2 March 2018

Dear Parents

It is never an easy or quick decision to close a school due to forecasts of further adverse weather. The final decision is always based on the safety and well being of the children, families and staff. Thank you for your understanding and support in difficult circumstances. Hopefully we can look forward to warmer weather from now on and we have seen the last of the snow and ice. Sadly we have clearly postponed this morning's Year 3 Mass but a new date will be posted as soon as possible.

The children have had a lot of fun in school this week as we celebrated World Book Day, with each class focusing on their favourite literature. Yesterday both children and staff came to school dressed as characters from books with everyone really getting into the spirit of the day! The range of books represented was lovely to see and there were some wonderful costumes with the prize of a book being given to the best costume in each class. It was an extremely difficult decision in every class. Thank you to all parents and grandparents for supporting this event. Each child received a money off book voucher which as well as accepted at major book shops can be used at school book fairs.

Next week the School Book Fair will be arriving and will be open after school each evening from Wednesday evening until it is collected again on Monday 12 March. It will also be open in the mornings before school, from 8.30 am starting on Thursday 8 March. The standard of reading at St Wulstan's has always been very high and this is in no small part due to the support and encouragement parents give to their children. So if you are thinking of looking for more reading material for your child, do come and have a look at the books on offer at the Book Fair. Yesterday we received a delivery of scholastic books to the value of £500. These were purchased solely from the commission earned from recent School Book Fairs. These will now be available to the children in our school library. Every book purchased by you enables us to enhance the library and hence your child's experience of reading so thank you.

Next week our Under 9 and Under 11 football and netball teams will be competing against Catholic schools from across Worcestershire in the CTA tournaments. The children have been playing together for some time now in their Wednesday clubs and we have high hopes of success. The football tournament will take place on Friday 9 March at Winterfold school. Please look out for a letter on Monday regarding school arrival time and final details after Mr Tasker has met with the team. The netball tournament takes place on Saturday 10 March in Worcester. Please look out for a letter with final details this coming week. We wish all four teams the very best of luck and look forward to sharing their news next week.

In response to a few queries regarding signing for trips, although trip information letters are sent we no longer require signed permission slips. As all trips and events are now paid via ParentPay the action of online payment by the named parent is in itself permitting your child to travel or attend the event. If you have any further queries please let us know.

Parents' Evening dates have been set for Wednesday 7 March and Thursday 8 March. If you have not already done so, please sign up for your appointment via the School Life app. If you have any problems please contact the school office .Please see the calendar tab on our website for important dates this term.

Finally, a reminder that our School Mass at church is at 10.00 am this Sunday 4 March. If your child is reading at Mass or singing in the choir could they please arrive about 9.50 so we can ensure they are confident about their role. We encourage and welcome all families, Catholic and non Catholic to attend as part of our school and parish community. It is important that all children preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist come and sit on the front row with Mrs Edwards, Mrs Portman and Mrs James as part of their preparation. A reminder that the Year 3 children's First Reconciliation is on Saturday 17 March at 11.15am.

Wishing you an enjoyable and warmer weekend!

K E Savage