A day of friendship and fun at our school’s special celebration

Saturday’s fete was such a blast. The sun was out, music was playing, our school grounds were filled with laughter, colour, and smelt of delicious foods. Our special school fete, organised to accommodate all the children’s needs and their families, was a big success and most importantly, full of joy for everyone involved. Even before the fete had begun, preparations were under way to make sure the place was perfect for everyone. Stalls had been set up outside on the field and inside the hall too, getting people in and out of the heat. The teachers putting their best efforts in to really nail down the presentation of their stalls and everyone giving a helping hand really boosted the moral for the fete. From the very beginning of the day, there was a buzz in the air.

At 12:00 families started arriving, excited to explore everything the fête had to offer. Volunteers and staff had worked hard to create a welcoming and friendly space, with clear signs, plenty of seating, and activities that everyone could take part in. The atmosphere was warm, cheerful, and full of community spirit. One of the first things you could smell and what most people took a MAJOR interest in was the food! A sizzling BBQ had burgers and sausages hot off the grill, cooked to perfection and served up by smiling helpers. There were also cold beverages for sale, with everything from fizzy drinks like Coke & Fanta and water, to juice boxes for the kids. Families were seen sitting in the sunshine, chatting happily and tucking into their food, with kids grinning with ketchup-covered fingers.

The fete had a fantastic mix of stalls, each offering something fun, exciting, or a little silly! One of the most popular was the tombola stall, where people could try their luck and win fun little prizes. With such a wide array of gifts there was something for everyone! Laughter could be heard every time someone pulled out a winning ticket—some won sweets, some won toys, and a few even won some bottles of wine.

A big highlight was the snail-themed stall, which brought big smiles to both kids and adults. This stall was aiming to raise funds for our schools’ new African land snails, with a real-life snail on show. With cute decorations, yummy snail-themed delights and spin-the-snail, this stall had a long line most of the day. It was quirky, creative, and perfect for a bit of fun. Children got involved in digging up the eggs to see what prizes they won, as well as a special lucky dip with an array of toys and wacky school resources.

For those who wanted to really kick it into high gear, there were bouncy castles…not just one, but two! With supervision, children could jump, bounce, and giggle till their hearts were content. These inflatable wonders were a big hit, giving everyone a chance to be active in a fun and safe way, with it being especially wonderful to see children of all abilities enjoying them together with parents close by taking photos and clapping along.

Adding to the festive feeling was the wonderful live brass music. A local brass group came along to perform throughout the afternoon, and their cheerful tunes filled the air. They played everything from classic songs to children’s favourites, and the music had people clapping, swaying, and even dancing along. The live band gave the event a lovely energy giving an incredible celebration. Moreover, the local services came down as well, as we were also lucky to have the ambulance service join us for the day. They brought along one of their vehicles, and children had the amazing chance to climb inside, press some buttons (with help!), and learn a little about how paramedics do their work. The paramedics were friendly, kind, and happy to answer questions, giving the kids so many opportunities to expand their knowledge and learn more. The tasks too were open to everyone as well making sure that no child was left out.

What made this fete so special was how many people came to support the school. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, laughing, and connecting. Children played freely and happily. Parents chatted with one another, sharing stories and support. Volunteers and staff were helpful, patient, and full of good humour. It was truly a community coming together to celebrate each other and what the school does for these awesome kids on a day-to-day basis. This sense of inclusion and joy is what this fete was all about. It wasn’t just an event, it was a day that reminded us of all of the power of community, kindness, and fun.

As the sun began to set and the last bouncy castle deflated, people headed home, tired but happy. Arms were full of prizes, faces were painted with smiles, and hearts were full of good memories. We want to thank everyone who made the day possible, from organisers and volunteers, to families and visitors. You made it special. We can’t wait for the next one, see you next time!!

Samuel Carter