Christmas Performances You will have received a letter regarding Christmas Performances. All Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4

children need to be in school by 6.00pm for their evening performance in order to change

and prepare for a prompt 6.30pm start. Children can be collected after the performance at

7.15pm. Arrangements for Nursery and Reception performances were explained in the recent

letter. No tickets are required for the Early Years performances. There is a performance for

Y1-Y4 on Monday 4th December at 9.30am for grandparents who are unable to attend

the evening performances

Please note pre school children are not permitted in any performance.

Birches Value: Respect Believe, Grow, Succeed British Value: The Rule of Law

Birches Bulletin December 2017 www.birches.staffs.sch.uk Issue 4

office@birches.staffs.sch.uk 01902 297910

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

and with that comes the different sounds in school. Your children are busy learning their

lines and songs — what a treat you are in for! You will be amazed by their confidence

as they perform to a wide audience.

We began the festivities with a fabulous Christmas Disco/Craft night and Father Christmas even made an appearance! A HUGE thank you to the PFA and all who volunteered, it

could not happen without your support and commitment. The children had a wonderful time and we raised a magnificent £835.00! As parents of Birches you are automatically part of our PFA - we even have our own Facebook page “Birches First School PFA” - please

join as we are always looking for new ideas and volunteers.

So the time has come to say “See you soon!” Thank you so much for your exceptional

support over the last 3 years and particularly your kind words and generosity of well

wishes. I look forward to introducing my baby to the other 186 children in my life and to

parents and grandparents alike! I know you will welcome and support Mrs Ferretti to her

new role and make Miss Parker feel home from home at Birches — keep an eye out for me

in the audience!

May your heart and home be filled with all of the joys the season brings.

Merry Christmas and best wishes from Miss Varricchione and the Birches staff team.

Christmas Parties Parties have been arranged for everyone on Monday 18th December.

Years 3 and 4 will stay after school for a ‘Fish and Chip’ supper, which

will finish at 5.30pm. Further details to follow.

Inclement Weather If it snows heavily this winter school closures will be decided on a school group

basis and announced on Beacon Radio from 7.00am onwards. Therefore, if Codsall

schools are mentioned it will mean all Codsall and Bilbrook schools, including Birches. We will also text all parents if school is closed so you can be sure to know what is

happening.

For your information Mr Price will grit the following areas: the path to the playground, the entrance to the main school building, toilets and mobile from the playground.

Although the path at the back of the school WILL be gritted please take extra care

when collecting your children from Nursery as this path can remain slippy. Thank you.

December Diary Dates - (whole year is on our website)

1st YN Amerton Farm Visit 12th Influenza Immunisations YR-Y4

1st Codsall Carol Singing 7.00pm 12th Choir Singing at The Willows

4th Grandparents Performance (Y1-Y4) 9.30am 14th YR Hoo Farm Visit

5th Y1/Y2 Performance/Special Awards 6.30pm 14th Y1 Blists Hill Visit

6th Nursery Performance/Special Awards 9.30am 14th Y2 Parent Lunch

6th Reception Performance/Special Awards 1.30pm 14th Y4 Singing at the Co-op

7th Y3/Y4 Performance/Special Awards 6.30pm 15th Christmas Lunch/Jumper Day

8th Y2 Jackfield Tile Museum Visit 18th Christmas Parties

8th Y1 Parent Lunch 19th Final Assembly 2.00pm

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Return to school Wednesday 3rd January

THANK YOU… We would like to thank everyone who has supported the school this term.

We supported the British Legion Poppy Appeal and raised £267.00 for Children in Need from donations and cake sale.

Christmas Lunch - Friday 15th December

Mrs Blakeway will prepare Christmas lunch for all children. The cost of the meal will

be £2.20 as usual for Y3/Y4 children. Please return the slip that has been sent out

separately even if your child usually receives a Free School Meal or school lunch so

that the kitchen may prepare their food orders.

Christmas Jumper Day - Friday 15th December

The School Council have decided that Christmas jumpers, hats, tinsel, headbands etc can be worn on this day with jeans/leggings etc. together with a donation towards

'Save the Children' for some extra Christmas fun!