Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Spring seems to have sprung here at Rhos St this week, at least for now anyway… It’s been great to welcome the children back after the half-term break to sunny skies and lots of opportunities to get outside. We’ve even had the chance to get out on the school field at lunchtimes, which has been a rare treat for the beginning of March. New topics and themes are getting underway, and it’s been lovely to see the children settling back into work so well.

Rhos St Bear
We were delighted to welcome our very own school mascot this week created by the multi-talented Pat. I’m sure you’ll agree that our bear looks very smart in their school uniform and will be taking pride of place in the Reception Class. Huge thank you to Pat for making our bear and gifting it to the school.

World Book Day
World Book Day was a fantastic success with lots of fantastic costumes, from pupils and staff, and some brilliant book-related games and activities. Check out the school’s Flickr account for more great pictures.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Many thanks for your help and support in the implementation of our new pick-up and drop-off procedures in the Juniors. Just a quick reminder that all parents, carers, and children, not in the Nursery Class, should use the lower gate to enter the school site. Junior pupils can then make their own way round to the Junior yard, or into class if the weather is inclement. There is no need for parents and carers to accompany pupils round to the Junior yard. Parents and carers can then exit the school site, after drop-off, using the steps and upper gate adjacent to the Nursery classroom. Members of the senior-leadership team will always be on hand in the morning to address any queries or concerns.
Parents and carers of Junior pupils should use the lower gate to enter and exit the school site at pick-up unless they are also collecting infant pupils. Parents and carers of Infant pupils should exit via the upper gate as usual.
Many thanks for your ongoing support.

Attendance
Good school attendance is key to helping children have the best possible start in life, to support and maximise their potential learning opportunities. There is clear evidence which links educational achievement to good school attendance. Rhos St School is determined to provide the best education to the children they serve. In recognition that school attendance and attainment are strongly linked a robust attendance procedure has been developed to support pupils learning. Please see the attached: Improving School Attendance information from the Welsh Assembly Government which outlines the importance of school attendance and the policy and procedures that support good attendance.

Statutory Framework
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive efficient full-time education suitable to his /her age, aptitude, and ability and to any additional needs he/she may have either regular attendance at school or otherwise. A pupil is required to attend regularly at the school where they are registered as a pupil.
Furthermore, Section 444 states that:
“If a child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, his parent is guilty of an offence.”
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/444
Rhos St will use a variety of strategies to intervene at an early stage to encourage improved attendance of individual pupils and assist to overcome any barriers that may be preventing the expected level of attendance. Persistent absence in Wales is set at below 90 % all pupils below this level are a concern for school and will require monitoring and intervention. The use of school attendance data and coding of pupils is fundamental to tracking and monitoring pupil and school performance. Strategies to improve a pupil’s attendance may be school-based or involve joint working with other education services and partner agencies to ensure the most appropriate support for the pupil is in place supported by the parent/ carer.
Welsh Government in December 2023 changed the threshold for a pupil being persistently absent from previously being any pupils whose attendance was below 80% to those whose attendance is below 90%. This increased expectation underlines the importance attached to regular school attendance and the need for local authorities, schools, and families to work together to achieve this outcome.
Belonging, Engaging, Participation Guidance Welsh Government Guidance 293/ 2023

Language and Play
Language and play sessions are free to attend and take place throughout Denbighshire. The sessions are run by Family Link Workers on a weekly basis during term time. All of the sessions have planned activities that help children build language and social skills in preparation for school in a fun, friendly environment.
Rhos St will be hosting a series of Language and Play sessions, in the school hall, Wednesday mornings 9.30am – 10.45am for children 1 – 3 yrs. old. Call Nicola on 07770681399 for details. https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/childcare-and-parenting/family-link/language-and-play-sessions.aspx

Weekly Wellbeing
A daft but apt spring quote this week:
“March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. In between, it’s just confused – just like me about my wardrobe choices!”
Achievers
This week’s fantastic achievers are: Ryan, Daisy, Lola, Eliza, Morgan, Florence, Raphael, Ethan, Rowan, Issac and all of the Reception Class.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As we cross the half-term finish line its great to be able to reflect on what has been a productive and positive time in school. We are inching our way out of winter and, hopefully, moving towards the longer days, and lighter mornings and evenings. As usual it has been a week stuffed to the gunwales; with parental consultations, a rugby tournament, transition event, and a family service to keep us busy. I hope you all have a great half-term break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school, via our new drop-off and pick-up protocols, on Monday the 3rd of March.

Yr. 3 Family Service
Huge congratulations to the brilliant Yr. 3 class for their family service yesterday. The service was the culmination of a much-loved theme on orangutans which was textbook new curriculum, giving the pupils the opportunity to develop a broad range of knowledge, skills and understanding as well as the opportunity to make a positive difference in the real world. We are so proud of them all. Thank you to Miss. Davies and her fabulous team for preparing the children so well for their wonderful performance and to parents, carers family, and friends for coming along to support us here at school.

Yrs. 3/4 Tag-Rugby Tournament
Tuesday saw our brilliant tag-rugby team head off as far as sunny Rhyl to take part in the Urdd Tag-Rugby Tournament. The children had an absolutely amazing time and did themselves, and Rhos St proud. Huge thanks to Miss. Davies and Julie Debicka for accompanying the children, and to rugby-development officer Katie for preparing them for the day.

Yr. 5 Transition Event
The Yr. 5 Class were welcomed to Ysgol Brynhyfryd yesterday to take part in an art and technology transition event. They had a great time working on art, sewing, woodwork, and computer activities and, unsurprisingly, did themselves proud. There will be many more opportunities for transition coming in the future. Thank you to Ysgol Brynhyfryd for being such wonderful hosts and making the afternoon so enjoyable.

World Book Day

Rhos St will be recognising World book Day on Thursday 6th of March. Children are invited to come to school as their favourite character and there will be lots of fun and engaging book-related activities going on throughout the day.

Dates for the Diary

Dates for the Diary
4th March Tempest Photography Yr. 6 9.00am – 12.00pm
6th March World Book Day
Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
12th March Yr. 3 First Experience in Music Session
14th March Staff Training Day
17th March Xplore Science Hydroponics 3.30-5.00pm
20th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
27th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
28th March Happy-Clothes Day for 2wish
2wish Bingo Fundraiser – evening (time TBC)
31st March – 1st April Yr. 6 Bikeability
3rd April Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
4th April Yr. 2 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
10th April Yr. 1 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
7th May Xplore Science Hydroponics 3.30-5.00pm
8th May Tempest Photography – Individuals, Siblings, and families
Rhos St Eisteddfod 2.00pm – 3.00pm
23rd May Yr. R Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
1st July Sports Day
2nd July Nursery Transition Event
3rd July Reserve Sports Day
9th July Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service
Additional dates will be added once confirmed.

*Please note change of Yr. 2 Family Service date.

Head Lice
I have been informed of an incidence of head lice within the school. I would request that you check your child’s hair and treat if appropriate. For more information about head lice, how to check for head lice please visit this website. https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/h/article/headliceandnits/#:~:text=Headlice%20is%20one%20of%20the,more%20information%20on%20the%20service.&text=Lice%20and%20nits%20can%20be%20removed%20by%20wet%20combing.
You can also visit your local pharmacist for free treatment, under the Common Ailments Service: https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/your-local-primary-care-team/pharmacies/common-ailments-service/

Weekly Wellbeing
As we step into the half-term break this unattributed quote reminds us all of finding some time to recreate.

Recreation’s purpose is not to kill time, but to make life, not to keep a person occupied, but to keep them refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life.

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.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Another busy week draws to its end. We have had visits to Henllan Bakery, Mr. Urdd making a very welcome appearance, a performance of Matilda to enjoy, not to mention Indoor Athletics keeping us out of mischief this week.

Henllan Bakery Visit
Blwyddyn 1 have had fantastic and informative morning at Henllan Bakery on Tuesday finding out about how bread is made and enjoying some cakes! They had lots of questions for the inspiring owners and some children are now seriously considering a career as bakers!

PTA Wear What You Love
Friday the 14th of February will be Wear What You Love day here at Rhos St. Children are invited to come to school in their favourite clothes, for a suggested donation of chocolate for the summer fair: football kit, pyjamas, princess outfit, or anything else, it’s up to you!

Charity Bingo in Rhos Street School Hall
This term, as a school community we would like to support the charity 2wish. They support families who are affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young adult. They have been invaluable to one of our families and we would like to give something back to them.
There will be an own ‘Happy’-Clothes Day and Bake Sale for the children during school hours. Then we will be holding a bingo in the evening of Friday 28th March to help raise even more funds for this worthy cause. We are looking for donations of bingo and raffle prizes which can be given to the school office. More details to follow, it’s sure to be a fun night for everyone! Thank you.

Parental Consultations
We will be sending out appointment slips for parental consultations next week in readiness for parental consultation week 17th – 20th of February. Please let your child’s class teacher know if you are unable to make the appointment and we will endeavour to arrange an alternative time slot.

Dates for the Diary
Please see updated dates for the diary below:

Dates for the Diary
10th February Yr. 6 Humanities Transition Event
13th February Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
17th February Parental Consultations 17th – 20th Feb
18th February Yrs. 3/4 Tag-Rugby Tournament
20th February Yr. 3 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
4th March Tempest Photography Yr. 6 9.00am – 12.00pm
6th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
12th March Yr. 3 First Experience in Music Session
14th March Staff Training Day
17th March Xplore Science Hydroponics 3.30-5.00pm
20th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
27th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
28th March Yr. 2 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
Happy-Clothes Day for 2wish
2wish Bingo Fundraiser – evening (time TBC)
31st March – 1st April Yr. 6 Bikeability
3rd April Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
10th April Yr. 1 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
7th May Xplore Science Hydroponics 3.30-5.00pm
8th May Tempest Photography – Individuals, Siblings, and families
Rhos St Eisteddfod 2.00pm – 3.00pm
23rd May Yr. R Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
1st July Sports Day
2nd July Nursery Transition Event
3rd July Reserve Sports Day
9th July Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service
Additional dates will be added once confirmed.

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.

Items Brought into School
We have unfortunately had some issues caused recently by 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. Junior pupils may bring a named pencil case into school, should they wish to. Foundation learners do not require a pencil case in school. Many thanks.

Don’t Touch Tell
On Wednesday we were visited by one of Adferiad’s Don’t Touch Tell team. The programme, funded by the North Wales Area Planning Board, delivers preventative information to primary schools across North Wales. Yrs. 1 and 2 enjoyed the Don’t Touch Tell show which deals with risks associated with handling discarded needles and paraphernalia,the dangers of taking medication that is not intended for them, and the dangers of household substances (cleaning products, etc.). Yrs. 3, 4, 5 & 6 participated in the Don’t Drink Think show which explains how peer pressure works, instilling the confidence to say “No”, as well as understanding the reasons why drugs and alcohol are harmful to young people. Both shows, delivered by a professional performer, were focussed on children making informed choices about keeping themselves safe, without being scary or worrying in any way.

Weekly Wellbeing
In this Children’s Mental Health Week, we have been focussing on the 2025 theme of ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself’. We have been looking at ways for children, young people, and adults to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them. The aim is to help them grow and develop resilience to cope with what life throws at them.

Achievers
This week’s amazing achievers are: Joey, Henry, Dylan, Arlo, Bradley, Ayla, Tommy and Esme.
Ellie shared her Welsh award, Grace shared her karate brown-stripe belt, Isla shared her swimming medals and Ella shared her dance trophies and certificates. Well done to them all!

Mr. Urdd
It was great to welcome Mr. Urdd to Rhos St yesterday as part of our weekly Welsh-language service. He was very impressed with the children’s Welsh singing and stayed for a picture with our Criw Cymraeg.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As we say farewell to January, and its mixed blessings, we can hopefully begin look forward to lengthening days and the first signs of spring appearing around us. School has, not unusually, been a bustling place with visits to the living classroom, the Big School Birdwatch and a family service to name but a few of the activities keeping us all busy this week. As usual the days are flying past, and we will soon be bumping into the spring half term break and the halfway point of the academic year.

Yr. R & 6 Visit to the Living Classroom
The reception class headed off with their Yr. 6 buddies for adventures in the Living Classroom on Tuesday. They had a fantastic time following in the footsteps of the heroes and heroines of the class book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Some children even saw bear tracks (absolutely not created by Mrs. Bourne in any way…).

Language and Play
Language and play sessions are free to attend and take place throughout Denbighshire. The sessions are run by Family Link Workers on a weekly basis during term time. All of the sessions have planned activities that help children build language and social skills in preparation for school in a fun, friendly environment.
Rhos St will be hosting a series of Language and Play sessions, in the school hall, Wednesday mornings 9.30am – 10.45am for children 1 – 3 yrs. old. Call Nicola on 07770681399 for details.https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/childcare-and-parenting/family-link/language-and-play-sessions.aspx

Yr. 1 Bakery Visit
Just a polite reminder for Yr. 1 parents / carers to return the permission slip and make the payment for the visit via the ParentPay app, as the trip may not be viable if sufficient payment is not received. Many thanks.

Yr. 4 Family Service
The Yr. 4 class treated us to a tour de force of singing, acting, dancing and presenting yesterday. Their Yr. 4 Newsround Special covered so many wonderful elements and showed off how much they have been learning and enjoying this term. A huge thank you to the pupils for all their hard work, to Mrs. Lewis and her team for preparing the children so well for their performance and to parents, carers, family, and friends for supporting us at the performance.

The Big School Birdwatch
The Yr. 2 children have had a wonderful time this week taking part in the Big School Birdwatch. They were amazed at the variety of birds that they saw in the eco garden and hedges around the school. After their hard work birdwatching, they uploaded their results to the Big School Birdwatch page to help the scientific understanding of the number and type of birds that visit school grounds in the UK.

PTA Wear What You Love
Friday the 14th of February will be Wear What You Love day here at Rhos St. Children are invited to come to school in their favourite clothes, for a suggested donation of chocolate for the summer fair: football kit, pyjamas, princess outfit, or anything else, it’s up to you!

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote is from Albert Einstein the German-born theoretical physicist who is best known for developing the theory of relativity. It reminds us that mistakes are integral to learning and growth and embracing them leads to new experiences and breakthroughs.
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

Albert Einstein

Achievers
This week’s fabulous achievers are: Katelyn. Poppy, Amba, Jack, Oliver, all of Yr. 4, Ruby, Poppy, Daisy, Niamh, Max, and Antos. Isaac shared his Welsh award; Sebastian shared his badminton certificate and Poppy shared her dance trophy. Very well done to them all!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We seem to have replaced cold weather with stormy weather as storm Eowyn made her presence felt today. Let’s hope we have a slightly calmer weekend, and don’t end up blown back to Kansas.

Dates for the Diary

Please see updated dates for the diary below.

30th January Yr. 4 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
3rd – 7th February Children’s Mental Health Week
5th February Yr. 6 – Matilda at Ysgol Bryn Hyfryd
7th February Yr. 6 Indoor Athletics
10th February Yr. 6 Humanities Transition Event
13th February Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
17th February Parental Consultations 17th – 20th Feb
20th February Yr. 3 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
4th March Tempest Photography Yr. 6 9.00am – 12.00pm
6th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
12th March Yr. 3 First Experience in Music Session
17th March Xplore Science Hydroponics 3.30-5.00pm
20th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
27th March Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
28th March Yr. 2 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
31st March – 1st April Yr. 6 Bikeability
3rd April Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
Urdd Sports Club 3.15pm -4.30pm
10th April Yr. 1 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
Yrs. 3/4 Rugby Training Session
7th May Xplore Science Hydroponics 3.30-5.00pm
8th May Tempest Photography – Individuals, Siblings, and families
Rhos St Eisteddfod 2.00pm – 3.00pm
23rd May Yr. R Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
1st July Sports Day
2nd July Nursery Transition Event
3rd July Reserve Sports Day
9th July Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service

* Please note change of date for Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service

Disabled-Access / Obstructive Parking
I have been made aware that there are unfortunately ongoing issues with some car-park users inappropriately using the disabled parking bays. This has led to some blue-badge holders being unable to access the disabled-access spaces at the end of the day. This has caused considerable issues for those with genuine disabilities in accessing the school. The disabled-access spaces are for blue-badge holders only and should not be used by any other car-park user. I would request that all car-park users respect the signage and designation of areas, both inside and adjacent to the school car park, to ensure that those members of our school community who genuinely require priority parking are able to access it. North Wales Police have been made aware of the situation and will be monitoring obstructive parking in Ffordd Glasdir going forward. Many thanks, in advance, for your help and support with this extremely important issue.

Tree Planting
Denbighshire’s Biodiversity Officer, Ellie, and children from Rhos St completed our tree planting this week. We now have an array of new trees which will encourage wildlife to visit our site and promote the biodiversity of the local area.

Muddy Paths

We are unfortunately having some site users take ‘the path of least resistance’ through our beds. This is causing the formation of slippery pathways through the planting, which are dangerous, cause damage to the plants, look unsightly and lead to mud being brought into the school. Could I please request that site users stick to the designated paths. Many thanks.

Newspaper and Cardboard Request
Yr. 6 are asking for donations of newspaper and cardboard for their art and technology activities. Donations can be sent in with children and handed over to the Yr. 6 staff or left in the foyer behind the blue chairs. Many thanks.

Weekly Wellbeing
With mind to the current weather conditions here is a quote from Edward Michael “Bear” Grylls OBE. He is a British adventurer, writer, television presenter, former SAS trooper and survival expert.
“Struggle develops strength and storms make you stronger.”
Bear Grylls
Achievers
This week’s amazing achievers are: Liam, Linden, Rayne, Billy, Louie, Albie, Ethan, Esme, Chester, Chester, Megan, Maya, Alfie, Harry and Tobias. Cecily and Sebastian shared their badminton awards, Ella shared her dance trophy and Evie shared he brass certificate.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

A belated Happy New Year to you all, I hope you had a wonderful festive period. A slightly calmer week this week after the disruption caused by last week’s wintry conditions. As usual the children seem to have taken it all in their stride and have settled back into school life as if it never happened. We look forward with great anticipation to what the, euphemistically titled, ‘spring’ term has to offer and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to getting through the traditional January blues and moving on to brighter, and hopefully a bit warmer, times ahead.

Urdd Sports Club

Please see the flyer attached for the Urdd Sports Club scheduled to begin in February 2025. Scan the QR Code of follow this link to book a place on the course:
Urdd – Gweithgareddau

Kick It Sports
Kick It Sports are offering a series of football sessions for Yrs. 1 to 6, at a cost of £18, on the following dates:
• Thu, 23 Jan ’25 3:15pm – 4:30pm
• Thu, 30 Jan ’25 3:15pm – 4:30pm
• Thu, 6 Feb ’25 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Follow this link for the information video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V3YIROLym63NVdLaPY5up-LCZ8atCEjr/view?usp=drive_link
Follow this link to sign up: https://bookwhen.com/kickitsports

Inourplace
Inourplace is an online learning environment developed by psychologists and health practitioners that provides free accessible learning about emotional health and well-being. It has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health, behaviour, and relationships.

inourplace | Solihull Approach

Rugby Sessions

Kate Davies, the RFU Rugby Development Officer, came to work with the Yr. 4 children yesterday. She certainly put them through their paces, and they had a fantastic time in the sunshine honing their rugby skills and playing touch-rugby games. Kate will be returning to provide additional sessions in the forthcoming weeks.

Attendance
Good school attendance is key to helping children have the best possible start in life, to support and maximise their potential learning opportunities. There is clear evidence which links educational achievement to good school attendance. Rhos St School is determined to provide the best education to the children they serve. In recognition that school attendance and attainment are strongly linked a robust attendance procedure has been developed to support pupils learning. Please see the attached: Improving School Attendance information from the Welsh Assembly Government which outlines the importance of school attendance and the policy and procedures that support good attendance.

Statutory Framework
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive efficient full-time education suitable to his /her age, aptitude, and ability and to any additional needs he/she may have either regular attendance at school or otherwise. A pupil is required to attend regularly at the school where they are registered as a pupil.
Furthermore, Section 444 states that:
“If a child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, his parent is guilty of an offence.”
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/444
Rhos St will use a variety of strategies to intervene at an early stage to encourage improved attendance of individual pupils and assist to overcome any barriers that may be preventing the expected level of attendance. Persistent absence in Wales is set at below 90 % all pupils below this level are a concern for school and will require monitoring and intervention. The use of school attendance data and coding of pupils is fundamental to tracking and monitoring pupil and school performance. Strategies to improve a pupil’s attendance may be school-based or involve joint working with other education services and partner agencies to ensure the most appropriate support for the pupil is in place supported by the parent/ carer.
Welsh Government in December 2023 changed the threshold for a pupil being persistently absent from previously being any pupils whose attendance was below 80% to those whose attendance is below 90%. This increased expectation underlines the importance attached to regular school attendance and the need for local authorities, schools, and families to work together to achieve this outcome.
Belonging, Engaging, Participation Guidance Welsh Government Guidance 293/ 2023

Reading with your child
At Rhos St we love books and reading, and we understand the amazing benefits that come from spending time with a book. It’s a time for closeness, laughing and talking together – and it can also give children a flying start in life and help them become lifelong readers. If you’re not feeling confident about reading aloud or sharing books, don’t worry – there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a story together. But here are a few pointers to help you out:
Encouraging a love of reading
As children get older, with lots of other activities competing for their time, how can you encourage them to make time for reading?
• Read yourself! It doesn’t matter what it is – pick up a newspaper or magazine, take a look at a cookery book, read a computer manual, enjoy some poetry or dive into a romance or detective novel. And get your children to join in – if you’re cooking, could they read the recipe? If you’re watching TV, can they read out the listings?
• Give books as presents and encourage your children and their friends to swap books with each other – it’ll give them a chance to read new stories and get them all talking about what they’re reading.
• Visit the local library together. It’s always fun choosing new books to read and keep an eye out for special author events at the library or local bookshops – children love meeting their favourite authors. Jacqueline Wilson and Anthony Horowitz always have signing queues that are miles long!
• Encourage children to always carry a book. That way, they’ll never be bored.
• Have a family bookshelf. If you can, have bookshelves in your children’s bedrooms, too.
• Keep reading together. Just because your children are older, it doesn’t mean you have to stop sharing stories – perhaps you could try the Harry Potter series or A Series of Unfortunate Events.
• Don’t panic if your child reads the same book over and over again. Let’s be honest – we’ve all done it!

Weekly Wellbeing
January comes with its own challenges, short, cold days with the warmth of summer a long way off. This quote reminds us that January is a time of change and is full of possibility for the new year to come:

“January: The month of opportunity, the month of inspiration, and the month of change.”
Achievers
This week’s fabulous achievers are: Henry, Oliver, Verity, Alice, Oliver A, William, Stanley, Fleur, Hannah, Orson & Sophia. Very well done to them all!