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

Friday 6th October 2023

At the beginning of the week a selection of Year 5 and 6 children represented Saint Ambrose when they attended the training for Play Leaders.  They learnt how to organise, teach and lead a variety of different games for a variety of different ages.  It was lovely to see this in action on the playground at lunchtime as the children played bat and ball games and 'What's the time Mr Wolf'.  Over the coming weeks we will be developing the role of Play Leader in school. 

On Wednesday afternoon we welcomed of variety of different breeds of dog, a rabbit, a tortoise and an African snail to school for the blessing of the animals service.  This was my first encounter of this service and it was wonderful to see how excited the children were. Thank you to Father Lamb and for all those who were able to attend from the school and parish.  

During assembly on Thursday all classes recited a poem to celebrate National Poetry Day.  This years theme was 'Refuge' and throughout the assembly children respectfully listened to each year group.  All children were clear in voice and worked brilliantly in year group teams to perform either a poem they had learnt or had written. Well done everyone.  Please see below for the list of poems that were performed. 

Today during our INSET day staff met to consider how the Religious Education curriculum could be enhanced by the use of thinking skills activities.  One key area of Religious Education is to understand scripture and how events had an impact on peoples lives. Children should be able to express thoughts, feelings and behaviours of people and the development of empathy is key to this. Staff thought about the units taught and when this would be appropriately planned for. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Here at St Ambrose, at Harvest time, we celebrate and give thanks for the food we have. We think of others who live in poverty and do not have enough food, wherever they live in the world, nearby or far away.

We remember the words of the Gospel:

“I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” John 10:10

On Friday 13^th October we will be celebrating our whole school Harvest Mass in our Parish Church, St Ambrose, at 9:30 a.m. All parents and carers are welcome to attend.

This year’s CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) Harvest Fast Day is going to be launched with a raffle. TAPP have very kindly put a hamper together and raffle tickets will also be on sale throughout the week commencing 9^th October. Raffle Tickets will be at a cost of £1 a ticket and are available via ParentPay. This will be drawn on Friday 13th October.

During the week we will also be collecting food items, which we will donate to Kidderminster Foodbank. We would be very grateful for donations of fresh or tinned/packaged foods to donate. Please send any fresh food items in on Friday 13^th October.  The children will received house points for bringing items in.

Thank you for your support.

The prayers said on Wednesday at the Animal Blessing were about being grateful for:

Our pets, that bring us comfort and unconditional love.

Our vets, that show compassionate to sick and dying animals and

our farmers, who with their animals work tirelessly.

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.

Thank you to those who donated soup and cakes for this event.

The Opening Morning for Hagley RC High School is tomorrow, 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.

On Monday and Wednesday there was a buzz in the school hall where parents, carers and grandparents from Year 5 and 6 found out about the curriculum that their children study and then they had the opportunity to work with the children.  There has been a great response and the children have thoroughly enjoyed showing their English and Maths skills.  

There are still a few curriculum workshops left for the remaining year groups and these sessions will 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