Today the whole school joined together as a community to celebrate this special day which was chosen by our Foundress St Jeanne de Lestonnac as a day of celebration throughout the Company of Mary our Lady community around the world! The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thank you to the Senior and Prep and Staff choirs for the beautiful singing and to the readers. Thank you to everyone who made this morning so special and of course to Mandy for the delicious cookies!
All of the photos and videos have been uploaded to Firefly and can be seen by clicking on the collage below:
On Tuesday we gathered as a whole school to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary in the Temple. We are blessed as a school to have two feast days in the year: the feast of St Jeanne de Lestonnac, foundress of the Company of Mary Our Lady, in May, and the Presentation of Mary, in November. The Presentation of the Child Mary in the Temple was chosen by St Jeanne herself as the feast day for the children in her first school in Bordeaux, and all subsequent schools in the Company of Mary Our Lady.
It was back in 1610 when Jeanne de Lestonnac chose the Presentation of Mary on 21 November as the feast day for the children of her school. How wonderful that 413 years later this is still a feast day not just here at Notre Dame, but in all the Company of Mary Our Lady schools around the world. What a great tradition. What a great unbroken history to be able to continue to build.
The History of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady records the events of that first feast day like this:
On that day, all the pupils met in the largest classroom which had been decorated at M. de Lestonnac’s request … Meanwhile a huge crowd gathered outside … and waited for the procession to begin … The school doors were opened and a large crowd of children walked in procession, two by two, carrying a candle in their hand. They followed behind the child at the head, who was carrying a statue of Our Lady. A priest received them at the entrance and, placing the statue on the altar, began the Solemn Mass. At the Offertory, each girl offered her candle as a sign of her consecration.
These same events were repeated here at Notre Dame on Tuesday, and at Company of Mary Our Lady schools around the world. By consecrating ourselves to Mary, we are opening ourselves to being inspired and guided by her, imitating her in willingness to respond to God’s call.
Our celebration of Mass on Tuesday was beautiful. It has been beautiful too during this week to see photographs from different Company of Mary Our Lady schools around the world, showing their own celebrations. We are united as a special worldwide community with a history dating back more than 400 years, with traditions that still endure, and with a living and vibrant presence in the world of today.
In the Nursery and Prep pupils are being invited to bring in gifts suitable for Whiteley Village residents. Suggested items are things like a box of biscuits, hand cream, soap, talcum powder, puzzle books, chocolates, shampoo. We will wrap these and deliver them before the end of term.
Donations can be brought to the back of the chapel.
Senior School
In the Senior school students are invited to support 'Little Village' which is the school's domestic charity this year. Little Village is a charity working across London, supporting families with children aged 0-5, referred to them by professionals such as midwives, health visitors or foodbank managers because they are living in poverty or in desperate need of essential items for their babies or young children. This Christmas, Little Village have a 'Pyjama Collection' appeal, asking for brand new or good as new pyjamas for children aged 0-5, either on their own or joined with something small like a cuddly toy, bedtime book, pair of socks etc. So the invitation to Senior students is to donate pyjamas for 0-5 year olds, with or without another small 'baby' item - we will then get these to Little Village before the end of term. We will be able to tie up gifts with ribbon but not wrap them as Little Village need to check everything before giving it out.
The deadline for both collections is Monday 4 December - donations may start coming in from Monday. Donations from Senior s can be brought to the back of the chapel or, for Seniors, Year 12s will collect donations in ND6 as an alternative.
It’s official: Tooled Up Education are innovators! We’re thrilled to be finalists in the BETT Awards for Innovation. These Awards recognise creativity and impact in the use of technology in education. Thank you to the 23,000 that subscribe to our digital platform and for being as passionate as we are about the application of research insights in family life.
This week we’re thinking about the role that technology plays in family life, and how we can support our children in forming good habits around technology and the internet.
With the holidays around the corner, many parents will be having that conversation about buying a child their first smartphone. Here at Tooled Up we get a lot of questions about “first phones.” Watch Dr Weston’s webinar on what to consider before buying your child a phone. Our webinar on raising a child in the digital world can answer some of your queries and make a good starting point for healthy conversations with children.
If you follow any of the latest trends in technology, you’ve probably heard of the metaverse by now, but you might not be quite so sure what it is or what it does. Our helpful explainer for parents from Dr Lisa Sugiura is a great starting point.
Gaming is a key leisure activity for many young people, a social experience, a multi-billion dollar industry and a point of contention in many households. These top tips from expert Andy Robertson will help you set healthy boundaries and keep gaming enjoyable and safe.
As always, don’t miss out on attending any online event. Coming soon:
For those enquiring, all recent recordings will appear on our platform very shortly (watch out for the webinar by Dr Tara Porter on ‘Understanding Girls’ and last week’s conference on ADHD!
To access Tooled Up the details are all on Firefly and can be accessed by clicking on the image above or here!
Last weekend two of our swimming teams had qualified to take part in the finals of the ESSA Team Championships at Sandwell Aquatic Centre in Birmingham.
The Junior team
Team ND comprising of Alex B, Emma F, Martha T and Charis W came 10th in the 4x 50m free relay and 24th in the medley relay.
The junior girls were first and started off with Martha swimming the first leg, Charis at the second takeover, Alex swimming the 3rd and finishing off with Emma swimming the final leg. They finished in a time of 2.04.71 which was a second faster than their qualifying time and in a 50m pool.
The Senior Team
The Team comprising of Ciara S, Emily S, Alexia W and Alice A, also did extremely well coming 14th (originally ranked 22nd) in the 4x 50m free relay.
Emily started, followed by Alexia at the second changeover, Alice at the 3rd and the final leg swam by Ciara. Another amazing swim and they finished higher than their original rankings.
Overall, it was a fabulous day. The girls and parents were so pleased we made it up there. The girls did Notre Dame proud!
Miss Brownett
Hockey
U12 Surreys
The U12s had a great day finishing 4th in the county tournament, well played everyone!
U13 v Tormead
The U13s had a great tournament at Tormead on Friday, winning the plate competition. It was an amazing day of progress and great team work!!
U14 v Prior's Field
On Wednesday the U14 Hockey Team had a match against Prior’s Field School. Prior’s Field had more of the attacking play in the first half and were 3-1 up at half time. In the second half ND stepped up their play and did really well to contain Prior’s Field and create a number of opportunities themselves. Unfortunately an injury to a player meant that the game finished early and we all wish the player a speedy recovery.
Team: Michelle E, Fran S, Anna L, Clio S, Millie H, Grace P, Freya S, Leah P, Emelie G, Tallulah R, Jemima B, Olivia S, Julia M
Miss Dudgeon
Netball
U16 A v Tormead
U16A : Alexia W (capt), Rebecca H, Sofia M, Amelia S, Ciara S, Rebecca P, Evie H, Bea F, Mia S and Annalisa G
Our U16A team are going from strength to strength, their on-court support and teamwork is such a credit to Notre Dame. Tormead are always strong opposition and it was no different in this match, however the consistency that our U16A’s have been showing was evident again in this fixture with the whole squad taking to the court and doing their jobs effectively. A strong win 19 – 11 with Ciara S voted MVP by the opposition.
U18 A v Tormead
U18A: Emily S (Capt), Sophie T, Eve G, Ellie D, Layomi D, Mila PM, Jemima J
A close fought match against a strong U18A Tormead side saw Notre Dame stay in the match all the way to the final quarter. Notre Dame defended all down the court superbly and fought hard to the end, turning over ball in all court areas. The match finished 11 – 7 in Tormead’s favour with Sophie T named as MVP by the opposition due to her outstanding defensive play.
U13 A and B v Manor House
The U13 A and B Netball teams did really well against Manor House on Wednesday, winning both matches with significant goal differences.
U15 A and B v Tormead
Our U15 A and B team played two very competitive matches Away against Tormead on 22 November. Some last minute team changes were managed really well by both squads and all players for Notre Dame worked incredibly hard together as a unit to represent the school really strongly. In the A team fixture, our team played exceptionally well in the first and last quarters (last quarter was 4 -3 to Tormead) and showed strength in defence throughout the court. Our B team worked through a number of different combinations to stay with Tormead for a large portion of the match but on this occasion the home team were too strong for us.
A great example of Notre Dame teamwork at its best.
U14 A - C v Howard of Effingham
On Thursday after school the U14 A, B + C teams had matches against Howard of Effingham. All three teams battled hard against strong opponents and the matches were played in a very good atmosphere but it was Howard who went on to win the games.
A Team: Michelle E, Ester J, Isabella C, Lucy F, Luella W, Emelie G, Julia M, Zarina K
B Team: Lucy D, Jemima B, Millie H, Valentina SF, Lucy M, Bella M, Bea C
C Team: Niamh G, Sadeeqa S, Ariella G, Olivia S, Charlotte S, Khushi J, Robyn G, Aimee M
Netball Shooting Competition
Introducing a new Shooting Competition that I will run until the end of Spring Term. Any of our players who attend Wednesday lunchtime shooting club can enter and any others who want to have a go can come along too!
I will set up 10 spots from which a player has one attempt from each spot to score as many out of the 10 goes as possible. Each player can have 3 goes over the next 3 weeks. If there is a draw, there will be a netball ‘shoot out’ towards the end of spring term with an Easter related prize at stake!
Our current leader is Rebecca F (Y10) with 9 from 13!
If any teachers fancy their hand then they are very welcome to come and put their name down and have a go too!!
England Netball Playing at Ovo Wembley Area
Vitality Netball Nations Cup will take place between England, New Zealand, Australia and Uganda at the OVO Wembley Arena on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 January. Information is on England Netball website. Any of our pupils who are members of England Netball ie affiliated as a club player, can purchase tickets now ahead of them going on general sale on 22 November.
It is going to be a fantastic weekend of netball here in London.
Interesting Fact!
I played my last game for England Netball, my 33rd cap at Wembley Arena on 22 April 2002 against Australia (we lost sadly)!! I then had to retire due to injury so missed the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester as a player but commentated throughout!
Mrs Hook
Football
U12 Football Team v George Abbott
The U12 football team had a great game against George Abbott yesterday - although they didn't win, they grew in confidence and showed fantastic progress throughout!
All of the sports fixtures can be found on our new calendar - SOCS
Outside School Sporting Success
We love to hear about your daughters' achievements in sport outside school. Please do share any photos and news with us and we will include it in the Friday Mailing! (email lplummer@notredame.co.uk)
Miss Paul
Prep Sports Board November 24th
Swimming
U8-U11 Gala v St Teresa's
Huge congratulations to all team members on their excellent swimming. Final results - Team ND 137 - St T 103!
Swimming Notice
Verruca Policy
If the verruca is being treated at home with a product like bazuka gel it forms a waterproof barrier and it is then safe for the child to swim.
If the parents prefer, they can wear a verruca sock while the verruca is being treated although some girls find this more difficult to swim in.
Fixtures
.Please check SOCS for the Autumn Term fixtures and events.
(you should have been sent your password from the school office)
Outside School Sporting News
We love to hear about your daughters' achievements in sport outside school. Please do share any photos and news with us and we will include it in the Friday Mailing! (email lplummer@notredame.co.uk)
Mrs Tomlinson
Chelsea FC Foundation Christmas Soccer Schools
Calling all Year 2 - 6 soccer players!
Performing Arts
Senior School Presents Macbeth!
Notre Dame school presents
Stars, hide your fires.
Let not light see my black and deep desires.
Monday 11th December 2023 at 7pm
In the Montaigne theatre
The Drama Department would like to invite you to watch our Year 10 and Year 9 production of Macbeth, on Monday 11th December in the theatre at 7pm-8.30pm.
There will be a 15 minute interval with drinks and nibbles.
Songs From The Musicals
Bravo to these talented singers on their excellent performances at Songs From The Musicals on Wednesday afternoon and evening! What a treat we had!
All of the photos and videos have been uploaded to Firefly and can be seen by clicking on the collage above
In September 42 talented Notre Dame pupils took part in auditions to try and earn a place in the programme for a new Senior Music Department event called’ Songs from the Musicals’. Auditions were led by Mr Whiting, Holly Fletcher, Molly Cowden, and Mr Hodgson. The standard of performances was quite simply outstanding. Many difficult decisions were made when deciding who was going to make it through to the final event.
Two performances of ‘Songs from the Musicals’ took place. The first was to pupils from the Prep School and then a second rendition to parents, family, friends, and ND staff. If you were lucky enough to attend, you will know just how wonderful the ND girls were.
Special thanks to: Holly Fletcher and Molly Cowden for comparing the show, Mr Whiting for preparing the script, display pictures and working tirelessly to rehearse and support the performers, the ND singing teachers for all their hard work with their pupils, and Mrs Gillespie for dealing with the technical aspects of the production.
Finally, it should be noted that not only did every pupil deliver a wonderful performance, but they also showed great independence, organisational skills, and dedication, when preparing for ‘Songs from the Musicals’. Bravo to you all!
Mr Hodgson
Pre-School Dance and Music Workshop
Yesterday morning, parents were invited to watch their little ones take part in a special dance and music workshop. The theme was 'Who's been sleeping in my bed?'.
Thank you to Mrs Cesar and Mrs Bryant for entertaining not just the girls but parents too with wonderful dancing and singing and even percussion with wooden spoons!
Click on the school Instagram link below watch a reel of these little ones in action!
Congratulations to our talented musicians! All the candidates have passed! Thank you to all their teachers!
Please click on the image above to see the results on Firefly.
Mrs Shaw
Library
Prep Library Board Nov 24th
As we are heading into the festive season, please find a selection of Christmas Crackers (old and new) that can be found in the Prep Library.
Alfie’s Christmas by Shirley Hughes
Join Alfie and Annie Rose for Christmas! Alfie opens his advent calendar and makes cards and presents. He sings carols and decorates the tree. And he writes a special letter to Father Christmas...But what will Father Christmas bring on Christmas Day? It's going to be such an exciting day! (Bfs)
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs, creator of The Snowman, introduces us to a rather grumpy Father Christmas in this brilliantly tongue-in-cheek festive tale.
Father Christmas has awoken from a dream of summer sun to discover it is December 24th, Christmas Eve - the start of his longest night's work of the year! Much merriment ensues as Father Christmas travels the world, with a few issues along the way, to bring joy to children everywhere. (Bfs)
The Grumpus by Alex T. Smith
A fantastically festive Christmas adventure about a gorgeous grumpy character.
Do you know about The Grumpus? And his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan? And about the Awful Thing that happened at the North Pole on Christmas Eve?
(Bfs)
Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present by John Burningham
It's Christmas Eve and there is one present left in Father Christmas's sack. It's for a small boy called Harvey Slumfenburger, who lives far, far away on top of the Roly Poly Mountain. But no journey is too far for Father Christmas! Father Christmas sets out on an adventurous trek, by plane, jeep, moped and more, to ensure Harvey gets his present in time for Christmas. (Bfs)
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett
When Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the tap? What happens once he’s inside? (Bfs)
Jim’s Spectacular Christmas by Emma Thompson
The story of Jim: a very lucky, very special, very grubby dog, who lives, improbably, in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Emma Thompson magically weaves the real-life tale of Jim - beloved dog of Sir Henry Cole who created the first Christmas card - with a fantastically warm and heartfelt Christmas romp, brilliantly illustrated by bestselling illustrator, Axel Scheffler. (Bfs)
Little Robin Red Vest by Jan Fearnley
One frosty evening, a week before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons seven warm vests for the chilly nights to come. As the days go by, he comes across lots of cold and shivering animals, and kindly offers them his vests to wear. But - oh no! - on Christmas Eve, Little Robin is cold and all alone with no vests left! That is, until Father Christmas arrives to reward his kindness and generosity with a perfect little red vest . . . which is just how a robin got his red breast! (Bfs)
The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
William Trundle loves dinosaurs. In fact, he's obsessed with them. Meanwhile, his father is equally obsessed - but with Christmas. Aside from that, life is fairly normal in the Trundle household. William goes to school, has plenty of friends and is quite happy being a wheelchair-user. All that changes however, when Brenda Payne (the most rotten girl in the world) starts at his school and makes him feel different. Meanwhile, in the North Pole, a rare dinosaur (indeed the last dinosaur alive) is in a similar position. The Christmasaurus loves his life, his elf friends and the delightfully jolly Santa Claus, but can't help but feel alone. One Christmas, the two are thrown together in a tangle of tinsel as they fight off a dangerous hunter, with help from an unexpected source. (BookTrust)
The Night I Met Father Christmas by Ben Miller
When Jackson’s friend tells him that Father Christmas isn’t real, Jackson goes out of his way to prove his existence. Waiting up all night on Christmas Eve, Jackson’s wish comes true when he hears Father Christmas crashing down his chimney. What Jackson doesn’t realise is that Father Christmas is an elf called Torvil Christmas. Helping him deliver the remaining of the presents, Jackson learns the story of how Torvil Christmas – a hard, cruel elf who was abandoned at birth – became the kind-hearted Father Christmas spreading love and joy to children all over the world. (BookTrust)
Virtually Christmas by David Baddiel
It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone. All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes. Instead, Christmas is run by robots, while 3D holograms of Santa Claus called Santavatars check if you’ve been naughty or nice – and on Christmas Eve, all of the presents are delivered by ZoneDrones instead of Santa’s reindeer!
But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas. Racing against time and against the might of Winterzone, they must find the real Santa – before the true meaning of the festive season is lost forever . . .(Bfs)
The Good Bear by Sarah Lean
It’s the Christmas holidays and Thea is looking forward to spending them with her father. She can tell him all about her plans to become a writer, and maybe he’ll buy her the typewriter she’s been dreaming of. But when Thea arrives in Norway, everything feels . . . wrong. Her father is as distant as ever and now she has to share him with his new family: his girlfriend Inge and her children. Then Thea makes a surprising discovery. Deep in the snowy woods by the house, is a bear. He’s scared and hungry and he desperately needs Thea’s help. When the town hears about a bear living in the woods, Bear’s life is in even greater danger. Thea needs to show everyone that he’s not dangerous – he’s a good bear – if she’s to save him. (Peters)
Tinsel: The Girl Who Invented Christmas by Sibeal Pounder
Join Blanche Claus as she aims to deliver a Christmas gift to every child on Earth. With help from her best friend Rinki and an aspiring chef called Santa, it's a funny festive sleigh ride you'll never forget!
This story of friendship and mince-pie feasts is the perfect book to curl up with this winter. Funny, feminist and with a huge heart, it's a gloriously Christmassy adventure that will delight even the biggest Grinch. (Bfs)
Mrs Westwood
Senior Library Board November 24th
Christmas Crackers
As the festive season is upon us, here is a selection of wonderful, magical and compelling wintery tales…
The beautifully spellbinding and critically-acclaimed story of a thousand magical worlds. When daydreamer Clementine discovers a mysterious house standing in the middle of town that was never there before, she is pulled towards it by the powerful sense of a mother she never knew. The place is full of snow globes, swirling with stars and snow and each containing a trapped magician, watched over by Gan, the bitter keeper of the house.
'One of the most purely original and imaginative children's books I have read this year' Piers Torday. Browns for Books
Deep in the forest, magic is waiting . . . Sparkling with frost and magic, Shadows of Winterspell will sweep you up in a world of friendship and magic, to uncover family secrets and find out who you really are. Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrols at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realizes that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic. BFB
Rose is an unusual child, a North Child. For Rose was born facing north, and the old stories say she is destined to travel far from home on a dangerous journey. Making a pact with an enormous white bear, Rose travels on his back to a mysterious castle that holds a dark enchantment, a darker temptation, and the key to her true destiny... A spellbinding adventure to curl up with on long winter nights. Waterstones
Born in a Soviet prison camp, Lina has never seen the world outside until the night she escapes with her best friend, Bogdan. As the pair journey across a snowy wilderness, they are pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her pack of shadow wolves. The children will need every ounce of courage - and a whisper of magic - if they are to survive... Waterstones
The fabulously festive fifth Murder Most Unladylike mystery.
It's Christmas, and the snow is falling in Cambridge, where the detective duo Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are spending the festive period.
But Hazel's hopes of relaxing amongst the beautiful spires, cosy libraries and inviting tea-rooms are dashed by the danger lurking in the dark stairwells of Maudlin College.
Two days before Christmas, there is a terrible accident.
At least, it appears to be an accident - until the Detective Society look a little closer and realise a murder has taken place. BFB
From the bestselling author of THE GIRL OF INK & STARS comes a paperback edition of this gorgeous wintry folk tale for young and old alike - an exciting adventure to the frozen north, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman. Mila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow.
One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men.
But by the next morning, they've gone - taking Oskar with them.
Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back - even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter. BFB
Abi Elphinstone heads up this gorgeous collection of wintery stories, featuring snow queens, frost fairs, snow dragons and pied pipers . . . from classic children's writers Michelle Magorian, Geraldine McCaughrean, Jamila Gavin, Berlie Doherty, Katherine Woodfine, Piers Torday, Lauren St John, Amy Alward, Michelle Harrison and Emma Carroll. 'Captures all the excitement of the season' The Guardian
An unmissable, enchanting treat of a collection that will be enjoyed for years to come, by readers of all ages. BFB
A fresh spin on the famous ballet The Nutcracker. Georgie gets the role of Clara in the ballet. But when the Nutcracker’s magic seeps into the real world, she must save her friend, the Nutcracker and herself. BFB
A story of friendship to treasure this Christmas . . . It's the Christmas holidays and Thea is looking forward to spending them with her father.
She can tell him all about her plans to become a writer, and maybe he'll buy her the typewriter she's been dreaming of. But when Thea arrives in snowy Norway, everything feels . . . wrong. Her father is as distant as ever and now she has to share him with his new family: his girlfriend Inge and her children.
Then Thea makes a surprising discovery. Deep in the snowy woods by the house, is a bear. He's scared and hungry and he desperately needs Thea's help. When the town hears about a bear living in the woods, Bear's life is in even greater danger.
Thea needs to show everyone that he's not dangerous - he's a good bear - if she's to save him. A gorgeous Christmas story for readers aged 9+ that will warm your heart and take you on an adventure you will never forget. BFB
BELIEVE IN THE IMPOSSIBLE You are about to read the TRUE STORY of FATHER CHRISTMAS. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. (Because this book is FULL of impossible things.) Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin... BFB
It used to be the most WONDERFUL time of the year, but for years Christmas has been taken over by Winterzone. All the things that made Christmas special are gone: the human connection, the baubles passed down through generations, even the rubbish cracker jokes. Instead, Christmas is run by robots, while 3D holograms of Santa Claus called Santavatars check if you've been naughty or nice - and on Christmas Eve, all of the presents are delivered by ZoneDrones instead of Santa's reindeer! But when they stumble on a curious clue, eleven-year-old Etta and her friend Monty find themselves thrown into a fight to bring back Christmas. BFB
Christmas magic, delivered! The top-ten bestseller and must-have festive gift, discover the joy of gift-giving in this hilarious Christmas caper from bestselling author, Ben Miller. All Tog wants to do is work in Santa's workshop and one wonderful day, the letter from Santa arrives: Tog has been selected as an apprentice elf!
But someone has been stealing the presents from the workshop and a case of mistaken identity finds Tog accused of being the culprit!
Can Tog use his special Christmas magic to discover the real thief and save all the presents before Christmas Eve is over? BFB
A wintery middle grade mystery collection of short stories by thirteen of the most exciting children's authors!
Sleuthing through the snow, on a merry mysterious day, in disguise we go, investigating all the way... Waterstones
Of visions and prophesies seen in dark, dark woods. Of toys and trees come to life. Of trolls raising chaos, and of families torn apart -- only to be brought back together by festive cheer. In this collection, classic tales from Hans Christian Andersen and Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlof blend with modern day stories from Karl Ove Knausgaard and Vigdis Hjorth. BfB
Young Adult Titles
Touching, hilarious and filled with festive cheer, the magic of the holiday season shines on these three interconnected tales of love and romance.
The perfect book for a cold winter's night for any fan of The Fault in Their Stars, The Sun is Also a Star and Eleanor and Park. BFB
Young Adult (14+)
A short novella based on the beloved characters from Alice Oseman's acclaimed debut novel Solitaire and graphic novel series Heartstopper - now a major Netflix series.
From the author of the 2021 YA Book Prize winning Loveless. The festive season isn't always happy for Tori Spring and her brother Charlie. And this year's going to be harder than most. I used to think that difficult was better than boring, but I know better now... I'm not going to think about the past few months, about Charlie and me, and all of the sad. I'm going to block it all out Just for today. "Happy Christmas, " I say. BFB
“Hilarious, mordant, moving and rude, a yuletide delight'. When three very different siblings, Fern, Rowan and Willow, go home for a Christmas reunion at their family home in Edinburgh, it's not long before some VERY BIG SECRETS threaten their cosy holiday ... The McAllister house on Arboretum Road has seen 120 Christmases since its completion.” BFB
Atlanta is blanketed with snow just before Christmas, but the warmth of young love just might melt the ice in this novel of interwoven narratives, Black joy, and cozy, sparkling romance-by the same unbeatable team of authors who wrote the New York Times bestseller Blackout!
As the city grinds to a halt, twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. But will they be able to make it happen, in spite of the storm?
No one is prepared for this whiteout. But then, we can't always prepare for the magical moments that change everything. Waterstones
A flurry of festive verse, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Other Festive Poems is a collection selected and intricately, beautifully illustrated by Chris Riddell, the beloved author and illustrator behind Goth Girl, Ottoline and the Cloud Horse Chronicles. Christmas has long been a source of inspiration and a moment of reflection for poets, from traditional verse to modern works. BfB
The Classics
A Christmas Carol is one of Charles Dickens' most loved books - a true classic and a Christmas must-read.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean, miserable, bitter old man with no friends.
One cold Christmas Eve, three ghosts take him on a scary journey to show him the error of his nasty ways.
By visiting his past, present and future, Scrooge learns to love Christmas and the people all around him. BfB
Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.Tolkien's children.
Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches.
The letters were from Father Christmas. They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas's house into the dining-room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house! Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humour to the stories.
No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and 'authenticity' of Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas. BFB
"It's a magic wardrobe. There's a wood inside it, and it's snowing! Come and see," begged Lucy. Lucy has stumbled upon a marvellous land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals.
But soon she discovers that it is ruled by the cruel White Witch, and can only be freed by Aslan, the great Lion and four children This is the second adventure in the exciting Chronicles of Narnia. BFB
Notre Dame Parent Michelle Baartz and Alumna Lily Gray shone a spotlight on the glamorous worlds of fashion marketing and big brand advertising at our latest Career Pathway Session yesterday….
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