The school has been gearing up for Advent this week and the run-in to Christmas. Working in a primary school around the Christmas period is really special and we began the celebrations last night with our Festive disco. Whilst that was going on staff decorated their rooms ready for the children to come in this morning, and I have to say the joy on our Reception and Nursery children's faces as they came through the door was wonderful to see - the Early Years environment really did have a sense of awe and wonder.

Today was our Christingle Service at St John's Church and this year it just happened to be on the 1st December - the first day of Advent, which was very apt. All the children made Christingles and we lit some of them to symbolise the coming of Jesus as the light of the world. Dominic made the service really special, talking about Advent Calendars and creating a real buzz as we move in to the festive period. Don't get me wrong, the learning doesn't stop; what we try and do is link the children's learning to what's going on in the moment - it makes it more enjoyable and relevant to them. Do make sure that you look out for dates and times of events for both you and the children on our website and on our newsletter.

Dictionary definition: Advent from the Latin word 'adventus' - a new arrival, something is coming...

Attendance for 20/11/2017- 24/11/2017

This year we break up for the Christmas holidays on Wednesday 20th December. Please note children return on Thursday 4th January as staff have an additional training day.

We are looking for a new parent governor to join our governing body. No special qualifications are needed but you should have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body's work. There will be a letter with full details next week, however in the meantime if you would like to know more about this vacancy please speak to Mrs Knight in the office.

We have received complaints from local residents and businesses about irresponsible parking around the school site, particularly on the High Street side of school. These may result in registration numbers being passed onto the police. Please only park in marked parking bays. Do not block access. There is 1 hour free parking on public car parks in Halesowen one of which is only a 2 minute walk from school. Please use these facilities.

This week a group of children attended the worship forum. Georgina May, Omar, Amelia, Maram, Joban and Jessie enjoyed all of the Christmas based activities.

Yesterday we held our school discos. We would like to say a special thanks to Claire Normanton, Lisa Round, Naomi Powell and Claire Grantham for helping and supporting this event doing the refreshments. If any other parents would like to help with events please speak to Mrs O'Donohue and she can add you to our list. Also special thanks to Now Education supply agency who organised the DJ for us.

Thanks for everyone who attended our Christingle service today. We loved seeing you all. The children enjoyed making their Christingles this week. We couldn't have done it without the generous donations from Sainsbury's Blackheath and Tesco Cradley Heath who provided the oranges.