'There is no such thing as the end when God is present.'

Ollie Y6

Would you believe Friday 20th March 2020 was the day schools closed for the first national lockdown, not many of us would have predicted the sheer scale of this pandemic and the struggles that lay ahead. We have come through things as individuals and collectively that we never could have imagined we would have to face. 

As we come to the end of this most remarkable and challenging academic year, I also wanted to take the time to express my deepest sense of gratitude for everything you have done to support Saint Ambrose School. Thank you for your patience and understanding; your generosity of spirit and your kind supportive words; words which have meant so much to staff and myself throughout this pandemic. You have all been amazing and I still don’t know how you managed to juggle remote learning, working from home, keeping your family safe and well, and the day-to-day pressures and struggles of life.

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank staff for their dedication and commitment. Throughout this period, they have worked on the basis of ‘what they can do’, rather than ‘what they can’t do’. Where challenges and barriers have arisen, they have worked together to overcome these. Every day they have tried their very best to do what is right for the children.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the children themselves. Their love for their school has really shone through. We know they are all on their own personal COVID-19 journey; some children are missing the time they had at home with their parents, while others are delighted to be back in the classroom. No matter where they are on their journey, they are all simply amazing - full of gifts and talents and wonderful futures lie ahead of them.

We wish all the Year 6 children the very best of luck and happiness as they move on to the next stage of their education, they will be very much missed. Thank you children for being such wonderful role models to our younger children and also for being such a lovely class to teach.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday 6th September, enjoy the summer.

Finally, I recently read this short reflection which seemed particularly appropriate for the year we have all been through:

I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to learn to solve.
I asked for prosperity and God gave me a brain and brawn to work.
I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.
I asked for love and God gave me people to help.
I asked for favours and God gave me opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted.
I received everything I needed.

The Emmaus Directors have agreed for the Autumn Term that children can wear P.E. Kit on P.E. days. If your son or daughter needs new kit please buy BLACK trainers, black leggings or black track suit bottoms (not branded if possible), see P.E. uniform guide below. PLEASE NOTE: P.E. HOODIES CAN ONLY BE WORN ON P.E. DAYS.

• Black shorts, black leggings, black track suit bottoms 
• Maroon round neck T-shirt with embroidered badge
• P.E pumps or black trainers
• Bag to hold pumps, T-shirt and shorts.

Year 6 (September 2021) children will be leading the Family Mass on Sunday 19th September at 11 am to mark the start of their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in December 2021.

Father Lamb extends a warm welcome to all families to continue to attend Mass over the summer. Please click on the link below which will take you to the Parish website where you can view newsletters and get information on Mass times.

We would like to extend a big thank you to TAPP and the Teapot Time group for the Summer Fun afternoons and for organising the ice-cream van for the children. A particular thank you to Mrs Strong and Mrs Rutter for their continual hard work to bring fun and normality into school for our children.

Please follow the link below to access this week's Wednesday Word.

 Please bring both indoor and outdoor footwear, packed lunch, drinks and waterproof clothing. Due to the restrictions all courses will be outdoors, in the event of adverse weather conditions, we may have to cancel. 

To book a place email harrierscommunity@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01562 863821. Please leave the child’s name, age, school year, any medical conditions, an emergency contact and which course you want to attend. Payment details will be sent with confirmation of booking.

For ideas, vouchers and and inspiration on how to keep your children occupied and active over the summer please click on the link below.

Carol Vorderman’s website The Maths Factor is usually a paid for subscription website but she is opening it up for free for 6 weeks over the summer holidays. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to boost their maths confidence.

Kind Regards,

Mrs Brocklesby