We have returned from our Easter break and whilst there is a lot of hard work going on around the school there is also a buzz of excitement for our Diamond Jubilee celebration on the 1^st June, 2012.  We have a packed itinerary throughout the day and we would like to invite you (the community) to come in and join us from 9.30am for a cup of tea/coffee and a piece of traditional English cake.  Whilst you are with us you will be able to meet our very own Queen, Ladies in waiting and Prince Consort and help us send them on their way in their very own glass carriage as they take a trip around the local streets.  Members of the community are coming in to talk to our children about the Coronation sixty years ago and share their experience from that occasion with the children - it promises to be a memorable day - I hope you will be able to spare half an hour to come and join us celebrate this special occasion.
We are pleased to report that just before Easter the Cycle/Scooter shelters were fitted at our school.  We have one shelter by the entrance on Coppice View Road and another shelter at the entrance of George Frederick Road.  We can now accommodate up to 30 bikes and 20 scooters on site. 

Excitement in Year 1 nearly hit fever pitch when a Road Gritter from Birmingham City Council came to visit them.  The children had been asked to name one of the council's new Road Gritters as a competition. Zuha Iqbal from Year 1 chose the name 'Scooper' and this name was chosen to go on the front of the Road Gritter.
The Easter Bunny popped into school to see all the children, the PTA arranged an Easter egg hunt and all eggs found were exchanged for a chocolate egg from the Easter Bunny, children from nursery through to Year 6 took part and thoroughly enjoyed this activity.    As we broke up for half term we were fortunate enough to be invited by The Lord Mayor to her parlour.  Ten pupils, Mrs. Cotterill and I set out on what was a very interesting visit.  Unfortunately the Lord Mayor was ill; however, we were still made to feel very welcome and were shown around the Lord  Mayor's Parlour and Council House by Mrs. Gregory - the deputy  Lord Mayor's wife. We had a fabulous time; the children who came on the visit were an absolute credit to our school. One child wrote . . . On Friday 30^th March 2012, one child from each class was picked to visit the Lord Mayor with Mrs Greaves and Mrs Cotterill.  "I really enjoyed it at the Council House sitting in the Lord Mayor's chair in the Council Chambers.  We got a book-mark with all the Lord Mayors on it and we got a badge with the Council House symbol too."    By Teagan Jackson   
Although there have been lots of fun learning activities at Banners Gate Primary we have returned from the Easter break with a high focus on our learning - as always.  Year 6 along with Year 2 are working towards their SATs, and the other year groups are all busy preparing for their termly assessments. Good luck to all our pupils who are striving to do their very best!
If you are interested in finding out more about our Primary school and would like to join us, we have a few limited places. We are considering offering full time nursery places next year and would welcome interest in this area. Please ring Mrs F Greaves on 0121 464 7355.
Mrs F Greaves, Head Teacher,
Banners Gate Primary School

We are encouraging as many children as possible to cycle or scoot to school - the benefits are fewer cars on the road and a good healthy lifestyle.  Linking into the bikes and travelling safely to school, we are nearing the end of our Road Safety Poster competition.  PCSO Lucy Chave and PCSO Jack Evans came into school on the 23^rd April to launch the competition.  The children were asked to produce posters on 'Safe Parking' and 'Safe Driving' which will be transferred on to banners to be displayed on the fencing directly outside the school in Coppice View Road.  The Chair of Governors came into school to whittle the posters down to 20 which have now been sent to PCSO Lucy and PCSO Jack and we are waiting to hear who the final three winners are!!!

Comm. Hall, BG Comm. Church, Gardening comp