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Castle Gardens Primary School, Newtownards
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P1 & P2 Christmas Assembly, Wednesday 3rd December 2025

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2nd Dec 2025

Good morning

The P1 & P2 Christmas Assembly takes place tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd December at 9.30am.

Below are a few pointers to make the morning run as smoothly as possible to ensure everyone has an enjoyable morning.

Run Time

  • The Assembly will last approx 45 minutes with an expected finish time around 10.15am.

Arrival & Entry

  • Parents are welcome to line up at the front entrance at drop off.
  • Access for the audience will be through the main reception door from 9.05am.
  • Audience members will access the hall via the upstairs corridor and the stairs at the canteen.
  • Please be in your seats for 9.25am.

Coffee

  • The PTA will be selling coffee tomorrow morning whilst you are lining up to wait.
  • These will cost £3 for coffee, £2 for tea or hot chocolate.  Purchases will cash or by scanning the QR codes.
  • Thanks to Ben from Cargo coffee for supplying all the teas and coffees, please remember to support them next time you’re near them.

Raffle

  • The PTA are running a raffle for Tesco vouchers - 1st prize £150, 2nd prize £100, 3rd Prize £50.
  • Tickets are £5 and can be purchased via Eduspot, in cash from a member of the PTA at any of our Christmas Assemblies, or online using this link. https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/5E83PY3PTF9CS

Exiting after the Assembly

  • Pupil will exit the hall with staff and return to their classrooms. 
  • Once the children have exited, adults will be able to leave the hall and exit via the corridors they used when arriving or via the P4 doors into the courtyard. 

Tickets

  • All 240 tickets have been claimed and we are very unlikely to be able to accommodate anyone without a ticket.
  • We have a list of all purchases and will be checking this at reception. You won't be asked to show a booking confirmation or print out your tickets. 
  • Tickets are free but if you wish to make a donation you can do so to a member of the PTA.

Seating

  • All seats will be required so please do not leave spaces.
  • Seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
  • There are a number of reserved seats for Governors, staff and members of the audience requiring additional access arrangements. 
  • Please do not stand to block the views of others, or in the aisle or at the sides of the hall.
  • If you wish to stand to get a better view you may do so at the back of the small hall. 

Additional Access Arrangements

For family members who require additional access arrangements, for example being unable to use the stairs, there are two options:

  • The lift is a bit of a liability at present so we avoid using this whenever possible.
  • Entry is therefore facilitated via the P4 door in the courtyard.
  • If you have a family member who requires additional access arrangements, please phone the office after 1.30pm this afternoon to confirm details that will allow Mr Gregory to make the necessary arrangements. Please have your car registration when making this request.

Parking

  • The staff will park in the rear playground, freeing up the small car park to the left as you enter the grounds.
  • Parking will only be permitted in car parking spaces. Parking outside of spaces is not tolerated.
  • If you park on neighbouring streets, please do so safely, legally and respectfully to ensure residents are not obstructed.
  • The PSNI are aware of our three assembly dates and are hoping to be able to assist with traffic management. 
  • The roundabout will be coned off from 9.15am to allow for late arrivals, deliveries and emergency vehicle access. 
  • Blue badge parking can be facilitated in the courtyard. Details should be communicated to school today including the car registration. Please phone the office after 1.30pm to make arrangements. 

Photographs

  • Parents are of course welcome to take photographs of the children during the performance.
  • In line with our safeguarding arrangements, only share photos to your social media if you have consent for all children.
  • Photos and video clips taken by staff will be shared to Class Dojo and our social media.

Disruptions

  • Our children have been preparing really hard for their Assemblies.
  • To allow them to do their very best please do what you can to avoid disruptions that can be caused by phones. Place phones in airplane mode or at the very least place on silent.
  • Young children are welcome to watch their big brothers and sisters, if they start to get a little restless please feel free to bring them out of the hall and entertain them in the downstairs corridor.

Thank-you for supporting our school.

Enjoy your morning and have a wonderful Christmas

Mr Gray