Friday 29th November

Happy Friday!

We can’t believe where this half term is going as it seems to be speeding by.

On Thursday, children in year five and six, who play brass and wood wind instruments got the chance to perform several Christmas songs to their adults. Although some of the children said they were feeling a little nervous about performing in front of a large audience, they did a fantastic job at playing in time with each other and the hall was full of Christmas themed music! A big thank you to the teachers from Dudley Performing Arts who teach the children each week and supported them with the concert.

Speaking of Christmas, after school on Wednesday the Olive Hill staff worked together to decorate the school. We had Christmas songs and mince pies to help us all get in the spirit. The children were overjoyed to come in to find their corridors full of Christmas magic and even spotted a few elves around school, who of course will be commenting to Santa about how they have all been behaving.

On Wednesday, year four had a very informative session around fire safety from the team at Haden Cross Fire Station. They learnt how to recognise hazards at home and what to do in the event of an emergency.

It was lovely for the children to have the chance to wear their own clothes to school today and thank you to everyone who provided donations. This will really support us to deliver the Christmas Fayre on Wednesday 4th December.  Like last year, the fayre will be taking place on our Key Stage One playground, so we will let you know of any changes to the end of the day pick up areas early next week.

Earlier in the week, we sent letters out to two classes to inform them of some changes after Christmas. Sadly, Mrs Underhill will be leaving us at the end of the autumn term, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

 In other happy news, Miss Homer is expecting a baby, and I am sure you will join me in congratulating her and her partner on the upcoming arrival of their little bundle of joy. Miss Homer will be hoping to start her maternity leave at the end of January.

As a result of this, Mrs Higgins will be teaching in year five from the end of January. Miss Hackett will continue to be one of the class teachers in Hazel class and will be joined by a new member of teaching staff named Miss Smith. Miss Smith has previously worked at our school back in 2020 and is very much looking forward to re-joining the team.

We are looking forward to welcoming parents and families to Olive Hill over the coming weeks as we celebrate our children’s learning through performances, including The Nativity and Carols on the Playground. A reminder letter went out today with all the key dates listed over the coming weeks.

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday.