Dear Parent/Guardian

Included in this newsletter are details regarding the Sacramental programme, SATs, World Fair Trade Day, Reception and Nursery admissions for September 2012 and some general pieces of information. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any item in this newsletter or any other matter.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME

The Catholic children in Year 3 will be receiving their First Holy Communion on Sunday 24^th June during the 12 noon Mass. I would be grateful if the parents of the children concerned could attend the meetings/Mass on the following dates:

Monday 21^st May - Meeting in Maryam house at 3.15pm

Sunday 27^th May – Mass at 12 noon in the church

Please remember these children and their families in your prayers.

MAY PROCESSION

May is the month when we remember Mary, the mother of Jesus. As part of the celebrations we will be holding our annual May procession on 30^th May at 10.30am. All families and friends are welcome to join with us in this celebration. Donations of fresh flowers should be brought into school on the morning.

SATs

The children in Year 6 will be undertaking their SATs next week. In order for the children in this year group to be in school on time we are offering them a FREE breakfast at 8.30am. I would be grateful if you could ensure that your child is in school on-time every day next week as these test results will be part of their report that is forwarded to their Secondary school.

ATTENDANCE

Our target for attendance is 97%, last week our attendance was 95.88%, and this is an increase on the previous week but still below the target. Well done to 6H who achieved 100% attendance again.  I would be grateful if you could ensure that your child attends school on a regular basis. It is a proven fact that children who have low attendance figures are low achievers.

Rec P 94.80% Rec S 95.83%

1F 92.31% 1W 93.75%

2S 96.40% 2V 96.40%

3L 96.67% 3P 95.56%

4D 98.00% 4R 95.83%

5K 94.22% 5M 96.54%

6H 100.00% 6M 96.80%

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Currently, in Years 3-6, the children are all studying French. Their studies cover six topics for each year group and allow the children to develop their language skills, whilst also becoming familiar with the French culture. The children learn through a variety of ways including; songs, games and speaking and listening activities, which they all enjoy. As you may be aware, we recently went out to France on a visit with Years 5 and 6, and the teachers were all very impressed when the children put their language skills into practice in the local shops and markets!

LOST PROPERTY

We have again collected a large amount of unclaimed uniform. I would be grateful if parents could put their child’s name in their clothes as this would save you from unnecessary expense of replacing lost garments. If your child has mis-placed any item of uniform this term please call at the school office to see if it is in the lost property box.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

We are now taking orders in readiness for the new academic year. I would be grateful if you could place your order as soon as possible. You do not have to pay until you collect the order.

SECONDARY ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2013

If your child is in our current year 5 and you would like them to be considered for a place at one of the consortium of Birmingham Grammar schools e.g. King Edward V1 or Bishop Vesey you must complete a separate application form. These forms can be obtained by telephoning 0121 415 6004. You must also complete the Birmingham City Council application form that you will receive later in the year.

RECEPTION & NURSERY ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2012

If your child has been offered a place in our school or nursery I would be grateful if you could return the acceptance slip before Friday 11^th May. Please inform the school, in writing, if you do not wish to accept this place so that we may offer it to another child who is on our waiting list.

COLLECTING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL

Please remember to inform your child’s teacher if the person that is collecting your child from school at the end of the day will be different to the person that normally collects them. If you have to change your arrangements during the day I would be grateful if you could inform the school office before 2.30pm.

WORLD FAIR TRADE DAY

The World Fair Trade Day is an initiative of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) that takes place on 12 May 2012. It is a worldwide festival of events celebrating Fair Trade as a tangible contribution to the fight against poverty, climate change and the economic crisis that has the greatest impact on the world’s most vulnerable populations. A third of the world’s population lives on less than two dollars a day. The global crisis confirms the need for a fair and sustainable economy locally and globally. Trade must benefit the most vulnerable and deliver sustainable livelihoods by developing opportunities for small and disadvantaged producers. Millions of producers and traders, business and policy makers, supporting organizations and volunteers have contributed to the substantial growth of Fair Trade. Please help this day to succeed by buying one item, e.g. tea, that has been produced by Fair Trade workers

Yours faithfully

J N Gubbins

Headteacher