15 July 2022

Dear Parents and Carers

The Met Office has now issued a red extreme heat warning for areas of England on Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July. In light of guidance from the DFE and Worcestershire Children First we have created an adapted timetable for these two days. Children's playtimes and lunchtimes have been staggered so shorter breaks will take place in very well shaded areas - KS1 playground under the trees and the sheltered area of the bank only. There will be no running around or vigorous playtime activities at all. The children may come to school in their PE kits - white T shirt and red shorts for these two days. If they do come in usual uniform they do not wear a tie. Please ensure every child has sun cream applied , wears a hat or cap and brings their school water bottle. We will ensure these are replenished frequently throughout the day. Monday night's Harriers Club has been cancelled. If there is any change in information over the weekend or on Monday we will send a School Life notification and put a message on the school website. 

Congratulations go to our Key Stage 2 children for their wonderful production of 'Beauty and the Beast' this week. Children from across the key stage entertained us with their wonderful singing and dancing but the stars of the performance have to be the Year 6 children who really excelled. I have received several emails and been approached by numerous parents who were equally as blown away by the performance as I was. What a wonderful way to end the year with your children having such a powerful and positive impact on the school community. Well done children! It is hard to believe that their performance was the result of just under four week's work! My thanks must also go to Mrs Freitas for masterminding the whole production but also to all the staff (too numerous to mention here) who worked quietly in the background to make the production such a resounding success. My congratulations and thanks go to you all..

After many years at St Wulstan's, both as a child and as a member of staff, Miss Beth Mohan lunchtime supervisor, has secured a promotion to a new role in catering and care. Miss Mohan has cared for hundreds of children over her time with us, working very diligently in different roles and is a much valued member of our school community. We wish her much success in her new job and thank her for her commitment to our school for so many years.

Next Thursday we also say goodbye  to Mrs Westwood who has been a valued member of our school  support staff. We are delighted to say that though she is leaving us as Teaching Assistant to commence a teacher training course she will be rejoining us temporarily in September on her first school teaching placement.  Mrs Hulbert also leaves us on Thursday for ventures new and I am sure you will join me in wishing them both good luck in the next stage of their careers.

Thank you to all our families who joined us this morning for Sports Day . It was extremely well organized and ran so smoothly under the direction of the Year 6 Sports and House captains. The children were all able to take part in a few races and clearly enjoyed the whole morning. Thanks to Mr Tasker and staff for all their organization and hard work. Well done St Francis House on great sportsmanship and winning overall!

A couple of weeks ago we published our school uniform policy on the newsletter and on our website. We understand that all children's clothing is an expense and they grow out of it often while it is still in very good condition. We would like to establish a bank of 'pre loved' school uniform that parents can access. To this end we are requesting that if you have any good quality uniform that you feel could be still be used you send it into school. One of our Governors, Mrs  Jenn Hill, has very kindly offered to sort and catalogue it for us at the end of term. If you have any jumpers, trousers, shirts, skirts, PE kit, coats please send them in on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 July. Please ensure they are washed and ironed so readily available for other parents. If you are interested in any preloved clothing please speak to Mrs Brown in the office who can help you. Thank you in anticipation

To bring our academic year to a close Fr Richard will be joining us to celebrate our Leavers’ Mass on Thursday 21 July at 9.15 a.m. Parents of children in Year 6 are obviously most welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing as many of you then. Please stay for refreshments afterwards.

As is our tradition, Thursday 21 July will be Toy Day when the children can bring in one toy to play with. Please do not send in expensive or electronic toys but ones your child can enjoy with their friends. Thank you.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Mallinson his 00’s Band from Hagley High School came to visit. The children thoroughly enjoyed learning about music, instruments and fashion from the years between 2000-2010. Congratulations to the many children who won badges for answering questions correctly or playing with the band. We look forward to seeing our budding St Wulstan’s musicians perform in future visiting bands!

On Monday, our Year 4, 5 and 6 children had a wonderful time taking part in their first ever Bellboating Regatta at Stourport Boat Club. Even though the children were very warm, they took to the competition like ducks to water and improved with every race. One of our Year 4 teams also picked up a third place in their final. A huge thank you to our parent helpers and to Andy Train for organising the event. We look forward to doing it all again next year. 

Unfortunately, I have to end this week's letter on a negative note. We have just been emailed this photograph from a justifiably angry neighbour. One of our parents has parked right across their driveway meaning they cannot leave their own home. Further to this the vehicle is parked so far away from the pavement it is a danger to cars driving past. Our local residents appreciate they live near two schools and at certain times of the day it will be busy. However to not be able to leave their own home is totally unacceptable and also reflects so badly on everyone in our school community. Please be aware advice given now is that such photographs are forwarded to the police. Please park considerately and safely and thank you to the many parents who do park thoughtfully.

We hope everyone has a lovely weekend,

KE Savage

Principal