End of Year Assembly 2025-2026
Congratulations to our prize winners at our end of year assembly. Awards including attendance, student of the year and the Principal's Junior & Senior student award for this academic year.
Read more →The Story of Hanukkah
Hanukkah commemorates the historical event in Jewish history, which took place in Jerusalem in the second century. Israel had been taken over by the Greeks under King Antiochus who would not let the Jews worship their G-d and were banned from observing Judaism. Thanks to a successful revolt by a small group of Jews known as the Maccabees, the Jews reclaimed Jerusalem and the Temple. In order to celebrate the victory, the Temple needed to be repaired, and an oil lamp (Menorah) was lit in it. There was only enough oil to burn the candle for one day, but miraculously it burned for eight days. This is why the Hanukkah festival lasts for eight days and why the festival is also known as the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah starts on the 25th day of Kislev, the ninth month of the Hebrew calendar. This year this falls on the 25th of December. It is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting as well as playing dreidel, singing songs and preparing delicious food. It is a joyous time for families and friends to celebrate together for eight days. Hanukkah not only celebrates a military triumph but also a spiritual victory for religious freedom won for a persecuted people.
- Categories: Subject Blogs, Jewish Studies
- Tags: 2024-2025
More News
Stratford's Wellbeing Week 2026 - School Walk, Culture Day, Sports Day, Hell and Back - something for everyone!
Stratford celebrated Wellbeing Week 2026 (5th - 8th May), a special week dedicated to promoting positive mental health, physical activity and cultural awareness. Students had the opportunity to take part in a variety of fun and engaging activities throughout the week, including walks, workshops, cultural events, sports, and wellbeing challenges.
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Stratford reach the 2026 Young Environmentalist Awards Finals in RDS for the first time
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