Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As the summer term draws to a close, I would like to thank our amazing Rhos St School community for their support and positivity over the last academic year, it is always greatly appreciated. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise our amazing staff here at the school, who give so much to ensuring that the children have the best possible experience here with us. Many thanks to our fantastic, governing body, for their support, guidance, and fellowship over the course of the year and also to our brilliant PTA, who so generously give their time to support us in offering those extra things that go into making the children’s time here so special.

The end of term also heralds a big change for our Yr. 6 leavers, who move on from their familiar surroundings and will be heading off to pastures new. We wish them all every success in the future, they are a wonderful group of children who I have no doubt will find success in whatever direction in life they choose to take. They will always receive a warm welcome here at Rhos St School and we look forward to hearing all about their many future successes.

From everyone here at Rhos St School, we wish you a wonderful summer break, and look forward to welcoming you all back on September the 4th.

Trauma-Informed Schools
Huge congratulations to Mrs. Liddy who received notification of achieving her Trauma-Informed Schools Diploma on Tuesday. She has worked so hard and was rewarded with a distinction for her efforts. Mrs. Liddy has become our second staff member to be awarded the diploma, with other staff members having completed the Senior-Leaders Trauma-Informed training and teaching and teaching and support staff scheduled to undertake training in the new academic year, as we move towards the goal of becoming an accredited Trauma-Informed School.

Summer Reading Challenge – Marvelous Makers!
Get ready for a reading adventure! This year’s Summer Reading Challenge starts on 6 July in Wales. There are two ways you can take part: You can join the Challenge at your local library. A librarian will give you a special collector’s pack and help you find books to read for your Challenge. You’ll collect stickers and other rewards along the way! Alternatively, take part in the Challenge online by signing up here: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/about-the-challenge Set a reading goal and log your books on your profile. Reach your goal and unlock a limited-edition online badge and a certificate. Please note, the in-person and online Challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals and certificates are only available via the library, for those taking part in person.

Get Help With School Costs
The Welsh Government is offering help with school costs – find out about the support your child may be eligible for, as well as additional funding available for their school. Your child may be eligible for the following support:

• Free School Meals
• School Essentials Grant
• Universal Primary Free School Meals

If your circumstances have changed recently, or if you receive certain benefits, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals. Free School Meals promote healthy eating, increase the variety of food your child might eat, and can improve their behaviour and social skills. If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, your school could receive additional funding. Follow this link to see if your child is eligible for free-school meals: Find out about free school meals | GOV.WALES

Claim what’s yours: Get financial help through the School Essentials Grant If your child already gets Free School Meals, there could be more financial help available through the School Essentials Grant.
This support can help with essentials like school uniform and equipment to make sure your child is ready for the school day. You could be entitled to financial help of up to £200 for:

• school uniform, including coats and footwear.
• school activities: this could include learning a musical instrument, sports kit and other equipment for after-
school activities.
• classroom essentials: this could include pens, pencils and school bags.

Find out if you can get help with School Essentials by following this link: https://www.gov.wales/school-essentials-grant

Yr. 2 Sleepover

Last Friday saw some of our Yr. 2 pupils embark on a sponsored-sleepover adventure here at school. The children had a fantastic time making s’mores riding bikes and zooming around the yard on trikes and scoot boards. After their film they bedded down in the hall and had a pretty good night’s sleep (some drifting off sooner than others). A huge thank you to Mrs. Liddy for organising it all and to Mrs. Davies for giving up her time to support the sleepover. The Yr. 2 sleepover raised a whopping £670 for the school! A big thank you to all the parents and carers who supported this very-successful event.

Water-Safety Wales
In 2023 there was an increase in the number of fatalities in and around water amongst young people, and we have already seen a number of drowning fatalities this year. Data from 2023 shows that boys aged 10-19 are particularly at risk of accidental drowning and that 59% of fatalities occurred on inland waters (rivers, lakes, canals etc). One drowning is too many. We urge you to remind children and young people of four simple tips to help them stay safe around open water. Knowing these tips can save a life.

Gifts
A huge thank you to parents and carers for the incredibly kind gifts that staff have received at the end of term. They are never expected in any way, but always very gratefully received.

Yr. 6 Water Fight
Monday saw the annual return of the traditional Yr. 6 Water Fight, with the children arriving at school armed to the teeth with a vast array of ferocious looking water pistols. The weather was fortunately dry, even though we didn’t stay so for long…and the traditional / mildly terrifying final round of Miss. Price & Mr. Davis versus the Yr. 6 Class went as well as it usually does for the faculty.

School Transition Resources for Families
Solihull Approach has recently launched a new online course to help families as their children transition from Preschool to Primary School. These periods can mean big change for children, and their parents or carers. Fears and worries are common as well as excitement, as with all stages of childhood development. We recognise that parents have a vital role in helping their children cope during these times. Please follow this this link to access the online course: inourplace | Solihull Approach – Moving up , click on the Free Courses tab and enter the code ‘NWSOL’ which gives free entry.

Welsh Water – Support for families
You could save up to £200 on your annual water bill. Summer holidays can be a challenging time for families, juggling the kids being off school with work and other commitments, as well as managing money during what can be an expensive few weeks. Working families, low-income families and families receiving a means tested or disability benefit may be entitled to money off their water bill. Visit Welsh Water online for more information: dwrcymru.com/costofliving

Achievers

Congratulations to Tobias, William and Felicity who won the Nursey Class School Core Values Awards. Verity, Chima, Charlotte, Alex, Linden and Lilly were worthy winners of our final Student of the Week Awards this year. We have also been treated recently to some lovely piano recitals from Poppy, Isla and Eliza, and a wonderful violin solo from Jess, to bring the term to a close.