Our Catholic Mission: 'We do our best by following Jesus.'

Executive Head: Mrs E Brocklesby

Head of School: Mrs S Laskey

email: enquiry_amb@emmasumac.com

Contact number: 01562 823568

Our Catholic Mission: 'We do our best by following Jesus.'

Friday 15th December 2023

The Christmas term is always so busy, but also a real joy. It is always so beautiful to spend this time of year in the company of youngsters; with the building excitement and looming gifts from Santa, tinsel hanging from their hair and Christmas songs ringing out. I truly do love it. However, as an adult we also know that this can be a really difficult time for individuals and families, for a whole host of reasons. This is when a community must (and should) come together to support each other. If you are finding anything difficult at this time; please reach out—to school. Remember that we are here to help all families, and if I can help in any way please do not hesitate to contact me. 

It has been wonderful to welcome the nursery children into our school this term. We have had a great start with a very positive attitude to school life being  demonstrated by all children. This was evident at the Pre-School Nativity this week. The children were amazing and I was so impressed by everyone, thank you to the staff for preparing our children so well. The great start is also down to the hard work and dedication of the staff who are leaving next Friday. I know you will want to join everyone at Saint Ambrose by saying a massive thank you to Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Hunt and Mrs Cotgrave, please keep in touch with us. On Tuesday all pre-school children will receive a letter introducing you to the new staff.

Dear Parents/Carer

There is a lovely buzz in school at the moment as we hear the children practising their singing for the Christmas production and carol concert next week and the school has become very Christmassy with all the decorations. As we enter the third week of Advent this Sunday we are reminded of the joy that is rooted in our faith.  The third week of Advent is called ‘Gaudete Sunday’ which means rejoice.  The lighting of the pink candle encourages us to pause and reflect on the first half of the season, as well as looking ahead to the last week.

During the past two weeks the children have had the opportunity to go to Milton Hall for the Christmas Tree Festival.  The children all contributed to St Ambrose’s Christmas trees with bee decorations (KS1) and class saint’s decorations (KS2). The children thoroughly enjoyed this experience and had the opportunity to ask questions about the church and its importance to the Baptist community in Kidderminster.  When Year One visited they said seeing the Christmas trees and being in the church was ‘exciting, brilliant, joyful, amazing, relaxing and peaceful’.  Huge thanks to Mrs. Strong for supporting the organization of it and welcoming us, and to Mrs. Strong (senior) who bought refreshments for the children and to the number of volunteers who gave their time in making this a special Christmas memory for the children at St Ambrose.  If you wish to visit the festival as a family, it is open on Saturday 16^th December from 3p.m. to 6pm.

On Wednesday, Year Three had their class Mass.  Father Lamb and a number of parishioners commented on their excellent behaviour and how clear the readers were when reading the scripture and bidding prayers.  Well done to Year Three.  During the homily Father Lamb explained to the children about the Christmas tree that needed some decorations to be made. He has asked all the children in school to make a Christmas decoration and has asked for families to attend the Christmas Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve at 5p.m. During the Mass there will be an opportunity for the children to decorate the Christmas tree with their decorations. This was a huge success last year and we look forward to seeing many families there to celebrate the Christmas Mass. As Father Lamb explained, decorating the Christmas tree would be our gift to Jesus and being part of the parish.

Yesterday afternoon I had the delight of going to visit Year Six at Pioneer where they have spent the last three days on their adventure residential.  All the children and staff were having a fabulous time and were eager to share their experiences with me.  I was immensely proud of how many children talked about facing challenges but also, they were eager to tell me about how their friends had overcome fears of the zipwire, climbing wall and high ropes.  The children also explained how the food was very tasty, especially the Christmas dinner with pigs in blankets and homemade stuffing! It was a true Christmas celebration with crackers to pull and a disco to finish the evening off. I’m sure Year Six parents will hear all about it on the return and fingers crossed they will sleep well for you tonight. Thank you to the children for representing St. Ambrose so well and to the staff for organising the trip and supported the children throughout.

Today all the children and staff came to school wearing their Christmas jumper in support of the charity Winston's Wish.  Thank you to all those who have made a donation and if you wish to do so over the weekend then Parent Pay is set up to receive this.  The wearing of jumpers added to our Santa Dash today as the children took part in a daily mile. Well done all.

Have a lovely weekend

Mrs. Laskey

We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who purchased a class raffle ticket to win a Christmas knitted toy. We have raised an amazing £163.

Thank you for your continued support.

SCHOOL CHRISTMAS DINNER

If you would like your child to have a Christmas dinner on Thursday 21st of December, you must order this through the School Food United website/app. This will be the only meal option on this day. Kind regards.

!!! COMPETITION TIME !!!

Please see the poster for details on how to be in with the chance of winning a £100 Love2Shop voucher when you order your child's meal on School Food United!!

Teapot Tuesday will be 3-3.20pm

19th Decermber                                                                                    

And returning in the New Year on Tuesday 16^th Jan 

Regular attendance at school means that your child will make the most of their education and improve their chances later on in life. At St Ambrose, good attendance is of high importance and we strive to have at least 96% attendance. Please help us with this target. If you need any support, then school is here to help so that your child can get the very best out of the education we provide. 

We will continue sending out regular push notifications about attendance so that you are aware if you child falls below our 96% target and we are working with Louise Howles, our Education Welfare Officer to support us with improvements.

There is a real and growing concern of how many young people find it ok to share inappropriate images online. It is leading to so many becoming vulnerable to potential exploitation, blackmail and harm from a young age, leaving a lasting digital footprint. If you share it, you are involved.

Please see the poster below that serves to reinforce online safety practices and encourages open conversations among parents, caregivers, and colleagues on this sensitive issue. 

The Big Ambition – Have your say!

Please click on the link to view the Christmas Wellbeing newsletter, which is filled with ideas to support the whole family (adults and children) in improving their overall wellbeing, through opportunities that are linked to the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’.

You can also access the newsletter from the PDF link below.

The Bee Hive Club is now open. The Club is based in the Bee Hive which is the nursery building currently.

Opening Times

The Bee Hive Club is open to children between 7.45am – 8.45am & 3.20pm - 6.00pm every school day.

There is a minimum of two qualified members of staff and a ratio of one member of staff to eight children under the age of eight years.

The Bee Hive Admissions Policy

The Bee Hive (Before and After School Club) will admit any child who attends St Ambrose School subject to availability of places, and the admissions criteria below.

The Bee Hive Morning Club will accept up to 20 children on any one day.  The Bee Hive Evening Club will accept up to 20 children on any one day. The club operates a minimum staffing of one adult per eight children under the age of 8 years.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Laskey and Mrs Brocklesby