DATE: FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2019

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

'FOR IT IS IN GIVING THAT WE RECEIVE'

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for blessing us with many good things. Please help us to see the needs of others and to share with anyone in need.

Amen.

MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING:

This morning the Y6 were busy carrying out their first duty as members of the Junior SVP by helping out at the Parish fundraising event. They enjoyed serving cake, washing coffee cups and chatting to parishioners. Thank you to all the parents who supported them in their efforts to help raise money for this worthy cause. Next week they will be preparing to make harvest parcels to deliver to local residents before planning their own Coffee and Bingo morning soon to raise money for their own chosen charity. (Watch this space).

'I really enjoyed the Coffee Morning because I got to talk to others and I served cakes and drinks to them. I also helped with the washing up!'. Josh K

'I liked being a Mini Vinnie. I loved being able to help others by getting them some cake and a drink. I found it good to do the washing up as I am quite good at doing it.' Max C

'I really enjoyed helping out today at the Macmillan Coffee Morning. It was a very good experience; I am very glad I took part to help fight the horrible disease called cancer. Furthermore, I am proud of myself for helping out.' Jacob R

It was good fun and I felt really proud being able to help others. George B

CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY:

We were so proud this week of everyone who was awarded a certificate for their curriculum achievements or discipleship behaviour and attitudes demonstrated in every aspect of school life.

If your son or daughter is selected to receive an award at a Celebration Assembly this year you will receive two invitations from school on a Thursday. The first invitation is a push notification and the second invite is a slip in your son or daughter's book bag.

Please pop into the school office at anytime if you are not receiving the push notifications. 

GOSPEL VALUES AFTERNOON TEA:

This half term the staff and children are growing to be 'Grateful and Generous' in their words and actions. Today seven children came to my office for afternoon tea as a reward for displaying the values Grateful and Generous. The children were; Joseph V, Ruby-May M, Xavier H, Woody P, Katie V, Charlotte R & Millie C.

SAFETY TALKS FROM OUR LOCAL ENGAGEMENT OFFICER:

This week, Catherine Palmer our local Police Engagement Officer spoke to every class in school to enrich the curriculum we provide at Saint Ambrose School. 

The focus was:  Internet Safety with Years 5 and 6

Safety and staying safe with Years 3 and 4

Stranger Danger with Reception, Year 1 and Year 2

Please see the leaflet below that gives advice on cyber saftey for your child.

CHOIR:

On Monday 23rd September the school choir were lucky enough to have Naomi and Geoff from Kidderminster Choral Society, (Kidderminster Young Voices) come and teach them some new songs for a concert we will be performing at in November.

The concert will be to commemorate 50 years of Save the Children and will take place at Kidderminster Town Hall. The choir are very much looking forward to it! 

More details about the concert will follow soon.

Mrs Holder

Date for your diary-the Choir will be singing at the Parish Christmas Fete on Sunday 1st December at approximately 12 o'clock after Mass.

TEAPOT TIME:

Thank you for all your feedback regarding school uniform, it is wonderful to work together on this project. As a result of listening to your advice, I will have some uniform samples to show from a possible new provider at Teapot Time on Tuesday 1st October. If you can't make it and you would like to give your feedback pop into the school office at anytime next week to view the samples.

Mrs Wallace is continuing with her 'Teapot Time'. Please come along from 9-10am for an informal chat and to help form a group that could support you and your children.We look forward to welcoming you. Should you require any further information please see Mrs Wallace for more details.

CURRICULUM:

French Curriculumin Key Stage Two at Saint Ambrose School

All schools teach a foreign language to all children in Key Stage 2. At Saint Ambrose all children in Years 3,4,5 and 6 learn French. Within their lessons they have opportunities to:

  • Listen to spoken French and show understanding by joining in and responding
  • Engage in French conversations, ask and answer questions, express opinions and respond to those of others, and seek clarification and help
  • Read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing
  • Broaden their French vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary
  • Write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, expressing their ideas clearly
  • FRENCH IN YEAR 3:

    Year 3 have loved learning French so far this year!  Miss Ballard is greeted by children saying 'Bonjour Mademoiselle!' most mornings, and they can already count to 29 in French and that is how they do the register every day.

    In lessons, Year 3 have learnt all about France as a country, locating it on a map and finding out where the big cities are, and also what seas and oceans surround the country.  They have learnt how to say hello, goodbye, and how to ask how somebody is.  They can even tell you how they are feeling!

    Next they will be moving on to ask what someone's name is and be able to say colour names. 

    Nous adorons le Français!

    NEXT WEEK WE WILL BE FINDING OUT ABOUT MUSIC IN YEARS 4 AND 5!!

    P.E. CURRICULUM ASTRO TURF:

    Once again thank you to everyone who has planned, supported or attended the fundraising events, YOUR SUPPORT HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE.

    Miss Ballard already has sporting events planned next week on the astro-turf. At lunchtimes next week, all children will be able to participate in basketball, football or cricket led by sports coaches, or our very talented lunchtime supervisors.

    SPORTS EVENTS:

    As part of the Wyre Forest School Sports Partnership children will have lots of opportunities to go on sports trips - there are festivals focusing on participation and also lots of competitive opportunities.

    Children in Years 3-6 have had a letter with permission and emergency consent for the year, please ensure these are returned as promptly as possible as without it your child may not be able to attend these exciting events!

    On Friday 1st October Years 5 and 6 have the chance to go to a cross country competition at King Charles, which we always do extremely well at!  Please keep your eye out for a letter to see if your child has been picked for this event.

    On Friday 18th October Years 3/4 and 5/6 will be going to a tag rugby festival at Kidderminster Carolians RFC, which will have a participation focus and should be extremely fun.  Again, please keep your eye out for a letter to see if your child has been picked for this event.

    Keep your eye out on the newsletter for all our sporting news!

    SPORTS CLUBS:

    We still have spaces left on our after school sports clubs.

    KS2 Multi-sports with Mr Garvey (Tuesdays). You will need to sign up via http://sportsstars.class4kids.co.uk

    KS1 Multi-skills with Mr Carter (Wednesdays) please see the school office for a registration letter.

    We are eager to get the KS2 netball club up and running. Unfortunately, it was cancelled due to lack of numbers. If you would like your child to attend this club please speak to the school office or Miss Ballard.

    Many thanks.

    FUNDRAISING FOR OSCAR:

    This is Oscar. A young boy from Worcester.

    Oscar has T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia which he has been battling for nearly 9 months now.

    Unfortunately Oscar's recent stem cell transplant hasn't cured him meaning he needs further treatment that sadly the NHS won't fund.

    Oscar's parents are pleading for help across the globe to save their childin raising £500.000 to either fund a seciond transplant or to enroll onto Car-T therapy in Singapore.

    We will be holding a mufti day on Thursday 10th October to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. We are asking for a donation of £1 for your child to come to school in their own clothes.

    If you would like to further donate you can do so online by clicking on the link below.

    SCHOOL COUNCIL 2019/20 UPDATE:

    Classes are now voting for their new school council representatives in preparation for their first school council meeting on Wednesday the 2nd of October.

    We will again be putting out a suggestion box so everyone has a voice, and now the astro turf is fitted, we are hoping for some different suggestions for this coming academic year.

    Miss Crumpler has asked to come along to the meeting because she already has an idea for the school councillors to discuss.

    Mrs Brocklesby would also like the councillors to help her promote a new lunchtime club.

    Looks like this will be another busy year for our representatives!!!

    Looking forward to meeting you all next week.

    Mrs McCormack

    SPOOKY BAKE OFF:

    On Wednesday the 23rd of October, the Parents and Teachers would like to hold a 'Spooky Bake Off'  to raise money for the school. The Parents and Teachers will be organising a variety of events this year and they will be calling themselves TAPP (Teachers and Parents in Partnership). We will notify you as soon as we have the date for the first TAPP meeting.

    For the bake off children can bring in their spooky cakes, cup cakes or biscuits (nut free) on Wednesday 23rd October.  Remember each entry needs to be named and a list of ingredients must be provided.  The judges will award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd for each key stage and prizes will be provided by TAPP.

    At 1.30pm the children will have a chance, a class at a time, to bring in a £1 and buy a cake or slice and at 3pm all parents are invited. A selection of cakes will auctioned off so don't miss out- we have some amazing bakers at Saint Ambrose School.

    RECEPTION PHONICS SESSION:

    Thank you to the Parents who attended the phonics workshop this week, it was fantastic to see you all joining in and playing the games your children play in class. I know that your support will have an impact on your child's education.

    MEET OUR SENDCo:

    Mrs Price our SENDCo is available to meet with parents to discuss IEP's at Parent Evenings on Monday 14th October 5-7.30pm and Monday 21st October 3.30-6pm. 

    CONFIRMATION:

    Thank you to the parents who have already visited Father Lamb to register their child for the Confirmation programme, please arrange your visit with Father Lamb by 30th September. I am so pleased to have your feedback and as a result of your visits the Confirmation classes for the children will now be an after school club on a Wednesday 3.10-4pm (start date will be confirmed after all families have registered). Father Lamb will lead the evening meetings for parents and the start date and time will be confirmed as soon as possible.

    FIRST HOLY COMMUNION:

    First Holy Communion Day next year is Saturday 13th June 2020. The preparation classes this academic year will be an after school club on a Wednesday 3.10-4pm (start date will be confirmed in January 2020). Father Lamb will lead the evening meetings for parents and the start date and time will be confirmed in January 2020.

    MASSES:

    Please see below the Mass dates for the Autumn Term.

    Date Time Year Group
    02/10/2019 9.30am Whole School: Harvest
    09/10/2019 9.15am Year4
    16/10/2019 9.15am Year 3
    23/10/2019 9.15am Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
    06/11/2019 9.15am Year 6
    13/11/2019 9.15am Year 5
    20/11/2019 9.15am Year 4
    27/11/2019 9.15am Year 3
    06/12/2019 10.30am Whole School: St Ambrose Feast Day
    11/12/2019 9.15am Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
    20/12/2019 10.30am Whole School

    Mr. Moran, who is the Parish Pastoral Assistant, will be supporting classes to prepare for Mass this year. He will work with the class who is leading the Mass on a Friday. This will enable the children to develop their understanding of the Mass. 

    THE ALTAR SERVERS' ROTA HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED. IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL OFFICE.

    CAN WE PLEASE REMIND YOU THAT VIOLIN LESSONS ARE ON A MONDAY AND CLARINET LESSONS ARE ON A FRIDAY. PLEASE CAN YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILD BRINGS THEIR INSTRUMENT INTO SCHOOL WITH THEM ON THE RELEVANT DAYS. MANY THANKS.

    Parents evening appointments will be made live next week on the 'School Life' app. A push notification will be sent to advise you when you can book your child's appointment.

    DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

    PLEASE REGULARLY CHECK THE DIARY DATES FOR ANY UPDATES.

    CLASS ASSEMBLIES:

    Year Group Date Time
    Year 1 (Harvest Assembly) Friday 4th October 9.05am
    Year 5 Friday 29th November 9.05am
    DATE TIME EVENT
    3rd October Mufti day - Street theme
    10 October Mufti day 'Help Save Oscar'
    11th October TED Day
    10-11.30am Open Morning for admissions September 2020
    14th October 5-7.30pm Parents' Evening 1
    18th October 1.30-2.30pm Open Afternoon for admissions September 2020
    21st October 3.30-6pm Parents' Evening 2
    28th October - 1st November Half Term
    Friday 15th November Mufti day - Alcohol & Pop donations for Parish Christmas Bazaar
    Friday 22nd November Mufti day - Chocolate & Sweets donations for Parish Christmas Bazaar
    4th - 6th December Year 6 Residential
    11th December 6pm Confirmation Mass
    13th December Christmas Jumper day
    17th December 2pm R, Y1 and Y2 Nativity Performance
    6pm KS2 Carol Service in Church
    18th December 9.30am R, Y1 and Y2 Nativity Performance
    2pm KS2 Carol Service in Church
    20th December End of Autumn Term
    2020 2020 2020
    6th January Ted Day
    7th January School returns for Spring Term
    12th 2pm Reception Phonics Workshop
    13th February Y5 Pyramid Concert
    17th - 21st February Half Term
    5th March World Book Day
    9th - 13th March Science Week
    23rd March 3.30 - 6pm Parents' Evening 1
    30th march 5.30 - 7pm Parents' Evening 2
    2nd April 2pm Easter Performance KS2 School Hall
    6th - 17th April Easter Break
    8th May May Day Bank Holiday
    25th - 29th May Half Term
    1st June TED Day
    13th June 12pm First Holy Communion
    14th July 9.15am KS1 Sports Day
    12.45pm KS2 Sports Day
    15th July Back Up Sports Day
    3.30-6pm Drop in Parents' Meeting

    ALDI KIT FOR SCHOOLS:

    Aldi's Kit for Schools promotion is giving 20 primary schools the chance to win £20,000 to kick-start a health legacy for their school. What's more, every school who enters by completing their Aldi's Kit for Schools poster will also receive an exclusive school sports kit! Help us win by collecting a sticker with every £30 spent in store. Send in your sticker to help us fill up our school poster for a chance for us to win.

    APPLICATIONS FOR RECEPTION AND HIGH SCHOOL 2020:

    If your child is due to start Reception in September 2020 then you will need to fill out an online application form by 15th January 2020.

    If your child is due to transfer to High School in September 2020 then you will need to fill out an online application by 31st October 2019. All Year 6 children were given their 'admissions to high school' pack last week. This included details of how to apply and a unique code for the individual child.

    If you have applied for your child to go to Hagley Catholic High School they require a copy of your child's baptism certificate and a completed supplementary form to be sent back to them. The supplementary form is attached below or alternativley you can access this from their website. www.hagleyrc.worcs.sch.uk  From the home page select Our School>>Admissions>>Scroll down to the pdf's at the bottom and select 'Supplementary Form'.

    The postal address to send the documents back to is:

    Mrs L Millard, Hagley Catholic High School, Brake Lane, Hagley, DY8 2XL.

    GUESS THE NUMBER OF SWEETS:

    The Year 6 children be taking a jar of sweets around at school and it will also be available in the playground after school. The aim is to guess how many sweets are in the jar. The cost is £1 per guess and the winner gets the jar of sweets. All the money raised will be put towards Christmas events for the children.

    TOAST:

    Due to the increasing demand for toast we need to change the days that it is available to the children.

    KS2 will only be able to buy toast on a Tuesday break time.

    KS1 will only be able to buy toast on a Thursday break time.

    The cost per slice will remain at 20p which is to be given to the class teacher in exchange for a token that the children will use to get their toast.

    Thank you for your support in this venture.

    ATTENDANCE:

    Year Group This Week This Year
    Whole School 96.7% 97.0%
    YR 92.7% 96.1%
    Y1 98.8% 95.3%
    Y2 98.0% 96.2%
    Y3 97.0% 99.1%
    Y4 98.5% 97.0%
    Y5 96.2% 97.0%
    Y6 96.4% 98.3%

    Well done Year 1!!

    SCHOOL PLACES:

    We have places available in Years 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6. If you know of anyone who would be interested, please refer them to the School Office in the first instance. Many thanks.

    The Parish 200 Club is a major fundraiser to help support the running of the Parish. Members contribute £2 a month (£24 a year) and there will be monthly draws for cash prizes. Application forms for new members are now avaliable from the School Office.

    PARISH BABY AND TODDLER GROUP:

    If you or anyone you know would be interested in going along to the Parish's Baby and Toddler group, the sessions are held on Wednesdays in term from 9-11 am (except the last Wednesday of the month). 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. We 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'.

    MASS TIMES AND PARISH INFORMATION:

    Sunday 11am & 6pm

    St Ambrose

    CONFESSION:

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

    Please see the attached poster detailing the Montini Group meetings for 2019/2020.

    Kind regards

    Mrs Brocklesby.