Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
We reach the end of a year that at this time last Christmas, nobody would have anticipated was ahead of us. Now, here we are at the close of 2020 and it’s still surreal to think about the catalogue of events that took place, while still finding ourselves in a similar position to where we were back in the spring. Now we live in the hope that the onset of a vaccine, will finally see restrictions loosened and life return to some form of normality.
As Headteacher, I’m sure I speak for all of the school community in saying we can look back with a strong sense of pride, as we evaluate the positive way everybody concerned has responded to the crisis. Staff, pupils, parents and relatives have all pulled together to try to keep spirits lifted, pupils learning and more importantly, all as safe as possible.
I am forever grateful to everybody for their efforts. It truly is a privilege to lead this special school and although I am obviously biased, I do feel we are truly unique here at Rhos Street, with staff, pupils, parents and Governors who stand out and exemplify everything positive regarding providing and supporting a high quality education that is balanced and nurturing. Every child succeeds here.
Despite all the challenges of 2020, seeing the improvements our pupils have made since returning at the beginning of the autumn term, has been reassuring and uplifting. They are catching up really quickly. Many, many new pupils have joined the school community during this period across all classes and the rapid progress they have made since moving here has been equally pleasing, as has the way they have settled to The Rhos Street Way. Long may it continue!
We end the year proud of the many accomplishments, but also with the continued determination to enthusiastically meet the challenges of 2021, aiming for further success.
However, first of all, I hope everybody ensures they have a wonderful and safe Christmas. I truly hope it is filled with joy and a feeling of reward after a period of such hardship. I hope you all find a way to celebrate in style and safety. May your glasses be as full as your bellies!
Enjoy!! I think we all fully deserve to!
Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,
Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth
A Message from the Chair of Governors
As everyone starts to look forward to Christmas, I would like to thank the entire Rhos Street School staff for their efforts to keep the school running and our children safe during this challenging term. Everyone has played a part, and I also thank parents and carers for their support of the school. I wish you all an enjoyable but safe Christmas. I hope that next year will be an easier year for us all. See you in 2021.
Chris Johnson (Chair of Governors)
PTA Thanks – A big thank you to Lucy, Jenny, Emma and Julie for their work on the PTA this term. Many activities have taken place at the end of this term, including the quiz, raffle, toilet roll competition and photos (another order will be taken in the New Year). They have added a lot of Christmas cheer to our end of year activities and I am very grateful. Remember you can pick up entry forms for the PTA Festive Hunt at the Candy Shack – a fun activity for the family over the Christmas break. The raffle made a profit of £522 which is amazing! Despite all restrictions, during this term the PTA have raised £1095 to go towards outdoor equipment, so a huge thank you to everyone for their continued support and donations.
Virtual Christmas Concert – Thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received for the Christmas Video. I am delighted it went some way towards replacing the real thing!
Christmas Singalong – It has become something of a tradition to have our end of term singalong, so fortunately, Microsoft Teams facilitated the event this year and added the customary festive cheer!
Thank You Mrs. Hughes – Once again we thank Mrs. Hughes for her efforts, this time standing in for Miss Davies in Year 3. Miss Davies returned this week and it’s been great to welcome her back. I’m sure we’ll see Mrs. Hughes again very soon!
Arrangements for January – You will have seen the communication I sent out earlier from the Local Authority, regarding the arrangements for week one in January. I can confirm that Monday and Tuesday, January 4th and 5th are staff training days, so home learning will commence from Wednesday January 6th for the rest of the week, with pupils provisionally expected to return on-site from Monday January 11th. Parents of Foundation Phase pupils (Nursery, Reception, Years 1 and 2) can pick up work packs for their children on the Tuesday from main reception. I will of course keep you updated regarding any potential changes to the above arrangements. I am sure you have already seen, that situations can change at very short notice!
There may be provision for children of Key Workers on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and I will email on Monday, January 4th for parents to register.
I will also email you all on Monday, January 4th with any further details I have regarding home learning.
Merry Christmas and see you in 2021!! Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!!