Christmas at Notre Dame

Advent at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is always a busy time for staff and students, and this year has been no different.

Assemblies
Advent assemblies were held in the Main Hall to celebrate the start of Advent and students lit the first advent candle in each assembly. The meaning of advent was explained, and students gave a bible reading and read community prayers.

Christmas Tree
We got another beautiful tree from Methley Estate. Huge thank you!

Charity Appeal
The Advent charities appeal was launched with students giving information on the 3 charities and how the student body can get involved.

• St Georges Crypt who work with the homeless, vulnerable and those facing addiction. Donations of non-perishable food for the food bank.
• Leeds Children’s Hospital who care for children from birth and offers a wide range of treatments and support. Donations of toys and games etc.
• Raising money for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) who support those with the disease and their families. Students were encouraged to be creative in thinking about ways to raise money, for example bake sales and raffles etc.

Christmas Cards
In PTE, Lower Sixth have been doing an act of service this week - making Christmas cards for residents of local care homes to give the gift of joy and love at a time when they may be experiencing loneliness. As part of the Stella Maris Leadership Award, this shows students how spending just a little time creating something and writing a heartful message can make a huge difference to another person. We hope that this inspires them to continue doing small acts of service for others.

Nativity Photobooth
Our new Lay Chaplain, Anne Merry, organised a nativity photobooth where staff and students could get involved and dress up as the nativity character of their choice and pose in front of cardboard cut of a stable. For staff, this also included a competition for the best picture!

Carol Service
On Wednesday, we held our annual carol service in the Chapel, inviting students, staff and friends of Notre Dame. Carols included 'O Come All Ye Faithful', 'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel', 'Away in a Manger', and 'Hark the Herald Angels Sing'. There were also performances from both the staff and student choir of 'The Night that Christ was Born', 'O Holy Night', and 'Silent Night'. Lower Sixth student Liam Bediako played the organ (and did a fantastic job!), accompanying conductor Michael Burt. You can find a recording of the full carol service here.

Musical Theatre Christmas Showcase
Our BTEC Musical Theatre students held a Christmas showcase on Wednesday evening, highlighting the fantastic talent of this year's cohort of the new course. It was full of festive fun, with classic hits and some Christmas numbers from various musicals.