Hello all,

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

I would like to say how wonderful it has been to see all of the children back in school safe and well after the Easter holidays. I hope you all had a very enjoyable break if you were able to get one.

This term is always a very busy one with lots of events across the course of the upcoming weeks. Please see the dates section for more details.

We have parents evenings next Wednesday and Thursday which have already started to get filled up. If you haven't already got a slot, please see the section below. If you have difficulties please get in touch with the school office.

Many thanks, have a lovely 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 have been available from Monday 23rd March until Monday 20th April. We have seen that many of you have already booked slots which is fantastic.

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 have received 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.

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 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

Story: 82-year-old runner, Eileen Hieron, is about to run the London Marathon, showing that age hasn’t stopped her trying something new.
Question: Is it ever too late to try something new?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

 Child Car Seat Check Event

Friday 15 May and Saturday 16 May, 10am – 3pm, Asda Cape Hill

51% of car seats are not fitted correctly. Why not pop along for a free independent check? Please see and share attached ‘CHILD SEAT SAFETY AD’

 You Ok Mate?: Men’s Wellbeing Drop in (Please share with Dads/Grandads/male caregivers)

Thursday 21^st May, 5pm – 7pm at West Bromwich Community Centre

A project exclusively for Men. Join us for tea, coffee and light refreshments and let’s get talking as men in Sandwell. See attached flyer ‘WBCC event’ for more information.

 Help get more Sandwell residents reading!

We all know the benefits of reading, but fewer of us are doing it. Reading expands minds, builds confidence and fuels creativity. Yet with more distractions and less time, reading for pleasure is in decline across many groups.

 The National Year of Reading 2026 is here to change that, by reconnecting reading with everyday culture, helping people see that stories, ideas and imagination belong everywhere.

 From national moments to local reading activities, events in schools and libraries across the country, as well as support from a network of ambassadors, major organisations, and an army of volunteers, 2026 will be packed with ways for everyone to get involved, reaching into all corners of society.

 Join Emma Ritson from the National Literacy Trust on Friday 8^th May, 10.00 – 11.00am on MS Teams as she gives more information on the campaigns activities and how you can get involved and support more Sandwell residents to enjoy the many pleasures and benefits of reading.

Simply follow this link to join the call Get Sandwell reading Community Call | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

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’.

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

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

 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

Walking Netball for Women

Fridays, 11:30am – 12:30pm, WBA Community Sports Hall, Halfords Lane B71 4LG

Free indoor sessions for women to enjoy a fun, inclusive sporting environment. See attached ‘Walking Netball AUK EN WBA’

 Carers information Session with Higgs LLP

29^th April, 11am-12pm, St Albans Community Association, Smethwick, B67 7NL

See attached flyer ‘Higgs LLP Workshop Leaflet’ for information on this free workshop for carers.

 Digital Skills Training Course
Digital skills masterclass and self-paced training - Learn to use AI in your daily life, craft effective prompt chatbots and use computer vision and machine translation

The Digital Inequalities team is collaborating with City of Wolverhampton College, who are offering accredited masterclasses in AI awareness, cyber awareness and data science awareness.

Available to: All Black Country Citizens (Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall)

Self-paced ♦ Online learning ♦ Unlimited spaces

If you’re interested, you can register and create a “new account” for the AI Awareness for Everyone course using the link below:

Awareness for Everyone course

Deadline to complete course: 1^st May 2026

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact: Emma Sharman, Digital Inequalities Lead, Black Country ICB emma.sharman@nhs.net



Friendly and Free Guided Bike Ride with British Cycling
Saturday 2^nd May , 11:00am – 12:30, Meet outside the Sons of Rest building, West Smethwick Park, B67 7JJ.

- Simply bring your bike and ride (helmets are recommended)

- Adults and children welcome

- Meet new people, improve your fitness, and get more confident on your bike

- There are a limited number of medium sized bikes available to borrow 

Any queries contact Steve - stephenbrown@britishcycling.org.uk or 07515 606660.

Book your place at -  Let's Ride - West Smethwick Pedal in the park  

 Free Run & Walk Club at Traceys
10th May 2026 (Then every Sunday afterwards), 9:30am start at Traceys Juice Bar, 51 Upper High Street, Wednesbury, Ws10 7HJ

Whatsapp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GmBGpkDM1OBFjOA0qa4YuG?mode=gi_t&fbclid=IwY2xjawRHEytleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFSbGxlMGgwVmlSNlMzRmNxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpRo4Q3dCcZ9Eu4fSG6TY43BCum4XkAB96Uky_AB_odJkBze_LOdLaWkVpwq_aem_nUSghPBDQPDQ04kaQX7tdw

Social media link: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1591722069139704&set=a.593551358956785

Event Brite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-run-walk-club-tickets-1987190248527?aff=oddtdtcreator

See attached poster:  ‘RunwalkclubTraceys’

Free Life Saving Training Sessions
Friday 15^th May, 9:30am – 12:30pm, St Albans Community Association, St Albans Road, Smethwick, B67 7NL
Join Hearts in the Stand for their free Bleed Kit Awareness training, hosted by St Albans Community Association. This is open to all community members age 12+. Please see attached flyer ‘Hearts in the Stand’ for booking details.

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

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:-
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/