ADVENT CALENDAR: Day 17

There's a full week ahead before the local schools break up for the Christmas and New Year holidays ... an opportunity to thank all the teaching staff, administrators, cooks, cleaners and caretakers who look after the children and young people all year round.

And at this time of the year, there's some wonderful activities and events taking place, bringing together the generations and making memories.

We hope that everyone working in education enjoys a fantastic and well-earned break and that the schools and the staff receive the support in the future they thoroughly deserve.