Hello all,

Welcome to this weeks newsletter.

This week in school we have been reflecting on the value of forgiveness—a value that lies at the very heart of the Christian faith which underpins our school community. Forgiveness does not always come easily, especially when feelings are hurt or mistakes are made, but it is a powerful choice that helps to heal relationships and allows us to move forward with hope.

In our collective worship today, we have explored Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and how showing compassion, understanding and grace towards others helps us to grow, not only as individuals but as a community rooted in love. Our children have shared thoughtful reflections on saying sorry, accepting apologies and learning from our actions.

As we move through the half term ahead, I encourage our children—and indeed all of us—to remember that forgiveness is not about forgetting what has happened, but about choosing kindness, peace and reconciliation. Together, with God’s help, we continue to build a school where everyone feels valued, supported and loved.

This week has also seen the first session of our sewing club for children in years 3 and 4 and the first after school sports session for children in years 1 and 2. Both clubs were well attended and it has been great to see so many children discovering and practicing new skills and having fun.

Year 5 this week visited the Thinktank as part of their Science learning. The feedback on the visit from children and adults has been great and the children were a credit to the school. I would like to thank all staff who attended and parents and carers for supporting this visit. Educational visits are a great way to develop a love of learning and something we really value here at St Margaret's.

Thank you all for your continued support. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Mr S Jones

Friday 23rd January: Staying safe talk with West Midlands Police for year 6 pupils.

Monday 2nd February -Wednesday 4th February: Year 5&6 Residential visit to the Frank Chapman Centre

Week beginning 9th February: Bikeability sessions for Y5 pupils

Monday 23rd February: Singing workshops with Becky Drake (All year groups)

Tuesday 24th February: Y6 visit to St Margaret's Church

Tuesday 3rd March: Y5 visit to St Margaret's Church

Tuesday 10th March: Y4 visit to St Margaret's Church

Tuesday 10th March: Whole school individual photographs

Tuesday 17th March: Y3 visit to St Margaret's Church

Wednesday 18th March: Rocksteady Concerts (Times TBC)

Tuesday 24th March: KS2 Easter Service at St Margaret's Church. Starting at 2pm.

Wednesday 25th March: Y6 visit to RAF Cosford

Friday 27th March: Pupils break up for the Easter Holidays

Monday 13th April: Pupils return to school

The benefits for education of being physically active 

A 2022 review paper from Youth Sports Trust highlighted the link between physical activity and academic achievement. The summary findings were:

1. Physically active children achieve higher levels of academic attainment than their less physically active peers.
2. Physical activity means that children are better able to concentrate, which can enhance learning.
3. Physical activity supports better health and wellbeing among young people, which in turn means they are more likely to achieve better academically.
4. Physical activity can enhance the cognitive health of young people to support effective learning.
5. Physical literacy can support school readiness.
6. Organised sports and after-school clubs are associated with higher levels of attainment.

At St Margaret's we highly value the role that a physically active lifestyle can play in developing children in a range of ways. Physical activity and physical education (PE) are two very different things. Children at St Margaret's have lots of opportunity to be physically active- walking or playing at break and lunch times, movement in and between lessons and enjoying sports clubs are some ways. Children from years 1-6 also enjoy 2 hours of PE each week, being taught skills and tactics for sports and having opportunity to practice. In KS1 (years 1 and 2) this focuses primarily on agility, balance and co-ordination (ABC) and in KS2 (years 3-6) become more sports specific i.e children learn about named sports; badminton, netball, basketball, athletics etc.

Being physically active for 60 minutes each day is highly recommended in an 'active 30:30' method, 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes outside of school. This can include walking to and from school, walking dog, dancing in the living room- anything that isn't sedentary (being still). It can also be a great way to spend time together and talk as well as enjoying the benefits of being active.

A link to the report is below. 

https://share.google/gGHQiGnOxWdlyvldn

Anyone interested in further reading may like to look at 'Spark! How exercise will improve the performance of your brain' by Dr John Ratey and Eric Hagerman.

https://amzn.eu/d/fuVGrWN

This half terms after school sports club is multi skills for children in years 1 and 2. Booking is available via the link in the PE and School Sports section.

Story: Recently, a new award, called the Jane Goodall Earth Medal, has been created to celebrate people who work to help others and care for the world.
Question: Can awards encourage people to help others and care for the world?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

Antenatal Workshops

The Breastfeeding Network Sandwell Support Team are hosting antenatal sessions both virtually and in person FREE of charge! 

They also have sessions running in partnership with Sandwell Public Health which include an Antenatal workshop with trained Breastfeeding Peer Supporters and an Ask the Midwife session where a local community midwife will be on hand to answer questions and offer support to Sandwell families as they embark on their parenting journey.

All sessions are bookable via: www.bookwhen.com/sandwellbfn

 To find out more about The Breastfeeding Network and the support on offer please visit: https://linktr.ee/sandwellbfn

 Online self-help for Unpaid Carers

In September 2025, Adult Social Care launched Bridgit, a new digital platform designed to support unpaid carers across Sandwell.

Bridgit is a free website that uses AI technology to provide carers with 24/7 access to tailored advice, information, and guidance to help them navigate their caring role. The content is specifically aligned to services and support available to Sandwell residents.

Carers can access information without needing to enter personal details; however, the more information they choose to share about themselves and the person they care for, the more personalised and relevant the guidance becomes.

Please find the attached poster and feel free to share it with any colleagues, groups, or individuals who may find it useful. If you would like further information about our carers’ services, including Bridgit and Sandwell Carers Service, require paper copies of our marketing materials, or would like to arrange a team visit for us to talk through the support available for unpaid carers, please contact us at ASC_coproduction@sandwell.gov.uk.

The website can be accessed here: https://carers.bridgit.care/app/sandwell/live

 Free Smoking Cessation Champion Training

Wednesday 21st January,9:30am to 12:30pm, Stop For Life Sandwell at YMCA 38 Carters Green, West Bromwich B70 9LG.

Join our FREE Champion Training Course - designed to help you build confidence and practical skills in having positive, supportive conversations about smoking and vaping. 

This interactive session will enhance your ability to:

• Talk confidently about smoking, vaping, and harm reduction

• Address common concerns and misconceptions around vaping

• Encourage and guide smokers towards joining a structured quit programme

• Offer the right support and motivation to help individuals achieve a smoke-free, nicotine-free life

Whether you’re a health professional, community worker, or someone who regularly interacts with smokers or vapers, this training will give you the knowledge and tools to make a real difference.

Book your space now on Eventbrite:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sfls-champion-training-course-tickets-1978830009828

Contact info@stopforlifesandwell.org for any queries.

Free Walking Netball – Fun, Friendly & Active

Running every Friday starting 23^rd January , 11:30am-12:30pm, West Bromwich Community Sports Hall, Halfords Lane, B71 4LG

Walking Netball is a slower-paced version of the game, perfect for those who want to stay active while enjoying the social side of sport. It’s netball at a walking pace, with sessions full of fun, laughter, and camaraderie.

Our sessions are led by a friendly Walking Netball host who will support you whether you’re brand new to netball or simply looking for a refresher. We aim to build a welcoming, social, and supportive female network while keeping active together.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please email Sophie.brown@englandnetball.co.uk

 Friendship Club

Running every Monday starting 26^th January, 10:30am – 11:30am, St Albans Community Association, Smethwick, B67 7NL
This weekly friendship group is open to anyone looking to meet new friends and enjoy games, advice, and fun activities in a friendly environment. See attached ‘friendship group post for facebook’

 You OK Mate Events

Monday 26^th January, between 1:30pm and 3pm, Tipton Muslim Community Centre (Wellington Road, Tipton, DY4 8RS)

Friday 30^th January 2026 between 10:30 and 12:30pm, Jubilee Park Community Centre (Powis Avenue, Tipton, DY4 0RJ)

Ideal for All have 2 events scheduled in Tipton for Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing, please see attached leaflets (You OK Mate x 4 attachments).

Blooming Menopause Group

Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6pm-7pm, Portway Lifestyle Centre, Oldbury, B69 1HE

Blooming Menopause Group at Portway, Oldbury is set to continue with a few changes:

• The group will initially be ran by volunteers, and led by Sarah Hill with the support of other volunteers
• Meetings are now on the FOURTH Tuesday of each month - next dates: 27^th January, 24^th February, 24^th March, 28^th April
• Meeting time remains the same 6pm - 7pm
• Attendance remains FREE! 🙂
• Refreshments are changing: bring your own drinks or some tea, coffee, milk - there will be access to cold water, hot water and mugs
• New members are still welcome to join, so feel free to share the attached poster far and wide, social media, newsletters, workplace, local coffee shops and community settings, GP surgeries...
• The WhatsApp group for Portway Oldbury continues to run. If interested, message Sarah or Aline and we can add you to the group - sarah1001@msn.com / aline@menopauseknowledge.org

And another thing... You are also invited to join the MenoTalk Halesowen group!

• Janet Baker, j.p.baker@blueyonder.co.uk, set up the group a few years ago and it is running strong with some amazing guest speakers!  Janet has been a wonderful supporter of our work at Menopause Knowledge and has a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the menopause topic!
• This group runs on the SECOND Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 9pm at The Stag & The Three Horseshoes, Halesowen Road, Birmingham  B62 9BB.
• The group welcomes a different guest speaker each month. Entry is £2, cash only.
• The next meeting is Tuesday 10^th February
• There is a private Facebook group where Janet and other admins share a lot of useful, educational information Click here if interested in joining the group on Facebook

 SCVO Grants

SCVO VS2030 community micro grants have now gone live. SCVO are delivering this grant programme, on behalf of and in partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, to enable voluntary and community groups to deliver activities in Sandwell, and to Sandwell residents, to support the following priorities:

• Building social connections

• Tackling loneliness and isolation

• Healthy lifestyles

£500 micro grant to support either a single event/activity or a series of sessions delivered in Sandwell that brings local people together, tackles loneliness and isolation and/or supports healthy lifestyles. Activities or sessions must take place between March 1^st – July 31^st 2026 with completed evaluations returned to SCVO by 31^st August 2026. If your group or organisation is interested in applying for the VS2030 Community Micro grant, or would like a arrange a conversation to find out more, please email your project proposal to SCVO Community Partnerships Coach, Liz Webster at liz@scvo.info

The closing date for applications is midday on Monday, 2nd February 2026.

 Free Street Cricket for Women and Girls aged 14+

Running every Friday starting 6^th February, 7pm – 8:30pm, Wodensborough Ormiston Academy, Wednesbury

Staffordshire Cricket are offering free cricket for women and girls 14+, all abilities welcome, supported by female coaches. Please see attached poster, ‘Wednesbury Girls Street Cricket’, for more information or contact Pravin via email: pv.patel@staffordshirecricket.co.uk  or phone: 07734 754073.

Ramadan Charity Fundraiser

Saturday 7^th February from 1:30-5:30pm at The Wesley Centre, Spring Hill, Wednesbury, WS10 9AD

Please see attachment ‘Ramadan Fundraiser’ for details of a fundraising event.

Volunteers Wanted: Litter Picking in West Bromwich Town

West Bromwich BID would like to invite businesses, charities, or any other organisations to come and join the BID Team with Litter Picking round West Bromwich Town.

Organised dates are:-
10th March 2026
21st April 2026
15th September 2026
13th October 2026

🕰️ 10.30am to 12pm

Email Lisa.hill@westbromwichtown.co.uk to book your date.

SCVO Meet the Funder Session

Tuesday 24th March 2026, 11am via a Zoom Conference Call. (Please note date change from 26^th March to 24^th March)

SCVO has a free session which aims to connect local groups to potential funding opportunities and strengthen applications to the funder based on the information presented during the session.

Meet the Expert: Easyfundraising

SCVO are pleased to announce easyfundraising’s Partnerships Manager, Becky Coleman will be coming to explain how changing your organisations and networks online shopping habits can support your fundraising goals.

easyfundraising is the UK’s biggest charity shopping site, it is simple and free to use! Since 2005 they have helped thousands of good causes turn everyday shopping into free donations.

For more information – https://www.scvo.info/2025/12/11/meet-the-expert-easyfundraising/

To book a place - https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/scvo/

Volunteering Opportunity

Walsall Community Transport are currently looking for volunteers to support the work of the West Bromwich Let’s Chat Hub, which operates Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 2:00pm.

Volunteering at the Hub offers an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community by supporting people in a friendly and welcoming environment. The team would be very happy to meet with anyone who is interested to discuss the role in more detail and to explain the work we do at the Hub.

All volunteers will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, which can be discussed further with interested applicants.

See attachments ‘Volunteer Opportunities Let’s Chat Hubs West Brom August 2025’ for more info and ‘Volunteer Application Form Feb 23’.

Please promote to anyone who may be interested, or contact enquiries@walsallct.org.uk

Mobile Flu and Covid Vaccinations

As winter approaches and viruses spread, flu mobile vaccination clinics are being set up to encourage people to stay well this winter.

The community mobile clinics are being hosted at a range of locations in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, and Sandwell, with no appointment necessary.

Those eligible to receive their flu vaccine at the mobile clinics include:

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• All children aged 2–3 years old on 31 August 2025
• Pregnant women
• Frontline health and social care staff, including those working in care homes for older adults

Those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can also receive it at the mobile clinics.

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment (check https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/ for a list of Health Conditions/Treatments that mean you are eligible)
• live in a care home for older adults

To see locations of clinics, please click the following link: Mobile vaccination clinics :: Black Country ICB

Good Boost at West Bromwich Leisure Centre

• A low level, 8-week rehab programme for those with chronic pain or MSK conditions.
• Uses AI Tablets to create individual, tailored workouts
• Options to take part in water or on land
• Supportive group class environment
• Grab & Go tablets to use outside of group classes
• Accessed via a discounted membership
• For more info & QR code, please see attached ‘goodboost.pdf’.

Take Time to Cook with Take Time for You CIC

Every Thursday from 8^th January 2026 – 26^th March 2026, 2pm – 4pm, West Bromwich Community Centre, Gayton Road

A free course to teach adults with learning disabilities how to cook and prepare food safely and independently. To book: https://www.goodhub.com/GO/TAKETIMETOCOOK

Please see attached ‘With TAKE TIME FOR YOU CIC.pdf’ for more info.

The Clean Plate Project

Starting Friday 16^th January, 1pm-3pm, Brasshouse Community Centre

A free 6-week programme for adults in recovery from alcohol and/or drug use across Sandwell

• Hands on cooking sessions
• Simple healthy eating tips
• Practical nutrition advice for recovery & wellbeing
• Peer support and connection with others on a similar journey

Email or call to sign up – information on attached poster Brasshouse new.png

Home Energy Advice Support

See attached ‘Heat-A5 flyer.pdf’ flyer that outlines the Home Energy Advice support available for people who are struggling with fuel and energy costs. The service offers one-to-one support through home visits or remote advice, helping with energy bills, speaking to suppliers about billing issues or debt, improving energy efficiency, raising energy saving awareness and supporting income maximisations. Contact details are included in the flyer.

Our Thursday after school sports club this half term is Years 1 and 2 Multiskills. Children can be signed up through: Aspire Sports Portal https://aaeg.magicbooking.co.uk/  Club times: 15.30-16.30

PE days for the Spring term:

Reception: Monday

Year 1:  Wednesday and Thursday

Year 2: Tuesday and Friday

Year 3: Thursday and Friday

Year 4: Monday and Wednesday

Year 5: Monday and Thursday

Year 6: Tuesday and Thursday

Children need to arrive at school ready for PE. PE Kit is as follows. A plain white t-shirt, plain black jogging bottoms/leggings/shorts, trainers, school jumper or cardigan. No jewellery should be worn, long hair needs to be tied back, piercings that cannot be removed must be taped up- tape/plasters provided from home. Any religious/cultural jewellery that cannot be removed must be secured/covered- sweat bands are perfect for this.

As a school we like to promote health and well being and while we allow children to bring a snack to have at break time, we ask please that this is a healthy snack such as a piece or pot of fruit. We have noticed an increase in children wanting to have crisps to take out at break time. We do not consider crisps to be a healthy snack and while these may be fine as part of a packed lunch, we ask that children do not have them for break time snack. Thank you for your support.

All reading and library books will be given to children over these first couple of weeks. We aim to ensure that the books children are issued are in line with their need and ability. Children will have 2 books, one school 'levelled reading book' and one Reading for Pleasure book. The Reading for Pleasure book is aimed to foster a love of reading. We expect children to be heard read at least 3 times per week and comments written in their reading record. Children should have their reading book and reading record in school each day. We ask for your support with this.

Any lost or books damaged beyond repair will incur a  £5 fee to allow us to replace them.  This will be issued via ParentPay. 

Many children like to bring their own pencil cases and stationary items into school. This is fine, but please remember that all items needed for school work will be provided by school. We ask that no scissors or sharp items come into school. School will provide children with safety scissors to use in school when required.

Useful items may include: pencils, rulers, crayons, a protractor (Y4+), a blue handwriting pen (KS2), felt tips and a glue stick in a sensibly sized pencil case. Again there is no requirement or expectation that pupils have their own items from home.

Children can also have a water bottle with a sports cap, containing water unless agreed otherwise, their reading book and reading record. In most circumstances there should be no need for other items to be coming into school without prior agreement. We ask for parents support with this. Please ensure all items of uniform are named to ensure that we have the best possible chance to return lost items to the right people.

A reminder to parents and carers to be careful and considerate with their parking when dropping off and collecting children. It is imperative that the front of school remains clear, and that we respect neighbouring properties and ensure they are to access and egress their homes and businesses. This seems to be a particular problem with parents parking in the Grove and on the resident car park at Sophie Gardens, and more recently in Vicarage Rise. We ask that parents and carers do not park across people drives or in residents spaces at Sophie Gardens, and remember our school value of Respect when talking to one another.  More than anything we need to keep everyone safe. I hope that you have seen the signs that we have purchased to help remind parents and carers about parking, one is outside the main gates and another on the 'island' in the layby towards the under passage on the Birmingham Road. 

We are pleased that we are able to have an arrangement with the Holiday Inn J7 to allow parents to use car parking facilities at appropriate times. If you are interested in this please contact the school office and they will help arrange a pass for you.

Safeguarding is very important to us at St Margaret's, and we firmly believe that everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe. Should you have any safeguarding concerns please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mr Jones, or in his absence Mrs Boud or Mrs Humphries via the school office. If you have a concern for the safety of a child outside of school time you are able to report this directly to Sandwell Children's Trust on 0121 569 3100 or https://www.sandwellchildrenstrust.org/report-child-risk/ . If a child is in immediate danger, you should contact the police (call 999).

Should you have any need to contact school to discuss anything, your first port of call will most likely be your child's class teacher. The way to do this is via the school office who are happy to pass on a message, or arrange a call back. We ask that you do not engage teachers in conversation on doors when dropping off or collecting children, as the primary focus has to be the safe arrival and dismissal of children. Further information on communicating with school can be found by following the link below.

Address:

St Margaret's CE Primary School

Birmingham Road

Birmingham

B43 7AP

Telephone:

0121 357 2758

Email: postbox@st-margarets.sandwell.sch.uk

OR

Use contact us page on website: https://stmargaretscofeprimaryschool.co.uk/about-us/contact-details/

Website: https://stmargaretscofeprimaryschool.co.uk/

Information on our Communications Protocol and Procedures and Parent Code of Conduct can be found on our website.

https://stmargaretscofeprimaryschool.co.uk/parents/policies/