February - March 2025 Newsletter

Dear Bloom families,

As we wrap up this half-term, we just want to say a heartfelt thank you for being part of Bloom. It’s been such a meaningful few weeks – full of creativity, big ideas, and real moments of connection.

We’ve launched our new project with a brilliant start. Our primary school classes have been exploring what it really means to work as a team – not just practically, but emotionally and socially too. We’ve looked at how loving and understanding ourselves helps us care for others more deeply, and we’ve unpacked how our different backgrounds and experiences – including the impact of inequality – shape the way we interact and collaborate, an applied this to our roles to develop our characterisation.

It’s been powerful to see our young people engaging so thoughtfully and generously with these themes. There’s been lots of laughter, thoughtful discussions, and some really insightful contributions from our primary schools.

Poynton Youth Theatre Academy have had a brilliant start to the term, jumping straight into blocking all of their scenes with focus and creativity. Many students have taken on new roles in the production this term, and it’s been so exciting to watch them rise to the challenge. Each week, the space is alive with collaboration – whether it's designing set pieces, creating original projections, planning lighting and sound, sourcing props, choreographing movement, or bringing characters to life on stage. There’s a real sense of ownership and teamwork in the room, and it’s clear that everyone is playing a vital part in building something special.

While a couple of our PYTA members sadly won’t be able to join us on the performance day, this hasn’t stopped them from playing a vital role in the process. In fact, it’s opened up a new direction for them – stepping into the role of acting assistants and taking the lead on directing their own scenes. They’ve approached it with maturity, creativity, and a real eye for detail, completing the work to an excellent standard. They’ve genuinely enjoyed the process just as much as we’ve enjoyed watching them thrive in it. A special shout out to Matthew J, who has truly taken this role in his stride – he’s led with confidence and absolutely smashed it.

We’re also well ahead in our creative process, having already learnt the finale dance number. It’s coming together beautifully, and we’re so excited to continue developing it when we return.

And of course, it wouldn’t be the end of term without recognising some incredible young people who’ve really stood out. These students have embodied the spirit of Bloom in unique and inspiring ways:

• EM: Annabel, Emily, Pip & Suzannah (a group of lovely year 3 girls) – for being absolute super stars in every sense. Their behaviour has been consistently outstanding – always ready, respectful, and responsible. On top of that, each of them has made a real effort to step out of their comfort zone this term, and it’s been so inspiring to see their confidence grow week by week. They’re a joy to have in the room.

• OLOR: Amelie – for bringing her character to life with brilliant energy and detail. This has been your best character work yet – so engaging, so full of personality, and an absolute joy to watch. You've really stepped it up this term and made it look effortless.

• SA: Ariadne – for consistently contributing thoughtful, creative ideas and always setting a brilliant example with her behaviour. She brings focus, positivity, and excellence to every session, and we’re so lucky to have her in the group.

• SH: Emily – for showing your strongest character work yet, with a new level of confidence that’s been so lovely to see. You approach every session with kindness and generosity, and it really lifts the group. You've truly come into your own this term.

• V(C): Lily G – for being a legend. She brings such a mature, grounded presence to the group and approaches every session with thoughtfulness, focus, and quiet leadership. A brilliant role model and a real asset to the group.

• V(E): Amelie – for always showing up ready, respectful, and responsible. Your contributions in sessions have been thoughtful and valuable, and your commitment to learning your lines has been outstanding. You've set such a strong example for the group this term.

• PYTA: Spencer – for delivering the most spot-on characterisation of Jasper we’ve ever seen. Your performance is full of detail, energy, and brilliant comic timing – it’s a joy to watch and is going to have the audience completely hooked. On top of that, you’ve been helping others to raise their game too, showing real generosity and leadership in the room.

Funny Story -

Special shout-out to Will Cla (V(C)) – for a standout moment during an improvisation task, where he took on the role of Elvis and had the entire class in stitches. His bold choice, comic timing, and total commitment to the character made it one of the most hilarious moments of the term.

We’re proud of every single child for what they’ve contributed this term – whether in rehearsals, reflection, or simply showing up with a willing heart.

Coming Next:

Summer Performance

– 19th July

A quick reminder that our end-of-year performance will take place on Friday 19th July – a celebration of all the creativity, teamwork, and storytelling our students have developed over the year.

Here’s how the day will look:

• Performance 1 – approx. 1:00pm

Featuring: Vernon, Our Lady of the Rosary, and Poynton Youth Theatre Academy

• Performance 2 – approx. 6:00pm

Featuring: St Ann's, English Martyrs', St Hilda's, and Poynton Youth Theatre Academy

Further details and timings will follow next term – but for now, please keep the date free.

Wishing you all a restful break.

We can’t wait to see what stories we’ll tell next.

Kindest regards and very best wishes,

The Bloom Team