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Solihul Masking Supporting a Child Who Masks: Parent Guide Avoid Questions About the Day Asking “How was school?” or “What did you do today?” can increase anxiety. Focus on observing, listening gently and offering choices instead. Attend Workshops & Courses Attend school or external workshops on emotional regulation, masking and neurodiversity. Learning more equips you to respond calmly and supportively. Structured Routines Create consistent daily routines from morning to evening. Include all activities: meals, hygiene, independent play, homework, evening wind-down. Use visual timetables to make the day predictable. Remove completed activities from the schedule to give a sense of control and achievement. Visual Supports & Communication Boards Use consistent colours: one for directions, one for choices. Show simple images for each activity. Keep images clean: white background, no distractions. Place at child’s height for independence. Let the child choose or handle images for comfort and autonomy. Safe, Independent Activities Encourage activities your child can do alone or quietly: Counting, drawing, building, puzzles Running, skipping, movement Focus on activity and engagement, not discussion about the day. Observe & Respond to Stress Recognise outbursts, tears, or withdrawal as normal stress responses. Provide a calm, predictable environment to help your child regulate emotions. At school, we use zones of regulation Validate feelings without judgment: “I can see this is hard for you.” “It’s okay to feel frustrated or tired.” Offer multiple ways to communicate: talking, writing, drawing. Supporting Your Masking Child Emotionally Children need acceptance, predictability, and understanding. Remind them: It’s okay to be themselves. It’s okay to ask for help. They are not alone. Your child’s masking is not their fault—home should be a safe place to recharge. Supporting a masking child takes patience, understanding, and consistency. Using structured routines, visual supports, safe independent activities, and gentle emotional guidance can reduce stress and help your child feel secure and understood.

Parents Inofrmation - Diary dates, Term Dates, Uniform Guide, Bedtime Stories Newsletters School Attendance - A Very Important Message for all Parents & Carers Bedtime Stories Diary Dates CALENDAR FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR September 2024 -July 2025 Autumn Term 2024 Monday 2nd September 2024 To Friday 25th October 2024 Half Term Monday 4th November 2024 To Friday 20th December 2024 Spring Term 2025 Monday 6th January 2025 To Friday 14th February 2025 Half Term Tuesday 25th February 2025 To Friday 11th April 2025 Summer Term 20 25 Tuesday 29th April 2025 To Friday 23rd May 2025 Half Term Monday 2nd June 2025 To Friday 18th July 2025 INSET DAYS Monday 23rd September 2024 Friday 25th October 2024 Monday 24th February 2025 Tuesday 6th May 2025 Monday 21st July 2025 Bank Holiday Monday 5th May 2025 Please note that these dates may be subject to change CALENDAR FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR September 2025 -July 2026 Autumn Term 2025 Monday 1st September 2025 To Friday 24th October 2025 Half Term Monday 3rd November 2025 To Friday 19th December 2025 Spring Term 2026 Monday 5th January 2026 To Friday 13th February 2026 Half Term Monday 23rd February 2026 To Friday 27h March 2026 Summer Term 20 26 Monday 13th April 2026 To Friday 22nd May 2026 Half Term Monday 1st June 2026 To Friday 17th July 2026 INSET DAYS Monday 1st September 2025 Wednesday 3rd December 2025 Monday 5th January 2026 Friday 22nd May 2026 Monday 20th July 2026 Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2025 Please note that these dates may be subject to change Parent Meetings Nursery Nursery Welcome Meeting 2024 Reception Reception Welcome Meeting 2023 Reception RWI Meeting 2022 Year 1 Year 1 Welcome Meeting 2023 Year 2 Year 2 Welcome Meeting 2023 SATs Meeting 2025 Year 3 Year 3 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 4 Year 4 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 4 Maths Week Resources Year 5 Year 5 Welcome Meeting 2024 Year 6 year 6 FGM / CSE Meeting Year 6 Welcome Meeting 2025 Year 6 Confirmation Meeting 2024 Year 6 SATs Meeting 2025g Podcasts Wishlist If you would like to donate a book to our school, the links below contain items from our Top 20 lists and Book of the Month recommendations. Each book will be stamped with the name of the person who has donated it and will be placed on our class bookshelves. Nursery Year 3 Reception Year 4 Year 1 Year 5 Year 2 Year 6 Wishlist

St. Bernadette's Policies & Admissions Policies Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2025 (1) .pdf Télécharger PDF • 493KB 2025 2. Behaviour Policy 2025 2026 updated2 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 341KB 2025 Complaints Procedure 2025 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 344KB 2025 4. Charging and Remission 2025 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 100KB 2025 5. Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Objectives Policy 2025-26 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 53KB 2025 Admissions Policy 26-27 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 181KB 2026 Accessibility Plan 2025 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 48KB 2025 Parent Code Of Coduct 2025 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 78KB 2025 Computing Policy 2025 - 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 122KB 2025 Online Safety Policy 2025 - 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 126KB 2025 PE policy 2025-2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 495KB 2025 Mathematics Policy 2025 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 103KB 2025 1. EYFS Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 1.45MB 2025 2. Year 1 Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 1.20MB 2025 3. Year 2 Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 1.60MB 2025 4. Year 3 Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 1.63MB 2025 5. Year 4 Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 6.25MB 2025 6. Year 5 Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 6.51MB 2025 7. Year 6 Calculation Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 7.31MB 2025 Geography policy 2025-2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 186KB 2025 History policy 2025-26 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 195KB 2025 Design Technology policy 2025-26 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 199KB 2025 English Policy 2025-26 with HWr Progression .pdf Télécharger PDF • 563KB 2025 Art policy 2025-2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 195KB 2025 Science Policy 2025-2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 209KB 2025 MFL Policy 2025- 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 174KB 2025 35. Homework Policy 2025 2026 updated Feb 2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 69KB 12. Supporting Pupils with Medical Conditions 25-26 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 351KB 2026 38. Equality and Diversity Policy 2025-26 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 65KB 2026 49. Anti-Bullying Policy 2025-2026 .pdf Télécharger PDF • 64KB 2026 50. Safer Recruitment Policy .pdf Télécharger PDF • 77KB 2026

Our Mission At St. Bernadette's Catholic School you will find us caring, hardworking and co-operative. We follow the ways of Jesus using our talents and gifts to make our school special. We show respect to all and welcome you. Click play below Our Behaviour Expectations and Values Our Catholic ethos promotes positive relationships based on respect; pupils are helped to make moral choices about their behaviour and their contribution to the school community. Our behaviour expectations are based on Christian values. We expect children to be polite, co-operative and considerate of others. Staff are committed to creating a school environment where these qualities are seen to be important and are positively encouraged and reflected in their own conduct. Classroom behaviour is based on simple expectations and values that the children can understand and have confidence in and which relate to all aspects of school life. Below are the 8 positive behaviour statements that are displayed around the school and prominently in classrooms.

St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Yardley, Birmingham Scan or click image St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School 1/10 Parent Pay Newsletter School opening hours Monday to Thursday 8.30am -3.15 pm Friday 8.30am- 2.00pm Total time 32.5 hours Pupil Absence Staff Email

The Sacraments At St Bernadette’s School, the children have the opportunity to receive three of the sacraments: The Sacrament of Reconciliation in year 3 First Holy Communion in year 3 The Sacrament of Confirmation in year 6 The preparation for these sacraments takes place in school, with meetings held for parents and children in the early evening. The Sacramental Life of the School: About Us Reconciliation Reconciliation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. It is one of the two sacraments of healing, the other being the Sacrament of the Sick. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation we receive God’s forgiveness for our sins, his pardon and healing and reconciliation with the Church. Baptised Catholic children in Year 3 will usually receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time during Lent. This takes place in a special Reconciliation service at Holy Family Church. Preparation for this important sacrament takes place in school through the RE curriculum and during an after school meeting, where parents meet with Fr Fretch and children work with teachers and catechists. All You Need to Know About Reconcilliation The Sacramental Life of the School: Our Mission First Holy Communion The Holy Eucharist is described as “the source and summit of the Christian life.” This is because it is at the very centre of the practice of the Catholic faith. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Church, which are necessary for people to become full members of the Church. The other two Sacraments of Initiation are the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. In receiving Holy Communion we are united with Christ in a physical way and we enter more fully in to the Body of Christ. The more we receive Christ the more Christ-like we become. At St Bernadette’s, Baptised Catholic children in Year 3 will make their First Holy Communion during a Mass held at Holy Family Church in the Summer Term. Preparation for this important sacrament takes place throughout the RE curriculum and in the form of after school meetings where parents meet with Fr Fretch and the children are supported by Catechists. All You Need to Know About The Sacrament of The Eucharist The Sacramental Life of the School: Our Philosophy Confirmation Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. It is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Church which are necessary for people to become full members of the Church. The other two Sacraments of initiation are the Sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Through Confirmation the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are received: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. These gifts can help a person to live as a follower of Christ. Through receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit it is hoped that the candidate will, through their thoughts, words and actions bear the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control and joy. It is a means by which the candidate publically professes their faith and shows their commitment to becoming a full member of the Church. Children at St Bernadette’s usually receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 6, during the Autumn Term. Preparation for this important sacrament begins in Year 5 and is continued in Year 6 through the delivery of the RE curriculum. Children have the opportunity to work closely with Fr Fretch and Sr Maura during this time. They are encouraged to think carefully about their chosen saint’s name and opportunities are provided for them to find out more about their saint and reflect on their life. All You Need to Know About Confirmation The Sacramental Life of the School: Text

Our Building Dining Hall Computing Suite Computing Suite Nursery Nursery Nursery Reception Main Entrance Reception KS1 Playground Pirate Dining Hall Reception StBerns Mosaic Dining Hall Rohan Garden Entrance KS2 Hall Entrance Mosaic Library IMG_8026 Year 2 Spring Entrance School StBerns IMG_8027_edited Year 1 IMG_8022 Year 1 Playground KS2 KS2 Playground Nursery Outdoor Play Dining Hall Year 2 School Library DSC07903 Our School Library

Jubilee 2025: Pilgrims of Hope We are excited to share that this year marks a special Jubilee Year, celebrated by people around the world as a journey of faith, hope, and renewal. Every 25 years, the Catholic Church celebrates a Holy Year of Jubilee, and Pope Francis has called this Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. Pope Francis is inviting us all to reflect on our own life journeys and the hope we carry with us along the way. It’s a very special, holy, year of forgiveness and mercy, a time to reset, and to renew our relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. In school, we will celebrate the Jubilee Year with a range of events, which we will share through our newsletter, on X, and here, on the school website. "Hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us." (Rom 5:1-2.5) What is a pilgrim? Pilgrims are people who travel to holy places on a journey that helps them grow closer to God. Even if we can’t travel far away, the Jubilee Year will still be a journey for all of us - a journey of hope. The beginning of the Jubilee Year The Holy Door, very special door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City., was opened by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve to mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year. This is a big event because the Holy Door shows that God is always ready to welcome everyone with love and forgiveness. When the Pope opened it, it’s like a sign that everyone is invited to come closer to God.So, when the Pope opened the Holy Door on Christmas Eve, it reminded us that we can always find hope and love with God, and that He is always there for us, no matter what. Click on the image below to watch the Holy Door being opened on Christmas Eve 2024. The Holy Door will be bricked up at the end of the Jubilee Year. For the 2025 Year of Hope, the Holy Door will be closed after the year ends, which will be on 6th January 2026, the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. On that date, the Pope will officially close the Holy Door to mark the end of the special time of grace, forgiveness, and pilgrimage. The door will remain sealed until the next Jubilee Year. Catholic Social Teaching and the Jubilee Year Pope Francis asks us to be signs of hope for others, by putting Catholic Social Teaching into action through caring for our common home and supporting our sisters and brothers who are experiencing war, hunger or poverty. The Jubilee Prayer Friday 10th January To mark the start of the Jubilee Year, on Friday 10th January, all classes planted a ‘Seed of Hope’. Throughout the year, the children will nurture their seed, reminding us that just as a seed needs sunlight, water, and care to grow, hope grows when we trust in God’s love and share kindness with others. St. Bernadette’s Jubilee Celebrations The children in Year 1 and Year 2 create ‘Trees of Hope’. We will reflect on these at the end of the Jubilee year. Monday 27th January Pilgrimage of Hope: Refugee Journey On Monday 27th January, classes in KS2 and Year had the opportunity to take part in a Pilgrimage of Hope, reflecting on the journey of refugees. Station 1 Packing for a Journey : The children put themselves in a refugee’s shoes and imagined what they would pack if they had to flee their home at short notice. Station 3 The Long Journey : The children imagined the exhausting and dangerous journey, often across deserts, mountains, and forests, in search of safety. Station 5 Final Journey : The children reflected on the final stage of a refugee’s journey, where emotions mixed between relief, excitement, and nervousness as they arrived at their new home. Station 2 Emotional Goodbyes : They thought about the emotional goodbyes that refugees must face as they leave everything behind. Station 4 Refugee Camps : They paused to consider life in refugee camps, where some refugees wait years before being granted asylum. Station 6 A New Home : At the final station, they discussed what it might be like to arrive in a foreign land with a new language and culture. This pilgrimage was linked to the Jubilee Year's theme of Pilgrims of Hope, encouraging us all to walk alongside those who are displaced, offering empathy, support, and a shared journey of hope. It also reminded us to keep our hope in God, trusting that He was with us on every journey, and that with faith, we could bring hope to others. Watch this video capturing the pilgrims in 4KL.

Science At St. Bernadette’s, we are in the process of writing and developing a bespoke curriculum based on the National Curriculum. “…careful curriculum design, where new knowledge is broken down into meaningful components and introduced sequentially, can support all pupils to learn scientific concepts. This includes those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.” Research Review Series: Science. Ofsted, 2021. Science Policy 25/26 Science Curriculum Overview 24/25 Intent, Implement, Impact Science Prior Knowledge “Assessing students' prior knowledge allows an instructor to focus and adapt their teaching plan. For students, it helps them to construct connections between old and new knowledge.” Assessing Prior Knowledge, Cornell University, 2022 Each unit with a prior knowledge check – this aids both teachers and learners. A focused flashback helps pupils to retain prior knowledge on the topic and make links between old and new content. Each planning grid outlines prior knowledge in order to support teaching. Retrieval “Sufficient curriculum time must be allocated for pupils to embed what they have learned in long-term memory through extensive practice before moving on to new content.” Research Review Series: Science. Ofsted, 2021. Each lesson begins with three flashback activities: The idea is that this: Will help to transfer information into pupils’ long term memories Will act as a ‘pre-teach’ for key concepts and vocabulary Will address common misconceptions before they arise Will lead to greater understanding as we progress through a topic as effective links can be made. Vocabulary “Vocabulary plays a crucial role in science because it is at the heart of science learning and knowledge building. To discuss and build knowledge, students need to have access to the vocabulary of science.” National Science Teaching Association, 2020 Each unit contains: A discrete lesson on vocabulary that is taught at the start of the unit, this pre teaches new scientific words. A selection of key vocabulary showcased on classroom science display boards. Each lesson contains: Scientists “Researchers have found that the sense of belonging in science matters more than grades and background when it comes to keeping students in science majors and careers. Creating a more equitable, inclusive, and leakproof STEM pipeline requires helping more students feel like scientists.” Helping students (re)think of themselves as scientists. C&EN, 2020. Each unit has a key scientist linked to it. These scientists have been reviewed to ensure our curriculum is more diverse and relevant to our pupils. Many units also have a ‘Just Like Me’ scientist also included, helping pupils learn about people like them working in different careers within the field of science today. When learning about scientists, we will focus on: the impact that scientist had on the world whose ideas that scientist built upon the barriers some scientists faced and how they successfully overcame these to make a significant difference to the world around them which of our ‘Working Scientifically’ skills these scientists utilized. Here are examples of a few modern and diverse scientists included in our science curriculum: Environmental Awareness “Environmental education promotes critical and creative thinking skills and inspires kids to become more engaged with their communities. It helps kids understand why the environment is important and provides them with the building blocks they need to live eco-friendly and sustainable lives.” Why Environmental Education is Important for Kids. Rubicon, 2021. The golden thread of environmental awareness runs through each unit in school. Each unit has a linked environmental focus – ‘Care of God’s Creation’ (linked to Catholic Social Teaching). This makes our curriculum more relevant to issues faced today, which should engage pupils and help them to see the real-world purpose of their learning. Enquiry Types Throughout school, children are exposed to five types of enquiry: Comparative/fair testing Research Observation over time Pattern seeking Identifying, grouping and classifying Working Scientifically A set of characters have been created to represent each of the ‘Working Scientifically’ skills that the children will utilise within their investigations and enquiries. These characters are displayed in every classroom and appear in many science lessons, even when the focus is not directly linked to enquiry. Reading At St. Bernadette’s, we believe that reading is a cornerstone of each and every curriculum area. As such, opportunities to share picture books, as well as fiction and non-fiction texts, have been planned into each unit. A range of books related to each science topic have also been purchased for each classroom in order to allow children to extend their learning outside of lesson time. Reading as part of the Curriculum (sample): Wider reading material (sample): Reading Across the Curriculum Science in Nursery and Reception The EYFS framework is structured very differently to the national curriculum as it is organised across seven areas of learning rather than subject areas. The skills taught across EYFS feed into national curriculum subjects and statements from Development Matters are prerequisite skills for science within the national curriculum. The most relevant statements for science are taken from the following areas of learning: Communication and Language Personal, Social and Emotional Development Understanding the World Science in EYFS Science Knowledge Organisers Year 1 Plants Seasonal Changes Everyday Materials Animals including humans Year 2 Living things and their Habitats Everyday Materials Animals including humans Plants Year 3 Animals including humans Rocks Forces and magnets Plants Light Year 4 Living things and their habitats Animals, including humans States of Matter Year 4 Sound Electricity Year 5 Living Things and Their Habitats Animals, including Humans Forces Earth and Space Properties and Changes of Materials Year 6 Living Things and Their Habitats Animals, Including Humans Evolution and Inheritance Electricity Light World Earth Day At St Bernadette’s, we celebrate World Earth Day each year and mark this day across the school with an array of activities, assemblies and special visitors. The aim of this is to raise awareness of the harms of plastic pollution and planetary health. This day is celebrated across the world and the themes cover a range of environmental issues, climate change and promoting clean energy to protect endangered species. Click here to read more

Mini Vinnies At St. Bernadette’s we are developing a dedicated team of Mini Vinnies. Mini Vinnies are 7 to 11 year olds based in schools and parishes across England and Wales, and in several countries across the world. They come together to form part of the St. Vincent de Paul Society England and Wales, a voluntary organization dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms. The role of the Mini Vinnies is to help to be the religious and spiritual voice of the school. Years 3-6 are represented and members of the group demonstrate how they are filled with God’s love by their willingness to help others, as they put their faith into action. The group meets on a regular basis to pray, discuss concerns they may have and plan events to help live out the group’s motto of ‘Turning Concern into Action’. As Mini Vinnies, they embrace the three key points to: ‘see’, ‘think’ and ‘do’. Mini Vinnies are seen as having, ‘the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society’. This aim also fits in perfectly with the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The Mini Vinnie Prayer Lord, thank you for our gifts and talents. Lord, show us who needs our help. Lord, use our hands to help those who are hungry. Lord, open our hearts to love and comfort those who are sad and lonely. Lord, let us share our time, gifts and talents with those in need. Lord, help us care for the sick. Lord, may we all help and support each other as Mini Vinnies to build a better world. Amen Fundraising During Lent the Mini Vinnies held a cake sale for Father Hudson's Good Shepherd Appeal and raised an amazing £325 in one day! Together with the money from the cake sale and the generous donations in the Good Shepherd boxes, we raised £728.50 for Fr Hudson’s Care. Some of our Mini Vinnies will be representing our school at the annual Good Shepherd Mass held at St Chad’s Cathedral. The Mini Vinnies team are looking forward to organising more fun events to make a difference!

A-Z List of Composers A-Z of Composers A-Z of Composers: List Isaac Albéniz Isaac Manuel Francisco Albéniz y, more commonly known as Isaac Albéniz, was born on 29th May 1860 in Camprodon, Catalonia, Spain and died on 18th May 1909 in France. To classical guitarists the world over, he is known for his quintessential Spanish guitar repertoire. My younger brother, who is a professional guitarist himself, has been playing his pieces since childhood. Few realise that he was not actually a guitarist at all, but was in fact a virtuoso pianist, composer, and conductor. He is best known for his piano works often based on Spanish folk music. Despite composing mostly for the piano, it is his transcriptions for guitar that are most well known today – particularly works such as Asturias (Leyenda), Granada, Sevilla, Cadiz, Córdoba, Cataluña, Mallorca, and Tango in D. Johann Sebastian Bach Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician who was born in March 1685 and died in July 1750. This was a period of musical history known as the Baroque. He is perhaps the most well-known of the famous Bach family of musicians: Johann Christoph Bach (1642–1703), Johann Michael Bach (1648–1694), Maria Barbara Bach (1684–1720), Wilhelm Friedemann Bach (1710–1784), Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788) to name just a few. He is known for instrumental compositions such as the Art of Fugue, the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations, and for vocal music such as the St Matthew Passion and the Mass in B minor. A master of the keyboard, Bach gifted the world such gems as The Well-Tempered Clavier and organ works too numerous to name individually. Since the 19th-century Bach Revival he has been generally regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Western art musical canon. Here are links to some of these great pieces. Mr Baker Sept 2019 Art of Fugue Brandenburg Concertos Goldberg Variations St Matthew Passion Mass in B minor The Well-Tempered Clavier Cello Suites 1 – 6 Air on the G string Chaconne, Partita No. 2 BWV 1004 (violin) Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 Cream (Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker & Jack Bruce) The great drummer Ginger Baker died on 6th October this year aged 80 and so it seemed fitting to continue the musical A-Z with the group he was perhaps most famous for being in – Cream. Cream were a British rock band formed in London in 1966. The group consisted of bassist Jack Bruce, guitarist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker. Bruce was the main songwriter and vocalist, although Clapton and Baker also sang and contributed songs. Formed from members of previously successful bands, they are widely regarded as the world's first supergroup as each player was considered to a master of their instrument. Their music spanned many genres of rock music, including blues rock, psychedelic rock, and hard rock. In their career, they sold more than 15 million records worldwide. The group's third album, Wheels of Fire (1968), is the world's first platinum-selling double album. In 1993, Cream were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here are links to three of their more famous songs. Mr Baker Sept 2019 White Room Sunshine of your Love I Feel Free Claude Debussy Claude Debussy was born 22 August 1862 and died aged just 55 on 25 March 1918. He is regarded as one of the greatest French composers of all time. He is sometimes seen as the first Impressionist composer, seeking to paint pictures in the mind of his listeners by the quality of the sounds they hear. Despite being born to a family of modest means and little cultural involvement, Debussy showed enough musical talent to be admitted at the age of ten to France's leading music college, the Conservatoire de Paris. He originally studied the piano, but found his vocation in innovative composition, despite the disapproval of the Conservatoire's conservative professors. Debussy is responsible for some of the most recognisable piano and orchestral music of the twentieth century. He himself was influenced by Russian and far-eastern musical styles and he in his turn was to be a great influence on later composers such as Bartok, Messiaen and George Benjamin. All his music is easy to listen to but here are some links to some of my favourites. Mr Baker January 2020 La Mer La boîte à joujoux Fantaisie for piano and orchestra Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Syrinx (for solo flute) Claire de Lune La fille aux cheveux de lin Deux arabesques Children's Corner Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp Edward Elgar Sir Edward William Elgar was born 2 June 1857 and died 23 February 1934. He was an English composer who many consider to be one of our greatest. Many of his works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations (including the world famous ‘Nimrod’ often played during remembrance services), the Pomp and Circumstance Marches (including ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ – played every year at the Last Night of the Proms), concertos for violin and cello, and two symphonies. He also composed choral works, including The Dream of Gerontius (based on a poem by Birmingham’s Saint John Henry Newman and first performed in Birmingham’s Town Hall in the year 1900), chamber music and songs. He was appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1924. Although Elgar is often regarded as a typically English composer, most of his musical influences were not from England but from continental Europe. He felt himself to be an outsider. It is worth noting that this self-taught composer was openly Catholic in a Protestant Britain where his Roman Catholicism was regarded with suspicion in some quarters. He never forgot his humble beginnings even when he became successful and achieved recognition for his music. Elgar has been described as the first composer to take the gramophone and recorded music seriously. Between 1914 and 1925, he conducted a series of acoustic recordings of his works. The introduction of the moving-coil microphone in 1923 made far more accurate sound reproduction possible, and Elgar made new recordings of most of his major orchestral works and excerpts from The Dream of Gerontius. Mr Baker February 2020 Nimrod Enigma Variations (complete) Pomp and Circumstance Marches 1 – 4 Pomp and Circumstance March no 1 (from the proms ) Dream of Gerontius Gabriel Fauré Gabriel Urbain Fauré was born on 12th May 1845 and died on 4th November 1924 in Pamiers, Ariège, in the south of France. He was a composer, organist, pianist and teacher. He was one of the most important French composers of his generation, and his musical style influenced many 20th-century composers such as Ravel. Fauré’s was not an especially musical family, but his talent became clear when he was just a small boy. Aged nine, he was sent to the Ecole Niedermeyer music college in Paris, where he was trained to be a church organist and choirmaster. Among his teachers was Camille Saint-Saëns (himself a famous composer of such works as ‘The Swan’ ), who became a lifelong friend. After graduating from the college in 1865, he made his living as an organist and teacher, leaving him little time for composition, so he didn’t become a successful composer until his middle age years. Towards the end of his life, Fauré was recognised in France as the leading French composer of his day and a national musical tribute was held for him in Paris in 1922. Outside France, Fauré's music took many years to become widely accepted, except in Britain, where his work was greatly admired during his lifetime. Fauré's earlier works are among his most accessible and below are some YouTube links to his more famous pieces Mr Baker August 2020 Pavane Op.50 - Piano Solo Pavane Op.50 – Orchestral Version Sicilienne. Requiem Op. 48 Dolly Suite Op. 56 Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11 Après un rêve for cello & piano Percy Grainger Percy Grainger was born on the 8 July 1882 and died on 20 February 1961. He was an Australian-born composer, arranger and pianist who, in his adult years, lived in America and became an American citizen in 1918. During his career, he played an important role in reviving the public’s interest in British folk music in the early years of the 20th century. It is highly likely that many will be familiar with his piano and orchestral arrangements such as the folk-dance tune "Country Gardens" among others. It is these well-known folk gems and stylistically similar compositions that I will link to here. Mr Baker August 2020 Molly on the Shore Country Gardens Blithe Bells Handel in the Strand Mock Morris Colonial Song Lincolnshire Posy Shepherd's Hey Walking Tune Joe Hisaishi With Olympics and Paralympics having taken place in Tokyo this year, I thought it would be a good idea to feature a modern Japanese composer this September. Joe Hisaishi was born Mamoru Fujisawa on 6th December 1950 in Nagano – Japan. He is most well known for his film music, especially the classic anime films of Hayao Miyazaki such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke among others from the Studio Ghibli company. He started learning the violin and the age of just four and he knew then that music would be central to his life. He also watched about 300 movies a year with his father. These two passions naturally saw him become a film composer after attending the Kunitachi College of Music in 1969 to major in music composition. He enjoyed his first success in 1974 when he composed music for the anime series called Gyatoruzu and he has never looked back. Why does he go by the name Joe Hisaishi when he was born Mamoru Fujisawa? Well it comes down to his admiration for the work of American musician and producer, Quincy Jones. Retranscribed in Japanese, "Quincy Jones" became "Joe Hisaishi". ("Quincy", pronounced "Kuinshī” in Japanese, can be written using the same kanji in "Hisaishi"; "Joe" comes from "Jones".) Below are some links to some of his film music. There is much more to find as he has produced quite a lot! Mr Baker September 2021 From the film – Howl’s Moving Castle Merry-Go-Round of Life From the film – Spirited Away One Summer’s Day From the film – Kiki’s Delivery Service Main Theme From the film – My Neighbour Totoro The Wind Forest From the film – Princess Mononoke Sound-track Suite (1998 version) Other pieces – Asian Dream Song Jacques Ibert Jacques François Antoine Marie Ibert was born on 15th August 1890 and died on 5 February 1962. He was a French composer of classical music. Ibert took to music from a very early age and eventually studied at the Paris Conservatoire where he excelled winning its top prize, the Prix de Rome, at his first attempt- despite his studies being interrupted by his service in World War I. Ibert would go on to pursue a successful composing career, writing several operas, five ballets, incidental music for plays and films, works for piano solo, choral works, and chamber music. He is probably best remembered for his orchestral works including Divertissement (1928) and Escales (1922) – links to these and other works listed below. Mr Baker October 2021 Divertissment Escales Entr’acte (recorder & guitar version – a favourite of mine) Karl Jenkins Sir Karl William Pamp Jenkins CBE, who was born on the 17th of February 1944, is a Welsh multi-instrumentalist and composer, best known for works that include the song "Adiemus" (once used to advertise Delta Airlines), Benedictus and Requiem. Jenkins was educated in music at Cardiff University and the Royal Academy of Music. He joined the jazz-rock band Soft Machine in 1972 and became the group's lead songwriter in 1974. Jenkins continued to work with Soft Machine up to 1984. Jenkins has won the industry prize twice. Something of a musical trademark is his notable use of ‘Vocalise’ where singers sing not words, but sounds. Mr Baker November 2021 Adiemus Song of the Plains Requiem - I. Introit Benedictus (The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace) Requiem - IX. Pie Jesu I'll Make Music

Holy Family Parish Parish Holy Family St. Bernadette’s Catholic Primary School is in the parish of Holy Family Church. "Greetings to all parents and parishioners, May the peace of God be with you and your families. You are always welcome to visit our church" Father Fretch Ballesteros (SDV) is our priest at Holy Family Church in Small Heath. The parish was founded in 1901. The church was built in 1928 and extended in 1966 Tuesday - Friday Mass 10:30am. Sunday Morning Mass: 10.30am. Weekend Mass times at Local Parishes Parish Saturday Sunday Holy Family 4 pm 10.30 am and 5.15 pm St Thomas More 5.30 pm 8.30 am and 10.30 am Corpus Christi 6 p m 10.30 am Holy Souls 5pm 8.30 am, 10 am and 12pm (Noon) The Holy Rosary - 9.30 am and 12 pm (Noon) Fr. Fretch Ballesteros History of Holy Family Church A brick building of the 1920s by George Drysdale, built on a Greek cross plan, and significantly enlarged in the 1960s to accommodate a large influx of (mainly Irish) Catholics, attracted by jobs in local industry. The interior is a fine barrel vaulted space. An intended campanile was not built, the result being that the townscape contribution of the church is relatively minor. The mission in Small Heath was founded by the Revd James Wright in 1901 from St Anne’s in Digbeth and Mass was said in a workshop in Green Lane until a school-chapel was built in 1903, then Mass was said in the upper floor of the new school (this was destroyed by enemy action in 1940.) Subsequently, the first Parish Primary School (Holy Family) opened its doors in Holy Family Church on 11 January 1904. The permanent church opened in 1928. The church is orientated roughly north-south, but this description follows conventional liturgical orientation, as if the altar was to the east. The church was built in two phases. The first, in the 1920s, was on a Greek cross plan, and was built of local purple brown bricks, with Green Westmorland slate roofs. The eastern arm of this was demolished and the nave extended to form a Latin cross, using complementary materials, in the 1960s. An intended northwest campanile was not built. So the present church originated as a Greek cross design by George Drysdale, seating 400, and opened in August 1929 (builders William Sapcote & Sons). It was described in The Tablet as ‘a quiet design …unity of character has been sought in the architecture, in the treatment of furniture and fittings, and also in the arrangement of the forecourt’. The 1920s church had open pediments on the north and south faces with moulded brick string courses and a row of arched clerestory windows. The east end was apsidal. The interior was an impressive barrel vaulted space, with a groin vault at the crossing. Although externally expressed, there is no internal separation into ‘nave’ and ‘aisles’, the nave is one wide space, with the barrel vaulting springing from great steel joists spanning east to west. There is a gallery and narthex at the west end, with a mosaic roundel of the Holy Family fixed to the gallery front (figure 2), possibly from the 1929 church and possibly by Pippet. In the narthex are brass panels to Fr Wright, founder of the mission, and Fr J. P. Dowling, benefactor. At the east, arched openings are located at the corners of the Greek cross. The sanctuary is placed in the eastern arm, and is dominated by a large freestanding altar, with a crucifix and tabernacle in the apse. Side chapels were placed at either side. There is a large organ of 1903 by Steele & Keay of Burslem, acquired c.1993 from Pitts Hill Methodist Church, Stoke. The forecourt was developed in the 1960s when, following a large influx of (mainly Irish) Catholics drawn by jobs in local industry: Birmingham Small Arms;the Chrysler Factory; JJ Gallagher the Builder. The local population used to say that they were either coming out the Blues ground or Holy Family Church. And so the priest, Father O'Keefe extended the church in 1966, and that's why it is so big now. The nave was extended to form a Latin cross plan, increasing the seating capacity to approximately 1,000. The architect for the additions was J. T. Lynch of Jennings, Homer & Lynch, and the extended church was blessed on 25 October, 1967. New sacristies, meeting rooms, a cry room and confessionals were also built, but an intended 100ft campanile was never realised. The total cost was for the built additions was about £120,000. In that period a second Parish Primary School was built on Hob Moor Road, (St Bernadette’s) which served the Irish community. Previously, St Benedict's Church of England School had been used for some of the children because of the enormous numbers. The 1960s additions were a modern and simplified version of the original work. The west front had a brick pilaster/piers at the corners and an open pediment framing a large central ‘feature panel’ faced in Portland stone. A crucifix was placed against this. Below this, solid oak entrance doors were placed beneath a flat canopy, with windows on either side. Flanking the entrance, low flat-roofed wings with recessed stone faced bays incorporating windows were presumably built as the baptistery and a side entrance. Above these, a round arched window on either side lit an internal gallery. Beyond this were raised (but not as high as the nave) and plain ‘aisle’ walls, the ‘aisles’ lit by one rectangular window per bay. The present church was consecrated on 10 June 1976.