Christmas wish granted as school festive productions will be open to communities once more!

Oh no, they’re not…oh yes, they are! The festive shows will go ahead in Orkney’s schools this Christmas with communities welcome to attend for the first time since 2019!

There may have been no room at the inn, but there’s plenty of space within our schools for folk to come along and enjoy the nativities and concerts as safely as possible.

While we don’t like to mention the “C” word – Covid that is – there will be a few housekeeping asks in place as we all look forward to being back in school halls to watch the performances.

Stay home if you’re unwell; if you have any common Covid symptoms we would also ask you avoid attending even if you feel ok; there will be hand sanitiser available for use and people are welcome to wear a mask if they wish.

Here’s a snapshot of what you have to look forward to – don’t worry if your school isn’t mentioned, they will be in touch directly to let you know what they have planned.

Rousay School will be performing a nativity play called “Prickly Hay” with carols and mince pies to follow – this is open to the community.

Head Teacher at Orphir, Flotta and Stenness, Grant Thomson, said they will be running their usual “festive Fridays” where everyone can put on their Christmas jumpers, “golden time” activities will be Christmas-themed, they will be completing a paper chain challenge and getting in the Christmas spirit by listening to Christmas music in the dinner hall.

Stenness is holding a decorating open afternoon for the community, getting folk involved alongside the bairns – there will be a mince pie or two on offer.

Orphir School is rehearsing for their Christmas production of Aladdin which promises to be a magical carpet ride through life in Arabia. 

On Wednesday 14 December, Sanday Junior High School will be enjoying their Christmas lunch with a strings concert – the Afternoon Lunch Club for over 50s will be able to listen in as the doors between the community wing and the school hall will be open. Parents and the wider community will be welcome to attend at the school’s performances of Oliver on Tuesday 20 December.

Dounby Community School will be open to all on Wednesday 14 December from 2pm – 3pm approx. for their Christmas Concert with all pupils performing songs and the P1/2 classes putting on a Nativity play – Baaarmy Bethlehem.

Papdale Primary has a list of Christmas events starting the week of Monday 12 December – right up until the holidays. Parents and carers will be welcome to attend at sing-a-longs and a play. The school will keep folk notified of the dates and times.

Stromness Academy will be performing a carol service in the Stromness Kirk on 19 December and will be delighting the staff and residents at Hamnavoe House with carol singing.

Westray Junior High School are looking forward to inviting the community back into the school for a Christmas evening concert during the last week of term. 

Stromness Primary School will be holding a “Christmas Celebration” (nativity and Christmas songs) in school on Wednesday 14 December. Parents are welcome.

Shapinsay School will be taking part in the island celebrations such as the Shapinsay tree lighting on 2 December, the carol service at the kirk on 11 December and the Christmas party on the 18 December. The school will also be having Christmas lunch with the Shapinsay Lunch Club on 14 December and then a Christmas assembly at 1.30pm on 21 December, with everyone in the community invited along.

Stronsay Junior High School will be putting on a Christmas concert and nativity on Friday, 16 December with the community invited to join.

Schools will be in touch directly with their festive plans.