November 18, 2019

Hot on heals of the Music Mark, we have received a second award in recognition of our curriculum! For the second year in succession, we have been awarded the School Games Gold Award, which is the highest grading we qualify for. This award highlights our commitment to PE and competitive sport and recognises the rich and varied offer that we provide our pupils with. From Gaelic football to hockey, from gymnastics to athletics, our children participate in a wealth of sporting activity and a huge thank you must go to Coach Julian for his ongoing passion and commitment!

November 18, 2019

In recognition of out outstanding commitment to music, the talent of our children and hard work of our children, we are proud to announce that we have been awarded the Music Mark for 2019/20. This national award recognises the amazing leadership of Mr Baker and expertise of Mr Bacanu, who between them ensure that our children learn to play the record, ukulele and violin. They also lead the school choir and orchestra club. Well done everyone! Now please play us a tune!

June 16, 2019

As part of our efforts to engage parents and carers in as many different ways as possible, today we started our parent/pupil learning classes. Delivered by Birmingham Adult Education, these arts and crafts sessions will take place throughout May and June and give our parents the chance to work alongside their child in a fun and creative environment. The first session saw them design marble runs using a variety of different materials. It was great to see so many parents actively involved in their child's learning!

June 10, 2019

After year 6 visited the University of Cambridge and year 5 spent the day at the University of Warwick, it was year four's turn to pack their satchels and head off to university. As well as learning all about university life, year four also spent the day learning about science, including atoms, elements and compounds. They had an amazing day and can't wait to go back!

May 05, 2019

The PTFA organised family fun day did exactly what it says on the tin and provided the many in attendance with fun, games, music and plenty of jerk chicken! With the weather slightly overcast, there was plenty for our families to do in order to keep warm and a great day was had by all. As ever, a huge thank you must go to our PTFA for all of their hard work and dedication!

May 06, 2019

Since 2018 we have worked closely with Siemens Engineering, firstly in terms of Mathematics and now in terms of STEM. This week saw the start of our new after school STEM club. Planned and delivered by engineers from Siemens, our children had an amazing time building and designing their own train track systems and can't wait for the next instalment of this exciting club!

April 30, 2019

"For all pupils to fulfil their God-given talents and to aspire to achieve a university education." 

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Our vision is clear and built on the highest of aspirations. Linked to our vision, year 5 visited University of Warwick for a day of all things science and higher education.   

April 14, 2019

This week year five spent 48 hours climbing trees, rolling down hills, exploring woods, playing outside and staying up to incredibly late hours! Nestled in the Atherstone countryside on the historic Merevale estate, the Brig House is a world away from the inner-city surroundings of Harper Bell. Our children and staff had an incredible time and were a credit to our fabulous school!

April 10, 2019

This week we welcomed a talented African drumming expert into school to pass on his skills, stories and experiences to our children. They were taught to plan traditional African drums and by the end of the day, the whole school was moving to a very different beat!

March 29, 2019

Reception's fun packed week got even better when their parents came into class to cook some dinosaur themed sweet treats. Chocolate, sugar and all things crunchy were used to cook up an amazing treat! Thank you to all of the parents who made it such an enjoyable afternoon!

March 27, 2019

This week Reception had a new classmate. This week Reception were visited by a huge dinosaur! The gigantic, scaly dinosaur left them a few presents littered around their playground in the form of eggs. Roar-some!

March 25, 2019

As part of their learning in RE, Reception visited our local mosque, where they learned all about Islamic acts of worship. They learned about the similarities and differences to our Christian faith and had a wonderful time! 

January 27, 2019

In the midst of their weekend, our committed staff gave up their Sunday to bring 24 amazing pupils to the NIA to watch the British Basketball final. With London Lions roaring loudest as they claimed the title, our children were inspired by the sight of watching professional sportsmen perform at the highest of levels. Not only did they have a great day, they also behaved impeccably and represented Harper Bell with distinction. 

January 22, 2019

We were blessed today to be visited by over ten Adventist leaders and educators. Arriving from the sun drenched Caribbean, our guests spent the morning meeting our wonderful children, observing lessons and looking at our books. It is always our pleasure to spend time with fellow Adventist educators and something we look forward to doing again in the future, but maybe next time we will visit them! 

December 19, 2018

Hot on the heals of the KS1 Nativity performance, KS2 knew they were under pressure to pull a stunning performance out of the bag. This is exactly what they did! Poetry, song, musical performances and dance were used to retell the tale of Our Saviour's birth. The packed out audience ended the morning on their feet dancing during an encore that they demanded in their droves! 

December 18, 2018

Reception, year 1 and year 2 put on a dazzling performance for a packed out house as they retold the story of our Lord's birth. They acted, sang and played musical instruments to the hundreds in attendance. All who viewed the show were left convinced that they had witnessed something special!

December 12, 2018

Today we held our annual Christmas dinner in style. Tables were decorated, carols reverberated around the dining room and the children were decked in their smartest clothes and sparkliest shoes! The food was absolutely wonderful and the kitchen staff had blessed us with the most amazing meal! What an amazing day!

December 11, 2018

Year four spent the morning at the Back-to-Backs as part of their history studies about Victorian Birmingham. This exciting experience saw the children transported back in time to Victorian Britain. They got to try on clothes, see what it was like to sleep with ten children in one bed and do some of the household jobs that would have been typical over 100 years ago! 

November 09, 2018

As part of their learning about the great outdoors, Reception roasted marshmallows on an open campfire this week. They loved watching the fire glow and dance as they roasted their sugary delights! Well done Perception! 

October 18, 2018

As part of their Empire Windrush studies, Year five learned about the art of Tam Joseph, focusing specifically on his piece - UK School Report. Born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Joseph came at the age of eight to London, where he still lives and works. His painting UK School Report was influence by his experience of the British education system as a child of Windrush. Our pupils loved being taught by Tam and produced some excellent portraits! 

October 18, 2018

Another week has passed and another group of amazing children were rewarded for their superb behaviour and for enacting our values of Love, Learning and Laughter. Sugary treats and succulent hot chocolate were the order of the day as Mr Oram spent the afternoon with 14 of our best behaved children. Well done boys and girls! 

October 17, 2018

After making a stuttering start to their title defence, Harper Bell now sit atop of the Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA league after making it seven wins from their opening eight games. More pleasingly, they have started to play as a true team and have improved both on and off the pitch after an inconsistent start to the season. Well done boys! 

October 07, 2018

After winning the area basketball title for the first time in 2017, the latest Harper Bell basketball squad retained the title in style! Entering two teams into the competition, Harper Bell B and Harper Bell A reached the final, with Harper Bell A coming out on top! Both teams did us proud and showed that Harper Bell will once again be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to sport! 

October 25, 2018

Towards the end of the 2017/18 academic year, we proudly announced that we had been fortunate enough to be awarded a significant amount of sponsorship from Siemens UK. Steve from Siemens visited Harper Bell today to officially launch Maths Whizz, which was purchased thanks to their support. This online maths software will be used to support work done at school in this area. Thank you Siemens and thank you Steve! 

July 18, 2018

After being crowned champions of 2017/18, Christ's were rewarded for their outstanding year of Love, Learning and Laughter with a picnic in a boiling Cannon Hill Park. With sugary treats and ice-cream aplenty, the members of the victorious House spent the day playing sports, climbing trees and making the most of the adventure playground!

July 17, 2018

There wasn't a dry eye in the house as year 6 performed for a heaving crowd of excited friends and family. Looking back over their days at Harper Bell, the talents pupils danced, sang and acted to a standard rarely seen this side of the West End!

July 16, 2018

Appearing on the radio with legendary DJ Chicken George, Joshua and Caleb took to the air to promote Harper Bell, as well as sharing news of our very own radio station! The brothers and DJ extraordinaires did an amazing job at sharing the word of Harper Bell with the listening world!   

July 12, 2018

After a year of amazing sporting achievements, Harper Bell competed in the School Games city-finals in rugby and athletics, making it five School Games finals for the year. Prior to 2018 we had never reached a final before, so to make it to five is something to be truly proud of!  

July 11, 2018

Weston Super-Mare was treated to the delights of Harper Bell as the whole school descended onto the sun-drenched town for a day of joyous play and fun. Our children behaved impeccably as they built castles, dug holes and played beach volleyball. The day was topped off with fish and chips and lashings of ice-cream!  

July 10, 2018

To celebrate seven years at Harper Bell, year 6 were thrown a prom by Mrs Asare and a number of parents. The evening started with our amazing pupils being whisked off around Birmingham in a limousine before sharing a meal and dance together in the school's main hall. It was an evening that will live long in the memory of all present and an example of everything that is wonderful about the Harper Bell community! 

July 02, 2018

With glorious sun overhead, the Harper Bell athletics squad took to the track in Handsworth attempting to retain the title that they won for the first time in the school's history in 2017. With 24 athletes competing in a number of track and field events, our pupils swept the boards, winning all four of the trophies that were on offer. In 2017 we won the boys' title and overall title. This time we retained those two titles, while also adding the girls' crown and the field event title. It was another amazing evening in the sporting history of Harper Bell and one that will live long in the memory of all in attendance!

June 14, 2018

On the final school day before Father's Day, we opened the doors of Harper Bell and invited all of our dads into school for a day of fun, love and TLC. After being served breakfast by our year 6 pupils, the dads played in a highly competitive football tournament before taking part in a cookery lesson alongside their children. It was an amazing day, enjoyed by all. It was also another example of our values in action - Love, Learning and Laughter. 

June 11, 2018

For all pupils to fulfil their God-given talents and to aspire to achieve a university education. 

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Over the past two years we have talked to our children about the benefits of a university education and about the steps needed to get there. On June 12th we travelled to Cambridge, along with a number of our parents, to spend the day at one of the world's greatest universities. This inspirational day gave our children, staff and parents an insight into this most prestigious of institutions and planted seeds that will grow and bloom over the next seven years!

June 08, 2018

As captain of the Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA District, Liberty has led from the front as her team have made history over the past 12 months. Prior to the 2017/18 academic year, no girls' team representing Erdington and Saltley had ever won a trophy. Liberty and her team mates made it six for the academic year when they travelled to the home of Liverpool FC and claimed the English Schools' FA National Plate. Everyone at Harper Bell is incredibly proud of Liberty! 

June 06, 2018

After 9 months and 17 league matches, the HBSDA football team finally lifted the district league title, the first in the school's history, after finishing the campaign with an unprecedented perfect record. With 17 wins from their 17 games, the Harper Bell footballers have won a wealth of admirers and fans throughout the course of their historic season and should be incredibly proud of their efforts! However, like buses, as soon as one title and piece of silverware came, another two soon followed! In the week when they lifted the league title, they also won the St. Clement's Shield and the Birmingham City FC Cup! Wow! What an amazing group of children!

May 23, 2018

We were blessed to welcome 20 Harper Bell dads to the first ever Harper Bell fathers' meeting. It was a privilege to work alongside them on our vision and desires for their children. Over the course of the coming months, this groups will reconvene on a regular basis to plan and action initiatives for the betterment of our children, school and wider community. 

May 17, 2018

As part of their learning on the Royal Family, Year 4 held a party to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! Plenty of scrumptious food and drink was shared, as the children learned all about the historic wedding. 

May 15, 2018

Make some butter. Feed the animals. Harvest the crops. Drive the tractor. All in a day's work for the Harper Bell farmers! Our youngest pupils travelled an hour away to visit Morrells Wood Farm in Iron Bridge and had the time of their lives. They enjoyed it so much that rumours are circulating that Harper Bell will soon have its own cow and goat to join Blanco the chicken! Watch this space!

April 18, 2018

Hot on the heals of year 4, the boys and girls of year 6 spent 24 hours being showered by glorious sunshine in the Atherstone countryside. With sun cream at the ready, year six left their SATs studies at school as they relaxed and enjoyed a hard-earned break after a great year at school! Mr Hynan, Mr Frowen, Mr Oram, Mrs Jackson and Miss Plominska accompanied the children and loved every minute of their country escape! 

April 16, 2018

Year four, along with Mrs Irish, Mr Baker, Mr Oram and Mrs Adolphe had an amazing time on their overnight stay at The Brig House in Atherstone. Surrounded by flushing green meadows, the girls and boys of year four ran through fields, climbs trees and built dens during their 24 hour stay. A great time was had by all!

March 27, 2018

After winning the district athletics title late in 2017, HBSDA went on to compete in the city finals on Wednesday. With a squad bursting with talent, the 21 boys and girls put on a show to run, jump and throw their way to an impressive fourth place finish in their first ever time on the city-wide stage!

March 27, 2018

In their first ever season as a team and with many of the girls playing football for the first time ever, the HBSDA girls' team finished as runners-up in the Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA league. Over the course of several months, this group of hard workings, talented footballers finished the season with a great record of played 10, won 8, drew 1 and lost 1. What a team!

March 28, 2018

Never one to follow the crowd, Harper Bell held it's own book day today, weeks after the world warmed up for us with World Book Day! Drama, competitions, fancy dress and art linked to books formed the basis of what was a great day! 

March 23, 2018

Today saw reception visit the National Sealife Centre as part of their work on pirates and sea life. The excited boys and girls got to meet lots of different sea-creatures, including a "lazy turtle who did nothing but sleep"! The whole class had an amazing day and can't wait to learn more about the magical world of the ocean!

March 22, 2018

At the half-way stage of the Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA season, the Harper Bell football team are sitting pretty in third place with a 100% record following an impressive 3-0 victory over title rivals Lea Forest Academy. Despite missing their number 1 keeper through illness, the team also managed to keep an impressive clean sheet, to make it seven shutouts from eight games! Well done team! Keep it up!

March 21, 2018

In our first ever competitive table tennis tournament, the boys and girls of the Harper Bell table tennis team put up a valiant battle but unfortunately they could not match the skill of their Clifton counterparts. In an entertaining battle, Clifton won by some distance, although we look forward to a rematch during the summer once we have practised a bit more!

March 15, 2018

With four wins from their opening four games of the Erdington and Saltyley Primary Schools' FA league, the Harper Bell football team kept up their hot form by picking up a pair of wins to make it six from six! Goals from Keith and Micah earned the team a great win over previously unbeaten Brownmead Academy, while another Keith finish and a Jonan strike all all three points against Corpus Christi. 

March 15, 2018

As part of their literacy learning, year 5 created inventions and pitched their ideas to the Harper Bell Dragons! The inventions were creative, imaginative and if produced, would make all of our lives much easier! Each sales pitch was articulate and well thought out. The children should be incredibly proud of their efforts!

March 09, 2018

Today we became recording artists after creating our own alum of 15 timeless classics sung in perfect harmony! With the whole school in fine voice, the record producer was blown away by the talent and professionalism of our pupils! We can't wait for the final version of the album to hit the shelves!

March 08, 2018

Reception visited Gracewell Care Home in Edgbaston to work alongside the elderly residents and create some spectacular arts and crafts. Linked to the work that they've been doing in class about Space, our youngest pupils were amazing as they worked, joked and sang with the members of the Gracewell community. They made such a spectacular impression that they've been invited back whenever they want!  

February 23, 2018

During half-term, Liberty continued to lead the Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' District with distinction, captaining the side to victory in the Birmingham Primary Schools' FA Futsal Championship. With 7 victories from their 7 games, the girls lifted this prestigious title for the first time in their history and Liberty was central to this amazing achievement! 

February 18, 2018

With the sound of 20 Harper Bell pupils cheering, shouting and screaming his name, Coach Julian jumped a mammoth season's best to claim silver in the British Athletics Indoor Championships. All of those fortunate enough to be present for this amazing achievement were left inspired and in awe of their teacher, coach and hero. Well done Julian from all at Harper Bell!

February 08, 2018

On Thursday 8th Febuary Harper Bell pupils competed against Somerville Primary School in a handball tournament. This wasn’t our first time playing against them, having previously beat them at hockey. With the home turf advantage, we were split up into three different teams.  We won six games comprehensively, losing only one! Due to our special weapon Norayza and a great effort by all players, we won the tournament in style!

By Matthias Parchment and Brooklyn Ofori-Yentumi 

February 07, 2018

On Wednesday 7th February, the Harper Bell girls’ football team travelled to Power League in Yardley to play our final round of league fixtures. In our first game we won a tight encounter against Nechells Primary School, with Liberty scoring a hat trick on the way to a 3-1 victory. In our second game we put on a great performance and show to beat previously unbeaten Hillstone 6-2.

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After our ten league games we are top of the league with eight wins, one draw and only one defeat! Some schools still have games to play but hopefully they will lose and we will win the league!

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By Liberty Walker

February 05, 2018

As part of their unit titled 'Our Community', Reception visited our local Hindu temple to learn all about the Hindu religion and its traditions. We were welcomed with open arms and made to feel incredibly special by our Highgate hosts. It was a great educational experience!

January 28, 2018

As part of our commitment to sport and the wider curriculum, 20 children attended the finals of Britain's professional basketball league. Along with 15,000 other spectators, we were wowed by the supreme skills of the Cheshire and Worcester players! For all of us, this was our first experience of a live basketball match and one that we will never forget! 

December 21, 2017

In true Harper Bell style, both KS1 and KS2 put on the most spectacular shows that left every member of the audience in awe of their talents! The theme for both productions was the true meaning of Christmas - a celebration of thanks for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Through drama, song, dance and music, our astounding pupils brought the house down! A special thank you to all of the teachers for their hard work but especially to Mr Baker who was the mastermind behind both stunning shows! 

December 21, 2017

As the captain of the Erdington and Saltley district football team, Liberty has started to build up quite the medal collection! On Thursday she added another trophy and medal to her bulging collection when the district team lifted the Eniola Aluko Shield, named in honour of the greatest female player to ever play Birmingham primary schools' football. Just like the England and Chelsea ace Eniola, Liberty found the back of the net on a number of occasions as the girls lifted their second title of the year! Well done Liberty!  

December 21, 2017

Reception pupils and their parents got into the festive spirit by making lots of sugary and tasty treats. Lots of parents descended onto the reception classroom before rolling their sleeves up and diving headfirst into the cooking class. Great fun was had by all even if dinner was ruined! Thank you to all of the parents who attended this great afternoon!

December 22, 2017

After another term where our wonderful pupils have shown Love, Learning and Laughter in a countless number of ways, it was Emmanuel who were crowned House champions for the half-term. Finishing on 21 points, they pipped Christ's who were on 18 points, while King's came third and Trinity fourth. Today the members of Emmanuel were rewarded with a party and a bouncy castle! The big question is, can they stay at the top during spring term?

December 21, 2017

As part of a feature on some of the most improved schools in the Second City, the Birmingham Mail has reported on the wonderful achievements and progress made by the pupils, staff and parents of Harper Bell! Their report celebrates everything that made 2017 such a special year, ranging from the improvements in academic standards to singing for royalty! Thank you to everyone who helped make 2017 so special and here's to an even better 2018!

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http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/special-features/harper-bell-celebrating-successful-2017-14068347

December 19, 2017

A small problem like the kitchen being far from fully functional due to an electrical fault was never going to stop our amazing kitchen staff from putting on a Christmas dinner to remember for our children. Dressed in their best party clothes, around 200 children shared dinner in what was once our dining room, having been transformed into a festive wonderland. With Christmas carols echoing around the room, party hats adorned and spirits high, a brilliant afternoon was had by all! Thank you to our amazing kitchen team for their tireless effort, love and attention. 

December 18, 2017

After visiting Gracewell Care Home a little over a week ago, the Harper Bell choir, expertly led by Mr Baker, visited their second care home to bring a little festive cheer into the lives of the residents. Singing classics such as Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Away in a Manger, the tuneful eleven pupils helped put a smile on the faces of Clare Court's elderly residents. The staff of the Winson Green home were incredibly complimentary about the behaviour of our wonderful singers too! Well done all! 

December 13, 2017

Despite Mother Nature's best efforts to throw Harper Bell into a state of frozen chaos, it was unable to defeat the Herculean efforts of Mr Blake. Thanks to his tireless work and effort, the school re-opened on Wednesday 13th December, while all were kept safe from harm. Thank you Mr Blake! 

December 13, 2017

On Sunday 28th January, 20 children and 6 members of staff will visit the National Indoor Arena to watch the finals of the British Basketball League. This exciting opportunity is open to all children in year 5 and 6 and compliments our PE curriculum as both classes have been playing basketball, both in lessons and competitively against other schools. 

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Please complete and return the letter that will be sent home on Thursday 14th December if you would like your son or daughter to attend this trip. 

December 06, 2017

In only their third evening of competitive football this season, the girls' football team led by their captain Liberty, demonstrated the huge improvements they've made since the start of the year by winning all four of their Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA league fixtures this evening. Seventeen goals for and only one conceded was just reward for their excellent effort and commitment. Considering the fact that some of the team had not played football before last month, their progress is phenomenal! Well done girls!

January 01, 2020

The Harper Bell hockey team travelled to KE Sheldon today to compete in the Clifton Sports Partnership hockey tournament knowing that a win would see them lift the regional title and also qualify for the city-wide finals in February 2018. Just like the athletics team before them and the basketball team before the athletics team, the hockey team returned home victorious! Played four. Won four. No goals conceded. 15 goals scored. 

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A great day at the office!

January 01, 2020

The school choir entertained the residents of Gracewell Care Home in Edgbaston, serenading them with classic carols such as Away in a Manger, Silent Night and O Little Town of Bethlehem. The residents loved our visit, complimenting our pupils on their singing talents, manners and cheerful persona. So impressed were they, that we have been invited back again in the near future!

December 01, 2017

Another week, another group of deserving pupils were treated to sugary, mouth-watering treats thanks to their amazing attitude and effort throughout the week. Mr Oram treated them to a huge slice of creamy cake and large cup of sweet hot chocolate as a way of saying thank you. 

November 30, 2017

In conditions even colder than Wednesday evening, the year 5/6 football team travelled the short distance to Regents Park to take on the Bordsley Green school. In an end to end encounter the HBSDA side soon found themselves three goals behind, only to rally brilliantly and race into a 5-3 lead. After that the game swung from one direction to the next, before we found ourselves 9-7 down with two minutes left on the clock. A stunning late fightback meant it was 9-9 with 30 seconds remaining as the HBSDA team watched on in disbelief as Okeim's long range thunderous shot bounced off the crossbar with victory in sight. 

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What a game! 

November 29, 2017

In bitterly cold conditions the Year 3/4 football team made their season debut in the annual Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools' FA competition. In their first game they scored 3 goals against Rosary RC Primary School, only to unfortunately concede 4 at the other end. In their next two games they suffered defeats against Timberly and Audley. Overall the results might not have gone our way but the spirit and effort made the evening something to be proud of!

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November 28, 2017

The amazingly talented sporting superstars of Harper Bell have lifted their second title of the season after being crowned Sports Hall Athletics champions for the Clifton Sports Partnership. With 19 boys and girls competing against lots of other schools, it was the Harper Bell stars who ran, jumped and threw their way to glory! They will now move on the the city finals in February 2018. Well done you stars!

November 24, 2017

Another group of amazing pupils shared sugary treats of hot chocolate and chocolate fudge cake with Mr Oram in celebration of their outstanding behaviour. This tasty behaviour incentive is proving a huge hit with all children (and Mr Oram!). 

November 23, 2017

The pupils of Reception have been having great fun exploring the woods in search of bears! They have also been busy making dens, searching for treasure and cooking up tasty delights! All of Reception are loving forest schools!

November 23, 2017

The Harper Bell netball team made it two wins from two after an outstanding display of teamwork, skill and determination. After racing into an early lead against a very talented Clifton Primary team, the Harper Bell sharp-shooters never looked back. Captain Norayza might have scored all 18 of our points but a huge amount of credit must go to the whole team for an outstanding performance that was a joy to watch. 

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Team: Norayza, Nabila, Afruika, Liberty, Le'Jae, Okeim, Micah, Matthias and Raegan