Message from Mrs Brocklesby

Message from Mrs Warnett

Reception & Year 1

Reception and Year 1 have had a fantastic end to the half term! It has been so lovely to see so many of the children walking, scooting, and riding to school.

In Music, the children have been exploring pitch by creating a simple superhero theme tune using both low- and high-pitched notes. In Art, they have been using building blocks and other everyday objects to create prints. The children painted and stamped their blocks to produce patterns, pictures, and letters, thoughtfully combining colours on the page and explaining the choices they made. In Science, the children have started their new topic: Plants. They went on a nature walk to spot common garden and wild plants, beginning to identify and name the ones they found. We hope everyone has a lovely break!

Year 2 and 3

The class have bravely battled some illness this week and have continued trying their best despite this! In English, the children have finished writing diary entries, using 'The Paper Bag Princess' for inspiration as they developed their use of the progressive past tense and the present perfect tense. They have then enjoyed reading and exploring a range of poetry in their reading lessons, looking at classic poetry by RL Stevenson and contemporary poetry by Roald Dahl. They have also enjoyed having the freedom to explore poetry anthologies, developing their own preferences. In maths, the children have moved on to mass, developing their understanding of mass units of measure. In DT, the children have started to design their own cushion, planning the shape, use and design. In PE, the children have been working on sprint starts and can't wait to show this skill off at Sports Day later in the term! We hope that everyone has a well-deserved rest over half term!

Year 4

This week has been really busy for Year 4. On Monday, some of the class took part in the CTA Athletics Competition as Winterfold House School. We were really please with the children's efforts and celebrated some second and third placed finishes. In D&T, the children completed their torch designs. The used simple series circuits and other materials to create a robust and aesthetically pleasing design which had to follow a certain design criteria. The children then evaluated their designs and tried them out. In science, the children looked at the name and functions of human teeth. They will now carry out and investigation to see the impact sugar has on our bodies. Many of our children also completed their Level 1 Bikeability today. The children learnt how to maintain their bikes, control their bikes when setting off, cruising and slowing down. They also needed to show that they had control when peddling and signalling and show an awareness of their surroundings. In PE lessons, the children looked at batting accuracy in cricket and working as a team of fielders to retrieve the ball. Finally, the children also walked to the Stourport Library earlier in the week to exchange books and develop their knowledge of what the library has to offer. The children were keen to use half term to visit the library again and safely ride their bikes to build up their confidence and skills. Stay safe and have a lovely half term!

Year 5

This week has been yet another busy week for Year 5 as all of the children have taken part in Bikeability. The instructors were so impressed with the children and commented on how hard they worked and how well they listened. Each group practised their skills first on our school playground and then went out to practise and apply skills on the road, ensuring that they were safe out in the local area and had knowledge of road safety rules. In RE, we studied the Ascension and the children compared scripture and then used drama to retell the events. In art, the children completed their multimedia pieces inspired by Teis Albers. The children then evaluated their own work, as well as sharing their work with each other. Next half term, the children will undertake a new DT project which will be very exciting! In History, Year 5 have been learning about the Tudors and this week focused on Henry VIII. They used sources to see what they could find out about him and are excited to learn more about this very interesting British monarch.

Year 6

Year 6 children have been preparing for their upcoming Confirmation, a significant milestone in their faith journey. As part of their preparation, they have been exploring the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit, learning how these spiritual blessings can guide their lives and help them grow. With enthusiasm, the children have also been practising hymns that will be sung during the Confirmation Mass, deepening their connection to the sacrament through music and prayer. This special time is helping them reflect on their faith and the responsibilities they are about to embrace as confirmed members of the Church. To end the week, the children have been readers at the family Mass and they have impressed everyone with their reverence, delivering the Word of God or prayers with clarity and sincerity. Well done, Year 6. Half term is here and everyone deserves a well-earned rest, an opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy time with family and friends.

Family Mass

Pope Francis has designated 30 May to the 1 June as the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly. This is a beautiful opportunity for us all to come together in faith. To celebrate this month, we gathered as a school community to honour the vital role of family in our lives and in our school community. A special thank you to all the families who joined for Mass. It was lovely to see you all.

Year 6 Reconciliation

The Year 6 children have received Reconciliation as a special part of their preparation for Confirmation. It was a peaceful and reflective time, giving everyone the chance to say sorry and feel closer to God. This important step helped them open their hearts and minds to the Holy Spirit as they continue their faith journey.

Month of Mary

At Saint Wulstan's, we look forward to the special tradition of honouring Mary throughout the month of May. This is a meaningful time when we come together as a school community to reflect on Mary’s example of faith, love and kindness. Through prayer, hymn and classroom activities, we celebrate her important role in our faith. We also took part in a special liturgy to show our devotion.

Bikeability

This week Year 4 and 5 have had the amazing opportunity to take part in the Bikeability programme. Bikeability cycle training equips children with vital life skills. Pupils not only learn to cycle, they gain independence, social skills and a sense of wellbeing. The aim is that after Bikeability, children are better at responding to risk and will be more confident when riding their bike. As a result, more children will hopefully cycle to school which in turn improves mental health and wellbeing. Healthier habits lead to increased attendance and improved academic results. Bikeability goes beyond a training course; it impacts children’s lives.

The theme for this year's Walk to School Week was 'The Great Space Walk'. We have been really impressed and grateful for all the effort made by our families to support and promote active travel this year. Over 250 stickers were handed our by our Wellbeing Champions over the course of the week, with mental health, physical health, sustainability, road safety and community being the daily themes. A huge 'thank you' also goes to the young leaders as they welcomed families to the school site each day and celebrated the efforts that everyone had made. We hope you all felt the positive impact this week has had on our school community and many photographs have been shared on our Facebook page to look through. Well done everyone!

If your child is due to start school in September 2025 (and was born between 1 September 2020-31 August 2021) the closing date for applying for a place was 15 January.  However, you can still apply for a late application by visiting www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions.

If you require assistance, please contact Mrs Brown in the school office.

St Wulstan's has signed up to the Asda Cashpot - a scheme where Asda will donate a percentage of your shop to your chosen school. If you would like to choose St Wulstan's as your school to donate to, click on the link below to find out more.

Cashpot for schools (asda.com)

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive universal free school meals.  However, based on your income, you may be eligible to a different free school meal type. This can be applied for even when your child is still in Reception, Years 1 & 2.  This entitles you to a free school meal voucher during the holidays and also continued free school meals until the end of Year 6. If you think you may qualify for these, please contact Mrs Brown in the school office for a form or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk or contact the team on 01905 845280.  They will require your date of birth and national insurance number to check whether you are eligible.

Dates for your Diary