11 January 2019

Dear Parents

I hope you have all enjoyed a happy and relaxing Christmas and I would like to start this newsletter by wishing you, on behalf of all the staff at St Wulstan's, a very happy new year! We would also like to thank you once again for the Christmas gifts so many children gave to staff at the end of last term. Your generosity is very much appreciated as are the many kind comments and expressions of thanks for all the hard work that the staff do throughout the year. Thank you again.

Through the parish newsletter Mr Greg Kelly has asked to pass on his gratitude for all your generous donations to our local foodbank on ‘Christmas Jumper Day’.

‘Due to the extraordinary generosity of parishioners and particularly the parents of children at St. Wulstan's Catholic Primary School, on Friday 28th December 2018, we delivered 587.53 lbs, (267.06 Kg), of food and toiletries to the Foodbank. Greg Kelly, SVP.'

Although it seems a long time ago now, we do know how very busy and family orientated the Christmas holiday is and understand how normal routines just vanish. When discussing reading this week it became apparent that many children didn’t read their school book at all over the break. It is vital that children read every night in order to practise their reading skills and develop their comprehension through discussion about the story. A few pages every night makes such a difference to a child’s progress. If anyone has worries or concerns about managing home reading or a child reluctant to read at home please contact their class teacher or Mrs Tasker, English lead, who will support you with strategies or speak with you and your child to overcome any issues. We are always grateful to mums, dads, grandparents who offer to come into school and hear readers. If you feel you could offer a short amount of time please speak to Mrs Tasker. Many thanks in anticipation.

This term I am very pleased to welcome Mrs Morgan, who joins us as Year 1 teacher, and  Mrs Johnson, who joins the Reception class team as learning support assistant.Thank you for the warm welcome you have already extended to both members of staff.  Events for this term have been updated so please see the calendar tab on our website. The calendar is frequently updated so please check regularly.

A week Sunday, 20 January, our children will lead the singing at 10am Mass. Last term, it was lovely to see so many of our children and their families in attendance and we are hoping for the same again this year. Of course it is particularly important for children in Year 3, who will be receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this year. Also we hope to see many Year 6 children who so recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is always a wonderful opportunity to join with the parish and our children are always warmly welcomed. Please make every effort to come to this Mass and support our children in their faith journey.

As our St Wulstan’s Feast Day, 19 January, falls on a Saturday this year we will celebrate with Mass in school on Thursday 24 January. All are welcome and please join us for tea and coffee after Mass. We look forward to seeing you.

On Thursday 14 February our Year 5 children will be performing at Birmingham Town Hall along with children from Hagley Catholic High School and its feeder schools. This will be the 7th annual concert at the Town Hall and they have been absolutely fantastic in previous years and this year's concert I am sure will be equally good. Tickets for this concert are now available and an order form has been sent to Year 5 parents. There is no limit to the number of tickets you can buy so please encourage family and friends to attend. Further details regarding a coach for parents on the evening will be sent out shortly.

As we move into mid winter we are mindful of the prospect of bad weather. Should there be significant amounts of snow making it necessary to close the school, all families will be informed via the school life app. The information will also be posted on our website and the Worcestershire County Council website. I know how difficult school closures can be for parents so I would like to reassure you that we never take this decision lightly and the school would only be closed if the children’s safety and wellbeing might be compromised by remaining open.

We look forward to another exciting and busy term, please remember if you ever have any concerns regarding your child, academic, social or emotional please speak to me or any member of the teaching staff so we can work together to solve them.

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

KE Savage