Good afternoon everyone,

During the Homily at Mass on Wednesday, Father Lamb spoke about Saint Thomas Aquinas and told us how he was learned and wise in the way that he made the most of his God-given talents by studying hard so that he could devote his life to supporting others. Father Lamb has inspired us all to make the most of our talents.

We would like to congratulate all the children who received a certificate on Monday for their continued hard work and achievements. A huge thank you goes out to all the parents who have been working so hard with the children to help them achieve their goals and supporting their learning at home. It makes a tremendous difference.

A very big well done to: Edward Martin for winning a medal in a Judo Competition, Megan O'Sullivan for also winning a medal in a Judo competition and Maisie Moran for being awarded a trophy in a dancing competition.

Our School Council met this week to organise a timetable for the play equipment at lunchtime. I think we have some future leaders on the School Council as they have put in place a clear timetable for next week. Well Done Everyone. At the meeting this week Eve in Year 6 was voted in as Chairperson and Adrian in Year 4 was voted in as the Secretary.

This year, as part of our Advent preparations, we have decided to ask the children to help support our idea for a 'reverse advent calendar'. The end result will be a food hamper which we will donate to a food bank in time for Christmas. Look out for a letter which will be sent home with each child on Monday giving full details.

To launch 'Friendship Awareness Week', everyone came to school wearing odd Socks . The slogan this year is 'all different, all equal' and the children have taken part in a range of activities this week to help them be good friends.

Helping others.

Thank you for coming along to the E-safety session led by Mrs Holder. It started with a short presentation in the school hall then parents had the opportunity to support their son or daughter with IT in their classrooms. Thank you for your feedback, I would like to share some of the comments with you: "I found it very useful, some great tips." "It was very informative and the film was very powerful making me stop and think."

Our Family Quiz Night went really well on Thursday evening. We would like to say a big thank you to all of the Holtom family, especially Mr Holtom the Quiz Master, and Megan and Lyndsey from FOSAS for organising the event. Thanks also to everyone who came along to support the event and well done to the '2 TA's, their sidekicks and The Boss' team who won first prize. We hope you had a brilliant night!!!

On Wednesday I joined Year 4 in the prayer room for a prayer service and we spent time reflecting on the story of Jesus, Martha and Mary. Mrs McCormack asked everyone a very thoughtful question," What would we do if Jesus came to visit us?" I was very impressed with the well thought out answers. Well Done Year 4

Don't forget to fill out your 'Where's Wally Reading Around the World' passports given out last half term. Once you have reached a 'checkpoint city' make sure show your class teacher who will give you a reading postcard to detail about the book you have been reading before moving on. There will be a prize drawer at the end of this half term for a lucky winning of a fully completed passport... so get reading! If you can't find your copy or have already finished one please ask your class teacher or the school office for another or we have attached one to our website should you wish to print at home.

Christmas Shopping Online? If you are ordering any items online, please consider ordering via www.thegivingmachine.co.uk to make a free cash donation to a chosen charity. Over 600 popular retailers taking part in the scheme (including Next, Amazon, John Lewis, Tesco, Boots & Homebase) will donate a small percentage of the cost of your order to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. To support this scheme, visit the Giving Machine website and select your charity.

We will be taking part in a sponsored fitness circuit led by an Olympian on Tuesday 5th December, as we want to unleash all the champions at Saint Ambrose's. Miss Ballard has enthused the whole school to take part and raise money for the school, local athletes and the local Kemp hospice. PLEASE RETURN YOUR SPONSORSHIP FORM AND MONEY BY FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER.

To support the Parish Christmas Fete, we will have a non-uniform day on Friday 24th November. We would welcome donations of the following: chocolates from Reception and Key Stage 1 children and a bottle from Key Stage 2 children.

There is currently a Parent Academy Representative vacancy at Saint Ambrose's. The maximum term of office is 4 years. The Academy Parent Representative plays a key part in the life of their school and in turn the Saint Nicholas Owen Multi Academy. Focusing on whole-academy development, representing the views and opinions of parents and working closely with other Representatives of the Academy committee, this role is vital for the success of the Academy. If you would like some further information or an application form, please contact the school office.

Enjoy your weekend!

Mrs Brocklesby

Congratulations to Father Lamb on his dedicated service to the Parish of St. Ambrose's for the last 25 years. Also, the school would like to thank him for all of his help and support during this time.

St Ambrose's

Sunday 11am & 6pm

St Ambrose's

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

Mass will be led by Year 4 on Wednesday 22nd November. All welcome.

The Junior SVP will be hosting a Bingo morning after Year 4 Mass on Wednesday the 22nd November. Please come along to support them. Many thanks.

For anyone whose children are due to start school in September 2018 you must make your application online by 15th January 2018.

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.

Please can you ensure that you fill in and return the flu vaccination forms regardless of whether you would like your child to receive it or not. Many thanks..

Can we please remind you that consent forms, payment and packed lunch requests for the trip need to be handed back to the school no later than Wednesday 22nd November. Thank you.

All classes have been given login's for 'Oxford Owl', a website where they can read books online for free.

Please encourage your child to use this resource to read a wide range of books at home.