January 22nd 2021 Ionawr 22ain

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Well, the days seem to blend into one another at the moment I’m sure you’ll agree, but having checked my phone, it tells me that it’s Friday, so newsletter time it is! Another week and another set of challenges come out of the blue I’m sure you’ll agree, with the heavy rain bringing the onset of flood in the town. I dearly hope none of you have been adversely affected and we send out our sympathies to those whose houses were damaged. We all remember 2012’s events, so we can at least be thankful we haven’t suffered on that scale in Ruthin this time.

Weekly Wellbeing Activities – Something that has brought a smile to people’s faces no doubt, has been the activities posted encouraging our pupils to get outside and be creative. I was delighted to see so many outdoor art creations last week and I’m really enjoying the Camouflage photos I’ve seen so far. I’ve shared many examples on my video message posted to Google Classroom and hope to see some more after the weekend. There is a new Weekly Wellbeing Activity scheduled to be posted by Mr Davis on Monday and I hope you all enjoy that one too.

Students of the Week – We’ve had another very industrious week on Google Classroom and not only am I extremely impressed with what I’m seeing and hearing, the teachers are also delighted with the pupils and once again wanted to recognise some of them for their endeavours. Well done to Daisy, Chima and Oliver in Reception, Eliza, Piper, Eva, ArloJ and Sebastian in Year 1, Seren, Charly, Joe and Henry in Year 2, Isabella, Milo, Leo and Kalyani in Year 3, Indi, Emily, NoahG and Fletcher in Year 4, Joey, Tiffany, Kian, Ruby and Isaac in Year 5 and Bhupinder, Dean, Olivia and Brody in Year 6.

Phone Calls – I think we have managed to contact the overwhelming majority of families by now. We will be in touch again in the near future, but in the meantime, please be assured that we are here to support and assist in overcoming any complications on a day to day basis.

Technical Support – Over the last couple of weeks, we have been going through the process of reconditioning the old set of iPad2’s we have on site. They have been wiped, removed from the school network and set up for the online learning platforms. They are old devices and have been very much superceded by newer models, so they are far from perfect and less functional than a Chromebook for the purposes of home schooling. However, we now have a very limited number available that we can loan any families who are having difficulties providing their children with a suitable device to complete their online learning. If you are encountering significant problems due to device issues, then please get in touch and we will provide you with an iPad.

Internet Access – Likewise, we have been made aware that BT will provide internet access via hotspot to families who are unable to access broadband at home. If you meet this criteria, then I can make an application on your behalf. Once again, please get in touch if you are without broadband and wish to take advantage of the offer.

Internet Safety Competition – Please see the attached poster for details of a competition run by North Wales Police which will dovetail nicely with Internet Safety Week activities.

Good News! – Congratulations to Lacey in Yr 5 and her family who have just welcomed a new baby boy into their midst. It’s wonderful to be able to share some good news in these troubled times!

Online Rugby Sessions
– Ruthin Rugby Development Officer, Mike Evans has kindly started a Youtube channel called RugbyFit. Weekly videos with Rugby drills and fitness activities will be posted. Pupils can subscribe and take part in their own time. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQU4GK8bDknzV1WAd2FQeA

Thank You – A big thank you to Rich Craig for the job he completed on site at the school this week. We’re really grateful for his time and his work! The Year 1 pupils have been writing letters of thanks to him and to Huws Gray for the materials.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth