It is with a very heavy heart that we say goodbye to our lunchtime football coach, Dave Brown.  Dave has been with us for nigh on twenty years and it is a big wrench for us to hear that he is hanging up his football boots and whistle. We first met Dave when he ran his Samba Soccer club, but such was his rapport and popularity with the children, that we quickly persuaded him to come onside and be our lunchtime football coach. As such he has introduced to and coached generations of St Stephen's children, many of whom will date their love of footy back to when they first rolled up to play with Dave. Known for his kindness and fairness both on and off the pitch, not to mention his nifty footwork, Dave is beloved by children and staff alike.

As well as taking a leading role in all things football at St Stephen's, Football Dave has an impressive footy pedigree. We see him as exclusively ours but we have to report that he has a stellar sporting CV. He has worked at numerous other schools to great acclaim, as well as notching up more than twenty years coaching at Chelsea Football Club and Wandsworth Council. Indeed, Wandsworth named him their Coach of the Year in 2008 for his tremendous impact on coaching in the borough. He is a very modest soul, but Mrs Bachour persuaded him to come along to this week's Carol Service at St Stephen's Church, where she paid tribute to the impact he has made on life at St Stephen's. "When Dave told me he was retiring, I tried not to think about it, because he has been part of the very fabric of St Stephen's for so long and if anyone embodies our school values, it is Dave. He is wonderful, kind and fair and we all love him so much. I wish him lots of luck, as he deserves some time to spend with his family. Thank you Dave for everything you have done for our children," said Mrs Bachour. 

"I don't live locally, but I have stayed at St Stephen's for so long because I love the staff and the children. Everyone is so lovely and friendly and the atmosphere in the school is so welcoming. I have loved working here and am really going to miss it," said the man himself. 

Thank you Dave! We will miss you too. 

PSST - when Dave walks into the playground for his lunchtime shift a cry goes up, as little footballers shout - "He's here, Dave's arrived." He really has brought joy to our playground. 

Performing to a packed church of parents and grandparents, as well as the rest of the school, did not faze our Year Two Nativity performers. A beautiful take on the Nativity story, as well as carols and christmas songs, got us all firmly in the mood for the yuletide. Finishing off proceedings with a bit of a boogie, they delighted us. Thank you to our Year Two staff team for getting them stage ready and parents for some knock out costumes. We were beautifully accompanied by our fabulous school orchestra, led by Maestro Tim Wilford for many a year, this musical ensemble goes from strength to strength. And, as always, thanks to the two Laurens and the rest of the St Stephen's Church team who made us feel so welcome. 

This Nativity was just one of this week's performances - our Reception thespians also put on a tremendous show - they were still treading the boards as we went to press, so we will bring you images of them next week.