Friday 6 March 2020

Dear Parents

It has been another very busy week in school .The children had great fun in school this week as we celebrated not just World Book Day but a Book Week. As World Book Day has grown and become more commercialized it would be very easy for this to become just a 'Fancy Dress Day' and lose the focus of the exploration and enjoyment of literature. However this was not the case in school as the children delved deep into their class text.

The whole school have thoroughly enjoyed Book Week. Key Stage Two have all had the opportunity to visit Stourport Library, explore the facilities and share a story together. The library have told us that they have already had several St Wulstan's children visit them to get a library card. The library allows children to borrow up to twelve books at a time, so we are delighted to hear that our children are keen to join. Key Stage One were very excited to have a visit from a magician who was looking for lost words! The children learnt the magic of words as they used them to create spells! Key Stage One are now in the process of creating a Lost Words Nature Table to help them learn words from nature. The whole school had a wonderful day on World Book Day itself, exploring and enjoying a class text. Thank you so much to our families for supporting their children with such beautiful costumes. Our School Council will soon be helping to plan ideas for next year. Our Scholastic Book Fayre is open before and after school until Wednesday 11th March. Don't forget that the £1 World Book Day vouchers can be redeemed at our Book Fayre. What a wonderful time the children have had celebrating reading! ( Mrs Tasker)

Today the under 9s and under 11s football team took part in the annual CTA Football Competition at Winterfold. The children enjoyed competing against other Catholic schools in Worcestershire and it gave them an opportunity to develop key skills in a competitive environment. The under 9s enjoyed experiencing their very first taste of representing the school at a competitive event and demonstrated fantastic energy and teamwork throughout. All this, while retaining a smile and enthusiastic approach for the whole morning, playing the game that they love. Our under 11s played brilliantly and only conceded one goal in the group stages. Three wins, a draw and a loss resulted in a semi-final place, where a close and narrow loss in both the semi-final and third place matches occurred. It was noticeable how their drive to succeed, support for one another and fantastic sportsmanship allowed them to do so well and finish fourth. Well done to all.  (Mr Tasker)

Thank you to everyone who attended this week’s Parents’ Evenings, your completion of our questionnaires and the extremely positive and supportive comments.  These meetings are so valuable for both parents and teachers to enable us to work together to achieve the best outcomes for your children. Thank you.

We are all very conscious of the concerns regarding coronavirus at the moment. I would like to reassure parents that while at school the children are constantly reminded about thorough handwashing, covering their mouths whilst coughing, sneezing into the crook of their arms and use and disposal of tissues. From my office I hear little Reception class voices singing ‘Happy Birthday’ through twice as they wash their hands ensuring that this length of washing is a thorough wash! I would ask parents to remember to send in a packet of tissues for your child to have in their pocket at all times. If you need further advice the Public Health for England has a website with guidance for ensuring children understand the importance of good hygiene.

This afternoon we welcomed Dominick Cunningham to St Wulstan’s. The children had a fabulous, very loud and very active afternoon with Dominick, throwing themselves into all the activities with great enthusiasm. The day ended with Dominick demonstrating several gymnastic moves- standing back flips and also one handed handstands on a bench waving to the children as he balanced! It was a great afternoon. Thank you to everyone who has sent in sponsorship money and if you have not already done then next week is fine. Look out on St Wulstan’s Facebook page for many photographs.

It has been a really fun week at school and I am reluctant to end on a negative note, however I must mention yet again parking. Many of you will have noticed that I have been outside at drop off and collection time this week due to the number of concerns raised by both parents and local residents. Parking on zig zag lines or double yellow lines is illegal and parking in a manner that means local residents cannot access or leave their own homes is inconsiderate. The warning signs we purchased to protect the children are either totally ignored or are physically moved by some parents. Children are in real danger of being run over or worse. I ask again, that no one parks illegally, on the zig zag lines outside school or across driveways. I would like to thank the vast majority of parents who do park considerately and legally.

Finally, a reminder that next week Year 4 and Year 5 are participating in Bell Boating. Please ensure that payment is made via Parentpay. There is the opportunity for parents to accompany the children, Year 4 in the morning and Year 5 in the afternoon. Please contact the school office if you would like to attend. It is a new activity for St Wulstan’s children and we look forward to sharing the experience with you next week.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

KE Savage

Dominick taking us through our paces!

A fabulous World Book Day !

Year 6 Athletics competition at the Dome on Thursday. Well done Year 6 !

Year 3 library visit storytime