Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

One more week to go before the half-term break, not that we’re counting…and I’m sure we’re all ready to take a breather after a very busy half term. The grey, cold and gloomy weather has not dampened our resolve one iota, and there has been lots going on in, out, and about school this week.

PTA Wear What You Love
It was lovely to see everyone in their finery for our PTA Wear What You Love day today. Many thanks for the fantastic donations of chocolate, which will be invaluable for future PTA events. I hope Cupid’s arrow found its mark for all of you on this St Valentine’s Day.

Parental Consultations
Next week our parental consultations will be taking place: Mon 17th – Thurs 20th February. You should have received an appointment slip this week, brought home with your child. If you are unable to make your allotted appointment time, please let you child’s class teacher know as soon as possible and we will endeavour to make an alternative appointment for you. Could I please request that parents and carers arrive promptly for their appointments and remain within, as much as possible, the ten-minute allotted timeslot, as this prevents cumulative delays for parents and carers with later, or multiple- consecutive appointments. Many thanks.

Items Brought into School
We have unfortunately had some ongoing issues with unsuitable items being brought into school. Could I please request that children do not bring in toys, puppets, notebooks, Pokémon/football cards, or any other inappropriate items, as they can be a distraction to learning and may cause upset if they become lost or damaged.
We have also had some instances this week of children bringing in chewing gum and make-up. Please could you remind your child that these items are not permitted in school. Thank you.

Humanities Transition Day

The Yr. 6 children had a fantastic morning on Monday. They received a very warm welcome at Ysgol Brynhyfryd and took part in a wide variety of fun and engaging humanities activities.

Urdd Sports Club
It was lovely to welcome Llio back to Rhos St yesterday to deliver Urdd Sports Club. The children had a fantastic time developing their skills and playing lots of fun games. There are still four places available, should you wish your child to take part, just follow the links on the flyer sent out with this newsletter. There is no requirement to be an Urdd member to take part in Urdd Sports Club.

Junior Pick-Up and Drop-Off
From the first day back after half term, March 3rd, we are changing the way that Junior pupils are dropped of and picked up from school. From this date Junior pupils will enter the school from the lower gate, adjacent to the Infant playground, and can then walk round to their playground or classroom (in the event of inclement weather). Parents and carers accompanying Junior pupils can then leave via the upper gate, adjacent to the Nursery classroom. There will be members of the senior leadership team available at this point every morning should parents or carers have any queries or concerns that they would like to discuss.
At 3.10pm the gates will be opened, and parents and carers collecting Junior pupils can make their way around to the upper Junior yard where the Yrs. 3, 4, 5 & 6 pupils will be dismissed from their individual classrooms. Children, parents, and carers can then exit the site via the upper gate. Class teachers will be available at the end of the school to share any pertinent information and to discuss any queries or concerns. Arrangements for Early-Years and Infant pupils will remain as is.
We are implementing this change to reduce congestion in the school foyer at the beginning and end of the day, allowing any parents and carers who wish to speak with the admin team a quieter and more private environment in which to do so, and to improve safeguarding for children moving to Little Acorns provision at the end of the day. Many thanks, in advance, for your support and cooperation regarding this.

Silent Disco
The children have been enjoying a silent disco this week as part of our recognition of Dydd Miwsig Cymru / Welsh Language Music Day. They all got to listen to some great Welsh music through the supplied wireless headphones, curtesy of the Urdd Gobaith Cymru. From some of the funky dancing we witnessed we have some real Disco Divas in our midst.
Weekly Wellbeing
On Valentine’s Day this quote is from Helen Adams Keller the American author, disability rights advocate, political activist, and lecturer. Born in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, she lost her sight and her hearing after a bout of illness when she was 19 months old.
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

Helen Keller
Achievers
This week’s amazing achievers are: Adriel, Darcie, Cora, Elianna, Thomas, Amelia, Elliot, Jake, Evie. Kobi, Portia and Kitty.