DATE: Friday 20th November

Good afternoon,

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

REMEMBERING

During the month of November, we remember loved ones who have died and in particular this week we remember Mercy Ballard. Mercy was 101 years old and died at home surrounded by her family on November 13th. She is very important to us as she was our oldest surviving former pupil and I am proud to say she opened our new library.


Eternal rest, grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

COLLECTION TIMES

Thank you to everyone for all your support this week ensuring we arrive at our collection times ensuring we do not have any queues.

Please can I remind you of the collection times below and ask that only one adult collects, children are collected at their allocated time or at their siblings latest collection time. If you are collecting from more than one class at the same time, please collect your youngest child first-THANK YOU.

Reception, Year One, Year 2  Year 3 and Year 4  Year 5 and Year 6
2.45 pm 3pm 3.10pm

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Girls Uniform - Winter Boys Uniform - Winter
Grey Skirt/pinafore/trousers Grey trousers
White shirt and school tie White shirt and school tie
School embroidered maroon jumper/cardigan School embroidered maroon jumper
Flat black shoes - not boots or trainers Flat black shoes - not boots or trainers
Grey tights or socks Grey socks
Girls PE Uniform during COVID-19 Boys PE Uniform during COVID 19
Plain black joggers/leggings Plain black joggers
School embroidered maroon t-shirt and school jumper or school sweatshirt School embroidered maroon t-shirt and school jumper or school sweatshirt
PE pumps or sensible trainers PE pumps or sensible trainers

Thank you, our children have all looked so smart this week. If you are struggling to get hold of any uniform at the moment due to the National Lockdown please contact the school office.

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

 

This week we have considered how our Advent and Christmas liturgies and Christmas celebrations will be organised this year. We would normally welcome parents and extended family and friends into Church or School. COVID-19 restrictions mean this is just not possible this year. We are also not allowed to mix children from different year groups (bubbles). Throughout this COVID-19 period we are working on the basis of 'what we can do' rather than 'what we can't do'.  The Christmas and Advent dates below identify numerous ways we can all as a school community prepare for Christmas together.

CHRISTMAS AND ADVENT DATES

Advent Fundraising Dates

Each class has chosen their own Advent fundraising activity this year and the charity they would like to support.

Reception: 9th December

Sponsored Walk. In Reception, they have decided to do a sponsored 10-lap walk of the playground dressed in Nativity costumes and Christmas jumpers. They would like their family to sponsor them to do this so they can sponsor Harry the Pony at the Good Heart Animal Sanctuary.

Year 1: 8th December

Sponsored Silence. Year 1 are challenging themselves to take part in a 15 minute sponsored silence! They will be asking their family to sponsor them to raise money for NSPCC.

Year 2: 10th December

 

Sponsored Run: Year 2 are going to be taking part in a sponsored run around the playground wearing a Christmas jumper. They would like to support the NHS.

Year 3: 11th December

Crazy Hair and Odd Sock Day. Children in Year 3 have decided to raise money for the Dogs Trust and want to charge a minimum of £2 to be able to join in with this crazy day.

Year 4: 9th December

 

Silly Hat/ Run. Year 4 have chosen to wear silly hats and will be seeing how many laps of the playground they can do in a set time. They want to raise money to support the NSPCC.

Year 5: 9th December

No pencil/pen day. Year 5 have decided on a no pencil/pen day with advent crafts in the afternoon in an attempt to raise enough money for them to sponsor an endangered animal though the WWF.

Year 6: 8th December

Pyjama Day – Football/Basketball Shoot Out. Year 6 have voted to come to school in their pyjamas and want to pay to take part in a Football and Basketball Shoot Out. They want to charge a minimum of £2 to take part in the day.

 

Further Advent Dates

 

2nd December

Virtual Mass Year 3 and Year 2 - 9.15am

3rd December

School Christmas jumper day and filming of 'A Silent Christmas'. Children to come to school wearing a Christmas jumper.

4th December

'Advent Preparation through song' - One Life Music live Advent event - 2.30pm

Week Beg 7th December 

The Third Sunday of Advent (13th December) marks John Paul II's beloved tradition of 'Bambinelli Sunday'. This week children will make their own infant Jesus to be blessed by Father Lamb (virtually). These figurines will go home with children on Friday 11th December to help them prepare for the coming of Jesus.

7th December

Vocations Day in School - Who is God calling us to be?
Virtual Whole School Mass: St Ambrose's Feast Day - 11.15am
Y6 Confirmation Mass - 7pm

9th December

School Christmas Dinner

10th December

CAFOD Advent Assembly

15th December

A Silent Christmas (Whole School)
Video will be share with families at 6pm via website youtube channel

16th December

 

A Silent Christmas (Whole School)
Video will be shared with whole school at 10 am

17th December

Whole School 'Covidella' Pantomime organised by TAPP
Virtual - 1.30pm

18th December

Whole School End of Term Mass11.15am - virtual

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS

This week we have had numerous requests about Christmas cards. We have decided that the children can send Christmas cards but to ensure we are covid safe they can only send cards to children in their own class.

Christmas cards can be sent into school from Monday 30th November.

READING CHALLENGE

On Monday, we launched our Saint Ambrose Lockdown Reading Challenge to continue to promote our love of reading. Everyone has been challenged, over the next three weeks, to read in as many different ways as they can. They have been given a record sheet where the number of minutes they have spent reading is to be logged. The more minutes they spend over the three weeks, the greater their chance of winning a prize! We hope all our children enjoy reading lots of different things and can't wait to hear who the winners are in each class.

You can view the reading record by clicking on the following link:

 

RED WEDNESDAY

On Wednesday 25th November, we will be taking part in Red Wednesday by encouraging everyone to wearing something to red to school. This could be a red t-shirt, a red jumper, red socks or a red hair bobble with their school uniform.

Red Wednesday is an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Catholic charity dedicated to the support of suffering and persecuted Christians. It is a day to gather and draw attention to the plight of those who are persecuted and oppressed for their religious beliefs.

The purpose of Red Wednesday is to join together and raise a strong voice in support of the persecuted who are unable to speak freely, and who look to us - their brothers and sisters in Christ - to speak on their behalf. 

WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN

White Ribbon Day 2020 is Wednesday 25 November.  Each year thousands of people stand up, speak out and say no to violence against women. This year is more important than ever with a significant increase in violence, harassment and abuse towards women during the coronavirus pandemic.  We urgently need to work together to prevent violence and make sure our communities and homes are safe for everyone.

MEGAN SMITH FUNDRAISER

A 25-YEAR-OLD woman from Kidderminster who was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer needs a drug not available on the NHS before she can undergo potentially life-saving surgery. We have been asked to host a fundraising PJ/Mufti day for Megan to help to raise money for her to get the required medication needed.

On Friday 27th November children can come to school wearing sensible warm pyjama's or their own clothes and kindly ask that they bring in a donation of £1 that will go to Megan's charity.

If you would like to donate further you can click on the link below to take you to the regsitered go fund me page for Megan.

OPEN DAYS

We are hosting bookable school tours for children due to start reception in Septemer 2021. 

Please can everyone share this information with family and friends and use the below link should you wish to book a tour.

Currently the tours are postponed until further government guidance regarding national lockdown. However as it stands you will be able to resume booking from 3rd December.

You can also view the flyer by clicking on the PDF link.

CONGRATULATIONS

On Monday 23rd November we will celebrate the hardwork and achievements of our pupils in a virtual celebration assembly. The following children will receive a certificate and bring a photograph home on Monday.

 

Reception Lily-Rose and Andre
Year 1 Daniel P, Olly and Jospeh
Year 2 Max and Joseph
Year 3 Gracey, Emelia, Katie and Scarlet
Year 4 Darius and Nicola 
Year 5 Jayden and Alex
Year 6 Zach and Andre

STAY SAFE

Thank you to everyone for supporting us with all the new necessary changes to keep safe.

Can we remind you that only 1 adult or family bubble enters the school reception area at a time.

 

SCHOOL HOODIES

Hagley Sports are now selling St Ambrose hoodies. You can order them from their website by following the link below.

Embroidered Burgundy Hoodie £13.00 all sizes.  + £2.00 if you would like your child's name embroidered opposite the crest.

Age 5-6 = 28 inch

Age 7-8 = 30 inch

Age 9=11 =32 inch

Age 12-13 = 34 inch

Age 14-15 -36 inch

Small adult =36 inch also

Medium Adult -38/40

Large adult = 42/44

CONFIRMATION

The confirmation class will take place for your child after school on Wednesday. Please arrange to collect your child at 4pm from the playground adhering to social distancing at all times. If you have any questions regarding the Confirmation programme this year please contact the school office and Mrs Brocklesby or Miss Holtom will get back to you.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

As we are unable to hold face to face meetings between teacher and parents we have set up year group email addresses for you to communicate with staff. Please note that emails received after 6pm will be answered the next working day and none over the weekend.

General enquiries: office@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Reception:Reception@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Year 1: year1@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Year 2:year2@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Year 3:year3@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Year 4:year4@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Year 5:year5@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

Year 6:year6@st-ambrose.worcs.sch.uk

MICROSOFT TEAMS

In the event of a school closure any lessons will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We need to ensure that you have successfully downloaded and accessed the app. Please see the flyer below and contact our IT department should you experience any difficulties or you require your login details.

RECEPTION APPLICATIONS 2021

Applications for Reception Class 2021 have now opened and must be completed online by 15 January 2021. We welcome applications from all families of all or no faith. If you know of any families who are presently applying for a school place please encourage them to contact school. Again, if you have any queries regarding applying please do not hesitate to speak to us.

Starting well is an NHS backed support service for families, parents, children and young people across Worcestershire to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. Please click on the PDF link below for more information on the services and support that they provide.

FAMILY LEARNING COURSES

Please see the PDF document regarding short courses/workshops for Nov – Dec 2020 to support families during this latest lockdown for the last part of half term this year. All our Family Learning courses are free for every parent or carer at the moment.

You can also click on the course links below to enrol.

Lockdown Elevenses for any parents/carers feeling lonely or isolated https://rebrand.ly/LockdownElevenses

Christmas Craft Workshop for Parents and Children https://rebrand.ly/ChristmasCraft

New Year Calendar Making Workshop for Parents and Children https://rebrand.ly/CalendarMaking

Fabulous Family Food Workshop for Parents https://rebrand.ly/FabulousFood

KIDS PASS

Please click on the link below to enjoy a 1 month free kids pass.

TEAPOT TIME

Due to the new national restrictions in place, Teapot time will be cancelled until these restrictions are lifted. We will notify you in due course of the next meeting.

MASS

Father Lamb will be saying a virtual Mass for Y5 and Y4 from Church on Wednesday 25th November at 9.15 am. Please join us for Mass by accessing the live stream on the Parish website http://www.stambrosekidderminster.org.uk/

ALLERGY AWARENESS

Please remember that we have children in school who suffer from a severe allergy to all nuts and products containing nuts. Children with this condition may have a serious reaction, which could prove fatal if they come into contact with nuts. Consequently, I would ask that no nuts or related products (e.g. Kinder Bueno, Nutella spreads, peanut butter etc.) are brought into school for your child’s break or packed lunch. Your agreement with this and compliance could prevent a life threatening situation from developing. I am sure you will appreciate the reasons for making this request and trust that you will give it your full co-operation.

Kind regards,

Mrs Brocklesby.

Emmaus CMAC
St Ambrose Catholic Primary School Ofsted
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