St Wulstan's - Newsletter 22/11/2019

Friday 22 November 2019

Dear Parents

Thank you to the many families who have asked after Fr Richard this week. As you know Father was taken ill last week and is presently in Worcester hospital. Next week Father will undergo heart surgery and then commence a lengthy period of recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts and remember him in your prayers. I am sure you understand that we have had to postpone all class Masses but we are very grateful to Deacon John who will lead a Christmas Liturgy for the children on the last day of term. We will keep you updated regarding Father’s health but I can say he was absolutely delighted to receive a’ Get Well Soon’ card with beautiful messages from all the children.

There was massive excitement in Year 3 this week as they welcomed Fiona from the Falconry Centre at Hagley. Fiona brought with her six birds of prey- owls, hawks and the most magnificent Golden Eagle. It was an awe inspiring sight as the birds took flight across the hall. As adults we were mesmerised, but to see the children’s response was a real ‘wonder and awe’ moment. Fiona’s visit did over run quite considerably, but as she said it was because the children asked such intelligent and enquiring questions she was more than happy to extend her visit. We look forward to sharing the children’s ‘Predators’ topic at the end of this term. Look on our Facebook page for some wonderful slow motion footage of two of the birds in flight.

Many thanks to everyone who supported our Book Fair this week. It was a great success and very well supported. We do receive commission on books sold which is then used to purchase books for class and school library. Mrs Tasker is already ordering new books for the library. Thank you.

For everyone who has been following our daily ‘Tree-veal’ on Facebook page our decorated trolley is now ready for tonight’s Three Kings parade. Please come and join us to walk through Stourport and watch as the town’s Christmas lights are turned on. All the staff will be there but children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a lovely traditional community event for all ages. We will be meeting at 6.30pm outside the lower Civic Hall carpark and would love to see you there.

Thank you for all your very generous donations towards the Christmas Fayre. One of the most popular stalls (more with the adults!) is the teacher’s ‘Bottle Stall’. We would be grateful for donations of full bottles next week. An award of extra playtime for the class who contributes the most bottles! Thank you! I am very aware that we rely heavily on your generosity and understand Christmas is a great expense for everyone. The money you have raised has increased rapidly and Phase 2 of the play area can hopefully be created in the new year.The PTA have already put a considerable amount of work into the Christmas Fayre on Thursday 28 November to ensure that it is a lovely family evening. If you feel you could offer help, before or during the night please contact a member of the committee or any member of staff. All help is gratefully received. The Fayre will open at 6.00pm and as well as many Christmas stalls, food and drink we will also have a varied programme of entertainment throughout the evening.

Advent and Christmas preparations are now under way and the sound of carol singing are resounding through the school! Just so you can put dates and times in your diaries, the Reception and KS1 Nativity play will be performed on Tuesday 10 December at 2.00 pm and again that evening at 6.30pm. The performances will last approximately 35 minutes. Costumes need to be in school by Friday 6 December at the latest. Could the children please return to school at 6.00pm on the evening of the 10 December for the performance to start at 6.30pm.

The KS2 Christmas Service will take place on Wednesday 11 December at 6.30pm at St Wulstan’s Church. The children will need to wear full winter uniform and be dropped off at the church between 6.00 and 6.10 pm. The staff will then take responsibility for the children so that you can take your place in the church. On Tuesday 10 December Years 3,4,5 and 6 will walk down to church to practice. We will return to school for the end of the school day at 3.30pm.

After describing the fun and success of last week’s Cross Country event last week, we were delighted to be notified that the St Wulstan’s team has been awarded overall 1^st place in the smaller schools section, that is schools of 199 pupils or less. The St Wulstan’s KS2 squad beat 12 other local schools and we look forward to receiving the trophy shortly. Well done children, a great sporting achievement.

I have said before there can be a misconception that only Catholic children can apply to our school. We welcome applications from all families of all or no faith. If you know of any families who are presently applying for a school place please encourage them to contact me to arrange a visit and tour of the school. Applications for Reception Class 2020 must be completed online by 15 January 2020. If you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Brown in the office.

A reminder that we have launched our new St Wulstan's Facebook page. There will be frequent postings sharing and celebrating the many activities that go on within the school day and beyond. We hope you enjoy seeing these postings as much as your children are enjoying their learning and experiences. To visit the page go to https://m.facebook.com/stwulstanscatholicprimary

Also the children’s class pages and calendar dates on the school website are constantly being updated. If you have not looked recently the website address is https://stwulstans.sch.life Here you will be able to see photographs of the children’s day, their year group curriculum, newsletters and school information. We encourage you to log on frequently as the website has all relevant school information.

In line with 'The Schools Admission Code' St Wulstan's Catholic Primary School is legally required to consult on their Admission policy every seven years. There are no changes to our Admissions policy 2021/22 ,which can be found on the school website, but it must be publicized legally. The consultation period is for six weeks commencing Monday 18 November 2019 and closes on Monday 30 December 2019. Any comments or suggestions should be submitted for the attention of the Chair of Academy Committee via the contact email address : secretary @wulsev.worc.sch.uk

We hope you have a lovely weekend.

KE Savage

Sharing our lovely new books in Year 1 . Thank you!