Wild Elf on the Shelf pranks at college depart pupils and oldsters in stitches
The Elf on the Shelf Christmas tradition has made an everlasting impact once again, and continues to unite an entire community, with students urged to continue the “elaborate” six-year-long antics
Amble Link Primary School surely take the crown for the best use of the popular Christmas trend ‘Elf on the Shelf’, with students and teachers alike getting involved.
Since 2019, the school based in Northumberland have continued cheeky tricks which see the famous elves placed in unusual but hilarious locations, making for an excellent tradition for the kids to look forward to year on year.
To give some background to exactly what is done, here is a brick wall built up of elves across the school’s main entrance, which makes for brilliant viewing, proving the Christmas spirit is well and truly alive at Amble Link.
Another excellent use of imagination from the school saw the elves trapped in concrete, while another few cheeky chaps were spotted toppling over a lamppost.
It’s certainly brought a unique approach to celebrating the festive cheer, and Amble Link’s Headteacher, Paul Heeley, is a big fan.
“The stunts have become quite elaborate and involve the whole community,” Heeley said. “When the wall was built blocking the school entrance it was done before the children arrived for breakfast club at 7.30am.
“It all had to be removed by the time lessons started at 9am so it took some effort,” he said.
Heeley says that since the trend began six years ago, the Northumberland school has developed “quite a following” and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
It’s “following” is quite an understatement, as now whenever the institution gets mentioned, people suggest ‘is that the school with the elves?’.
The clear victim of this hilarious ritual is Heeley himself, with the headteacher stating, “Most of the pranks are targeted at me. My office has been filled with balls, my car has been covered in foam. “Over the years, local businesses have got involved as well as the council and emergency services, all in their own time.”
With the festive term drawing to a close, this hasn’t stopped the elf encouragement, as students are being urged to set up “elf traps”.
Despite the Elf trend starting 20 years ago, courtesy of author Carol Aebersold and her daughter, it’s clear that their own legacy continues to rise in popularity.
Not only are they light-hearted pranks, but the school has also gained their own charity from the images that have taken Facebook by storm.
Mr Heeley added: “It’s a tradition which has really grown, and many people have been kind enough to donate to the school after watching what the elves have been up to.”
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