Newsletter Apr 2008

It has been both a pleasure and an encouragement to see parents and others in school for the special events we have hosted this term.

Early Years Conference

The Early Years Conference team of: Dr Mark Pike, Mrs Steph Cribb, Mrs Heather Fawcett-Jones, Mrs Audrey Moon and myself, hosted thirty-six parents and professionals for our conference on April 11 & 12. We were able to share some of the key principles that God has invested in us, and which we have developed over the last twenty years. It was thrilling for the team members to share the things we have learned with a freshness and vitality that brought them alive to our listeners. Our reports were received with enthusiasm, and we were warmly thanked by the delegates we worked with.

As well as people from local churches and Christian Educational settings, we also hosted delegates from Christian schools in London, Liverpool, Walsall, Bury, and Worcester. It was a blessing to be affirmed in our calling and task to nurture children in God's way. We were also encouraged to minister into people's lives and provide an opportunity to people to network in this area. A big thank-you goes to all those who helped administer the day and provide food, crčche facilities etc.

Primary Event

Last Wednesday saw a packed school hall for Primary Pupils to share their recent learning with parents, grandparent and friends. The children were relaxed and enjoyed presenting their work. The evening contained lots of laughter. Afterwards, parents were invited back to the children's classrooms where they showed them their schoolbooks and class work. Thank-you parents for your attendance and the interest shown in the things teachers have being doing with your children this year.

Also... In this newsletter, we give feedback on our recent trip to Romania and look forward to our next Open Day.

Yours Sincerely, Mr PJ Moon, Head Teacher

Primary News

Thank-you to everyone who came out for the presentation evening. The children really enjoyed showing you what they have learnt and it was very encouraging that so many of you were able to come. Mrs Moon will be gradually coming back to teach in Class 1 over the next few weeks, and will be back to her normal hours week beginning the 12th of May. A big thank-you to Mrs Rawnsley, who has done a brilliant job of stepping up to teach while Mrs Moon was recovering. We are also grateful to Mrs Mackenzie who taught an extra day. Mrs Kirkby will be coming back from Australia on the 8th of May. So, thanks is also due to Mrs Jowett and Mrs Spencer who have worked as support assistants since Christmas. - Topics for Class 2 this term are Transport, Work (science, forces) - Please make sure children in Class 2 remember PE kit on Mondays, and swimming kit on Fridays. Dates will also be confirmed for Class 2 trips and visits coming this term. - Topics for Class 3 this term are World War II, The Heavens (science), and Prayer

Note on Snack Time:

Some parents have asked if we could please have fruit for our snack in primary classes rather than sweets. We understand your concerns, however, purchasing and keeping fruit is not practical for the school. If you would like to send fruit in for your child to eat at snack time please feel free to do so.

School News

Upper School Uniform

After weeks of inspecting samples, compiling questionnaires and "modeling sessions," it has been decided NOT to change the Upper School Uniform. We will continue with white shirts, ties and V-neck school jumpers for the foreseeable future.

Parking, Parking, Parking

Please, Please, Please DO NOT park on the yellow lines on the street outside the school entrance They are there for a reason - THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILDREN! Note: This is also illegal and people have been fined in the past.

Amendments to 2008-2009 School Dates

We have, unfortunately, had to slightly amend the holiday dates for 2008-09. The only holiday period affected is the Spring Bank break at the end of May, which has had to be moved back a week. The reason for this is the sheer volume of GCSE exams scheduled for the week beginning June 1. If the holidays were not amended, it would be extremely difficult for the school to make all the necessary arrangements for examinations, invigilators etc. We apologise if this change causes any inconvenience. Please destroy the previous holiday list you received to avoid confusion.

Romania Easter 2008 - Work in the Economy school - Dan Leedham

The lesson was drawing to a close when the English teacher spotted the guitars we’d brought along. The night before Mr Heath had played his now famous Britney Spears; “Hit Me Baby One More Time” at the youth group. The kids loved it. We had a bit longer left of the lesson so the teacher asked us if we would play another song. Anca, one of a very small handful of Christians in the school, who was also one of our hosters/translators, turned to Mr Heath asking if she could play Light of the World (Here I am to Worship). He agreed, so Anca turned to me and asked if I’d play the song with her. We’d played it once the night before but had no idea what format/key we’d do it in. We both had acoustic guitars, but because Anca hadn’t been playing as long I took on the roll of lead guitarist and she slotted in playing rhythm. We started playing, and one glance at Anca would tell you that this was an opportunity that she had been praying about for ages. The class was silent as they listened to their peer and some random Christian guys from England playing a song to them in a foreign language. Even though I have led worship in churches this was something new; I’d never felt the amazing love and authority that we carried with this witnessing thru music. After a few minor niggles we finished the song to an amazing round of applause. When talking to Anca after you could sense the joy and thankfulness toward God, and really see how on fire she was in this jungle of worldly students. It was an amazing blessing to see first hand what these young Christians are doing in another part of Europe. Please pray for these girls as they come under a lot of pressure and grief for flying their Christian flag.

Romania Easter 2008 - This is My Chance program; Claire Winterbottom

One of the things that really stood out for me with the children attending “This is My Chance,” is their willingness to learn. It was so lovely to see their faces light up as they greeted us on a morning when we came to the foundation, shaking our hands, and giving us high-fives. That was one of the main things that made the whole experience worthwhile! It was amazing to see children so eager to answer questions; and I’ve never heard such an immense applause for a girl spelling ‘tap’! At first I immediately was drawn to the younger, louder children, naturally wanting to help them, but the biggest impact I felt was when I offered an older, quieter girl help. The language barrier didn’t matter at all. Her beaming face was so beautiful, and she really seemed grateful for me offering her the attention! It is so sweet how we could build relationships with these children. By the last day this girl was so affectionate, making me realize how such simple things can mean a lot. It was sad to leave all the children by the end of the week, but at the same I felt very glad I had had the experience, and was pleased knowing how much the children had learnt in that short time. Plus: we had taken literally hundreds of photos for the memories as well!

OPEN DAY - THURSDAY 15th MAY - 9:30 - 12:30

Open days are a great source of encouragement for all of us at BCS. Most of the families, (Christians or not), who come are more than half persuaded concerning the school after just one morning visit! In the weeks and months that follow we usually experience a regular taking up of new students. We would like to pass the encouragement on by sharing some comments from our visitors on the last Open Day.

''We live next door to a family whose children started at BCS about 2 months ago. There has been such a fantastic change in them that we wanted to check out the school for our kids.''

''I live on the street behind the school, and I came to a neighbourhood forum 4 years ago. I still remember how impressed I was when I heard you speak about the school. Now my daughter is of school age and I thought I would come and check you out.''

Finally a most encouraging comment to me as a parent: ''Your son comes into my wife's salon to pick up his girlfriend. I've met him a few times. If my son turns out like your son, I'd be right pleased. ''

Now, we would like you to pass the encouragement on to others by sharing your own enthusiasm for BCS and inviting them to come on Open Day to see just what you are so excited about. Take this opportunity to benifit your friends and neighbours by encouraging them to invest in their children's lives through Christian education.