Hello all,

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

As you will know, high levels of staff absence this week meant that we were unable to visit St Margaret's Church for our KS2 Easter service. While this was very disappointing, we were able to hold the service for children in the school hall on Tuesday afternoon. The service was filled with joyful singing and I would like to thank all involved in it's organisation and especially those children and staff who participated. The Easter message that I read out is below.

During Holy Week, Christians remember the final days of Jesus’ earthly life—His Last Supper with His friends, His arrest, His trial, and His death on the cross. These parts of the story can be difficult to think about, because they show Jesus experiencing fear, pain, and sadness. But Christians believe that Jesus chose to face the cross out of love—a love so deep and powerful that it embraces the whole world, including each one of us.

But Easter doesn’t end in sadness.
On Easter Sunday, something incredible happens.
Christians believe that God raised Jesus from the dead—showing that love is stronger than hatred, hope is stronger than fear, and life is stronger than death.

When Jesus rose again, He brought with Him a message that has changed millions of lives:
no matter how dark things may seem, God’s love always brings new life and new beginnings.

Easter as a Message of Hope

When we look around us at this time of year, we see signs of new life everywhere—flowers blooming, birds returning, trees beginning to grow their new leaves. These signs in nature reflect the hope of the resurrection: that after winter comes spring; after sorrow comes joy; and after the darkest moments can come a fresh, bright start.

Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection shows us that God can transform even the toughest situations. It reminds us that we are never alone, and that God walks beside us every day, guiding us, strengthening us, and inviting us to bring His light into the world.

Easter as a Message of Forgiveness

Another part of the Easter message is forgiveness.
Before He died, Jesus forgave the people who hurt Him. He taught His followers to forgive, even when it is hard. Easter reminds us that every one of us can choose forgiveness—letting go of anger or hurt, and choosing peace instead. This isn’t always easy, but it is always powerful.

Perhaps there is someone you need to forgive.
Or maybe you need a new start with someone.
Easter reminds us that new starts are always possible.

Easter as a Call to Live with Love

Jesus’ whole life was centred on love: loving God and loving others. Christians believe that when Jesus rose again, He asked His followers to continue sharing that love everywhere they go—through kindness, compassion, courage, and fairness.

You don’t have to do anything spectacular to share God’s love.
You can share it by:

• offering a helping hand
• including someone who feels left out
• speaking kindly
• standing up for what is right
• praying for someone who is struggling

These small acts shine brightly, just like the light of Easter morning.

What Easter Means for Us Today

So as we celebrate Easter together, I want to invite you to hold onto three things:

Hope – because God brings new life in surprising places.
Forgiveness – because everyone needs second chances.
Love – because Jesus showed us that love has the greatest power of all.

My prayer for you this Easter is that you feel surrounded by God’s love; that you notice the signs of new life and hope around you; and that you share that hope with others at school, at home, and in your community.

Many thanks, I wish you all a wonderful Easter, and look forward to seeing you all back in school, on time on Monday 13th April 2026.

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 27th March: Pupils break up for the Easter Holidays. Spring term reports sent out

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

Tuesday 28th April: Y3 trip to Bishops Wood

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.

Wednesday 10th June: Y4 visit to Trentham Monkey Forest

Tuesday 16th June: Reception trip to Hatton Adventure garden.                                                                                                                                                                         Y5 lesson at St Margaret's Church 2pm-3pm.

Tuesday 23rd June: Year 1 visit to the Black Country Living Museum.

                              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

As many of you will be aware, there has been an outbreak of Meningitis in Kent in recent weeks. Some parents and families may have worries and we wanted  to provide some information and reassurance. We sought guidance from Sandwell Health Protection who advised that the current guidance is to stay calm, be aware of signs and symptoms and to remember that this is an outbreak some distance away with no current links to the West Midlands. We were also sign posted to the following information from the Department for Education:

About invasive meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital. While meningococcal disease can affect all ages, recent outbreaks have shown that older children, teenagers and young adults, particularly those in shared settings such as schools, colleges and universities, are more likely to be affected.

How invasive meningococcal disease spreads

Meningococcal infection doesn’t spread very easily. The bacteria can only be passed to others after a long period of close contact, for example living with someone in shared accommodation, through prolonged kissing or sharing vapes.

People may be offered preventive antibiotics if they have had significant, close contact with someone with meningococcal disease in the last 7 days.

What UK Health Security Agency is doing 

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is leading a multi-agency management team to respond to this outbreak. Specialists at UKHSA are interviewing affected individuals and their families to help identify all close contacts and arrange antibiotics to limit spread.

Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA is working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread. UKHSA is now advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5 March, 6 March or 7 March to come forward for post exposure preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure.

What you need to do

There are two important actions that all parents can take to support management of this incident and help protect themselves. These are:

1. Be aware and alert to the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease.

2. Encourage uptake of preventive antibiotic treatment for those who are eligible.

Signs and symptoms

Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly, so it’s essential that parents and students are alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. You should seek urgent medical help if you or your child develop any symptoms of meningococcal disease.

• a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass

• sudden onset of high fever

• severe and worsening headache

• stiff neck

• vomiting and diarrhoea

• joint and muscle pain

• dislike of bright lights

• very cold hands and feet

• seizures

• confusion/delirium

• extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking

Meningococcal disease does not spread easily, and outbreaks of this size are rare. If you have not been contacted directly by UKHSA the risk to you/your child is low. You or your child can continue to attend school or college as normal unless you have been directly advised otherwise by your local health protection team.  

Vaccination

There are several types of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis. The current outbreak is caused by Meningococcal B (MenB).

Teenagers are routinely offered the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four other types of meningitis: A, C, W, and Y. This usually happens in school Years 9 and 10. If someone missed this vaccination at school, they can still get it up until their 25th birthday. It’s especially important to get it before starting university or college, where infections can spread more easily. You can get it by contacting your GP.

However, the MenACWY vaccine does not protect against MenB, and there is no routine MenB vaccination programme for young adults.  MenB vaccination is only routinely offered to children under two, meaning children born before 2015 (when this programme was introduced) have not been vaccinated as part of their routine immunisation schedule. Because of this, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia—spotting them early can save lives.

Finally, make sure that children stay up to date with all their routine vaccinations, as these offer important protection.

In some outbreaks, vaccination against meningococcal group B (MenB) is used as an additional protective measure, particularly when there is evidence that vaccination can reduce the risk of late cases in affected groups. UKHSA continues to review all information to identify and assess appropriate prevention and control action. If vaccination becomes recommended as part of the response, parents will be informed immediately with clear instructions on who is eligible, when clinics will run, and what steps to take.

The most important steps to take at this stage are to be alert to the signs and symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and encourage uptake of antibiotic treatment to those who are eligible.

For more information, visit the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/ or see the information available from two charities who offer free support via their websites and helplines:

The Meningitis Research Foundation

www.meningitis.org

Helpline UK 080 8800 3344

Meningitis Now 

www.meningitisnow.org

Helpline 0808 80 10 388

or helpline@meningitisnow.org

On Wednesday this week, Year 6 visited RAF Museum Cosford. While we experienced a whole range of weather, we were fortunate to be indoors during any hail and sleet downpours. The children engaged in a Lego Robotics workshop, building a moving vehicle which they programmed and then raced with varying degrees of success but a lot of enjoyment.

The group then moved on to a Battle of Britain workshop where out children wowed the Cosford staff with the knowledge of the key events of the battle and the significance of tactics, equipment and technology in the battle's outcome. 

After lunch the children spent some time exploring the hangars and looking at aircraft from the Battle of Britain before moving onto the giftshop where it appeared aviator sunglasses were a very popular choice.

As always we were very pleased with the children's conduct on the day and thank them for this and the staff attending and organising to help the day go smoothly.

As you will have seen on the news recently, there has been a lot of discussion at government level around screen time for children, use of social media and mobile phones in schools.

Since it has been so high profile we thought it apt to review our mobile phones policy. It is on the website and I have added a summary of key points below.

• As a general rule, pupils are not permitted to bring mobile phones to school unless there is a specific reason agreed in advance with school leaders (e.g., travel safety) Travel to and from school will only apply to pupils in year 6.
• Where permitted, phones must be switched off as soon as it is on the school site and handed in at the office at the start of the day and collected at the end.
• Use of mobile phones during the school day, including break and lunch times, is prohibited.
• Mobile phones must not be used to take photographs or videos on school premises without explicit permission.
• Pupils found using mobile phones inappropriately will face sanctions in line with the school’s behaviour policy, and will lose the right to bring a phone to school.
• Pupils who need a mobile device to link with a medical device will have this written in to a care plan and this will be supported by the school.
• Pupils are not permitted to wear Smart Watches in school

• Parents and Carers

  • Support the school’s mobile phone policy and reinforce expectations at home.
  • Ensure pupils understand when and how mobile phones can be used appropriately.
  • Communicate with the school regarding any concerns or exceptional circumstances.
  • Model good mobile phone use by not using phones on the school site except in emergency situations

  • Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Use by Staff

    • Staff should use mobile phones responsibly, ensuring use does not disrupt teaching or compromise professional standards.
    • Personal mobile phones should not be used in front of pupils except in emergencies or with senior leader approval.
    • Staff must not use personal devices to photograph or record pupils unless authorised for school purposes and with appropriate consent.
    • Smart watches must be in ‘flight mode’ while on the school premises so as not to cause a distraction

Thank you for your support

While driving home recently, 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: The Bank of England, that designs and makes the UK’s banknotes, has said that future notes will include British wildlife, such as animals or plants, instead of historical figures.
Question: What should represent a country?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

Easter HAF newsletter

Sandwell Holiday activities are back for 2026, please see and share attached ‘Easter HAF Newsletter’ which contains the booking link to explore and book available activities if eligible families have not already done so.

Choices: Free family activities

• Free activities for families with children between the ages of 5-12 available during half term.
• Free family fitness sessions available on Mondays at Wood Lane Community centre, 5:15pm – 6:15pm.
• See available sessions and book on here: https://bookwhen.com/choices#focus=ev-smq23-20260330093000

 Go Play Sandwell: Free half term and after school activities for children aged 6-12

See calendar here: https://goplaysandwell.co.uk/events/

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.  See attached ‘31^st March,2026’

 Petting Zoo
Thursday 2^nd April, 10am-3pm, High St, West Bromwich (by Little Desserts)
Free petting zoo organised by West Bromwich BID. Please see attached ‘Petting Zoo’ flyer.

HAF Camp (Eligible families only)

• Tipton Sports Academy are offering spaces to eligible Sandwell residents aged 8 to 16 years, on our Easter HAF holiday camp.
• Sessions are running 10am till 2pm on 30^th and 31^st March and 1^st and 2^nd April
• Expect fun, active sessions plus healthy snacks to keep children energised.
• Places are limited and are bookable using a 16 digit HAF code thatn has been circulated to eligible families.
• To book use your code on the following link https://app.holidayactivities.com/parent/providers/kore-sandwell-formerly-sandwell-leisure-trust
• See attached ‘Easter Camp 2026’

Racquets Camp at Tipton Sports Academy

• Join us for indoor padel and tennis fun coaching this Easter at Tipton Sports Academy. This is suitable for  young people aged 8 to 16 years, and is lead by professional coaches.
• Sessions are running 10am till 1pm on 7^th April and 9^th April and costs £21.00 per day.
• Why not experience the new trending sport of padel and perfect your racquet skills this Easter!
• Places are limited and are bookable by emailing lee.marks@korewellness.co.uk
• See attached ‘Racquets Holiday Camp Poster Easter’

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.
• See attached ‘Creative Art Workshop’.

Half term at Sandwell Museums
Please follow the link to find out what’s on at Sandwell museums during half term: Get involved - activities and what's on at Sandwell Museums | Sandwell Council 

Open Access Youth Provisions in West Bromwich

A safe, friendly space to meet new people, try new things, and have fun!

Access is totally free and open to all young people aged 11-19.

Tanhouse Youth Club: every Tuesday & Thursday, 6pm–8pm at Tanhouse Centre, Hamstead Road, Great Barr, B43 5EL (see attached ‘Tanhouse Youth Club Poster 1124’)

🎨 Arts & crafts

⚽ Sports

🎮 Games consoles

🎵 Music

📚 Education support

🗣️ Someone to talk to

🔥 Warm drinks & snacks

🌿 Offsite trips & activities

Lodge Road Youth Club: every Tuesday & Thursday, 6pm–8pm at Lodge Road Community Centre, Lodge Road, West Bromwich, B70 8PJ 

🏀 Indoor sports hall

⚽ Outdoor sports area

🎱 Pool tables

🏓 Table tennis

🎮 Games consoles

🎨 Arts & crafts

💻 Media

🌍 Offsite trips

If anyone would like more information, please contact steven_walker@sandwell.gov.uk

Black Country Brick Show

Saturday 18^th April and Sunday 19^th April, 10am – 4pm, The Phoenix Collegiate

The Black Country Brick Show is back with another awesome weekend full of Lego, fuelling the excitement and sparking the imagination of kids of all ages from 0 to 99yrs.

• Lego workshops and Building Sessions
• Lego displays
• Free activities including mini-figure hunt game, lego robot wards, Brick-Tock
• Specific ‘Quiet time’ tickets available.
• All proceeds go to two amazing and worthwhile charities: Birmingham Children's Hospital Charity & Fairy Bricks

More info & Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-country-brick-show-2026-tickets-1323028125739

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/