Dear Howley families,
I cannot believe that I am sitting here writing this final letter to you all. Time has gone so very quickly since last September. We have much to celebrate - not least the fantastic progress our children have made this year. They have all been simply brilliant! It has been a pleasure to be able to invite everyone into school over the last couple of months, whether that be for sports day, our school fete or last week’s drop-in parents’ evening. If you were able to join us, we do hope you enjoyed these events.
We have much to be proud of at the end of this super year, but we must take a moment to say our goodbyes to some very special staff members. This week has seen the retirement of two of our fantastic teaching assistants, Mrs Thompson and Mrs Riches. Mr Davis and Miss Beetison are also leaving us to begin new adventure at other schools. I would like to thank them all for their many years of hard work and support. They have made such a difference to our children and will be sorely missed by our team - we wish them every happiness for their futures.
This year has served to remind us of the importance of community. Being Headteacher of our school has never been more of an honour as I witnessed the sheer strength of spirit and sense of togetherness when we each needed it most. Words cannot express my gratitude to our whole staff team, our families, PTA, Governors and of course, our amazing children for their compassion, hard work and kindness. It is the people in our school community who make Howley the very special place it is so thank you all.
Of course, we are all here to work together to make sure our children receive the very best care and education. They make us proud every single day and absolutely deserve the very best. This point in the year is always bittersweet as we say goodbye to our Year Six children. Whilst we are not ready to see them leave Howley, we know they are ready to spread their wings and move onto new adventures. We will miss them and their smiles terribly but wish them all the very best for their futures. We know they will go on to achieve the most amazing things but want them to know that if they ever need us, we will always be here for them. The same can be said for our families whose journey with Howley may be coming to an end. Thank you for everything over the years. You take with you our very best wishes for the future, but please remember, if you ever need our help with anything, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Now it is time for everyone to have a break from the school run, take a breath and recharge their batteries ready for another successful school year ahead. I do hope you all manage to spend some time making happy memories with your loved ones.
Sending you all my very best wishes for a safe and happy summer break. See you on Tuesday 2nd September.
Take care,
Miss Lewis
The tragic loss of a teenager at Powell's Pool in Sutton Park on 10th July 2025 has highlighted the dangers of open water, especially for young people during this period of hot weather.
In the West Midlands our main sources of water danger are from canals, rivers, lakes and ponds, but you and your children might be visiting the beach over the summer period.
West Midlands Fire Service's website provides useful water safety statistics and resources:
School Uniform
We have three suppliers of our uniform, details below.
In addition, the Halesowen Uniform Exchange will be open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 12pm at St John's Church (the big church in the middle of Halesowen) throughout August. They provide free uniform items, donated by the public, and our PTA have also donated from their stocks this year.
For more information about school holiday activities at Dudley Borough leisure centres, including soft play, under 5's activities, football, badminton, table tennis and pickleball, please click this link:
School holiday activities | DB Leisure
Opening times are at these links:
Duncan Edwards pool times | DB Leisure
Crystal pool times | DB Leisure
Halesowen pool times | DB Leisure
Himley Park is now a premier events venue playing host to a variety of outdoor events from charity fun runs and classic vehicle shows to the breathtaking Himley Fireworks display.
Visitors may participate in golf, pitch and putt, fishing, orienteering, sailing, taking little ones on our Woodland Playground or just simply a peaceful stroll around the park and picnic. The park is now visited by over 200,000 visitors each year.
Over the Summer Holidays they have the below events going on, with more information available at www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk
Summer Family Sports - please see below dates:
- Thurs. 24th July - 13:30 – 15:00
- Thurs. 31st July -13:30 – 15:00
- Thurs. 14th August -13:30 – 15:00
- Thurs. 21st August -13:30 – 15:00
- Thurs. 28th August - 13:30 – 15:00
Antiques and Collectors Fair - Please see below dates:
- Sun 27th July - 09:00 – 15:30
- Sun 31st August - 09:00 – 15:30
Wind in the Willows with Paperback Theatre - Tues. 05th Aug 2025, 16:00 – 20:30
Artisan Craft & Food Market - Sun. 10th Aug 2025, 10:00 – 16:00
Join Black Country Fairs for their latest Artisan Craft & Food Market, with delicious food, bar and live music
£2.50 entry on the door, under 16's free
Dudley Council are looking to recruit foster carers across the Dudley Borough. Foster care plays a vital part in so many children’s and young people’s lives. In Dudley, the need for foster carers is greater than ever. Please see the information below regarding taking the first steps into becoming a foster carer.
