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

Friday 17th November 2023

Teapot Tuesday will be 3-3.20pm

21^st November

5^th December

19th Decermber                                                                                    

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

Can we please remind you that the school gate opens at 8.40am and closes at 8.50am. Any children coming in after this time must sign in at the school office.

Dear Parents/Carers

The week started with some of the Mini-Vinnies supporting the parish Union of Catholic Mothers (UCM) on Monday afternoon with their chocolate Bingo afternoon.  I’ve heard that they were very clear Bingo callers and the ladies thoroughly enjoyed them being there. Well done to those Mini-Vinnies who took part and thank you for your continued work in our parish community.

This week we have had Multi-faith Week where each year group takes a different focus and the children are given the opportunity to explore, question and learn about the religion for their year group.

Here is some information about what the children have been learning about.

Reception

This week in Reception, we have enjoyed learning about the Hindu festival, Diwali. We have created beautiful Rangoli patterns and created our own Diya lamps to celebrate the festival of light. 

" We have made Diya lamps because its the celebration of light" - Evie 

"We have been celebrating Diwali because it is the festival of light" - Henry

"Fireworks go off because it is the festival of light" - Nathaniel 

Year One

In Year One, the children have been learning about the Church of England.

“King Charles is the head of the Church of England Church.” - Florence

 “We made our own churches.”- Charlotte

 “I drew the Vicar talking to everyone.”- Valeria

 “I drew crosses around the church.” – Noah

 “I drew the stained glass windows with crosses on.”- Sylvie

Year Two

This week during multi-faith week Year Two have been learning about Buddhism. We listened to the Buddhist story of Siddhartha and the Swan. Then we learnt about Buddhist temples and we designed our own Buddhist temple linked to the elements. Finally, we learnt about Buddhist symbols and we designed our own posters.

This is what the children thought:

"I liked learning about the Buddhist temples"

"I learnt that the golden fish symbol means happiness"

"I learnt that the Buddha is caring, loving and compassionate."

Year Three

In Year Three we’ve especially enjoyed learning all about Hindu festivals, and we decorated our own tiles to represent the three main festivals.

Holi:

We drew colourful pictures to represent the festival Holi because it’s the festival of colour. On that day they remember the story of Prahlad who was saved from burning on a bonfire. (Abel)

Navratri:

We drew sticks and swords to represent when the goddess Durgha defeated the demon king. It’s also the festival of night. (Noah)

Diwali:

This is the most important festival for Hindus. It is the Festival of Light. People like candles and leave their doors and windows open for the goddess Lakshma to visit and reward them with wealth. (Nikodem)

Year Four

This week, Year Four have enjoyed exploring Judaism. We have learnt about the key symbols of Judaism.  We all designed and made a Kippah and decorated it with the learnt key symbols. We also learnt about a Synagogue, where Jews worship and what is inside them. We look forward to seeing our work displayed in the corridor. 

Year Five

In Year Five, the children have explored the importance of the 5k's in Sikhism. They understand why Sikh's cherish certain items and what they signify. Year 5 have also looked at the Sikh place of worship which is called a Gurdwara. Children understand what can be found in a Gurdwara.

Year Six

In Year Six, the children have been looking at the Muslim faith this week by exploring the five pillars of Islam, looking in detail at the Hajj and the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

I look forward to seeing the children’s work up on display in the corridors and classrooms.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Laskey 

Following the parents evenings held this week we have emailed a parent questionnaire to all families via Arbor. Year 3 and Y6 will receive theirs next week after their meetings. You are able to access the questionnaire by clicking the following link.

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.

Today your child will come home with a ticket voucher for Kidderminster Harriers that gives free entry to a match to U16's and a reduced ticket price of £12 for adults. Tickets are valid for match games until 30th December.

The Parent Showcase is taking place next Tuesday 21^st November at Wolverley Memorial Hall.

This is an ideal opportunity for parents/carers to find out about support in their local area. 

The Parish Christmas Bazaar will take place after 11am Mass on Sunday 3rd of December. All children and families are warmly invited to attend to help support the Parish. Not only will there be stalls and refreshments, Father Christmas will also be paying a visit too!! Please see the flyer below for more information. 

We are kindly asking for the following donations:

24th November - Bottles

1st December - Cakes and/or Mince Pies

Each class has been given a knitted toy that the teachers will raffle off to their class, to parents or their family members. Each ticket will cost £1 and all donations will go to the Parish towards their Christmas Bazaar total. More information will be given next week.

The things achieved by the children outside of school are incredible.

This week I have heard that Violet laid the 1st Kidderminster Girls’ Brigade wreath along side her dad who is an Army veteran.

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