Date:15th June 2018

Good afternoon everyone,

Children in Year 3 and children from the Parish made their First Holy Communion last Saturday 9th June.

There are a number of people we must thank for their contribution in helping us make it to a special day.

Thanks to Father Lamb for conducting the ceremony and leading all the preparation meetings with Miss Ballard, Joel Douglas, Marie Hesketh, Charles and Danuta. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff from Saint Ambrose Primary School that came in to set up the Parish Centre. Thanks to our families and friends that have supported us in preparation for this day. A big thank you to Miriam Cunliffe for providing her excellent photography services to help us capture this special day. There have been so many people that worked hard to make sure all ran smoothly and it would be impossible to name everyone that has helped.

It was also wonderful to receive such positive feedback from parents who expressed their thanks to staff.

YEAR 6 MASS

I would like to share with you the feedback I received from Father Lamb this week after Mass.

Father Lamb said," This is one of the most intensely moving school Masses I can remember, and I am very grateful to everyone who took part. I am sure everyone marvelled at the readings. The whole class remained consistently engaged and followed everything with interest and understanding. I left the Altar absolutely elated."

What wonderful feedback Year 6 - Well Done!

YEAR 6 TRIP

On Tuesday, the mighty Year Sixes faced the Young Citizens Challenge at Stourport Sports Club, where several schools throughout the Wyre Forest were challenged with a variety of crises which could happen during their High School life...

These challenges included staying safe near water, crossing the road, on and around nature reserves; children were also tested on how to behave in the event of a fire and learned vital first aid as well as lots of other useful life skills.

RECEPTION ASSEMBLY

Reception have been working hard over the last few weeks towards their assembly. Their dedication and effort paid off as they wowed parents with a 'fantastic' performance. Well done Reception, you have done yourselves and your parents very proud!

RECEPTION'S FAIRYTALE TOPIC

At lunchtime, Reception children celebrated the end of their Fairytale topic by having marshmallows on the fire pit in our woodland area which they thoroughly enjoyed.

ATTENDANCE

Year Group This Week This Term This Year
Whole School 96.2% 95.9% 95.3%
Reception 94.3% 95.6% 94.1%
Year 1 96.0% 96.1% 95.4%
Year 2 97.8% 97.0% 96.2%
Year 3 93.6% 93.6% 94.7%
Year 4 98.6% 96.0% 95.4%
Year 5 96.0% 96.1% 95.8%
Year 6 97.2% 96.8% 95.5%

Well Done Year 4!!

PARENT'S AND FRIEND ASSOCIATION

We are holding our school summer fete on Sunday 1st July after Mass at 12pm, please keep the date free as every class will be dancing at the fete.

Every class is learning a dance from a different decade, and they will be performing their dance in the playground on Sunday 1st July 2018, at the School Fete.

The dance performances will begin at about 12.30pm, and the running order will be as follows:

PLEASE CHECK THE RUNNING ORDER AS WE HAVE MADE A CHANGE

2010s - Reception

2000s - Year 6

1990s - Year 4

1980s - Year 2

1970s - Year 1

1960s - Year 5

1950s - Year 3

Your class teacher will let you know closer to the time about what children need to wear for their performance.

If you have any unwanted gifts at home or know of a business that would like to donate towards our raffle we would be truly grateful. Also, if you have unwanted bottles of drink or teddies for our tombola and if any Mums, Dads, Nans or Grandads that bake could donate some homemade cakes these will also be gratefully received.

We are short of helpers and would really appreciate parents' or grandparents' help on the day. Please let the office know if you are able to help.

PFA FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Cakes, biscuits and goodies for the tombola (tins, packets of food, sweets, toiletries, bottle of wine etc - good quality, in-date items only please)

Guess the number of jellybeans in the jar. Tickets are 50p for one and three for a £1 and will be sold after school by the year six children.

Name the Gorilla. Tickets are £1 and are sold after school by Charlotte Strong and Clare Rutter.

Cakes available to buy after school today.

Keep up to date with all PFA events by visiting their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StAmbrosePTA/

AFTERNOON TEA

Today Miss Brewer was joined by six children for afternoon tea and I was so pleased that they were chosen for demonstrating the virtues 'Grateful and Generous'.

STAR ASSEMBLY

Well Done to everyone who received a certificate this week.

The next Star Assembly is Monday 18th June.

WARM WEATHER

The children have really enjoyed the sunny weather over the last few weeks. Please note, we are unable to apply sun cream to children during the day. We would therefore recommend you apply plenty of sun cream before they leave for school. Can we also recommend children bring a sun hat - please ensure their name is clearly written inside. Thank you.

VIOLIN LESSONS

Our violinists were able to enjoy an outside violin lesson in the Prayer Garden with Mrs Howles. Please see the photo below:

TOWN HALL CONCERT

We will be having a spectacular evening of music at Kidderminster Town Hall on Wednesday 11th July at 6:45pm where our choir, bell plates, clarinetists and all of our talented musicians will be performing. Tickets will be available from the school office at £5 an adult and £1 per child. Further details will be sent out after half term.

MUSIC LESSONS

Could we ask all parents to return the music interest slip as soon as possible so that we can set the correct service level agreement and price for next year. Even if this is just to give notice that your child does not wish to continue next year.

BUILDING FUND

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the building fund, these contributions are vital to help the Academy Committee of the school raise the funds they need to maintain and develop the school building so that our young people - your children - can continue to be educated in good and improving surroundings.

HELP US WIN £5000 FOR OUR LIBRARY

Our school needs you! Help us win £5,000 of National Book Tokens for the school library - and get £100 for yourself! Just enter the competition online, it only takes a minute: http://po.st/schools18

TEACH MEET

St Ambrose School will be hosting a Teach Meet event for local schools and schools in the Saint Nicholas Owen Multi-Academy Company on Thursday 13th September from 4.30pm-6.30pm.

Our event entitled 'Communication is the key' will look at the importance of effective communication in schools.

On arrival teachers will have the opportunity to sample food from different countries to celebrate food from around the world. At the event we would like to celebrate the cultures in our community, so if you would be prepared to cook a traditional dish from a country of your choice please see a member of staff.

PRAYER SESSIONS

We were delighted that some parents were able to join us for our end of the school day collective worship in Year 1 yesterday and in Year 5 today at 2.50pm.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Enjoy your weekend!

Mrs Brocklesby

HOUSE HOUSEPOINTS TOTAL
Ashley 2434
Leveson 1804
Oldcorne 2583
Wall 1738
Club Year Group Day Time
Multi-Sports Club Year 1-4 Monday 3.10 - 4.10pm
Rounders Club KS2 Tuesday 3.10 - 4.10pm
Choir KS2 Thursday 3.10 - 4pm
Bell Plates KS2 Friday 3.10 - 4pm
YEAR GROUP MESSAGE
WHOLE SCHOOL CAN WE PLEASE ASK YOU TO BE EXTRA VIGILANT IN CHECKING AND TREATING YOUR CHILD'S HAIR FOR HEAD LICE. IF LICE ARE SPOTTED IN YOUR CHILD'S HAIR YOU WILL BE CONTACTED TO COLLECT THEM FROM SCHOOL TO TREAT THEM.
CAN WE KINDLY ASK THAT WHEN MAKING PAYMENT TO SCHOOL YOU PUT THE MONEY INTO AN ENVELOPE CLEARLY LABELLED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME AND YEAR GROUP AND WHERE POSSIBLE TO BRING IN THE EXACT CHANGE. THIS PREVENTS ANY DISCREPANCIES. THANK YOU.
CAN YOU PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD'S P.E. KIT IS IN SCHOOL EVERY DAY AS WE HAVE LOTS OF ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE SUMMER TERM. CAN YOU ALSO CHECK THAT YOUR CHILD'S TRAINERS/PUMPS FIT CORRECTLY.
If your child has school dinners please can we ask that you make meal choices and bring payment in no later than the Wednesday of the week before.
Please can we remind you that the Summer Uniform is a yellow summer dress with white socks, not grey.
RECEPTION Please bring in your child's consent forms and money for the Bishopwood trip.
Please keep sending in your child's WOW vouchers to celebrate anything positive that they do at home and also please read with your child 5 times a week.
YEAR 1 Please ensure that children's earrings are removed or taped up on Tuesdays for our PE lessons. Thank you.
Please ensure children read at least 5 times each week as this is part of their homework.
Spelling homework will resume next week and purple books will be sent home.
Please check the weather for our trip to Warwick Castle on Wednesday and ensure your child has appropriate sun protection or rainproof jackets, (or both). Thank you.
Many thanks for your support and extra help with phonics homework during the past month or so. It is very much appreciated.
YEAR 2 Letters for the trip to Wyre Forest have gone out - please could all forms and money be returned to the office as soon as possible.
Please can children check and complete their Education City homework.
YEAR 3 Please ensure that you are encouraging your child to read 5 times a week and to also practice their spellings and times tables.
Please bring in your child's consent forms and money for the Shrewsbury Museum trip.
YEAR 4 Please encourage your child to complete all homework in their homework books before handing them in and that they have carefully read through their work checking for errors.
There is a clarinet concert on the morning of the 5th July. Please encourage your child to practise at home.
YEAR 5 Please can forms and money for the Pioneer Trip be handed in ASAP.
Please can you ensure children remember goggles with their swimming kits.
Please can homework be completed on Education City.
Please make sure your child has their P.E. kits in school all week.
YEAR 6 If your child wants lunch on the Hagley Transition Day please follow the link on the letter that they had about Transition Day to confirm your child would like a lunch provided.
Please can Hagley Transition Day forms be returned ASAP.

SCHOOL PLACES

We have places available in Reception for 2018, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 & Year 6. If you know of anyone who would be interested please refer them to the school office in the first instance. Many thanks.

PARISH BABY & TODDLER GROUP.

The Parish baby and toddler group is under new management. If you or anyone you know would be interested in going along the sessions are held on a Wednesday from 9-11am. We welcome newborn up to pre-school children and their parents.

Your first session will be free of charge and thereafter will be 80p. This cost includes refreshments for you and your child.

They have an array of toys and activities for you and your child to enjoy and this is also a great opportunity to meet and socilaise with other families.

If you have any enquiries please see the Facebook page 'St Ambrose Toddlers Kidderminster'.

PARISH EVENT - CATHOLIC MEN'S SOCIETY

KIDDERMINSTER FIRE STATION OPEN DAY

MR TEE IN THE PARK

SEVERN ARTS MUSIC LESSONS

SKOOLS OUT VACANCY

Skools Out currently have a vacancy. If you would be interested in applying for the position please either see Monica Preedy or call 07548945125.

The Simply Limitless Wellbeing Centre positioned in a quiet location in Puxton Lane by the River Stour in Kidderminster invites you to join in a whole host of activities that are targeted for your optimum health and wellbeing. A warm welcome is given to all!

Please check here for activities and updates for the Summer break.

HOMEWORK RESOURCES

If you do not have your child's login details for 'Times Tables Rockstars' 'Education City' and/or 'Oxford Owl' please speak to the school office where they will be able to assist you.

Mrs Holder is also running a 'Homework Club' during school hours for anyone having difficulties logging on or completing the homework tasks set online by the teachers.

Please remember to use the following homework resources with your children. They are fun and exciting ways to encourage learning and understanding.

MASS TIMES

Sunday 11am & 6pm

St Ambrose

CONFESSION

Saturday 11:45am - 12:45pm, and by request.

ALTAR SERVERS FOR SUMMER TERM.

CHILDREN'S OUT OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

We would like to celebrate our children's extra cirricular achievements. Please see below the children who have received awards for their amazing abilities.

NAME YEAR GROUP ACHIEVEMENT
Scarlett M-F Reception 3rd place in dance competition.
Isla P Reception Medals from dance competition.
Krystian G Year 1 Football medal for winning his match.
Danny M Year 1 His football team won their tournament and he also got parents player.
Harley V Year 1 Football trophy for top goal scorer.
Luke V Year 4 Football trophy and parents player.

Well done to all of the children for their achievements. If any other children have talents or awards, trophies etc.. please allow them to bring them in for recognition at school.