9 February 2018

Dear Parents

The long awaited and much prepared for 'School of Rock' Pyramid Concert finally arrived last yesterday and it was fabulous! This year, Year 5 children from across the Hagley Pyramid of schools were celebrating 'Schools of Rock' and each school showcased one popular song before all joining together to sing several rock songs as one large group. The evening could justifiably be described as spectacular and whilst I must admit to being slightly biased, I did feel that St Wulstan's children were notable by their beautiful singing, enthusiasm, smart appearance and exemplary behaviour! I would like to congratulate all the children and thank all the families, staff and Academy Representatives who went to the Town Hall to support our children. The children have worked exceptionally hard for this event under the guidance of Mr Mallinson, Miss Hill, Mrs Mallinson, Mrs Smith and Mrs Harris. This is always a lovely opportunity to celebrate together and for the children to meet children from other feeder schools who may one day become lifelong friends when they transfer to high school! Well done children - it was a night to remember for everyone!

The Pyramid concert has been running for eight years now and it was lovely to see so many past pupils still taking part, now as Hagley students, clearly wanting to be part of an event that was so memorable to them from their Year 5 days. Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful feedback which we have shared with our Year 5 stars!

Thank you to the PTA who organized a lovely Pancake day treat for the children on Shrove Tuesday. Mrs Gariff, Mrs Snow, Mrs Sheerin, Mrs Thomas and Mrs Crewe all commented on how polite and appreciative the children were and how they so enjoyed the treat. A fabulous profit in excess of £60 was raised for PTA funds. Our thanks to everyone.

Thank you to all the parents, grandparents and parishioners who joined us for our Ash Wednesday Mass which was a lovely way to begin our Lenten journey. We have encouraged the children to focus on doing something positive during this season of Lent as part of their preparation for Holy Week and Easter. In Assembly on Thursday morning we were joined by Lucy from Fr Hudson's charity who launched our Lenten Good Shepherd Appeal. The children were asked if they could fill the card houses with odd pennies over the weeks of Lent. The money is then presented at the 'Good Shepherd Mass' in Worcester which is attended by children from other Worcestershire Catholic schools. Thank you in anticipation.

After the half term break on 1 March we will be celebrating 'World Book Day' when every class will focus on a favourite book. To further enhance the children's enjoyment of this they are invited to come dressed as a favourite book character. There will be a prize awarded to the best dressed character in each class and every child will receive a World Book Day £1 voucher. Can I please remind everyone that the children must come as a book character not as a film or Disney character.Part of the work the children do that day is focused on the book they represent and so they have been reminded they must be book characters. If anyone has any queries or would like some guidance please contact Mrs Tasker who is our English Lead.

Congratulations to both our U9 and U11 football teams. This week both teams played a friendly match against Lickhill school as part of their preparation for the CTA football competition. The U9's comfortably won their match 3-0 playing with great confidence, team work and enjoyment. The U11s drew 1-1 conceding a late goal in the final seconds. They too played with great sportsmanship and maturity. Mr Tasker has high hopes for his squad in the upcoming CTA competition on Friday 9 March. Well done all! Our netball squad will have a similar opportunity after half term so please look for a letter in their book bags tonight.

Finally, a reminder that our next School Mass at church is at 10.00 am on Sunday 4 March. 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 and Mrs James as part of their preparation.

We hope you have a lovely half term break with your children and look forward to seeing you on our return to school on Monday 26 February.

K E Savage