Music Concert. Or, if you prefer drama, there's a report on the performance of An Accidential Death of an Anarchist, and more anarchy in the forthcoming The Addams Family production.

There is loads more to keep you occupied until Boxing Day, including: the winners of our new WOW awards; tons of photos; and the latest on House events. If you finish all that lot, curl up and read a festive book from suggestions by the Blackstone Library!