Students at John Kyrle High School have been embracing the Christmas spirit this December by collecting for the Ross Community Food Larder.

Year 9 students have been busy donating, with Head of Year 9 Matthew Penny delighted with the response from the students.

Mr Penny said: “Our families have been very generous with their donations during this festive season and we are grateful to them all.”

Many of the Christmas food items have already been shared with food larder users and all the other donations will be delivered in the New Year. Both Year 10 and Year 11 students have also added to the donations over the last week of term.

The school’s prominent position at the heart of the community was evident on Monday at the Christmas Carol Concert, which was held at St Mary’s Church.

A large congregation gathered to enjoy a wide range of musical performances from junior and senior choirs as well as a combined performance with the school orchestra and a trumpet solo of ‘Ave Maria’ from the accomplished Jasmin Licqurish.

Christmas celebrations began early for the JKHS Sixth Form students as they enjoyed their annual Christmas Dinner and Dance at the home of Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm Stadium.

The event is organised by the students themselves and is now in its 15th year. Organisation this year was led by head boy, Ben Thorne and head girl, Kate Ormiston, alongside head of sixth form, Rob Wallace and deputy head of sixth form, Bethan Lambourn.

Rob told the Ross Gazette: “The Sixth Form is a strong community and every year the Christmas Dinner is a highlight for both Year 12 and Year 13, the dance floor is packed and the event is a great stress buster at the end of a long term.”

The event followed the traditional Year 2 Christmas party which happened earlier the same day. Sixth form students organised a number of festive activities for children and teachers from several local primary schools to enjoy. The afternoon proved to be a success with Year 12 and 13 students enjoying themselves almost as much as their Year 2 guests. Pictured below are Walford School pupils on their way to the party.