We all hope! It’s been great to hear lots of children singing in the playground and, whilst I appreciate not everyone has an interest in football, it has been a big talking point amongst the children this week. We have decided that if any children stay up late to watch the final on Sunday, there is the option to come in a little later on Monday morning should you wish. School will still open normal times, but we will keep the register open until 10:00am if you think your child might need a lie-in after a late night (especially if it goes to extra time and penalties!). Obviously, this is not something we would normally do, but we consider this an exceptional circumstance – maybe even more exceptional if England win!

We are also asking that everyone does what they can to reduce the possibility of transmission in the run up to the end of term. I realise many of you may be having parties over the weekend (especially for the football) but please follow all distancing guidance as we would hate to have to close bubbles meaning children will miss the end of term in school. Thank you.

Latest Announcements

Following the government’s announcement that restrictions are likely to be lifted on 19th July, with the need for bubbles in education/childcare settings removed, the local authority strongly recommends that schools continue to keep their current control measures in place (including strict bubbles) until the end of the summer term. This will help reduce potential transmission in the last few days of term, enabling as many staff and students as possible to enjoy the start of their summer holidays well and with minimal disruption. Therefore, all the procedures and restrictions we currently have in school will remain in place until the end of term.

Vaccine Bus

Over the coming weeks, there will be a travelling ‘vaccine bus’ visiting areas in Dudley. When we receive more details about Stourbridge, we will let you know. The bus only has Pfizer vaccines.

shows multiple options where to get both types of vaccinations.

Showing Symptoms

If anyone in your family is showing symptoms, please book a PCR test and don’t just rely on a Lateral Flow test. The results of PCRs are coming back within 24 hours and, in some cases, are showing positive when the Lateral Flow has shown negative.

Pedmore Thrive

The latest issue of Pedmore Thrive can be found here.

Forest School Evaluation

Ruth Hill has asked if we can share an evaluation form with you about forest school provision in school. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/r62QPBdi7NK4hDdF8

PTA Fitness Challenge Day

We had a great fitness challenge day earlier this week – thank you all for your support and sponsorship. Gemma Calvert, who runs The Fitness factory in Stourbridge and who is also a parent at school, gave her time to run all the sessions for every class. The children said they had a great time! If you would like more information about what Gemma offers, please see below:

Gemma Calvert runs dance and fitness sessions for all the family at her family run gym The Fitness Factory, Stourbridge. She offers term time and summer holiday sessions for children too. Full details can be found at www.thefitnessfactory.info

Understanding your Child’s Mental Health

This is a good resource, free to all Dudley families. There are a series of short courses to help you as a parent:

Access for free
Did you know Dudley MBC have PRE-PAID for every parent and carer in Dudley to access a course for parents/carers (access now for life-long access)? FREE (with access code: CASTLE at: www.inourplace.co.uk ) for residents in our area. There are courses for parents, carers and grandparents about children from bump to 19+ years. 
If, like many parents, you have already used this code, log into your account and this course will be ready in your dashboard to start whenever you are ready. 

Summer Reading Challenge

The SRC is run annually by The Reading Agency and takes place in libraries up and down the country. Children aged 4 – 11 read 6 books from their library during the summer and collect stickers along the way to add to their collection wallet. When they complete the challenge they receive a certificate and a medal. Each year the challenge has a different theme and this year it is “Wild World Heroes” and focuses on ways we can look after our wildlife and the environment.

What are the dates?
The challenge starts this Saturday 10th July and will run till 6th September. Many libraries across the borough are holding Launch Day events.
What will libraries be doing for the challenge?
As well as having a great choice of books for children to borrow, library staff have prepared some brilliant craft activities that children can take away and make at home. 
But we are hoping that when restrictions lift we can hold some activities in the library and maybe even invite some animals along to join in the fun!

Term Dates 2021-22

Here are the term dates (including INSET dates) for next academic year.

Take Care & Stay Safe

Mr Dunn