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

Friday 29th September 2023

It has been another busy week in school where the children have been active in their learning.

At the beginning of the week, I was looking at writing books across the school and it was wonderful to see our writing approach of ‘I’m a Clever Writer’ in place. I also spoke to children about expectations in handwriting and they could share with me the importance of writing clearly and how they achieve a pen licence.  

On Tuesday we welcomed our Reception parents to a Phonics information session and workshop.  Miss Gawthorp said ‘It was a great opportunity for parents to see how their children learn to read and write at Saint Ambrose through the scheme of Read Write Inc. The children thoroughly enjoyed inviting their parents into their classroom and introducing them to Fred the Frog.’

The Reception children thoroughly enjoyed working with their parents and they made some lovely comments,

‘I showed daddy how to write my sounds’

‘They came into our classroom and saw Fred the Frog’

‘He helps us with our phonics’

‘Fred can't Fred a red’

We look forward to welcoming other year group parents/carers into school for the Curriculum Workshops.  Please see below for the future dates.

On Wednesday Year Five attended the Parish Mass together and it was particularly special as it was the feast day of their Class Saint, Saint Vincent de Paul.  Saint Vincent de Paul was a man who dedicated himself to the evangelisation of the poor, the unfortunate and the suffering. Father Lamb shared how impressed he was with the children’s reverence and how beautifully the children read. Well done Year Five. They ended this special day with a piece of cake and a mini party.

After lunchtime on Wednesday Year Six represented Saint Ambrose at the MAC Sport Event at Hagley RC High School.  This was the rescheduled event that was meant to take place during the Summer Term.  They took part in a variety of different sport activities like football, netball, basketball, trampolining and Boccia. They demonstrated great teamwork, resilience and most importantly they had great fun.

Quotes from Y6 children:

'It was a really fun day. I enjoyed playing bench ball in the sports hall'

'It was very competitive playing the other schools because we didn't know how good they were. We came second in bench ball'

'It was really fun. I played in goal and we won five matches'

'Trampolining was fun. I've never done it before and I went up really high'

I met with a representative from TAPP on Thursday and they gave me a good insight into their purpose and what fundraising events take place during the course of the year to support our school.  I look forward to sharing the planned events with you in due course. 

Today Year Five Mini-Vinnies demonstrated true discipleship by supporting the parish group the UCM (Union of Catholic Mothers) who held the Macmillan coffee morning.  They helped to collect empty cups and plates and then washed and dried them. There manners were impeccable and we are very proud of all of the pupils who participated. Thank you Mini-Vinnies.

I wish you all a lovely weekend and just to remind you that school will be closed on Friday 6^th October for an INSET Day.

Lord Jesus Christ,

creator and giver of the light of each day;

we bless you for your generous gifts,

and thank you for the talents you have granted me.

Amen

Congratulations to all of the children above who were elected as House Captain and Vice Captain. We hope you are looking forward to this important role within our school.

Saint Francis of Assisi is a very important saint in the life of the Catholic Church and school.  The children all know that Saint Francis loved and cared for the natural world and the animals within it. On Wednesday 4th October we will celebrate his feast day and to mark the occasion we will hold the annual Blessing of the Animal Service on the school playground at 2.45p.m. This day also brings Pope Francis' Season of Creation to a close. 

I know only to well from having our Labrador dog, Maggie how special having an animal is and how much love they can bring to a family home. We would like to welcome all animals, large and small to this special service.  

You are all invited to a soup and pudding event in the Parish Hall after 11am Mass on Sunday 8th October. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a School and Parish community.

Can we kindly ask for donations any day next week, of soup and non-perishable puddings such as cakes/muffins, individual fruit pies.

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.

Yesterday, Mr. Hodgson the Principal from Hagley RC High School visited Year Six to talk to them about the school and their Open Day on Saturday 7^th October, for which families are welcome to attend. Mrs. Bodlovic said that the children were eager to find out about the school and asked a variety of questions. The Opening Morning is on Saturday 7^th October 2023 at 9a.m. to 12.30p.m. If you would like to attend you can book a personal tour of the school site via the website where you will find a QR code.  There will also be an opportunity to hear from the Principal and staff, try out some of the facilities and discover the wonderful education that is awaiting you and your child as part of the Hagley family. 

Can we remind you that your child's application for High School needs to be completed by 31st October. If you miss the deadline your application will be classed as late and your child may not get their first choice of High School.

We would like to invite you into school to find out about the curriculum your child will be taught this year.  These sessions will also provide you with information about how you can help your child at home.  During the session you will also be given an opportunity to work with your child.

The dates for each year group are below.  Please sign in at the school office as the sessions will take place in the school hall. If you are unable to attend the Powerpoint produced will be available on your child’s class website page and any copies of materials will be sent out to you. 

If you would like a grandparent to attend in your absence that is fine.

PLEASE NOTE

It has been brought to our attention that childcare for younger siblings can sometimes be difficult.

If it is possible to arrange childcare for any younger siblings that would be very much appreciated. 

However, if this proves difficult then there will be some toys and books from Reception in the hall for the younger siblings to play with if needed.

Many thanks for your continued support we look forward to seeing you at the sessions.

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