Christmas festivities at Penryn College

Students and staff at Penryn College rolled out the festive carpet this week and invited parents and special guests into school to enjoy a number of Christmas events.

The creative arts department had been hard at work all week at, coordinating the annual evening Christmas concert and community party which was held on Tuesday. It saw the school hall packed to capacity with students, parents, staff and governors

Compering the evening were head boy and girl, Gabe Gentile and Lauren Rowe, along with senior prefects, James, Vera and Charlie.

This year, the audience were treated to individual performances from the brass, flute, guitar and string ensembles along with the different choirs and the talents of the jazz and lively Samba bands. Soloist, Eloise Beattie, opened the concert singing the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City.

The opening words were delivered by headteacher Paul Walker, who highlighted the importance of Christmas. "The giving and receiving of presents is fun but what really matters to many is the gift of time," he said. "So spend time with your loved ones and make time for yourself over the festive season."

Instrumental pieces followed with the String Ensemble playing Away in a Manger and Merry Christmas Everyone by the guitarists. Highlights of the evening included the staff performance of First Noel and the Penryn College Saracen Male Voice Choir singing Silent Night and Fairytale in New York. The Senior Singers bought the evening to an end.

Mrs Oliver, assistant headteacher, gave the final thanks and Mr Walker paid a special tribute to John Evans, husband of former headteacher Marie Hunter, who was a great supporter of Penryn College who is sadly missed. Afterwards governor, Mark Parsons, said: “As always an impressive and professional evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all that attended."

A retiring collection was made for the school’s chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Over 80 guests, consisting of members from the local community and grandparents, came to the Christmas party laid on for the local community. The tables were set with food, festive decorations and Christmas treats. The audience were treated to an array of musical talents including the various bands and singing groups. The prefect team were on hand to pour hot drinks and hand out the gift bags containing food treats.

Term ended with the ARB open afternoon and party which was started with a selection of readings with homemade goodies offered at during the interval. The highlight of the afternoon was the Christmas special Cahoot quiz.

Mr Walker concluded: “It was fantastic to see so many parents being able to come along and support the students at this special time."