11 May 2018

Dear Parents

This Sunday our children will lead the singing and readings at Mass. We hope to see as many of our families there as possible but it would be good to see all our Year 3 children who are soon to receive their First Holy Communion at that Mass. As part of Christian Aid week this Mass will be followed by a BIG BREKKIE event over in the church garden. Maple syrup and fruit pancakes will be on sale which I am sure will be very popular. Christian Aid is a charity that works tirelessly to alleviate the pain and suffering caused by war and natural disasters. Please support their work by enjoying pancakes and drinks whilst raising funds.

Year 6 children SATs tests begin this coming Monday. The children have been working very hard and are well prepared for these tests and I am sure that they are ready for whatever they are faced with next week! As a staff we are very impressed by their focus and diligence and also their mature attitude. My thanks go to Mrs Warnett, Mrs Mound and Mrs Jones who have worked tirelessly to support the children and to ensure that they are as well prepared as they possibly can be.

As we have done in previous years the children are invited to arrive at school early for the four days of testing to join their classmates for a breakfast of toast and fruit juice at 8.30am each morning. The Year 6 children will be working in various places throughout the school all week. We like the children to have plenty of fresh air during the tests and many windows around the school will be open each morning. As such, we politely request that any parents or visitors arriving after 9:00am and before 12:00pm to approach the school site in silence. We thank you for your understanding as we support our youngsters in every way possible. Good luck Year 6 !

There will be another popular cake sale for the children on Tuesday 22 May. This time a request for donations is sent to the families of Year2, Year 3 and Year 4. As well as the pleasure this brings to the children, these sales raise a fabulous amount towards PTA funds so thank you in advance for your ongoing generosity.

Please note two new calendar dates for information meetings for our current Years 4 and 5 parents to hear about the residential trips to Manor Adventure and Alton Castle planned for September. The meetings, on May 22 at 3.35 pm will be held in the classrooms, are for children and parents.

Mrs Mallinson has invited the parents of KS2 Choir and Year 3 children to a short informal musical performance on Thursday 14 June at 3pm. This will be an opportunity for the Year 3 children to share the songs they learned at their recent music day at Winterfold school and for the KS2 choir to perform their songs from this school year. We look forward to seeing you there.

Reception Class enjoyed a literary treat this week when they were visited by our local librarian. She read a story and gave every child a Book Time pack. The children enjoyed the story and asked many questions about her role!

On Wednesday, Year 2 had a wonderful day at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre. They were able to feed wild birds from their hands and watch some pink flamingos perform a dance routine! The children developed their scientific skills during a pond dipping session and even met some friendly otters. The staff at Slimbridge commented on the children's beautiful manners and behaviour. Well done Year 2!

There are only a few spaces available at Wulstan's Lodge Nursery for next September. If you are interested in securing a place for your child please contact Mrs Sally Bache on 01299 829032 As soon as possible.

As many of you may be aware 2018 is the 40th Anniversary of the opening of our school- we opened on August 31 1978 with 58 pupils. We will hold several celebratory events over the coming months but I would like to draw your attention to Tuesday 12 June. We have booked a whole school photograph of all children and staff. We would like the children to wear winter uniform for this photograph so just incase any winter clothing was heading towards the recycling bin please hold onto it until that day! Looking at the last whole school photograph taken 10 years ago brought back many memories this week. This will be a great opportunity to record our moment in the history of our lovely school family.

We were delighted to hear of great success in the Stourport Civic Society History writing competition for young people which many of the children entered in April. Eleanor Gillett, Year 4, received a runner up prize for her entry 'Bricklaying in Stourport'. The judges commented that 'This entrant used her historical knowledge to back a personal narrative. Easy to read, with good detail and a true insight into workers' conditions. Clever use of continuity with the present'. Eleanor received a gift voucher and goodie bag as a prize at the Presentation evening yesterday. Also highly commended were William Terry, Georgia Swift, Emily Edwards. Imogen Ball, William Kennedy, Lucy Moran, Libby Spencer and Seb Hubbard who all received a goody bag. Well done children we are extremely proud of you and everyone who entered the competition.

Over the Easter holidays one of our keen Year 4 footballers was mascot at a premier league match. James Imrie spent the day meeting players at WBA ground,The Hawthorns . James had a fabulous opportunity to meet the players , have a kick around on the pitch and see life behind the scenes of professional football. A lovely opportunity for any aspiring sportsman!

The Royal Wedding will soon be upon us! We thought we would celebrate with a Mufti Day this Friday18 May. The only stipulation is clothing must be red, white and/or blue! Or alternatively if anyone wishes to come dressed in their princess dress or prince outfits we would be delighted. A donation of £1 towards playground development funds would be gratefully received.

Finally a reminder that our whole school trip is on Friday 13 July, payments can be made through ParentPay. There are a limited number of places available for parent helpers. Thank you to the many parents who have already given their names to Mrs Purcell offering to accompany us. If you would like to come as a helper please speak to Mrs Purcell by Friday 18 May. Thank you.

We look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday at our school Mass.

K E Savage

Principal

Emmaus CMAC
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