Hello all,

Welcome to this weeks newsletter- the final one of the year. I hope you are all well.

I cannot quite believe that we have come to the end of the school year already. So much has happened and yet it feels like it has gone by in the blink of an eye. While we look forward to a rest and some family time over the next few weeks, it is also a good time to reflect back across the year and look at some of the things that have happened. 

Reading children's report comments this year really highlighted the value of school visits in making memories and enriching our school curriculum. The children have clearly enjoyed them and these are something that we will continue to develop over the next academic year. This year also saw St Margaret's return to the Frank Chapman Centre for a year 5 and 6 residential, again this was an opportunity for children to make memories that I am sure will last them a lifetime.

There have also been more clubs and activities for children to get involved with- from sewing and board  games to future medics. We have taken on board  feedback and will be looking to offer even more next year. It is important to keep the 'love to learn' part of our vision at the core of all we do and these enrichment opportunities really do support this.

This week we say goodbye to our current year 6 pupils and on Tuesday we celebrated them by holding our annual year 6 leavers service, it was wonderful to see so many parents and carers in school, celebrating the children. For some that was their last event at St Margaret's and we thank you for your support with your children over the years.

We also had our final Rock Steady Music concert on Wednesday and once again it was a fantastic celebration of the children's hard work and dedication to practice. Thank you to all who have supported this event and the children's learning. parents also had the opportunity to come into school and see the children's book this past Thursday, we thank those of you who took the time to do so.

Sadly as well as year 6 we are also saying goodbye to staff members. Mrs Allard, who has supported pupils in year 2, and Mrs Iqbal, who has supported pupils in year 1 will both be leaving us over the summer. As you will also be aware we are also saying goodbye to Georgina after many years of service to the children, school and wider community. I thank all of them for their hard work and dedication and wish them well for whatever the future holds.

Looking forward to next year, we had transition sessions between classes last Thursday and the children got to meet their new teachers, visit their new classrooms and see new playgrounds and their entry and exit points. It is worth noting that year 3 do not have their own external door, so share entry and exit with year 5 on the KS2 doors. On the first 2 days of term Mrs Steggall will be there to greet pupils, after that they will be greeted in the classroom by Miss Steggall and I will remain on the main doors. I will be around on the first morning to direct anyone who needs support.

Please note that it will only be year 6 pupils that have permission to walk from school with written consent. Forms have gone out this week to be updated and must be returned on the first day for this to take effect. Only pupils walking home cam bring a mobile phone to school which must be locked away in the school office and collected at the end of the day as per our policy.

I would like to end the year by saying a huge thank you to all parents and carers for all of your help and support over the year and wish you all a very enjoyable and safe summer.

Many thanks,

Mr S Jones

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

Tuesday 1st September: Training day (school closed to pupils)

Wednesday 2nd September: Training day (school closed to pupils)

Thursday 3rd September: School open for pupils

Monday 26th October -Friday 30th October: Half term holidays. School closed

Monday 21st December - Friday 1st January: Christmas holidays. School Closed

Monday 4th January 2027- Training day, school closed to pupils

Tuesday 5th January: School reopen to pupils for Spring term

Here are the term dates for next academic year. While we are still reviewing some dates for next year, please note the following also:

Tuesday 2nd September: Training day (school closed to pupils)

Wednesday 3rd September: Training day (school closed to pupils)

Monday 4th January training day (school closed to pupils)

Thursday 17th December Autumn term reports to parents

Monday 3rd May: May bank holiday, school closed

Monday 10th to Thursday 13th May Y6 SATs week

Monday 7th June 2 week window for Y4 multiplication check begins

Monday 14th June Phonics Screening Check week

Friday 28th June: training day (school closed to pupils)

Friday 9th July: training day (school closed to pupils)

Friday 16th July End of year reports to parents

Monday 19th July Year 6 leavers concert

Tuesday 20th July Parents book look evening

Wednesday 21st July: Last day of the school year

Nursery: Miss Hale (4 days) Mrs Revell (1 day)

Reception: Mrs Rahman

Year 1: Miss Mistry

Year 2: Mrs Lander

Year 3: Miss Steggall

Year 4: Mrs Nokes

Year 5: Mrs Boud

Year 6: Mrs Humphries

Magical Maths club is now available for booking for children who will be in years 1 and 2 in September. This 6 week club with run on Thursdays, after school, from the 10th September. Please see the attached flyer for more details and book directly with Magical Maths.

We would like to share a part time job role that has opened up at St Margaret's Church. This may be the perfect opportunity for one of our parents and carers or someone you know.

Part-Time Parish Administrator

The Parish Office, St Margaret’s Church, Chapel Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham B43 7BA

Email: - gtbarr@btconnect.com

Hours: 16 hours per week (currently Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00am–2:00pm, with flexibility available)

Location: St Margaret’s Church, Chapel Lane, Great Barr B43 7BA

St Margaret’s Church is seeking an organised, friendly and proactive Parish Administrator to play a key role in supporting the life and ministry of our church. This is a varied and rewarding position that combines office administration, community engagement and event support.

As the first point of contact for many members of the public and church community, you will provide a warm welcome, offer practical assistance, and ensure the smooth running of the Parish Office.

About the Role

The Parish Administrator is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the Parish Office, supporting a wide range of church activities including weddings, baptisms, funerals, memorials and special events.

Key responsibilities include:

· Managing enquiries by telephone, email and in person

· Maintaining church records, databases, filing systems and diaries

· Coordinating bookings for weddings, baptisms, funerals and church facilities

· Liaising with clergy, church officers, funeral directors, stonemasons and families

· Processing invoices, payments and office administration

· Producing posters, flyers and publicity materials for church events

· Maintaining accurate and confidential records

· Supporting the administration of church festivals and services

· Ensuring the office and its equipment operate efficiently

· Provide two references.

· Hold, or be willing to obtain, a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. The Church will arrange a DBS check for the successful applicant if required.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

· Has excellent administrative and organisational skills

· Is friendly, approachable and professional

· Communicates clearly and sensitively, both verbally and in writing

· Can deal confidently with people from all walks of life, including those experiencing bereavement or difficult circumstances

· Is able to work independently and manage multiple priorities

· Has strong attention to detail and maintains accurate records

· Exercises understanding, discretion and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately

· Is confident using computers and willing to learn new systems and processes

· Demonstrates initiative, resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving

-

Previous experience in administration, customer service, office management or a similar role would be advantageous.

What We Offer

· A meaningful and varied role at the heart of the local community

· Flexible working arrangements

· A supportive church environment

· The opportunity to contribute to important life events and community activities

If you are an organised and compassionate administrator who enjoys helping people and making a positive difference, we would love to hear from you.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role by email or letter to the Parish office.

Closing Date: 16th July 2026

Interview Date: 1st September 2026

St Margaret’s Church welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

PE days for the Autumn term: TBC

Year 1:  

Year 2: 

Year 3: 

Year 4: 

Year 5: 

Year 6: 

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.

Summer Mountain Bike Skills

Meeting location- Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre. Thursdays-30th July, 13^th & 20^th August

Booking Link: Link- https://mtbsummerskills26.eventbrite.com

Two sessions for different abilities:

The Green sessions provide the perfect introduction to mountain biking.

11am is for children  6+. Designed for younger or less experienced riders who can already ride independent, these sessions focus on:

-Braking control

- Slow-speed balance

- Cornering fundamentals

- Standing position

- Basic trail awareness

- Confidence building

1pm is for children 10+ who want to learn more MTB skills

Our Blue sessions are aimed at riders who are confident riding off-road and ready to develop their trail riding skills further.

During Blue sessions riders will:

Improve body position and balance

- Learn cornering techniques

- Develop climbing and descending skills

- Ride pump tracks and skills areas

- Learn line choice and trail awareness

- Build confidence on flowing blue-grade trails

Free Half Term Activities: Choices

Our Choices team are offering free half term activities for Sandwell families with children between the ages of 5-12.

Book here: https://bookwhen.com/choices

HAF West Bromwich

Please find attached:

‘Summer2026 HAF NEWSLETTER’ for details of local holiday activities and food programme providers.

‘Hurst Road HAF Leaflet’ and ‘4CT – Summer 2026 Holiday Club Leaflet’ for HAF flyers from 4 Community Trust.

‘EPIC by YCA’ for HAF flyer from the Yemeni Community Association.

HAF for Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing and Children of Deaf Adults
SDCA is delighted to offer five exciting activities during the Summer Holidays (July–August 2026) for children and young people who are Deaf, Deafblind, Hard of Hearing, and CODA (Children of Deaf Adults). Please see attachment ‘Summer HAF SDCA.’

The programme provides FREE holiday activities and hot meals for eligible children and young people who:

• ✅ Receive benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM)
• ✅ Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• ✅ Have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Places are primarily available for Sandwell residents and pupils attending Sandwell-funded schools and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

We may also be able to offer places to some children and young people from outside Sandwell, including the wider Black Country area, subject to availability and eligibility.

Please note that places are limited to a maximum of 10 participants per activity.

To access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, families will usually receive an e-voucher and unique booking code automatically from their child's school via email or text message (typically through HolidayActivities.com) a few weeks before the school holidays. In most cases, there is no need to apply directly to the council.

💜 Please help us spread the word by sharing the attached poster with families, friends, schools, and community groups who may benefit.

For more information or to book a place, please contact:

📧 craig_pothecary@sdca.co.uk
📱 Text / WhatsApp / FaceTime: 07791 921011

Utilita Eco Sustainability Workshops

Starting 22^nd July, Wednesdays at Central Library and Fridays at Utilita Energy Hub

Please see attached flyer, ‘Image (24)’,  for details of Utilita’s free Eco sustainability workshops taking place during summer half term. 

One Year Celebration of Unity Brew Community Café

Groundwork West Midlands is a community and environmental charity working with local people and partners to create stronger, greener, and healthier communities. One of their community spaces is Unity Brew Community Café, a welcoming hub where people can come together, take part in activities, build skills and access support that promotes health, wellbeing, and social connection.

Over the past year, Unity Brew has hosted a range of workshops, community activities, and projects, providing a space where local organisations and residents can connect, learn and grow together. It has become a valued community asset that supports healthier lifestyles, reduces social isolation, and encourages community participation.

To celebrate its first anniversary, they are delighted to invite people to their One-Year Celebration on Thursday 23rd July, from 10:00am to 1:00pm, at Unity Brew Community Café, 15 Unity Walk, DY4 8QL.

There will be a range of free activities for all ages, including:

• A free slice of celebration cake
• Free planting activities
• Free nature arts and crafts
• Free children's play and creative activities
• Free wildflower seeds to take home
• Free energy efficiency advice to help make homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable to run

See attachment ‘Unity Brew Celebration’ for more information.

Free Kellogg’s Breakfast Initiative- Morrisons
This year, we 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

Sandwell Summer Festival 2026

Saturday 1^st August, 11am – 5pm, Sandwell Valley Country Park

🎉Join us at the Sandwell Summer Festival for a fantastic day of entertainment, activities and community spirit at Sandwell Valley Country Park!

📅 Saturday 1 August | ⏰ 11am to 5pm | 🎟️ FREE 🎊

In celebration of National Playday, we’re bringing together an amazing mix of activities, entertainment and experiences for children, young people and families to enjoy. ✨ Here’s just a taste of what’s in store:

🌈 Blind Dave’s Colour Run

🎉 National Playday Zone

🎤 Live stage performances

⚽ Sports field activities

🎭 Theatre shows

🤸‍♂️ SHAPE Youth Zone

🍔 Food village

🤝 Meet Sandwell Hub …and so much more!

Whether you’re getting active, enjoying live entertainment or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone 🌿

🎟️ Spread the word and book your tickets now!

Ticket link: https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/west-bromwich/sandwell-valley-country-park/sandwell-summer-festival/2026-08-01/11:00/t-zopanxg

Event webpage: https://www.visitsandwell.com/sandwellsummerfest

Event Graphics: Attachment ‘SSF26 Poster with QR code’

This is Me Parent Workshops

Please see attached ‘Helping Hands’ poster for details of workshops designed for parents and carers of children who have Autism/ADHD or are currently on a diagnosis pathway. The workshops cover:

• Introduction and understanding your child’s specific needs
• Needs and behaviours, featuring the ‘bucket model.’
• Effective communication strategies
• Sensory awareness and routine rewards
• Behaviour awareness, environmental factors and understanding meltdowns
• Creating and building a ‘This is Me’ plan

The programme is developed by the charity Family Action. For more details, see attachment or email: helpinghandsbc@family-action.org.uk

For children and families:

Free Sports sessions for children 8-16 with YCA Play Zone
Every Saturday, 1:45pm – 3:30pm, Oakwood Park MUGA, Old Meeting Street, B70 9SH

Join YCA for free multisports sessions every Saturday afternoon, 1:45-3:30pm, activities include football, basketball, cricket and dodgeball. Free for all! Just turn up and play.

See attached ‘YCA PlayZone Poster’

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

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.

Allowed snacks

In line with statutory guidance, snacks should primarily be:

· Fresh fruit (e.g. apples, bananas, berries, oranges, pears, grapes etc.)

· Vegetables (e.g. carrot sticks, cucumber, peppers, celery)

· Plain dairy products (e.g. plain yoghurt, cheese portions)

· Savoury items pack size less maximum 30g (e.g. plain breadsticks)

Government guidance states that snacks should be limited to fruit, vegetables, or similar healthy options without added salt, sugar or fat.

Where there are children who, for reasons linked to SEND, have restricted diets, we are happy to work with parents to ensure that reasonable adjustments can be made.

 We also remind parents that a number of children in school have allergies, including nut allergies, and that for no reason should any items containing nuts be sent in to school. We would also like to request that birthday sweets, cakes and party bags are shared directly between parents, rather than being brought into school for distribution. Staff cannot safely check items for allergens and we will not distribute these. 

Thank you for your support.

Story: People living in remote parts of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador are using solar-powered canoes to travel along rivers.
Question: How can we travel while protecting nature?
Virtual Picture News: www.picture-news.co.uk/discuss

New 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. 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 only still water unless agreed otherwise with a senior leader, 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 'cut out' on the Birmingham Road, next to school. 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 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/