Friday 22nd May - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
I was intending today to send to you a proposal to extend our opening to Year 6, Rec and Year 1 gradually from 3rd June. Today, however, 2 scientific reports have been published (one by the government, one independently) and the contradictory nature of the reports' findings have led the Governing Body to convene a further meeting on Monday to discuss our plans in the light of this new evidence.
At this point, I can confirm that school will be closed next week for cleaning and maintenance and then continue to be open for children of key workers and those who meet the vulnerable criteria from 1st June. Information about the gradual extension of the school to other years will be sent to you on Tuesday 26th May following the Full Governing Body meeting.
Eid Mubarak to all celebrating this weekend.
Mr Gray
Dear Parents
I was intending today to send to you a proposal to extend our opening to Year 6, Rec and Year 1 gradually from 3rd June. Today, however, 2 scientific reports have been published (one by the government, one independently) and the contradictory nature of the reports' findings have led the Governing Body to convene a further meeting on Monday to discuss our plans in the light of this new evidence.
At this point, I can confirm that school will be closed next week for cleaning and maintenance and then continue to be open for children of key workers and those who meet the vulnerable criteria from 1st June. Information about the gradual extension of the school to other years will be sent to you on Tuesday 26th May following the Full Governing Body meeting.
Eid Mubarak to all celebrating this weekend.
Mr Gray
Tuesday 19th May - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear parents,
Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey that was sent out. It has helped significantly in our preparations to re-open. 38% of parents have indicated that they are likely to send children into school when we re-open sometime after the 1st June. Many parents are understandably anxious. The staff are working in school this week to support a risk assessment to be undertaken on Friday. The risk assessment will take into account views of parents. Classrooms are being measured, furniture distanced or removed completely, systems agreed for safe movement around the school and cleaning schedules amended.
Even before the risk assessment is submitted to the governors, it is obvious that we need to move forward with caution. We would not consider opening to Rec, Year 1 and Year 6 immediately as this would not allow opportunities to address issues around social distancing and surface cleaning. It is therefore likely that on Friday, I will write to you that we will re-open gradually as part of our mitigation of risks to your children, your families and your staff here in school.
While the staff are working in school on preparations, there is less time for feedback on online learning posted on BGfL however please do keep encouraging children to do some work everyday. When we do re-open, due to restrictions on numbers in rooms, almost all staff will be teaching children. We will, however, agree a schedule of online work for all children in years 2, 3, 4 and 5 who are not in school.
Best wishes
Mr Gray
Dear parents,
Thank you to everyone who responded to the survey that was sent out. It has helped significantly in our preparations to re-open. 38% of parents have indicated that they are likely to send children into school when we re-open sometime after the 1st June. Many parents are understandably anxious. The staff are working in school this week to support a risk assessment to be undertaken on Friday. The risk assessment will take into account views of parents. Classrooms are being measured, furniture distanced or removed completely, systems agreed for safe movement around the school and cleaning schedules amended.
Even before the risk assessment is submitted to the governors, it is obvious that we need to move forward with caution. We would not consider opening to Rec, Year 1 and Year 6 immediately as this would not allow opportunities to address issues around social distancing and surface cleaning. It is therefore likely that on Friday, I will write to you that we will re-open gradually as part of our mitigation of risks to your children, your families and your staff here in school.
While the staff are working in school on preparations, there is less time for feedback on online learning posted on BGfL however please do keep encouraging children to do some work everyday. When we do re-open, due to restrictions on numbers in rooms, almost all staff will be teaching children. We will, however, agree a schedule of online work for all children in years 2, 3, 4 and 5 who are not in school.
Best wishes
Mr Gray
Thursday 14th May - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope you continue to be well and are keeping safe.
We are planning the possible re-opening of school to more children on 1st June. The government have asked that we prepare to admit Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children. This will only happen if, through risk assessment, we can be confident that we have measures in place to protect children's and staff's well-being. Full details of our proposal to re-open will be sent to parents on Friday 22nd May. To help our preparation, we would like parents of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children to provide some indication of the likelihood of children being sent back in to school from 1st June. We will not hold parents to their response - ie you can change your minds at anytime but we would appreciate a response to help us plan resources and classrooms.
Y6, Y1 and Reception parents, please complete the survey below.
From next week, we will continue to update the website especially for Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 however the tasks set and feedback given by teachers will reduce as they will be focused on preparations for possible re-opening. The national online learning provided by the Oak Academy will continue along with BBC bitesize and White Rose maths videos so there will still be plenty to which all children can engage. Links to all these and more can be found here on the website.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope you continue to be well and are keeping safe.
We are planning the possible re-opening of school to more children on 1st June. The government have asked that we prepare to admit Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children. This will only happen if, through risk assessment, we can be confident that we have measures in place to protect children's and staff's well-being. Full details of our proposal to re-open will be sent to parents on Friday 22nd May. To help our preparation, we would like parents of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children to provide some indication of the likelihood of children being sent back in to school from 1st June. We will not hold parents to their response - ie you can change your minds at anytime but we would appreciate a response to help us plan resources and classrooms.
Y6, Y1 and Reception parents, please complete the survey below.
From next week, we will continue to update the website especially for Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 however the tasks set and feedback given by teachers will reduce as they will be focused on preparations for possible re-opening. The national online learning provided by the Oak Academy will continue along with BBC bitesize and White Rose maths videos so there will still be plenty to which all children can engage. Links to all these and more can be found here on the website.
God bless
Mr Gray
Tuesday 12th May - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear parents
I hope that you are all well and that your children are engaging with some learning while staying safe. All the evidence we have seen suggests that you have done a very good job in very difficult circumstances.
Following the Prime Minster's address to the nation on Sunday, we are starting to see details added to his aspiration to re-admit some children on 1st June if the infection and death rates continue to fall. We have been asked to consider ways in which Reception, Y1 and Y6 children could be re-admitted in small groups. Staff and governors will be looking at how we can do this as safely as possible. If the infections are falling by the end of next week, we will provide details to you on Friday 22nd May of the plan for parents to consider. Parents of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children will not be penalised if they choose not to send their children into school.
Best wishes
Mr Gray
Dear parents
I hope that you are all well and that your children are engaging with some learning while staying safe. All the evidence we have seen suggests that you have done a very good job in very difficult circumstances.
Following the Prime Minster's address to the nation on Sunday, we are starting to see details added to his aspiration to re-admit some children on 1st June if the infection and death rates continue to fall. We have been asked to consider ways in which Reception, Y1 and Y6 children could be re-admitted in small groups. Staff and governors will be looking at how we can do this as safely as possible. If the infections are falling by the end of next week, we will provide details to you on Friday 22nd May of the plan for parents to consider. Parents of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children will not be penalised if they choose not to send their children into school.
Best wishes
Mr Gray
Thursday 7th May- Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well and keeping safe. Thank you for all the positive comments and feedback. The staff here have been able to contact the vast majority of families over the last six weeks. Sadly, we have heard of a number of families who have lost older relatives and we have kept everyone in our prayers.
School has remained open for the children of key workers and will remain open tomorrow despite the bank holiday. The staff have worked very hard to keep updating the website and the Birmingham Grid for Learning (BGfL) with activities for the children and I know many families have used the Oak Academy and White Rose maths videos which are linked to this home page of the website (see above). Mrs Sullivan has worked very hard to ensure the food vouchers, for families entitled to free school meals through the benefits system, are processed and posted out. Mrs Dowling has been keeping in touch with the families with whom she works. While all that has been going on, thanks to the generosity of one of our parents who has given his time and expertise, work has continued to develop in the gardening area in front of the bungalow so that when the children do return, they will have fantastic new opportunities to learn about our world.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister is due to address the nation. We are not told in advance what is to be announced so, whilst we hear the rumours, none of us actually know the plans. Once we have heard from Mr Johnson and the Department for Education, we will write to you to let you know what will happen. In the meantime, we remain here for you so please let us know if there are any problems and keep everyone safe.
God bless you
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope this message finds you well and keeping safe. Thank you for all the positive comments and feedback. The staff here have been able to contact the vast majority of families over the last six weeks. Sadly, we have heard of a number of families who have lost older relatives and we have kept everyone in our prayers.
School has remained open for the children of key workers and will remain open tomorrow despite the bank holiday. The staff have worked very hard to keep updating the website and the Birmingham Grid for Learning (BGfL) with activities for the children and I know many families have used the Oak Academy and White Rose maths videos which are linked to this home page of the website (see above). Mrs Sullivan has worked very hard to ensure the food vouchers, for families entitled to free school meals through the benefits system, are processed and posted out. Mrs Dowling has been keeping in touch with the families with whom she works. While all that has been going on, thanks to the generosity of one of our parents who has given his time and expertise, work has continued to develop in the gardening area in front of the bungalow so that when the children do return, they will have fantastic new opportunities to learn about our world.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister is due to address the nation. We are not told in advance what is to be announced so, whilst we hear the rumours, none of us actually know the plans. Once we have heard from Mr Johnson and the Department for Education, we will write to you to let you know what will happen. In the meantime, we remain here for you so please let us know if there are any problems and keep everyone safe.
God bless you
Mr Gray
Wednesday 22nd April - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope you are continuing to keep safe. Please pass on our best wishes to the children. If you are preparing for Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with you: may you have a holy and spiritually uplifting month. At times of stress and struggle, our closeness to God is so important to our well-being as individuals, families and community.
There is now a significant amount of online work for children. Please do not feel overwhelmed by it all- the most important things are for everyone to stay safe, support each other and keep praying. The school website https://www.stmartindeporres.org.uk/ has all the information about children's learning that you need including links to websites with videos and activities. On our website, the class pages have a range of work for children. In addition, teachers are uploading work onto the BGfL 365 platform. Please do not feel that your child has to do everything that is out there. If they are doing some work each day that is fine.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need support either on the school number 0121 464-5500, my email address j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk or our parent worker, Mrs Dowling's phone 07973614549 (please note that this is Mrs Dowling's work mobile. If you have another number for her, please now delete and replace it with this one).
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope you are continuing to keep safe. Please pass on our best wishes to the children. If you are preparing for Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with you: may you have a holy and spiritually uplifting month. At times of stress and struggle, our closeness to God is so important to our well-being as individuals, families and community.
There is now a significant amount of online work for children. Please do not feel overwhelmed by it all- the most important things are for everyone to stay safe, support each other and keep praying. The school website https://www.stmartindeporres.org.uk/ has all the information about children's learning that you need including links to websites with videos and activities. On our website, the class pages have a range of work for children. In addition, teachers are uploading work onto the BGfL 365 platform. Please do not feel that your child has to do everything that is out there. If they are doing some work each day that is fine.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need support either on the school number 0121 464-5500, my email address j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk or our parent worker, Mrs Dowling's phone 07973614549 (please note that this is Mrs Dowling's work mobile. If you have another number for her, please now delete and replace it with this one).
God bless
Mr Gray
Monday 20th April - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope that your families are all well.
We are continuing to upload new activities and links onto the BGfL365 site and also here, on the school website. If access to a computer is limited (for example, if you are having to work from home or if you have a number of children), the website includes weekly work that can be downloaded and worked at away from a screen. Please do not feel that your child has to do everything. We put up a wide range of work and links to support the children but the most important thing is for everyone to keep safe and as free of worry as possible.
Please let us know by phone or email if there is anything we can do to support you.
God bless
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope that your families are all well.
We are continuing to upload new activities and links onto the BGfL365 site and also here, on the school website. If access to a computer is limited (for example, if you are having to work from home or if you have a number of children), the website includes weekly work that can be downloaded and worked at away from a screen. Please do not feel that your child has to do everything. We put up a wide range of work and links to support the children but the most important thing is for everyone to keep safe and as free of worry as possible.
Please let us know by phone or email if there is anything we can do to support you.
God bless
Mr Gray
Friday 17th April - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear All
I hope that all our families are keeping safe. Thank you for all your support and good wishes.
Following the announcement of the extension of school closures for a further three weeks (until 7th May), we will continue to be open for childcare for the children of key workers or those who are vulnerable where families have no alternative.
Well done to everyone who has responded to the daily challenges over Easter. From Monday, staff will be, once again putting up work and activities onto the BGfL and the website. There is also MyMaths for children to continue to complete work on.
If there is anything we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to ring the school on 0121-464-5500 or Mrs Dowling, our parent support worker, on 07815052412.
God bless
Dear All
I hope that all our families are keeping safe. Thank you for all your support and good wishes.
Following the announcement of the extension of school closures for a further three weeks (until 7th May), we will continue to be open for childcare for the children of key workers or those who are vulnerable where families have no alternative.
Well done to everyone who has responded to the daily challenges over Easter. From Monday, staff will be, once again putting up work and activities onto the BGfL and the website. There is also MyMaths for children to continue to complete work on.
If there is anything we can do to support you, please do not hesitate to ring the school on 0121-464-5500 or Mrs Dowling, our parent support worker, on 07815052412.
God bless
Wednesday 15th April - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope that you had as a good an Easter weekend as possible in the current circumstances. School is open this week. If you are a key worker who has no alternative child care provision or if your child has an education health care plan and, again, you have no alternative, please let us know as we can organise childcare here.
If there is any support you need please ring in the mornings between 8am and 11am. If you hear of any school families who are in difficulty, please ask them to contact me or Mrs Dowling.
Best wishes
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope that you had as a good an Easter weekend as possible in the current circumstances. School is open this week. If you are a key worker who has no alternative child care provision or if your child has an education health care plan and, again, you have no alternative, please let us know as we can organise childcare here.
If there is any support you need please ring in the mornings between 8am and 11am. If you hear of any school families who are in difficulty, please ask them to contact me or Mrs Dowling.
Best wishes
Mr Gray
Wednesday 8th April - Message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
We hope you and your families are keeping as safe as possible. We are missing all the children and are looking forward to the day when we re-open. Thank you for all the work and photos uploaded on to the BGfL. Remember to keep looking at the website for updates- as well as the daily challenges for the Easter break, there are some very good resources on there.
Mrs Sullivan has done an excellent job sorting out both Birmingham City Council and UK government food vouchers. These are for families who are eligible for free school meals through the benefits' system and sadly not for all children in Key Stage 1 who receive a lunch in school through the universal meals' system. If you have any queries about this please email me on j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk
Sadly, we are still hearing of families who have lost older relatives and, if this has happened to you, please know that we are all praying for you.
If any family needs support of any kind, please email and we will do our very best to help. There is also support available from The Active Wellbeing Society for both food https://theaws.co.uk/food/ and mental health https://theaws.co.uk/coronavirus
Dear Parents,
We hope you and your families are keeping as safe as possible. We are missing all the children and are looking forward to the day when we re-open. Thank you for all the work and photos uploaded on to the BGfL. Remember to keep looking at the website for updates- as well as the daily challenges for the Easter break, there are some very good resources on there.
Mrs Sullivan has done an excellent job sorting out both Birmingham City Council and UK government food vouchers. These are for families who are eligible for free school meals through the benefits' system and sadly not for all children in Key Stage 1 who receive a lunch in school through the universal meals' system. If you have any queries about this please email me on j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk
Sadly, we are still hearing of families who have lost older relatives and, if this has happened to you, please know that we are all praying for you.
If any family needs support of any kind, please email and we will do our very best to help. There is also support available from The Active Wellbeing Society for both food https://theaws.co.uk/food/ and mental health https://theaws.co.uk/coronavirus
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Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Just Giving appeal, donated cash or sent in food - your generosity at this time of crisis is incredible and we will ensure that your kindness makes a difference to families.
We wish everyone a happy and holy Easter. Please remember that God is the constant in our lives and always there for us when we turn to him. Mr Gray and everyone at St Martin's |
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Thursday 9th April - Message from a parent:
I was speaking to my neighbour who is a consultant gynaecologist at the QE. She shared some heart warming positive messages about the NHS which should give us all hope. Sadly, though there are and will be many more losses, there must also be hope. She shared this poem which had been passed to her and I feel it needs to be shared with as many people as possible. Any which way the message is clear. I just hope and pray that this time we do no forget as we did before and that this time we may alter our lives for a more positive and caring approach to the world and all living things... History repeats itself. Came across this poem written in 1869, reprinted during 1919 Pandemic. This is Timeless.... Take care and stay safe. It was written in 1869 by Kathleen O’Mara:
Reprinted during Spanish flu Pandemic, 1919 |
And people stayed at home
And read books And listened And they rested And did exercises And made art and played And learned new ways of being And stopped and listened More deeply Someone meditated, someone prayed Someone met their shadow And people began to think differently And people healed. And in the absence of people who Lived in ignorant ways Dangerous, meaningless and heartless, The earth also began to heal And when the danger ended and People found themselves They grieved for the dead And made new choices And dreamed of new visions And created new ways of living And completely healed the earth Just as they were healed. |
Friday 3rd April 2020 - Message from Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
We wish you a holy Easter break. Although we have had no requests for childcare and therefore school will be closed over Easter, I can be contacted at j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk if any family is in need of support.
Whilst staff are spending time away from their computers and with their families over the 2 weeks, a will be posted for the children each day in their shared file on the BGfL so encourage children to look out for those. Do also look at all the information staff have put on the website. This includes some invaluable advice on protecting your own health during the shutdown.
Before we were shutdown, we were given donations of food and money by parents to support families in need over the next few weeks. We are so grateful for people's kindness which has already enabled us to help families.
Dear Parents,
We wish you a holy Easter break. Although we have had no requests for childcare and therefore school will be closed over Easter, I can be contacted at j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk if any family is in need of support.
Whilst staff are spending time away from their computers and with their families over the 2 weeks, a will be posted for the children each day in their shared file on the BGfL so encourage children to look out for those. Do also look at all the information staff have put on the website. This includes some invaluable advice on protecting your own health during the shutdown.
Before we were shutdown, we were given donations of food and money by parents to support families in need over the next few weeks. We are so grateful for people's kindness which has already enabled us to help families.
Today, I was asked by a very kind parent if there was a way for people to donate online to help others. We have therefore created a justgiving page which will last the duration of the pandemic shutdown. All money donated will be distributed in small grants to help families. Once the shutdown is over, if there is any donated money left, it will be given to the Sparkhill Foodbank. Click on the button on the right to access the page:
We have no information about the length of time we will be closed. If any key workers or families with vulnerable children need childcare after Easter (from 20th April) please let us know. The most important thing is to keep indoors and keep safe until the shutdown is lifted. We cannot wait to see everyone back in school once the shutdown ends. We have missed all our children and you, their parents, so much.
God bless you
Mr Gray
God bless you
Mr Gray
Yesterday's message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents,
I hope that you are well. We have received a number of messages from our families about the loss of older relatives and, as a staff, we are praying for the repose of their souls and for all of you.
Mrs Sullivan is working tirelessly to sort out food vouchers for children eligible for free school meals. She has sent codes for the Birmingham City Council scheme and is awaiting information for the national scheme. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me on j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk if you need support.
Since I asked last week, no key workers or parents of vulnerable children have asked for emergency childcare over the holidays. If, by tomorrow afternoon, I have received no requests by email to this account, school will be closed to protect everyone. However, I will be available so please get in touch directly with me if you need anything.
Kind regards and thank you for all the messages.
Mr Gray
Dear Parents,
I hope that you are well. We have received a number of messages from our families about the loss of older relatives and, as a staff, we are praying for the repose of their souls and for all of you.
Mrs Sullivan is working tirelessly to sort out food vouchers for children eligible for free school meals. She has sent codes for the Birmingham City Council scheme and is awaiting information for the national scheme. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me on j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk if you need support.
Since I asked last week, no key workers or parents of vulnerable children have asked for emergency childcare over the holidays. If, by tomorrow afternoon, I have received no requests by email to this account, school will be closed to protect everyone. However, I will be available so please get in touch directly with me if you need anything.
Kind regards and thank you for all the messages.
Mr Gray
Friday's message from Mr Gray:
Dear Parents
I hope that you are all well. Thank you for all the work on BGfL365. There were some glitches with it this morning but it's working properly now. Please encourage children to share work on it and also upload photos of any work they do*.
If you are a key worker and need childcare (because there is no alternative) over Easter, please can you email me on j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk
Please stay safe and keep indoors. Mrs Braithwaite will be putting advice on the website to support positive mental health during the lockdown.
God bless you
*NB: If you're sharing your child's work on BGfL365 but DO NOT want it to be displayed on the school's website, please let us know.
Dear Parents
I hope that you are all well. Thank you for all the work on BGfL365. There were some glitches with it this morning but it's working properly now. Please encourage children to share work on it and also upload photos of any work they do*.
If you are a key worker and need childcare (because there is no alternative) over Easter, please can you email me on j.gray@st-martindeporres.bham.sch.uk
Please stay safe and keep indoors. Mrs Braithwaite will be putting advice on the website to support positive mental health during the lockdown.
God bless you
*NB: If you're sharing your child's work on BGfL365 but DO NOT want it to be displayed on the school's website, please let us know.
Yesterday's message from Mr Gray:
Dear All
I hope you continue to be well. Please do not overly worry about school work, just keep the children and your families safe. For each family, there will be a rhythm that works for you and, as we are possibly closed for a few weeks, it's important to find what is best for your children. As well as the orange packs, we are also seeing children making good use of the BGfL365. As well as the documents in the shared file (Reception children, do check out Ms Llewellyn's bedtime story), we have seen some wonderful work on j2e which is a digital paper on which the children can write, draw, etc. and which staff can see and give feedback. In the shared file, there are also PE activities for the children. If your child makes or does anything, please take a photo and upload on to BGfL for your child's teacher to see.
There is also the website which is being updated regularly by staff.
As the days continue, please remember that, in an emergency, you can contact us in school and we will do our best to help in any way we can.
All the best
Dear All
I hope you continue to be well. Please do not overly worry about school work, just keep the children and your families safe. For each family, there will be a rhythm that works for you and, as we are possibly closed for a few weeks, it's important to find what is best for your children. As well as the orange packs, we are also seeing children making good use of the BGfL365. As well as the documents in the shared file (Reception children, do check out Ms Llewellyn's bedtime story), we have seen some wonderful work on j2e which is a digital paper on which the children can write, draw, etc. and which staff can see and give feedback. In the shared file, there are also PE activities for the children. If your child makes or does anything, please take a photo and upload on to BGfL for your child's teacher to see.
There is also the website which is being updated regularly by staff.
As the days continue, please remember that, in an emergency, you can contact us in school and we will do our best to help in any way we can.
All the best
Yesterday's message from Mr Gray:
Dear All,
We hope everyone is safe and well. We are starting to hear of adult family members being ill and we pray for their recovery.
Thank you for all you're doing for the children. Please do not worry too much about doing school work: find the balance that is right for your child. If your child does do some work and shares it with us on the BGfL365 system, we will read it and give feedback. I know that some children have had technical issues and we have passed these on to Birmingham City Council who operate the BGfL. Do not worry if you have problems with BGfL as there is plenty of work here, on our website - just look at your year group page (See YEAR GROUP tab above).
We are really grateful to everyone for finding childcare. Over the last two days, we have had no children in school which means that staff are not having to travel in, risking themselves and their families. We will remain open for key workers who have no alternative childcare solution. Our phones will be staffed everyday for any family who find themselves in crisis. Packed lunches are available for families eligible for free school meals who book on Squid but once again do everything you can to avoid going out until the lockdown is lifted.
God bless you.
Dear All,
We hope everyone is safe and well. We are starting to hear of adult family members being ill and we pray for their recovery.
Thank you for all you're doing for the children. Please do not worry too much about doing school work: find the balance that is right for your child. If your child does do some work and shares it with us on the BGfL365 system, we will read it and give feedback. I know that some children have had technical issues and we have passed these on to Birmingham City Council who operate the BGfL. Do not worry if you have problems with BGfL as there is plenty of work here, on our website - just look at your year group page (See YEAR GROUP tab above).
We are really grateful to everyone for finding childcare. Over the last two days, we have had no children in school which means that staff are not having to travel in, risking themselves and their families. We will remain open for key workers who have no alternative childcare solution. Our phones will be staffed everyday for any family who find themselves in crisis. Packed lunches are available for families eligible for free school meals who book on Squid but once again do everything you can to avoid going out until the lockdown is lifted.
God bless you.
Please read below the latest update on the crisis from Mr Gray:
Please support your child to wash his or her hands thoroughly and frequently. If your child runs a temperature or has a new persistent, dry cough, you should care for her/him at home for 7 days. You do not need to visit a GP or hospital nor phone NHS111 unless the condition worsens. School will only close if there is a confirmed case among the children or staff and we need to undertake a deep clean or if the Government shuts all schools. Thank you for your support.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Parents’ Evenings to come:
Early appointments: Tuesday 10th March – 3.30 to 6pm Late appointments: Thursday 19th March – 5 to 7.30pm |
Parents’ Evenings
Late appointments: Thursday 19th March |
Online applications for Reception places for September 2020 are now open. All applications, including those to our school, must be made online by Wednesday 15th January 2020. Please be aware that you MUST make an online application even if you've already visited the school and submitted a supplementary form. The website you need to register and apply on is www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions. If you need help making an online application please see Mrs Sullivan, Mrs Symons or Mr Gray who will be happy to help you. If you know of anyone with a child who is due to begin Reception in September but has not visited us yet, please encourage them to contact us on Monday.
will be in school on Monday 3rd February to take individual and family portraits. Should you have any pre-school children who you wish to be photographed with siblings in school, please arrive at the school hall at 8.20am.
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will be in school on Friday 14th June to take photos of class groups, leavers, sports teams, etc.
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The whole school went to the theatre to see the Snow Queen on Wednesday 18th December.
Click here to view the photos. |
…very much to all the parents who attended the Christmas productions and/or provided costumes. A special thank you to Mr Varsani for making the beautiful sleigh.
Click here to view the photos. |
If your child is going to have their fourth birthday before end of August 2020, they will be able to start school in September. Prior to this, you must visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions and submit an online application by 15th January 2020 (final closing date). Don’t miss this very important deadline!
Harvest Day of |
Friday 4th October
In exchange for a donation of non-perishable food for the food bank, children will be allowed to wear brightly coloured clothes instead of their uniform. Thank you. |
End-of-year school trips
All our children went on a day-trip with their class in June or in July. Check their class page in "YEAR GROUPS" to view the photos.
All our children went on a day-trip with their class in June or in July. Check their class page in "YEAR GROUPS" to view the photos.
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This September, we celebrate the
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of our school!
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You are invited to this special anniversary Mass, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley
on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at 11am
in our school hall.
Refreshments will be served afterwards.
on Wednesday 18th September 2019 at 11am
in our school hall.
Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Let’s READ, and READ, and READ!
By the time our children leave school at the end of Year 6, they MUST have read a great number of books. To help and encourage them in that, we put together a display in the school foyer, with vouchers for the library and actual books to borrow. Please come and visit our little library with your children and leave with a book to read! |
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We have been sorry to notice lately that some children are coming to school with one or more wrong items of clothing. Our school has a strict uniform policy for the benefit of all our children. Please refer to this policy by clicking here or ask us for a paper copy, and make sure that your child is wearing the correct uniform. Thank you.
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To date, 22 of our families out of 153 have donated to our school fund. These funds are of a great help for all the little extras that the school budget cannot possibly cover. Thank you very much if you have already donated.
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You have received a letter on Monday 13th May asking you about Free School Meals. We really need EVERYONE to fill in the form, even if you are quite certain not to be eligible. This will allow the school, if you wish, to apply for free meals for your child on your behalf but also gives vital EXTRA FUNDING for our school.
to everyone for their donations for the summer fair and to everyone who came to the fair and helped make it such a fun day.
The fair raised £2591.65: £1000 for the parish, £1591.65 for the school.
Click here to view the photos.
Click here to view the photos.
Our annual sports day, on Friday 21st June, was a great day watching all the children be physically active and enjoying themselves. Well done to the Blue House who won Key Stage 1 and the Yellow House who retained their title in Key stage 2. Many thanks to all staff who made the day possible, the PTA who provided refreshments, and to the many parents who came and supported. Click here to view the photos.
With deep cuts to our budgets, the Save Our Schools campaign continues with a mass demonstration in London on 5th July. We encourage any parents who support the campaign to attend. Coaches are being provided free of charge thanks to the fund raising and campaigning of a group committed to fighting the cuts to school budgets. For further details, please contact Mr Gray.
End-of-year school trips
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Class
Rec Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 |
Visit
Hatton Country World Think Tank Weston-Super-Mare Museum of Cannock Ackers Adventure Space Centre Go Ape! |
Date
Monday 24th June Wed 26th June Friday 14th June Friday 7th June Thursday 11th July Thursday 20th June Thursday 11th July |
Time
9am-3.15pm 9am-3.15pm 8am-6pm 9am-3.15pm 9am-3.15pm 9am-3.15pm 9am-3.15pm |
Please let us know if you would like to help on the mehndi/henna stall at the Summer fair on Saturday 22nd June.
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Friday 24th May Friday 7th June Friday 14th June Wed 19th June Friday 21st June |
Your Summer Fair needs you and your generous donations:
WEAR TRAINERS TODAY and bring Bric-a-brac/toys/books. WEAR TRAINERS TODAY and Fill-a-bag with sweets (KS1) or stationary (KS2). Please send bottles for the tombola: shloer, cordial, wine, spirits, etc. (no squash, thank you, we have plenty). WEAR TRAINERS TODAY and bring chocolate for the tombola Please bring cakes and strawberries. We also need your help on the day. If you can, please let Mrs Sullivan know. |
Elections will be held for the European Parliament on Thursday 23rd May. School will serve as polling station and will be closed to children that day.
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Our Flute teacher, Miss Harris will be performing this weekend with the
in a SUMMER CONCERT, QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, BOURNVILLE - SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2019, 7:30pm.
The choir look forward to holding another concert at the Bournville Meeting House this summer.
Come and join them for what promises to be a wonderful evening featuring popular classics by Ravel, Piazolla and Chaminade to name but a few. They're also delighted to be performing the world premier of 'Lullaby and Dandling Song' by Mel Orriss and a specially arranged version of the Flute and Harp Concerto by Mozart, featuring mother and daughter duo, Abby and Sebrina Stain.
It would be fantastic to have a full audience of family and friends to perform to - so we look forward to welcoming you on the night!
Tickets are £8 (£5 students) and are available on the door.
in a SUMMER CONCERT, QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, BOURNVILLE - SATURDAY 18TH MAY 2019, 7:30pm.
The choir look forward to holding another concert at the Bournville Meeting House this summer.
Come and join them for what promises to be a wonderful evening featuring popular classics by Ravel, Piazolla and Chaminade to name but a few. They're also delighted to be performing the world premier of 'Lullaby and Dandling Song' by Mel Orriss and a specially arranged version of the Flute and Harp Concerto by Mozart, featuring mother and daughter duo, Abby and Sebrina Stain.
It would be fantastic to have a full audience of family and friends to perform to - so we look forward to welcoming you on the night!
Tickets are £8 (£5 students) and are available on the door.
Please ensure that After-School Monies are paid in advance. All outstanding dinner money, after-school club and breakfast club must be paid no later than 2nd April 2019. Thank you.
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We are organising a School Disco on Wednesday 10th April - 5.30 to 7pm
Entry fees £1 (includes a drink and a packet of crisps). Drinks, sweets and other treats for sale. All profits will go towards our Lenten collection. |
Our Lady's Society would like to thank our school for the donation to the Lourdes Fund, also to invite all parents to a
after mass, this Sunday 31st March 2019. (Mass – 10am) |
On Friday 5th April, children will be allowed to come to school wearing their pyjamas, in exchange for a donation. Please note that, for reasons of health and safety, they must wear their school shoes and not slippers!
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We are extremely proud to announce that according to a national evaluation, St Martin de Porres is one of the best schools in the country to send your child to learn to read. Click here to read more about our pupil progress.
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School Crossings Patrol Warden
needed at Church road near Woodbridge Road
Pro Rata £17,007 - £19,446 (Part time)
Working 8 hours Application Forms can be completed online: www.birmingham.gov.uk/jobs
Any Questions call School Crossings on 0121 303 7777
or email: schoolcrossings@birmingham.gov.uk
needed at Church road near Woodbridge Road
Pro Rata £17,007 - £19,446 (Part time)
Working 8 hours Application Forms can be completed online: www.birmingham.gov.uk/jobs
Any Questions call School Crossings on 0121 303 7777
or email: schoolcrossings@birmingham.gov.uk
Bournville BookFest will take place 14-24th March 2019.
Meet your favourite authors. Discover astonishing books. Interactive storytelling fun at Birmingham's only dedicated children's book festival for 0-12s.
For more information, visit https://bournvillebookfest.com/
Meet your favourite authors. Discover astonishing books. Interactive storytelling fun at Birmingham's only dedicated children's book festival for 0-12s.
For more information, visit https://bournvillebookfest.com/
World Book Day will take place next week on...
On that day, everything at school will be about books and reading. Your children can choose to come dressed up as a book character and we would like them to bring their favourite book.
Each year group will also receive a box of new books for their class libraries on the day. For more information, you can visit https://www.worldbookday.com/
Click here to view the photos.
On that day, everything at school will be about books and reading. Your children can choose to come dressed up as a book character and we would like them to bring their favourite book.
Each year group will also receive a box of new books for their class libraries on the day. For more information, you can visit https://www.worldbookday.com/
Click here to view the photos.
All lost property will be in the school hall for parents to claim on
Thursday 7th & Wednesday 8th March. |
There have been a lot of children off sick in January and February. Please help us preventing the germs to spread by teaching your children to wash their hands properly and regularly.
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Click on the picture above for information on cricket at Breakfast Club
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Our PTA is organising its first indoor Table Top Sale at our school, in the hall,
on Friday 8th February 3.15 to 4.30pm.
Tables cost £10 - Please contact school to book your tables. Refreshments, chips and samosas available.
Congratulations to our children who made their First Holy Communion on Sunday 24th June.
Tyriq (Year 5), Ilarnah, Lemuela, Isabel, Taiyah and Mary (Year 3) were fantastic and a great credit to their families and our school.
A huge thank you to their parents who supported them throughout the preparation programme and on the day worked so hard to ensure the children looked wonderful. Thank you also to the Year 4 parents who organised and cleared away the Communion breakfast.
Tyriq (Year 5), Ilarnah, Lemuela, Isabel, Taiyah and Mary (Year 3) were fantastic and a great credit to their families and our school.
A huge thank you to their parents who supported them throughout the preparation programme and on the day worked so hard to ensure the children looked wonderful. Thank you also to the Year 4 parents who organised and cleared away the Communion breakfast.
Over the months of November and December, Year 1 and Year 2 had a series of special Multi-skills PE lessons coached by Mr Steadman from Inspire Sports. Click here to get more information.
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Winter Warmer
To help your child fight the cold, our cook is making a special dinner on Thursday 17th January. 
Menu:
Roast chicken or Qorn roast or Fish with stuffing Served with Creamed and roast potatoes/Broccoli and carrots/Sweetcorn Iced cupcakes Children who normally bring packed lunch can have this special dinner by booking at the office.
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This year, we invite all our families to visit our crib in the school entrance. We ask that you spend time writing a prayer and praying together to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. We also have a Polaroid camera available to capture this moment. Photos will then be displayed. Many Thanks. Mrs Laird
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Father Dominic, on behalf of the Parish, was very grateful for your donation of some wrapped gifts. They have been distributed to children less fortunate than ourselves. Thank you.
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Click on the picture above to know everything about Christmas at St Martin de Porres
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Christmas Dinner - Tuesday 18th December
Children who normally bring packed lunch can have dinner at the cost of £2.30. Please book and pay by Friday 7 th December at the latest. |
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If you have been sent a letter of request for clothes for the KS1 Christmas production, please bring the items in a marked bag by Monday 3rd December at the latest. Thank you.
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Parish Christmas Fayre
Saturday 8th December from 12 to 2pm Please come and support this event and see our Irish dancers perform at 1:30pm at the Parish Hall on George Street B12 9RG. Many thanks for the massive donation of chocolate that was made by the children on Friday 30th November, in exchange of being allowed to wear trainers at school. |
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From Thursday 29th November
to Tuesday 4th December Please come visit our Book Fair. You’ll have an amazing choice of books for children of all ages to buy. The more we sell, the bigger the voucher the school will be given to get library books for our children. |
3.30 to
5.30pm |
We are delighted to announce that our After-School Club will stay open 1 hour longer, up until 5.30pm every school day starting on Monday 5th November. The fees will remain £5 for the first hour with an additional £5 for the 2nd hour. Please make sure your child is collected promptly at the end of the club.
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New after-school clubs dates & letters have gone out to the children in Key Stage 2 before the half-term break for clubs taking place in November and December. The clubs are proving to be very popular. Some clubs are running on different nights than before, so it is essential, even if your child attended the club in September/October, that a consent form is signed for this half-term as well.
Before half-term, all children who had got a place in a club has had a confirmation letter with all the relevant dates.
Click on these link to view the After-School Sports Clubs Calendars: November December
Before half-term, all children who had got a place in a club has had a confirmation letter with all the relevant dates.
Click on these link to view the After-School Sports Clubs Calendars: November December
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Key Stage 1 children visited the MAC to see a production of Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas on Thursday 30th November.
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Christmas Parties
Thursday 20th December Each class held a party. In support of this, we would be grateful if donations could be made as follows: Reception & Year 1- Cakes (Fairy cakes/individually wrapped (not home-made) Years 2 & 3 – Biscuits Years 4 & 5 – Crisps Year 6 – Squash. We are hoping that if we have all been very good this year, we may receive a visit from a very special guest! |
On Wednesday 20th December, KS1 children were on for a treat: They had the visit of a magician! For more information on this show, you can visit www.andysmagic.co.uk |
