A solemn Christmas activity

Shoolchildren of Dun Mikiel Xerri Primary "A" School of Zebbug took part in a procession with the statue of Baby Jesus which ended at Zebbug parish church where a carol service was then held.

Other activities organised by the school's administration, staff and parents, aimed at kindling the spirit of Christmas, included the Novena at the morning assembly, carol singing to the senior citizens of the parish group Centru Ward Zebbugi, and a visit to the school by Father Christmas.

Father Christmas has been regularly visiting the school for the past six years, each year popping up unexpectedly from a different place, such as on the roof of the school, or from behind a classroom window. This year, while all the children were assembled in the schoolyard, Father Christmas emerged from an empty water-tank in the schoolyard where he had sought shelter from the rain during the night.

The screams and shouts of glee with which he was greeted were proof enough that he is always a welcome visitor to the school.

He gave each child a book-present and was photographed with every class.