To mark Thanksgiving, which is celebrated by many members of our community, we enjoyed a delicious feast of roast turkey and all the trimmings – including candied sweet potato with marshmallow!

The school community also contributed their own special messages of personal thanks to a display of gratitude outside the dining hall. Thank you to Mrs Manning and Miss Ahmad from the EAL Department for coordinating this project, providing an opportunity for our pupils and staff to reflect on those things that they have to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday centered around gratitude, family, and togetherness. It is celebrated with traditions like festive meals, parades, and shared moments of reflection. It takes place on the fourth Thursday of November every year and is a national holiday marking the start of the festive season leading up to Christmas and New Year.

Thanksgiving in America originated as a 1621 harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth to celebrate a successful harvest and mutual cooperation.

This gathering symbolised gratitude for a successful harvest and the assistance the Native Americans provided, including teaching the settlers how to cultivate the land. 

Thanksgiving traditions include gathering with family and friends for a feast featuring turkey, sharing gratitude, and enjoying activities like parades, football, and volunteering. Other customs include the President’s turkey pardon and the start of the holiday shopping season with Black Friday.