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• MAC UPDATES

  Fri 30 Jan 2015

  Our school is in the process of converting to a MAC (Multi Academy Company) on 1st March 2015. This is an exciting and busy time for our school and there has been and is still a lot of work to do. However we are pleased with the progress that is being made across the six schools and as time goes on we will ensure you are provided with key updates.

   

  Once we convert to a MAC, we will no longer have a governing body. This will be replaced with an Academy Committee made up of seven foundation members, two members of staff and two parents. 

   

  In the meantime, if you require further information, please visit  http://www.lumenchristi.org.uk/

• School Meals Menu

  Mon 16 Jun 2014
  This weeks menu is week 4.

• Swimming first half of Summer Term

  Sat 26 Apr 2014
  YR5 Swimming will commence on Monday 28th April 2014.  Children will need swimming kits in school every Monday.

• World Book Day - Thursday 6th March

  Sun 02 Mar 2014
  WORLD BOOK DAY – THURSDAY 6th MARCH 

  
  This year World Book Day arrives in the middle of Science Week. However, we recognise that children have 
  

  thoroughly enjoyed this event in the past and have asked if they can come dressed as their favourite character. PLEASE do not pay out for hired costumes; this is an entirely optional dressing up day and in no way is intended to cause stress to any parent!

• Swimming Spring Term

  Mon 24 Feb 2014
  Swimming for Year 4 will commence on Monday 24th February. 

• School to School review

  Fri 17 Jan 2014
  Our school has not had an official Ofsted Inspection since 2009. Since that time there have been a great many changes to the way schools are inspected and the goal post have moved considerably. Schools are judged on: Achievement of Pupils, The Quality of Teaching, Behaviour and Safety and Leadership and Management.
   
  On Thursday of last week, we invited the Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers of 2 local schools into our school to lead a school review. They were led by Pat Smart, a qualified Ofsted Inspector, a National Leader in Education and the Executive Head Teacher of Greet and Conway Primary Schools.
   
  The reviewers observed and judged lessons, scrutinised children’s work in books and interviewed children to ascertain their views of their school. I am very pleased to announce that the school received an outcome of ‘Good’ in each of the 4 areas.
   
  Although we may like to think of ourselves as Outstanding in some areas like ‘Behaviour’, Ofsted have made it very difficult for all children to attain such incredibly high standards. Some of Ofsted guidelines for ‘Outstanding Behaviour’ are:
   
  Pupils behaviour outside lessons is almost always impeccable
  All children consistently display a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning
   
  Both of which are very difficult to instil in all of our pupils- though a great many do show both of these attributes
   
  The review does state:
   
  Relationships between pupils and with the staff are very good, including with administrative staff and lunchtime supervisors.  The strong faith-base of the school encourages good behaviour, empathy and spiritual reflection.  These combine to give pupils a strong sense of what it means to be part of St James’ community.
   
  Pupils enjoy coming to school and are openly proud of St James’.  They are polite and welcoming to visitors.
   
  The outcomes of the review matched our own self evaluation, which confirmed that our own judgements of our school are accurate. We will undertake a review of this nature each year so that we can make sure we are continually working hard to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children. I would like to thank all the staff of St James’ for their incredible hard work and commitment during the review.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• New morning procedures

  Fri 20 Dec 2013
  Children have been trained to line up at the far end of the playground in line with fire procedures. 
  
  As we move closer to winter we no doubt be hit with icy mornings, rendering the playground unsafe.
  
  As of Tuesday 7 January, the school gates will be opened at 8:45am and children can enter the building at that time.They will be received from 8:45am into their classrooms and will be supervised by their teachers an teaching assistants until the register is taken at 8:55am.
  
  As before, all children must be in the building at 8:55am. External doors will be closed at that time and the gates closed.

  • Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will enter the buildings from their doors that lead onto the playground.
  • Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will enter the building from the school hall, where a senior member of staff will be there to ensure the children are safely in the building.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Extreme Weather

  Mon 18 Nov 2013

   It is the time of year when we need to make sure that all parents are aware of what to do if we are hit by very bad weather in the months ahead.  In the event of extreme weather conditions e.g. heavy snowfall a central decision will be made by the Strategic Director for Children, Young People & Families in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families whether or not to close all Birmingham Schools.  Any such blanket decision will be made by 6.45am and announced by Radio WM, BRMB and Heart FM.  We will follow this with a text to all families.
   
  As our area can be hit quite badly during extreme weather, a decision to close may need to be made specifically for St James’ by myself and Mrs Payne (Building Services Supervisor). The decision to close the school will be announced by text and will also be announced on Radio WM, BRMB and Heart FM at the earliest opportunity.
   
  
  
  

  Please visit the school website for daily updates during periods of extreme weather. The decision will be posted on the scrolling bar on the front page at the earliest opportunity.

• Mini Vinnie Fundraising

  Wed 09 Oct 2013
  As the weather heads towards Winter we turn our thoughts to those not fortunate to be sleeping in a bed tonight.On Thursday 17th October, the children will have the chance to wear their own clothes, so long as they have an element of their House's colour. There is no need to go out and buy clothes especially for the occasion; a splash of the House colour is all they will need.
  
  On Thursday, 25th October, the children will be holding their own cake sale. More details of this will no doubt be sent to you very soon.
  
  Latest update 30th November.  The children have raised enough funds to purchase 22 Vinnie packs.  There are still two house fund raising events to go hopefully we will hit our target of 40 packs.
  Together with the local SVP, each House will take turns to raise funds through different activities. the activities are being organised and publicised by each House, beginning with a football competition this Friday,
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

• Absence in Term Time

  Tue 03 Sep 2013
  As stated in news letters last year, we are focusing this academic year on improving our attendance.  New guidelines have been issued to all schools regarding taking children out of class during term time.  
  
  In the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013, all references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days have been removed.  The amendments make clear that Head Teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.  Head Teachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.
  
  If your child needs to be away from school, please inform the school in writing, stating the 'exceptional circumstances'. Please be mindful that this does not automatically mean that your request will be accepted.