I think it might be: Hilda Annersley, Headmistress by Lesley Green
Answer:
Flourished, vibrant
nurturing, compassionate
Painstakingly, bold
undaunted, cautionary
sorry if some are wrong i tried my best
A because this is the first Christmas that we have not needed to economise
THe children
the parents
the teachers
any guest that the children may like to be present