We have had a lovely week in school, which started with our second Harvest Assembly. It was wonderful to have so many of you join us to share this occasion with us and we want to thank you for your generous support of the Black Country Foodbank. On Tuesday we welcomed more parents in to school, this time for Family Learning in Years 3 and 4. After taking part in reading lessons in the classrooms, Miss Beddoes led a workshop to explain how parents could support their children’s reading at home. Thank you for the positive feedback we received from those who attended.

I am delighted to share some sporting success with you. On Tuesday afternoon our Tag Rugby squad was involved in a tournament at Windsor High School. After winning every match in the group stages we were delighted to make it through to the final, where The Ridge faced St. Joseph’s. Despite St Joseph’s dominating at the start of the match, at full time the score was 3:3, with our team going on to win 4:3 in extra time! Congratulations to all of the squad who all represented The Ridge during the tournament. Huge thanks to Mr Lamb who trained the squad and to the parents who helped transport them to the venue. We now excitedly await the County Final in June!

Next week we will be wishing Miss Zulfiqar ‘safe travels’ as she heads to Pakistan where she is getting married! We hope that she has a wonderful celebration and we look forward to hearing all about it, when she returns in December.

Finally, I wish to record my thanks to Mrs Kirby who after 18 years working at The Ridge and even longer associated with the school as a parent, has taken the decision to retire to spend time with her family, including her husband who has also recently retired. Mrs. Kirby has had a number of roles initially working 1:1 with two pupils with additional needs before becoming a general teaching assistant. Over the years she has worked in every year group from Reception to Year 6 and has been an important part of the journey through school for many children. We wish her every happiness in her retirement. I am sure that many of you will want to pass on your best wishes to Mrs Kirby, so on Friday 21^st October between 9.00 – 10.00 am there will be an opportunity for parents and carers to pop into school and say ‘goodbye’.

Kind regards

Mrs D Hudson

Headteacher

Punctuality is important and helping children develop good time keeping is a skill for life.

At school, as the register is taken the children are engaged in learning activities so by even being a few minutes late each day, over a week this quickly adds up. This lost time can impact on your child’s progress and children who come into class late, can feel embarrassed. Please make sure that you allow enough time to arrive at school on time, so that your child in their classrooms by 8.50 a.m.

Thank you for your support.

This Weeks attendance 

Reception - 96.67%

Year 1 – 96.90%

Year 2 – 96.67%

Year 3 – 96.43%

Year 4 – 97.33%

Year 5 – 94.14%

Year 6 – 96.67%

Well done Year 4!

Introduction

Hello, I am Jennie Gough a parent governor, my eldest child is currently in year 2 and my youngest has recently started Kindergarten. I sit on the Finance and Premises Committee.

How long I have you been a governor?

I was elected as a governor by parents last December.

How does your experience in the workplace helps as a governor ?

I am a fully ACCA qualified accountant with over ten years of experience in central finance at a Sandwell Council, where I learnt a range of skills the most applicable being supporting the authorities schools with banking issues, audit preparation and advising them with their compliance of financial regulations. For 5/6 years through the last financial crisis I managed the council’s cash flow borrowing and lending money through brokers to generate the best returns on the council’s funds and I also have experience monitoring the council’s central finance budgets. Before working at the council and training to be an accountant I started studying early childhood studies at university and have experience working in both infant school and day care settings. Therefore, before becoming a governor I already had some knowledge and experience of the work that schools are required to carry out and processes they have to go through.

Why did you become a governor ?

I volunteered as a governor because I always enjoyed assisting the schools with their finance issues at work and whilst I decided against a full time career working with children, I really enjoyed the time I spent with them in my work experience. Since giving up my job at the council after having my eldest child, I now only work two days a week looking after the accounts of a small business so I have spare capacity to help out where I can.

What do you enjoy about being a governor ?

I enjoy the team work involved in overcoming obstacles/issues identified and that not everyone has the same opinion bringing different points of view to the table that may not have been thought of by others. There is also the better understanding of not just what things are done but WHY they are done and what the children get out of them and how they learn.

What have you learnt about the Ridge since becoming a governor?

I have learned that staff at The Ridge are always seeking to improve the learning experience for the children and help them achieve their potential: they welcome constructive criticism and will actively seek feedback in order to improve themselves and how things are done. 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Mrs Hudson is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and any concerns should be shared with her or the Deputy Safeguarding Leads – Mrs Hadley, Miss Beddoes and Mrs Burley.

Please can we ask for your help in the following ways -  

• Please do not hold the gate open for other visitors to school when you arrive or leave the school. The office team need to be aware of all visitors on site. 
• Please use the one-way system in operation at drop off and pick up times 
• Please keep your child and others safe if they have to wait with you for a sibling.
• - Please do not let them play on the equipment.
• - Please don't let your child play with balls, play chasing games or ride scooters/bikes on the playground
• Please do not allow your child to climb on the wall by the fence. 
• Please note that our school site is a ‘Dog Free Zone’, with the exception of assistance dogs. This includes dogs being carried by their owners. 
  

Thank you

Unfortunately we are seeing Covid cases rise again and a number of staff have been affected over the past week. We encourage you to test your child if they are unwell with any symptom which may be due to Covid. If they do test positive they should remain at home for three days. For adults the period is five days.

…… if so you might be interested to know about the National Sleep Helpline, which can help parents and children to learn more about their sleep and develop better bedtime routines.  Our School Nurse, Laura Deveraux is also available to meet with parents to offer help and support, not only about sleep but also on a range of matters relating to your child’s health and wellbeing. She can be contacted on laura.devereaux@nhs.net 

Reminder - Ace Coaching are providing a Multi Sports Camp at school over the half term holiday - application forms need to be in by Wednesday 19th October please.

RFA Disco next Thursday, 20th October 2022

• 5.45 - 6.45 p.m. Reception and Key Stage 1
• 7.00 - 8.15 pm   Key Stage 2

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