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

Friday 19th May 2023

Last week everyone enjoyed a wonderful coronation party and all pupils were thrilled to have their photo taken with HRH King Charles III.

There was also an outdoor picnic, traditional games, a bouncy castle and an assault course.

As you can see from the photographs it was a busy fun filled afternoon.

Thank you once again to TAPP and Mrs Wallace for all your hard work.

On Monday, Key Stage Two received a virtual visit from Tom Palmer. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to find out what it is to be an award-winning author and how he got into writing books. Each class had the opportunity to ask him different questions and had a lovely time speaking with him. Tom even gave Y6 some get tips to help them with their SATs writing evidence!

At St Ambrose, teaching our pupils about our faith is very important to us. We have been finding out what our pupils think about their lessons and if there are any things that could make them even better. Here are some of the things pupils had to say:

'A really good RE lesson was when we learnt about the parable of the unforgiving servant because the forgiving part was really nice. I didn't like it when they got arrested because it is sad. I learnt that Jesus forgives all of us even when we have made a really really bad choice. We have to forgive each other.'

'I like it when we put the candles on and Miss Crumpler chooses someone to pick the colour of the candles and explain why they picked that colour. I like it when we say our prayers. I like watching the Bible story videos because it gives us lots of inspiration.'

'Pictures and art help me learn more about God and Jesus. Reading the Bible helps me to learn more about God and Jesus. We watch videos. We say our prayers. We sing songs. Sometimes I work with a learning partner. My teachers also help me. When my teacher uses pink and green in my book this helps me to learn in RE because I know what I have got right and what I have got wrong. Going to Church also helps me to learn in RE.'

'Being quiet. Listening to worship music because worship music is relaxing and it helps me concentrate and learn more about God. I like watching the Bible story videos because it helps me get idea in my head about God and Jesus. Different resources helps me to learn in RE. For example, music helps me because it calming and I can reflect. The Bible helps me to learn because it tells us about God's kindness. When we do drama and act out the Bible story helps me because I can learn more and then write about it.'

'I really like RE and I like when we get to do drawings alongside our written work- this really helps me explain my learning more and makes RE lessons special in Y6.'

'I think we should even more group work. I have always enjoyed RE but I have enjoyed it more this year. Miss Holtom plans some really fun things for us to do.'

'I like that we have to use scripture to help us back up our answers and the discussions we have.'

'I love learning about Jesus because his is a king. I want to be like Jesus. I like learning about God as well because he made this whole world and he made me.'

'I enjoy some reflection time and spending time learning more about Jesus and how I can be like him and follow in his footsteps.'

'I really love my RE lessons. I love Jesus.'

‘Maybe having a few more Bibles so we don’t have to share if we need to do independent work and find out our own scripture references to support our answers’ 

‘The Bibles are a bit untidy so make it difficult to find scripture’ 

In response to this feedback, we have purchased new Bibles for our Key Stage Two classes and they are already being used in lessons! We are really proud of the positive things children have to say about RE lessons and we will continue working hard to provide them with challenging RE lessons that they enjoy.

Next week, we are really excited to be having a super learning day based on the theme: Made in the Image and Likeness of God'. Everyone can come into school wearing clothes that express themselves/their personality and we will be taking part in different planned activities throughout the day. We will even have Hagley band visiting us during the morning to help us with our celebrations!

Reception have had an exciting week because the gingerbread man went missing from our oven! It has been wonderful to see the children so active in their learning. They set up a meeting and made wanted posters to put up around school. Thank you to Paddy and Freddie who made a trap at home to try and catch the Gingerbread Man. And thank you to the whole school for getting actively involved and looking for clues for us. What a week it has been!

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.

We still have places available on the Snakes and Ladders club for our Reception children. If you would like for your child to attend please use ParentPay to sign them up

This half term, we will be focussing on the virtues Curious and Active.

We are growing to be curious about everything; and active in our engagement with the world, changing what we can for the better.

We will celebrate the pupils who have demonstrated these virtues in a special assembly after May Half Term.

Please follow the link below to access this week's Wednesday Word.

Please ensure that your child comes to school in their correct P.E. kit. The P.E. uniform is as follows:

• Black shorts, black leggings, black track suit bottoms (unbranded if possible)
• Maroon round neck T-shirt with embroidered badge
• P.E pumps or black trainer

PLEASE NOTE: P.E. HOODIES CAN ONLY BE WORN ON P.E. DAYS

Children are to come to school wearing their P.E. kit on the day(s) listed above. Thank you.

Please read the following tips to share with your son or daughter about staying safe online:

• Never give out personal information. This includes online people you know as well. Keep them private!
• Never send pictures of yourself because once it’s online, it’s there forever, and it could get into the wrong hands.
• Don’t make friends with people you don’t know. People are not always who they say they are.
• Tell your parents/carers what you’re doing online so they can act fast if there are any issues and can vet whether the website is safe for use
• Leave the website and tell a trusted adult immediately if you see something that concerns you or makes you feel unsafe
• Never show your real name, age or where you live in your username
• Use strong passwords which have a mix of numbers, letters and symbols
• Do not share passwords with others
• Don’t open an attachment unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe
• Don’t let strangers into your video calls. Blur your background so you don’t give away any information about where you are.
• Be careful who you webcam with
• Don’t meet up with someone you’ve only met online
• Be nice online
• Think before your post! This applies to when you send or forward content.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Brocklesby