Welcome to your newsletter for week ending November 21st 

Today might have been cold, but it's been wonderful to see some sunshine! We've ended the week with Anti-Bullying Performances and workshops for children in Years 2-6 and a wonderful Values Assembly for Reception and Years 1 and 2. It's always amazing to celebrate children who have been recognised for going over and above to show our school values- this half term we are focusing on Responsibility.

Earlier in the week we had scheduled our Parent Voice meeting for the half term. Unfortunately we didn't have anyone attend, which is fine, however we do want to remind you all that this meeting is available to all family members if there is something you would like to know about or discuss with Mrs Cooper. The date for the next meeting is Thursday 29th January, 2pm in school. Also, please remember that 'the door' is always open! If you can't make a Parent Voice Meeting or if you feel the topic sits outside 'Parent Voice, please remember that you can always get in touch via [email protected]

This afternoon school leaders and Governors (guided by one of parents who is an expert in this field!) met to continue work developing the school Vision and Mission Statement - as you may remember this started way back in the summer when we gathered views about our school from all stakeholders. We are almost at the stage where we can share these with the school family and we hope to seek feedback within Autumn Parent/ Carer survey which will be shared early in December. 

To view more dates, please visit our website calendar under the 'Families' tab or click here.

Today the following pupils received the Values Certificate for Responsibility...

Anti-bullying Workshops

The performance and workshops today helped children learn what bullying is, how it can happen and what to do to seek support. The visiting performers (Altru) also covered topics including

Yr2 Author Visit- Kathy Urban

Our Year 2 classes were thrilled to welcome author Kathy Urban to school this week! Kathy held an engaging and interactive session where she shared insights into her writing process and introduced her newest book, A Tree For Everyone. The children loved taking part in the activities and asking questions about the story and its themes.

Following the session, Kathy hosted a special book signing, making the day even more memorable for our young readers.

If you haven’t yet purchased a copy of A Tree For Everyone, there’s still time!

You can order via this link: https://howbraveisthewren.com/product/a-tree-for-everyone-author-visit/ and your book will be delivered to school next week, signed by the author.

Thank you to Kathy Urban for inspiring our budding writers and readers!

Contacting Teachers

Recently our families have been asking about email addresses for class teachers. Families can view this on our website under Learning>> Year Group Information or click here.

SATs info for Year 6 Families

For any families who missed the Year 6 SATs talk yesterday, please see below the key points mentioned. If you have any queries about the upcoming SATs, please contact your child's class teacher directly. You can view emails as mentioned above on out Year Group Information page on the website. 

History Bee Champ Representing BVP!

We are over-the-moon and incredibly proud to update you on the success of our amazing young historian 'N', who has had yet more fabulous success testing his History knowledge alongside other children and young people from far and wide. 'N' achieved an impressive second place in the international final, narrowly missing out on first.

We are incredibly proud of him, especially as he was competing in the elementary category against pupils from schools with dedicated history teams, including some competitors up to four years older. He was the youngest ever medalist in the event!  His performance also means he has now qualified for the History Olympiad! Very well done 'N'... we can't wait to see what you go on to achieve next!

Jobs January

We are excited to be launching our “Jobs January” for 2026 – an opportunity for our children to learn about the world of work directly from you!

Throughout January, we are inviting parents and family members to visit school and share insights about their job, career journey, and experiences. Each session will last around 30 minutes and will be delivered to a group of children who have expressed interest in the area of work.

If you would like to take part, please complete our short Expression of Interest Form by Sunday 30th November. Once we have gathered responses, we will send out a booking form so you can choose a specific time slot.

Your involvement will help inspire our children, broaden their horizons, and show them the many exciting paths available in the future. Click here to complete the form. 

Thank you for supporting this initiative – we can’t wait to hear your stories!

Wrapping up warm 

As the cold weather approaches we would like to remind our families to make sure pupils come to school with hats, scarfs & gloves. If possible- adding full names to these items will minimise the risk of additional lost property.

Attendance Armadillos 

This week the attendance armadillo's were handed to... 

Upcoming Music Dates

NO Orchestra 17th Dec

Due to the orchestra's final concert for 2025 on 10th December, there will be NO orchestra afterschool club on the last week of term (17th December). 

KS2 Music Lesson Space Available 

Is your child itching to play a musical instrument, but hasn’t had the chance until now? We may just have the perfect opportunity for them…

One space has become available for either an oboe, flute, clarinet or bassoon music lesson at BVP. If your child would be keen to start playing any of the above instruments, please contact: [email protected] 

The space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. So, act quick to avoid disappointment!

Information about the Be Empowered Workshops are now on the Local Offer within the SEND Support and Information section.

Here is the link - Be Empowered Workshops - Local Offer Birmingham

Next week we will be on WEEK 3.

You can pre-book meals in advance on Arbor till the end of the academic year (Arbor>> Meals>> Meal Choices Available>> Select Meal Choice)

Reminder: Even if your child is a packed Lunch, parents will need to book that lunch option on Arbor! 

Hot Food From Home 

A reminder for our families that food from home cannot be re-heated at school. Unfortunately, due to allergies/ preferences and other factors the only food we can heat in school are meals made on-site. 

If your child prefers something hot from home, families are more than welcome to put this in a hot food flask for their child to take to school. 

Don't forget- next Friday 28^th Nov is own clothes day in return for a donation to the Christmas Fair Tombola. Bring your age-appropriate gifts (books, small toys, art, craft all welcome) into class on Friday and we will collect from classrooms during that day and into the following week. Everything will be used so have a clear out if that works for you!

Discos (Yr1-Yr6)

Disco ticket are now on Arbor for Year 1, 2/3 and 4/5/6. Reception will get their first School Disco in the Spring Term. Disco volunteer team building nicely! If you want to join that team for your respective disco then text 07974331102.

Did you know that in an average year we invite over 1400 kids to 11 discos, with over 150 parent volunteers stepping up.

We will be starting the handover of these Disco volunteer team to others during 2026 so that the 100+ strong team of willing volunteers can continue to engage in a way that works for them and really helps us keep the Discos safe and fun for all. 

Christmas Fair

Year 6 can sign up to help at the Fair (if you have not done so already) here https://forms.office.com/e/BLV9wUGNUT and join the 50+ strong team. We will be confirming up details via text message this weekend to those that have completed and submitted the form.

We are now accepting early donations for the Christmas Fair and school shop activities in December. We are looking for good quality books, toys, DVDs suitable for children, unopened/good as new products that you won't ever use but could be sold on/given away, children's wellies and overcoats. Any donations will be used to stock various activities across the Christmas Fair, and school shop activities in December.

Christmas Fair - Saturday 6^th December please do pop the date in your diary now so that the event is well attended and keeps the Year 6 team busy - after all - it is what you would want to see happen when your kids are in Year 6.

Did you know that at an average Christmas Fair we have over 120 volunteers covering the two shifts, of which at least half of them are Year 6, or BVPS Alumni, coming back to help. This help us deliver a smooth and organised Christmas Fair for well over 1000 people that come through the door.

PTA AGM (Annual General Meeting) 

We are preparing the way for the PTA AGM on 16^th January where we will continue the transition over to the new Team. If you want to get involved in the actual running of the Charity, then please do email [email protected]. This is NOT "Parent Governors", NOT "Parent Voice", NOT any working groups... this is entirely focused on making the fun things happen around school actually happen!

Like these things...

Dates coming up

Friday 5^th December- Christmas Fair Setup, George Hall

Saturday 6^th December- Christmas Fair 11:00-1500, George Hall

Tuesday 9th December- Yr1 Disco 15:30-1630 Elizabeth Hall

Thursday 11th December- Yr2/3 Disco 15:30-1700 George Hall

Thursday 11th December- Yr4/5/6 Disco 18:00-19:30 George Hall

Friday 12^th December- Carols in the Playground 1400 gates open where we will be serving tea/coffee/mince pies on the top playground whilst the school gather on the lower playground. Singing starts at 14:30

16^th January- PTA AGM straight after school, 6B classroom

David, Becki, Veronica

BVPS PTA

And finally...

As the newsletter gets to you this evening, our festive wreath workshop will be starting in the George Hall. We hope everyone enjoys it and and that they are pleased with their creations!

We hope you all have a good weekend- stay safe if you are out and about during this cold snap and we look forward to seeing you bright and early on Monday!

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is the responsibility of everyone in our school and at all times we consider what is in our children’s best interests. We work to ensure our children are safe and cared for and by doing this we are protecting their health and development and preventing them from harm. If we are worried, we will raise concerns, share information, and take prompt action with the aim of ensuring families receive the right help at the right time.

Going On In Your Area...

Birmingham's Local Plan 

Click here to view this weeks Birmingham's (Bold, Greener) Bulletin. 

Message from St Francis Church