Welcome to the 19th edition of The Wilnecote Warbler.

The first half term can often feel quite bleak with the dark nights and cold days, but I have been truly warmed with pride when reflecting on the wonderful accomplishments of our students and staff over the last six weeks. It has been a really positive and uplifting half term. 

Over the last two nights, our school production of Frozen took to the stage, and what an incredible performance it was! Like many of you who were fortunate enough to attend, I was truly inspired by the talent on display; not just from the performers, but also from those working behind the scenes. The singing, acting, and dancing were brilliant, and despite a few minor technical hitches, the cast rose to the occasion and remained focused and determined, delivering a fantastic show. The cast was made up of students from all year groups, with Year 7 taking their first steps on stage, and Year 11 delivering an emotional and memorable final performance. Seeing a professional show live only hints to the hours of dedication that the cast and staff have put into bringing this production to life. My thanks to Mrs Julius, Mr Hyden, Miss Shilling, Miss Johnson, Mr O’Hare for going the extra mile on top of their normal duties to organise the show which was also performed for our local community Primary schools.

I’d also like to celebrate this half term’s sporting achievements. Our Year 7 and 8 boys’ football teams have both made it to the semi-finals of the County Cup, showing impressive skill and determination. Meanwhile, our Year 10 boys reached the quarter-finals after an epic match, with Samuel Latham, playing a year above, scoring the winning goal with a free kick that hit both posts before going in! Our girls’ team has also made it to the quarter-finals, and we’re excited to see how all teams progress next half term.

It was wonderful to welcome back students and staff after their exciting ski trip. If you followed the trip through our app or social media, you’ll surely agree that the photos captured an incredible adventure. The students had a fantastic time, building both their confidence on the slopes and making lasting memories. Experiences like this not only develop character and cultural awareness, but also foster resilience, determination, and a broader understanding of the world. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to offer several more exciting opportunities in the second half of the academic year to enrich our students’ curriculum and continue their journey of personal and cultural growth. We’ll be kicking off with a trip to Oxford University for selected students next half term. Be sure to keep an eye on the school app and social media for more updates and announcements!

Yours faithfully

Mr Foskett

Headteacher

Huge congratulations to our Year 7 and Year 8 football teams, who have both stormed into the semi-finals of the County Cup! This is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The Year 8 team put on a superb display of teamwork to secure a convincing 3-0 victory against Walton High School in the quarter-final. This is a significant improvement on last season’s performance, where they were knocked out at this stage.

Our Year 7 team faced a tougher challenge, twice coming from behind against a determined Codsall side. Showing real grit and determination, they stuck to their passing game and managed to turn the deficit into a 3-2 lead by half-time. With confidence soaring, they went on to win the match 6-2. Despite the final score, Codsall gave a good account of themselves.

This is the first time in over ten years that Wilnecote has had any team reach this stage of the competition, let alone two! We now eagerly await the semi-final draw, with both year groups hoping to make it all the way to the final.

Their proud coach and PE teacher, Mr. Doyle, commented

“I’m incredibly proud of both teams. Their commitment and teamwork have been outstanding. Reaching the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement, and they deserve all the credit for their hard work. Reaching the semi-finals is a great step forward, but we’re not finished yet. We’ll continue to work hard and prepare for the next challenge. The boys are determined to go all the way.”

At the Wilnecote school, we have a variety of selfless, hardworking students who all try their best to be generous and kind in everything they do. A good example of this is Felicity Seedhouse, who recently raised a grand total of £128.26 for the NSPCC. She devoted her time at a six-hour Hurley Fun Day, where many stalls were set up to raise money. At her stall, Felicity sold a range of things, such as bubbles, fidgets and notebooks. 

Felicity’s kindness doesn’t stop there. She has been fundraising for many years now and after a long time of giving to various charities, she has donated to Dementia Uk and Blue Cross, along with the NSPCC, with a total of over £700 which she raised with her family for these causes. She usually raises money along with her family and their fundraisers have grown more and more successful over the years. She has chosen each charity herself for a number reasons. For example, she chose the NSPCC to help children across the UK who don’t live in a safe environment, and she wanted to donate to Dementia UK because she had lost close family members to dementia. She also gave her time to donate to an animal shelter because of her love of animals and belief that they deserve better homes.  

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Come and experience the difference our volunteers make!

The Wilnecote Community Library is a hidden gem, offering more than just books—it’s a place where the heart of the community truly shines. Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, this vibrant space is a testament to the power of community spirit and the importance of accessible, inclusive services for all ages. Our passionate volunteers are the heart and soul of the library, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone.

Whether you’re a lifelong book lover, a student looking for resources, or a family seeking a fun and educational trip out, The Wilnecote Library has something for everyone. From its wide selection of books, audiobooks, jigsaws and revision resources AND a monthly social reading group, there’s always something happening. The library’s friendly volunteers are on hand to offer guidance and recommendations, and their passion for reading and learning is infectious.

A Community Hub for All Ages

The library’s commitment to being more than just a place to borrow books is evident. The warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere is just the start. Large meeting style tables allow you to catch up with some work, and the comfy chairs give you the opportunity to sit back and read a little. Need to use a PC or print some work off? No problem – the full colour printer/photocopier is available at a pence per sheet charge and we have a bank of PC’s that are bookable for your use. Fancy a cuppa – just ask! Donations to the refreshment pot are always welcome to keep stocks replenished.

Volunteers: The Heartbeat of the Library

As a volunteer-led library, the success of Wilnecote Library depends on the incredible dedication of its team of volunteers. These local heroes help with everything from shelving books, assisting with research, recommending a new read and of course, keeping the library a welcoming space for all.

“Our volunteers are absolutely integral to everything we do,” says Julie Glover, the Library Coordinator. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the range of services that we do. They truly bring the library to life, and we are so grateful for their commitment and enthusiasm.”

Visit Us Today!

The Wilnecote Community Library is open to all, and we encourage you to come by and discover all that this volunteer-led space has to offer. Whether you’re browsing the latest bestsellers, catching up on research, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea and a good book, you’ll find a warm welcome every time.

We are located within The Wilnecote School, Tinkers Green Road, Wilnecote, B77 5LF. We offer FREE parking and are on the Arriva Number 8 Tamworth bus route. Our opening hours currently are:

• Monday – 3pm – 5.30pm
• Wednesday – 0900 – 12 noon AND 3pm – 5.30pm
• Saturday – 10am – 1pm

Our social book group meets on the last Friday of each month at 3pm.

Join us at The Wilnecote Library—where community, creativity, and a love of reading and learning come together. Volunteers keep the wheels turning, but it is the library users that make it all worthwhile.