Good afternoon everyone,

On Ash Wednesday, Father Lamb reminded us that, we wear ashes to show that we want to turn away from whatever keeps us from God, so that we can live happily with God and each other.

Every year during Lent we support the Good Shepherd Appeal by filling our boxes with any spare pennies, so please send in your box before the end of Lent.

Thank you to FOSAS and to all the parents that donated pancakes and toppings on Tuesday.

It was great to see so many parents and children enjoying pancakes together after school.

Well Done Year One!!!

The next Star Assembly is Tuesday 6th March at 9am.

Well Done to the seven children who joined me for 'afternoon tea' today.

Last night was a wonderful occasion as our children joined their peers from other feeder schools at the Hagley Pyramid Concert, at Birmingham Town Hall. The event was very well supported and everyone present enjoyed hearing the children perform a mix of hymns and rock songs, which had the audience singing along and dancing in their seats! A huge thank you to Mrs Neri, Mrs O'Hara, Miss Ballard and Miss Brewer for taking the children, and to Mr Mallinson (from Hagley) for his enthusiasm, vision and dedication which made it all possible. Thanks also to the many parents who went along to support the children.

We have some wonderful displays emerging throughout the school. Year Two have a display outside of their classroom about what they would like to achieve and upstairs is looking creative also, with some fantastic poetry from Year 4. It is great to see the children take such pride in their work; the quality demonstrates the potential that they show and I know that the teachers are impressed with the children's appetite for learning. Well done to all. We look forward to welcoming you into school over the next half term at the following upcoming events:

The appointment booking system for parent's evening will now be done via 'School Life'. We will open the appointments on Monday 26th February. Please speak to the school office if you do not have, cannot get access to or are having problems with School Life.

All SEN pupils will have recived a letter this week with regards to parents meetings. The booking system for the meetings will also be on 'School Life' and will be open for you to make appointments from Monday 5th March. Again, if you are having any difficulties please contact the school office where they will be able to help you.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU WILL ONLY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE SEN APPOINTMENT AS YOUR CHILD'S CLASS TEACHER WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.

During the month of November, we always have a prayer intention book where families can record the names of deceased loved ones. We are planning to introduce a 'Prayer Intentions' book for other periods in the school year. This will be located in the school reception area and will be available for families to record their prayer intentions, for example: you may wish to offer a prayer for a family member who is ill, a prayer for a significant family celebration or maybe a prayer during a time of worry such as exams. Every Monday morning, when the staff gather at 8:30am for weekly briefing, we will share your intentions and join our prayers with yours.

After half term, on Friday 2nd March, we will be celebrating World Book Day. We are looking forward to seeing the children dress up as one of their favourite characters from a book.

The following week we are excited to have author Edward Trayer, writing under the pen name Billy Bob Buttons, visiting school in the afternoon on Wednesday 7th March. He has written lots of children's books and was the 2014 UK People´s Book Prize Winner. On the day of his visit, children will be able to buy signed copies of his books and further information about this will be sent out shortly.

Then on the 12th-16th March our Scholastic Book Club will be back in school where children will have the opportunity after school to browse and purchase the different books on offer for their collections at home.

We were delighted that some parents were able to join us for our end of the school day collective worship this week. This is now a regular event and all parents, grandparents etc. are most welcome. This is on a Friday, for children in Years 2 and 4 until Easter.

Have you booked a place at the Maths Event on Monday March 5th at 9am or 2.15pm?

All children from Reception to Year 6 will have a Maths Passport to keep in school. This document will accompany your child on their exciting journey through the world of mental maths. This important document shows your child the steps they need to take, as well as the direction they will travel on their learning journey and will track the progress they make as they develop their rapid recall of key number facts. At the meeting Mrs Sherwood will explain how you can support your son or daughter and after the meeting you will have the opportunity to visit classrooms.

It was wonderful to welcome so many Year 3 families to continue their faith journeys, as they start the preparation to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

Yet another half-term has passed us by and it is hard to believe that we are at the half-way mark in our academic year, so I am sure you will agree that everyone deserves a well-earned break. See you all on Monday 26th February ready to start the second half of the spring term.

Kind regards,

Mrs Brocklesby

Mrs LLoyd will be starting her bell plates club again. The sessions will commence after half term once 'Mad Science' has finished. The club will be held on a Friday after school 3.10pm - 4pm. Details will be given out when we return to school after half term.

Please can we kindly ask for any donations of unwanted lego. Many thanks.

After half term, we will be celebrating World Book Day on Friday 2nd March and are looking forward to seeing the children dress up as one of their favourite characters from a book.

The following week we are excited to have author Edward Trayer, writing under the pen name Billy Bob Buttons, visiting school in the afternoon on Wednesday 7th March. He has written lots of children's books and was the 2014 UK People´s Book Prize Winner. On the day of his visit, children will be able to buy signed copies of his books and further information about this will be sent out shortly.

Then on the 12th- 16th March our Scholastic Book Club will be back in school where children will have the opportunity after school to browse and purchase the different books on offer for their collections at home.

Please use the homework resources during half term for your children. They are fun and exciting ways to encourage learning and understanding.

We have places available in 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.

St Ambrose's

Sunday 11am & 6pm

St Ambrose's

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