February 2nd 2018 Chwefror 2ail

Dear Parents / Carers,

The hard work of our pupils, staff, Governors, parents and community has once again been deservedly recognised this week, as the annual School Categorisation results were published. For the fourth year since its inception, we have been awarded Green status and the image below highlights what that means. We are very proud to have been able to maintain this top grading and are also eager to continue in the same vein going forward.

Website Launch – I am pleased to announce that we have a new website, which is to be found at the same web address as our previous one. Thank you to Nick Ferguson of A5PC computer services who has created a user friendly web space for you, which links well to all our online platforms. I hope you enjoy browsing its pages.

A footballing partnership – We have partnered up with Chester FC through the ‘Premier League Primary Stars’ scheme. After half term they will hold some special sessions with each class and also provide some interesting additional activities over the rest of the academic year. We look forward to working with a club which is close to my heart!

Achievers – Our Students of the Week are Milo, Llinos, Mikolaj, Ruby, Kian, Urte, Katelyn, Theo and Seren. Benjamin, Emma, Lottie and Laura received Welsh awards. Alys and Maizie had gym certificates, while Daniel and James had ones for swimming.

Giggles – The children are celebrating Chinese New Year and 2018 is the year of the dog. They have been counting golden coins to match to Chinese numbers and have made decorative lanterns. We have been role-playing the zodiac animals in our masks and dancing through the Nursery to Chinese music. The children are also enjoying playing in the ‘Giggles Noodle Bar’. Next week, they’ll paint Chinese writing with fine brushes and finish off CNY with a fun filled celebration involving golden coins, oranges and fortune cookies.

Glasdir – Year One were very excited about their visit to Glasdir this week. Every day, there is something new to see there.

Urdd Eisteddfod & Art Competition – I have today been finalising Urdd entrants ahead of the deadline. We have individual recitations, group recitations, instrumentalists, a choir and a dance group, so it’ll be a busy couple of weeks preparing. The classes will also be discussing the Urdd art competition and the possibilities regarding the theme of ‘Myths and Fables.’ Please be aware that pupils will have to be Urdd members to submit entries to the art competition.

Introduction of Parent Pay – You will have no doubt seen the communication sent out earlier this week regarding our new online payment service Parent Pay, which will be launched after half term. Hopefully the leaflet will have explained everything to you. Payments for dinners, trips and music lessons from then on will need to be made via the log in you will receive next week.

Cardiff – Could all consent, health forms and balances be sent into school for this trip before half term please.

Purple Mash – As we strive to further develop the ICT skills of our pupils we have subscribed to an excellent online platform which comprehensively covers all of the areas of the new digital competency framework for our pupils. All pupils have been given an individual log in, which they can access at home and I encourage them to do so. Remember they also have a Manga High log in which is also a wonderful tool to reinforce and extend knowledge in Maths.

Rhos Street School Memories – You may well have seen on the PTA Facebook page or on Twitter our appeal for any old photos and memories that can be sent either to the office or to rssmemories@outlook.com. This is to help us hold an event on the afternoon of Monday, March 19th to say farewell to the Rhos Street site. The pupils will be taking part in some project work on the history of the school and the school community can see what they’ve been doing, while also viewing the building for one last time.

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth