Hello all,

Welcome to this weeks newsletter. I hope you are all well.

Finally a little bit of sustained sunshine- it does seem to make a great deal of difference. Hopefully now, we are past the dark mornings and and early evenings for a few months at least. 

This week we had our termly full governors meeting and resources committee meetings, it was brilliant to be able to share some of the fantastic things that have been happening in school over the past term and to be challenged on areas in which we need make further progress, explaining how we as school leaders will be looking to do this. I would like to thank all of our governors for their time and commitment.

Some of you will have attended our Rocksteady concerts this week also. Thank you very much for your time and support. I am sure that you will agree that the pupils performances showed the progress they have made with their ability and resilience as well as the confidence to stand and perform infront of an audience. Well done all!

Today we are having a 'Lots of Socks' day in support of World Down Syndrome Day. I know that many of the children and staff have opted to take part. We also had a special collective worship today about the day and the theme of beating loneliness. Thank you for your support.

Could I remind parents and carers of children in KS2 that we have our Easter service, including a singing performance from our choir, on Tuesday 24th March at 2pm, at St Margaret's Church. As always it would be brilliant to see many of the parents and carers there. The service will last for approximately 1 hour; after which we will return to school.

Many thanks, I wish you all a restful weekend.

Mr S Jones

As you will have seen in the dates section, we had arranged 2 parents evenings: the 22nd and 23rd April. Booking for these is through the Parents Evening section on the School Life App. This is the first time we are using the app. Bookings will be available from Monday 23rd March until Monday 20th April.

These evenings will give you an opportunity to ask any questions about your child's progress with their teacher following on from the report you will receive at the end of next week, and look at your child's books. There are 10 minutes for each slot and we ask that you allow our staff to adhere to these times as a courteousy to all parents and carers.

Should you have any problems booking please get in touch with the school office and we will do out upmost to assist.

Summer term reports will be sent out on 10th July, with an opportunity to view and celebrate children's work on 16th July.

Friday 20th March: Lots of Socks Day https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/our-work/campaigning/world-down-syndrome-day/ 

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

Wednesday 22nd April: Parents evening 15.45-18.30

Thursday 23rd April: Parents evening 15.45-18.30

Over the Month of May: Y2 Assessments

Tuesday 5th May: Year 2 Trip to Cadbury's World

Monday 11th May-Thursday 14th May Year 6 SATs tests.

Monday 25th May-Friday 29th May: Half Term School closed

Monday 1st June: Teacher Training Day, school closed to pupils

Tuesday 2nd June: Multiplication Tables Check for Year 4 pupils start

Tuesday 2nd June: Y3 lesson at St Margaret's Church 2pm-3pm.

Monday 8th June: Phonics Screening Checks start

Tuesday 9th June: Y4 lesson at St Margaret's Church 2pm-3pm.

Tuesday 16th June: Y5 lesson at St Margaret's Church 2pm-3pm.

Tuesday 23rd June: Y6 lesson at St Margaret's Church 2pm-3pm.

Tuesday 30th June: New Nursery (September 2026 intake) information session 4pm-5pm

Wednesday 8th July: Rocksteady Concerts times TBC

Friday 10th July: Summer term reports to parents

Tuesday 14th July: Y6 leavers assembly 09.30

Thursday 16th July: Parents book look 15.45-18.30.

Friday 17th July: Pupils break up for the summer holidays

A charity supporting disabled and neurodivergent children has published a collection of free resources to support emotional wellbeing.

The Caudwell Children and Parents Resource Pack is aimed at children with SEND and their families and offers a range of tools, including mindfulness colouring, emotions cards and wheels, now and next cards and posters, and breathing technique posters.

Caudwell Children is a UK charity providing practical and emotional support for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people, and their families. Their services include autism assessments, specialist equipment and funding, family support sessions, and occupational therapy.

The charity has worked with educational publishers Twinkl to produce the resources, which are downloadable and printable. The new tools complement Twinkl’s free webinars designed for SEND families.

Nick Read, chief operating officer at Caudwell Children, said: “We’re proud to have collaborated with the talented and experienced team at Twinkl on these high-quality, free resources. It’s fitting to be launching them at a time when SEND education is in the spotlight, following the recent publication of the Schools White Paper and SEND reform proposals.

“This pack of helpful, practical resources is another way in which we’re making daily life just a little bit easier for SEND families.”

Visit www.caudwellchildren.com/families/resources-for-parents-and-carers

While driving home on Monday, I happened to drive past one of our parents running, uphill through wind - a far cry from a leisurely stroll on a day like today. The following day while on the KS2 door, I spoke with the parent and left the conversation feeling somewhat inspired. It turned out that rather than just a run for the enjoyment of running, or as part of a fleeting get fit plan, this parent has committed to run 10 km each and every day for the duration of 2026! That means that at the time of writing this he has run a staggering 780 kilometres. 

I have attached a link below where you can find more information of the reasons behind such a heroic and inspiring endeavour, put in far more meaningful words than I can could use. If you are at all able to support with a donation, or perhaps some words of encouragement, I am sure that it would mean a great deal and help to pull on those trainers each and everyday as the year progresses. This is very much the embodiment of the strive to serve part of our school vision!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-whitehouse-9

Over the Easter holidays is a Book fest event at the National Convention Centre in Solihull. Please see the link below for further information.

• Second hand books for sale: all children's books £1 for the duration, adult books start at £3 and reduce in price as the week goes on. On the final day you can fill a bag for £10 with a selection of as many books you can fit.

https://www.ukbookfest.co.uk/

Please see the information about a story writing competition for children aged 7-11. The story should be no more than 500 words long and be about GOLD. Children can win a gold coin, £5000 for the school or local library and their story illustrated by an artist.

Further information is here: 

https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/learning/short-story-competition/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23432326214&gbraid=0AAAABCVUpB3sgxVkE79m3ToiFCMeW7nHl&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl4mviouGkwMVD5JQBh2gigPlEAAYASAAEgLTMvD_BwEwww.royalmintmuseum.org.uk

entries submitted to:

storycompetition@royalmintmuseum.org.uk

Story: Athletes from around the world have been competing in the Winter Paralympics Games in Italy?
Question: What makes someone a champion?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

Family Creative Art Workshop
from 16^th April, Wood Lane Community Centre

Free Sessions – Get Creative Together!

Join us for a fun and engaging family painting experience where you can get creative together. These workshops are designed for children aged 5 to 12 years and their families.

Evening Workshops take place from 4pm to 5pm on 16 April (Group Work), 23 April (Paint Your Parent), 30 April (Printing), and 14 May (Flower Pot Painting).

Morning Workshops run from 10am to 11am. These sessions are for children with additional needs and children in foster care are scheduled on 30 April (Exploring Colours), 14 May (Paint Your Parent), 21 May (Printing), and 28 May (Flower Pot Painting).

This is a great opportunity to explore colours, express creativity, and spend quality time together as a family.

To register: https://forms.gle/mmWC4Y5fUd6WdLGL9                   call 0121 525 2772 or email info@ggce.co.uk.

Easter Egg Hunt
31^st March, Wood Lane Community Centre

Join us for a fun-filled Easter celebration at Wood Lane Community Centre.

Our Easter Egg Hunt takes place on 31st March 2026, with three time slots available: 10–11am, 1–2pm, and 3–4pm.

Enjoy a variety of activities including an egg hunt, indoor crafts, indoor games, and music and dance. It’s a perfect event for kids and parents to enjoy together.

Tickets are £5 per child on the door or £4 with pre-booking.

To register: https://forms.gle/kQHU9teWq9V7fbPWA                       call 0121 525 2772 or email info@ggce.co.uk.

A great way to celebrate Easter with family, fun, and creativity.

Morrisons’ Free Kellogg’s Breakfast During Holidays
Since 2023 Morrisons have worked with Kellogg’s to offer free breakfasts in Morrisons cafés during the Easter School Holiday.

This year, Morrisons are pleased to share that the Free Kellogg's Breakfast Initiative at Morrisons cafés is returning.  And the best news is that the initiative is being expanded across all school holidays, including half terms, with the aim of giving away over 100,000 free breakfasts.

Throughout every school holiday period, families visiting a Morrisons café can request a “Kellogg’s Breakfast” completely free of charge. This offer is available in all 343 Morrisons cafés nationwide.

Each free breakfast includes:
• A bowl of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies
• A choice of dairy or soya milk
• A free portion of fresh fruit

Wodensborough Amateur Boxing Club

Wodensborough ABC is offering free sports holiday sessions for children aged 8-16 at Oxford Street, Wednesbury, WS10 0QN). Activities will include football, rounders, basketball, tennis, volleyball and boxing. Sessions run from 10am-2pm on Saturday 14^th Feb until Monday 16^th February, with a free packed lunch or buffet-style food provided. See attachment Wodensborough ABC

 New ParkRun in West Smethwick Park: Volunteers wanted!

Volunteers are needed to help launch a new parkrun at West Smethwick Park. All roles are available, including marshals, timekeepers and scanners. This is a great community opportunity to support a local community initiative and make a difference. Anyone interested can get in touch via the details in the attachment: ‘West Smethwick ParkRun Poster.’

 Free Cycling Club

Tuesdays 6pm – 7pm at YMCA, West Bromwich

See attached flyer YMCA Cycling Club for details of a Cycling Skills club, currently running Tuesdays in the Sports Hall at YMCA, with a focus on learning the basics of cycling and maintenance.

This is a free session for anyone over 16.

To book, call 0121 524 1950 or email joy.chatwin@ymcabc.org.uk

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

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. 

 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

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.

 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.

 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

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.

 WorkWell Support available for Black Country residents
A reminder that WorkWell continues to support residents across the Black Country who are experiencing health-related barriers to work. The service provides free, tailored support to help individuals stay in work, return to employment, or explore training and volunteering opportunities.

 Since launching in October 2024, the programme which is led by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has supported more than 2,600 local people, helping them take positive steps towards employment and improved wellbeing.

 What is WorkWell?
WorkWell is a free support programme delivered across the Black Country that helps people manage health-related challenges that may be affecting their ability to work. Participants receive personalised support from a WorkWell coach who can help them access local services, develop confidence and skills, and explore suitable employment, training or volunteering opportunities.

 Who is eligible?
WorkWell is available to adults aged 16 and over living in the Black Country, have a GP in the Black Country or are working with a JCP in the Black Country who have a health condition or disability that is impacting their ability to stay in work, return to work, or find employment.

 How to refer
Individuals can self-refer or professionals can refer someone they are supporting by accessible the WorkWell Referral Form.

Further information about the service, including how to make a referral, is available at:
www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/workwell

Our Thursday after school sports club next term is Years 3 and 4 Athletics. In this club children will be able to develop their skills in activities such as Javelin, shot putt, discus, long jump and running. The second half of the summer term will be Summer Sports for years 1 and 2. Booking for these will open soon. Club times: 15.30-16.30

PE days for the Summer 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/