‘It’s really important to us as a school because one of our core values is bringing joy. So it is a way for us to bring joy to our community and celebrate Christmas, which is an important Christian celebration, with as many people as we can,’ said principal Alexa Yeoman.
‘There were two 94-year-olds who come every year, and one lady actually said “this is the beginning of my Christmas when I come here”.’
Also in attendance was Bridget Carey, who studied at Blanchelande in the late 1940s and remembers it as the Sacre Coeur convent, where she was taught by French nuns.
‘It’s wonderful to come here after all this time and for Blanchelande to want us and remember us.
‘The day has been brilliant. The costumes were particularly good, and the singing – Blanchelande is number one for singing,’ she said.
Afternoon tea was served throughout by the Year 10 students.
Students had been practising since October half term for the junior staging of Superstar and the infant production of The Innkeeper’s Breakfast.
The stars of the latter were 10-year-old Olivia Ozanne playing Mary, and 11-year-old Henry Rhodes in the role of Joseph.
‘I was really worried Mary would be a massive part but there was only three lines,’ Olivia said.
She liked sitting among the angels, where she could watch everything happening.
Henry said he particularly enjoyed the dancing scenes.
‘I tried out for Mary,’ he joked.
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