Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The weeks seem to be flying by at a terrifying rate at the moment as we hurtle towards half-term. Lots going on again this week and plenty of plans laid for the rest of the summer term, don’t’ blink or you’ll miss it.

Wildlife Day
Following the amazing effort by Mia Kell and her team of Wildlife Savers I am incredibly proud to announce that Rhos St’s Wildlife Day raised an impressive £267.07 for the World Wildlife Fund. The Wildlife Savers raffle tickets were given out this afternoon and will be drawn on Monday.

Nigel the Nurture Bear
Today was the day that we finally got to name our Nurture Bear, donated by school governor Pat Astbury to live in our Nurture Room and be a comforting companion to all the brilliant activities that take place in there. The winning name was drawn in this morning’s service and from this day forth our Nurture Bear will go by the name of the, fairly old-school, but alliteratively pleasing, name of Nigel. Well done to Emily in the Yr. 6 class who selected the name Nigel.

Yr. 1 Family Service
We were treated to a family-service tour de force on Thursday morning with the Yr. 1 family service all about inspiring people. The children looked fantastic in their costumes, spoke, sang and acted wonderfully. Many thanks to all the parents. carers, family and friends who came along to support the children. It’s the Reception class’s turn next Friday, we can’t wait.

Dates for the Diary
Monday 15th May – Kick It Sports
Tuesday 16th May – Yr. 3 Swimming
Thursday 18th May – Chester Football
Friday 19th May Reception Class Family Service
Monday 22nd May – Kick It Sports
Yr. 3 India Talk
Tuesday 23rd May – Yr. 3 Swimming
Thursday 25th May Chester Football
Tuesday 30th May – Kick-It Sports Half-Term Club 9.00am – 2.00pm
Monday 5th June – Staff Training Day
Tuesday 6th June – Yr. 3 Swimming
Monday 12th June Kick-It Sports Yrs. R – 6
Tuesday 13th June- Yr. 3 Swimming
Monday 19th June – Kick-It Sports Yrs. R – 6
Tuesday 20th June – PC Llinos (Police liaison officer) Yrs. N. R & 6
Wednesday 21st June – New Yr. 3 Transition Session
Yr. 6 Ysgol Brynhyfryd Sports Afternoon
Thursday 22nd June – Yrs. 3 & 4 Trip to Xplore Wrexham
Monday 26th June – Kick-It Sports Yrs. R – 6
Tuesday 27th June – Sports Day – Foundation Learners am / Juniors pm
Wednesday 28th June – New Yr. 3 Transition Session
Thursday 29th June – Yr. 6 Dangerpoint visit
Monday 3rd July – Kick-It Sports Yrs. R – 6
Tuesday 4th July – Reserve Sports Day – Foundation Learners am / Juniors pm
Wednesday 5th July – Stay and Play – New Nursery Class Transition Event 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Thursday 6th July – Summer Fair
Wednesday 12th July – Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service 2.00pm – 3.15pm
Thursday 13th July – Yr. 6 Bikeabiity Day 1
Friday 14th July – Yr. 6 Bikeability Day 2
Wednesday 19th July – End of Term

Additional dates will be added when confirmed.

Radical Reading
As part of our work on developing reading in the school we are asking pupils to send in pictures of themselves reading in unusual or ‘radical’ situations. We are also asking parents, governors and staff to take their own ‘Radical Reading’ pictures to form a display in school encouraging reading for pleasure. Mrs. Bourne is leading a whole-school initiative on encouraging reading for pleasure and this is the first of many, exciting, reading-based activities to come. Please can all Radical-Reading pictures be sent to: andrew.davis@denbighsire.gov.uk

Achievers
This week’s brilliant achievers are: William, Chester, Nancy, Caden-James, Darcie, Lilly, Amelia, Melissa, Cain, Mia and all of the Yr. 1 Class. A special Kindness certificate was awarded to Eliza. Raph, Fleur, Arlo, Eliza and Wren shared their Mersey-Race medals and Fletcher shared his Cardiff-Competition football medal.
The winners of the PTA Crown Competition were: Lucas, Dylan, Amelia, Daisy, Cadie, Emily, Isabella, Ayla, Isabella, Charles, Romeo, Daniel, Isla and Grace. Jessica treated us all to a lovely violin solo. Well done to all our fab achievers!

Yours sincerely /Yn gywir

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Our first week back after the Easter break comes to an end and it’s been lovely to see how quickly all the children got straight back to the busy life of the school. The sun has made a few appearances this week, giving us a tantalising glimpse of what I hope this summer term will hold. We’re all looking forward to the forthcoming activities, themes and events that make the summer term in a primary school so great.

Online Safety
Today’s assembly was all about keeping safe online; the children were reminded of the importance of being respectful and kind, in the same way we encourage in all areas of school life, whilst online. We looked at what to do if they receive messages or images that make them sad or uncomfortable and how social-media is a very public place, even though it can feel private when they are on a computer, games console or device. We have unfortunately had a couple of issues, from outside of school, brought to our attention recently regarding the use of social media and would politely request that parents and carers monitor their children’s activity online. Some great advice on social media can be found on the BBC ‘Own It’ pages by following this link: https://www.bbc.com/ownit/the-basics/8-tips-for-staying-safe-online

Tea Towels
The PTA tea towels have been updated with the pupils whom were not present for the initial self-portraits. You can view the tea towels by following this link: https://www.school-fundraising.co.uk/view-tea-towel-artwork/?a=44a3793cc811e17d0836cde5bdf39f6b Should you wish to purchase a fundraising tea towel please follow the link to view and order.

Rhos St School PTA
Our always brilliant PTA are looking for committee members from September. The roles of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer are available. If you would like any more information about the roles or feel you would be able to help, in whatever capacity, please get in touch.

Construction Kit Donation
Many many thanks to Michelle McDonald, Tommy’s mum, for the extremely kind donation of construction equipment to the Foundation Learners. It will be put to very good use and I’m sure will offer a great deal of hands-on learning, not to mention great fun to many, many children.

Tesco Donation
Many thanks to Tesco Ruthin for their very kind donation of seeds for our Garden Area. They will be put to very good use in the coming weeks.

Earth Day
Saturday 22nd of April is Earth Day 2023, our assembly on Monday was all about Earth Day, what it stands for and what we can all do, as global citizens, to help. We will be sending home an Earth Day Pledge, for children to think about the impact that they can have on protecting our wonderful planet, and will be putting together a fantastic display from all of the returned entries very soon.
You can find out more information about Earth Day by following this link: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2023/

King’s Coronation
Following on from our brilliant Platinum Jubilee celebration we will be holding a ‘street party’ for all of the children to celebrate the coronation of King Charles on Friday 5th of May. We will be inviting the children to dress in royal attire, or in red, white and blue. As always, there is absolutely no need to purchase anything special for this event. There will be drinks, snacks and the chance for a lucky Yr. 6 volunteer to be drawn from the hat and be crowned, in the hall, to be Rhos St’s Monarch for the Day.

Young Writers
We were incredibly pleased to hear this week that our Rhos St Writers had been successful in being accepted for the Young Writers – The Incredible Diary of … book.
Their brilliant stories will be printed in the book very soon. All our budding authors received lovely certificates from Young Writers to thank them for their hard work. Parents are able to purchase the book, should they so wish, but there is absolutely no expectation to do so. Rhos St will be buying a copy of the book for the school library allowing the successful authors to see their fantastic stories in print and to allow the other children in the school to read their work. We are very proud of them all.

New Planter
Many thanks to our very own master craftsman, we’re yet to find something that he can’t make, Tony Dallolio for building our wonderful planter at the top of the disabled-access ramp over the Easter break. Mrs. Davies and her eco-volunteers worked all Thursday lunchtime to barrow the soil from the ‘big bag’ to the planter. The children will be selecting and planting some lovely flowers soon to help brighten everyone’s day as they head into school. Many thanks to Mrs. Davies and her eco-crew for giving up their time and for their hard work.

Wildlife Day

Mia Kell, in the Yr. 5 class, has organised a Wildlife Day to be held at Rhos St on Friday 28th of April. Children are requested to come dressed as their favourite animal, or in the colour of that animal. We are inviting a donation of £1 for Wildlife Day, which will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund charity https://www.wwf.org.uk/. There will be a PowerPoint presentation by Mia and her fundraising team on the day.

Dates for the Diary
Thursday 27th April – Welsh artist working with yrs. 3 & 4 / Chester Football
Friday 28th April – Wildlife Day
Monday 1st May – Bank Holiday
Thursday 4th May – Chester Football
Friday 5th May – Yr. 2 Family Service / Coronation Celebration
Monday 8th May – Bank Holiday
Wednesday 10th May – First Experience Music Yr. 3
Thursday 11th May – Yr. 1 Family Service / Chester Football
Monday 15th May – Kick It Sports
Thursday 18th May – Chester Football
Monday 22nd May – Kick It Sports
Monday 5th June – Staff Training Day
Thursday 8th June – Chester Football
Tuesday 20th June – PC Llinos (Police liaison officer) Yrs. N. R & 6
Thursday 22nd June – Chester Football
Thursday 29th June – Yr. 6 Dangerpoint visit

Additional dates will be added when confirmed.

Achievers
This week’s amazing achievers are: Kemal, Liam, Scarlet, Oscar, Cora, Ayla, Morgan, Evan, Ethan and Ollie.
Alys shared her Urdd hip-hop street dance 2nd place certificate and Team Gym Club certificate. We were lucky again to have Jess finish our service with a lovely violin recital.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

After the disruption of last week’s snow, it’s been great to have a straight-run this week at business as usual. The much-anticipated return of family services has been a major highlight, with Yr. 5 doing themselves proud. Our Red-Nose Day fund-raising activities, organised by the school council, have also been a great success with lots of money raised for the excellent charity.

Chester Football

It was wonderful to have Kalvin, form Chester Football in on Thursday working with the Reception and Yr. 3 pupils in the afternoon. They had a brilliant time, showing off their football skills.
The Chester Football after-school club had its first run-out, and everyone enjoyed the activities and games on offer. There will be more sessions up to and after Easter.

Music Tuition
Can all outstanding monies for music tuition owed for this term, and previous terms, please be paid through ParentPay as soon as possible. Children with outstanding bills for music tuition will, unfortunately be unable to continue if their lesson payments remain in arrears. Many thanks.

Yr. 5 Family Service

The Yr. 5 children produced a lovely performance in their family service on Tuesday, all about Japan. There were lots of fascinating facts, about the geography, culture and history of Japan. Some wonderful singing and a fully-fledged, choreographed fight sequence in the Momotaro and the Peach story, in which I was almost accidentally involved; It’s OK Goblins, I’m fine, the swelling has gone right down! Yr. 4 are next in line and their family service is scheduled for Thursday 23rd of March.

Yr. 6 Group Photo
Tempest Photography came in on Tuesday to take the Yr. 6 group photo. The pictures are taken in small groups and then digitally collated in to a single image. They are really effective and a bit more dynamic than the old standing-in-line school photos of yesteryear. A sample copy will be sent out to the Yr. 6 parents and carers in the near future with an option of purchasing copies if required. Some children got the long straw and were snapped with Miss. Price and Eira, one group got the short straw and ended up with me… sorry boys.

Comic Relief

Many, many thanks to the School Council and Miss. Davies for organising another brilliant Red-Nose Day event at school. Everyone looked resplendent in their red clothes and noses and had a fantastic time at the Danceathon and playing the games, including ping the nose on the funny-looking bloke! Many thanks also to parents and carers for supporting the event and to those who provided the lovely cakes for the cake sale. I will share the total raised for this excellent cause as soon as we have it.

Parental Consultations
Rhos St will be holding the spring-term parental consultations next week. You should have received an appointment slip with the date and time of your consultation. If you are unable to attend the appointment, for any reason, please notify school as soon as possible and your child’s class teacher will arrange an alternative. Please wait outside your child’s classroom, prior to your appointment, and the class teacher will greet you at the appropriate time.

Universal Free School Meals
Universal Primary Free School Meals will be made available to children in year 2 from April 2023. The aim is that all other primary aged pupils will receive Universal Primary Free School Meals by 2024. All children (in a year group where Universal Primary Free School Meals are available) will be asked daily by their school if they would like to have school meals. More information can be found by following the links below:
https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/education-and-schools/grants-and-funding/universal-primary-free-school-meals.aspx
https://fb.watch/iP2X28TfcK/

Wales is committed to providing Free School Meals to all primary school children by September 2024.

Find out about support available to you: https://t.co/3l2m8YlTVp
#FeedTheirFuture pic.twitter.com/7CQgXYG9E6

— DenbighshireCC (@DenbighshireCC) February 17, 2023

School Meal Price Increase
The Denbighshire School Catering Service has faced ongoing increase in the prices for all major commercially procured food products, the domestic food market and across all food market supply chains.The Service has seen an average price increase of up to 20% across food suppliers, but is working with suppliers to mitigate increases.
In the face of rising prices the cost of school meals will increase by 5p to £2.50 per day, this will take effect from 1st April 2023

Covid-19 Guidance
We are experiencing a rise in reported cases of Covid-19 at school at the moment. Current guidance states that anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 should avoid contact with other people for at least five days and should avoid contact with anyone at risk of becoming seriously unwell for ten days, from the time of the positive test or when symptoms started. The full guidance document can be viewed by following this link: https://www.gov.wales/guidance-people-symptoms-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19

Student Health & Wellbeing Survey
As part of our focus and emphasis pupil wellbeing, Rhos St has agreed to take part in the Student Health & Wellbeing Survey. This research, funded by the Welsh Government, is the second phase of a feasibility study to explore how the School Health Research Network (SHRN) might be developed further into primary schools to inform efforts to improve pupils’ health and wellbeing. Currently, SHRN brings together all mainstream secondary schools in Wales with researchers and policy-makers. Secondary schools receive tailored Student Health and Wellbeing Reports based on a survey conducted every two years. The data supports needs-based action planning, monitoring and evaluation of wellbeing activities. Across Wales, primary schools are being asked to participate in the Student Health and Wellbeing survey. This is an adaptation of the SHRN survey conducted in secondary schools. All Year 3-6 pupils are invited to take part in this piloting phase of the study and Rhos St will receive a Student Health and Wellbeing report based on the responses to the survey. This will allow us to focus the school’s resources and provision in the most effective areas to improve pupils’ wellbeing.
Please see information letter attached for full details of the study and your right, should you so wish, for your child not to be involved.

Kick It Sports
Kick It Sports are offering engaging and fun multi-sport sessions for Yrs. R, 1 and 2 beginning on April 17th. The session dates are as follows: Mon, 17 Apr ’23 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Mon, 24 Apr ’23 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Mon, 15 May ’23 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Mon, 22 May ’23 3:15pm – 4:30pm.
To sign up for the after-school sessions please follow this link: https://bookwhen.com/kickitsports
For more information about what Kick It Sports offers please follow this link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I1xd6LiOVQ6jDrj6NbfdE6XDnVd9w-QD/view?usp=share_link
There are two sessions remaining of the Yrs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 Kick It Sports sessions:
Mon, 20 Mar ’23 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Mon, 27 Mar ’23 3:15pm – 4:30pm

Dates for the Diary
Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd March Parental Consultations
Kick It Sports – Juniors 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Thursday 23rd March Yr. 4 Family Service 9:15am
Chester Football afternoon session
Chester Football after-school club 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Monday 27th March Kick It Sports – Juniors 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Thursday 30th Chester Football afternoon session
Chester Football after-school club 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Yr. 6 Introduction to Sign Language course am
Yr. 6 Emergency First Aid course pm
Friday 31st March Yr. 3 Family Service 9:15am
Break up for Easter holidays!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As we crash headlong in to the end of another busy half term I think everyone, after such a busy time, is ready for the half-term break and the chance to recharge the batteries. Hopefully the unpredictable Welsh, February weather will look kindly on us all and not show the teeth, that we all know it is certainly capable of. I wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing half-term holiday and look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on the 28th.

Industrial Action
The industrial action, by the NEU union, postponed from February 14th is now scheduled for Thursday March 2nd, following rejection by union members of the improved pay offer.

Following the completion of a risk assessment, Rhos St school will be closed to pupils from the Nursery, Reception, Yr. 1, Yr. 2, Yr.3, Yr.4, Yr.5 and Yr.6 classes on Thursday 2nd of March 2023.

NEU members at the school, despite there being no legal requirement to do so, have informed me of their intention to take industrial action in order to give parents and carers the greatest possible period of notice to make alternative childcare arrangements on the 2nd.

Breakfast Club will be open, as usual, from 8:00am, but any children accessing the breakfast club provision must be collected by 9:00am, as there will be no ongoing provision available for them after this time. In order to organise appropriate staffing levels, can I please request that any parents and carers wishing their child to access the breakfast club provision on March 2nd notify breakfast club staff no later than March 1st.

After-School Club will be available from 3:30pm – 6:00pm, as usual, with parents and carers requested to book this provision, in the standard manner, if required. Giggles Day Care will be open, as normal on March 2nd, but will be unable, due to Unison union guidance, to accept any children who would normally attend the Rhos St Nursery class, until after 11:30 am.

The school office will be open for any enquires or administrative matters, as per normal operation, on the day of the industrial action.

I am sorry for the disruption caused, by this industrial action, to your child’s education and to yourself. I am extremely grateful for the respect and courtesy shown, by all members of the school community, to each other in relation to the ongoing industrial action.

Living Classroom

The Yr.6 pupils, as usual, did themselves, and us, proud on Wednesday buddying-up with the children from the Reception class on their trip to the Living Classroom. A high old time was had by all, with lots of interesting things seen and discovered. As we head into spring more classes will be heading off on joint adventures to the Living Classroom, we can’t wait!

Kick It Sports
The planned sessions, for junior pupils, have been postponed until after half-term. The sessions are on a Monday evening, from 3:15pm – 4:30pm and cost £18 for the four sessions. Kick It Sports are also offering a half-term full-day session for interested families for Yrs. R – 6. You can find more information about what is on offer by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/kickit.sportscoaching/
All booking, for both the after-school club and half-term club is through the Kick It Sports website which can be found by following this link:
https://bookwhen.com/kickitsports#focus=ev-saey-20230213151500

Let’s Play Out
Denbighshire County Council are offering Let’s Play Out sessions over the half-term break. The sessions are for children to play, make friends and get messy. Sessions are ‘open access’ meaning that children are free to come and go. All sessions are child led, so they choose what they want to do, or what equipment they use. Let’s Play Out Sessions are for all children aged from 6 to 12 years old, children under the age of 6 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The Let’s Play Out session in Ruthin takes place on Thursday 23 February 2023, from 10:30am to 12 noon at Cae Ddol.
https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/play-ranger-service/lets-play-out-february-half-term.aspx

Rhos St Eisteddfod / St David’s Day
We have been practicing Welsh pieces from this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod and are hoping to share them with you all on March 8th at 2:30pm in Rhos St’s, very own, Eisteddfod. We will be welcoming families and friends to the school hall to see each class perform their very own Welsh-language pieces and a chance to peruse a selection of some of the brilliant art and craft pieces created by the pupils, along this year’s Urdd theme of Cynefin / Habitat.
On March 1st, St David’s Day, we are inviting pupils to come to school wearing Welsh colours and there will be fun Welsh-themed activities in the classes on that day.
The Yr. 3 children will be performing their Urdd piece at Café R, in Ruthin, on the 1st at 11:00am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Dates for the Diary
Latest dates for the diary below:

Friday 17th Feb Close for Half Term
Monday 27th Feb Staff Training Day
Wednesday 1st March St David’s Day – Wear Welsh Colours
Yr. 3 Singing at Café R – 11:00am
Thursday 2nd March NEU Industrial Action – School closed to pupils Yr. N – Yr. 6
Friday 3rd March World Book Day – Come to school dressed as a favourite character
Monday 6th March Yr. 3 Denbighshire Music Cooperative Workshop
Wednesday 8th March Rhos St Eisteddfod – 2:30pm -3:15pm
Friday 10th March Yr. 5 Family Service 9:15am
Friday 10th March Urdd Chwarae yn Gymraeg Yr. 6
Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd March Parental Consultations
Friday 24th March Yr. 4 Family Service
Friday 31st March Yr. 3 Family Service

I will share additional dates when finalised

Achievers
This week’s brilliant achievers are:
Elliott, Isaac, Sophie, Lukas, Jude, Louie, Oliver, Thea, Oscar, Kush and Emily.
Isabella shared her gymnastics award, Bella shared her blue-belt certificate and Jessica gave us a lovely recital on her violin. Well done to all our brilliant achievers!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As we move, at terrifying pace, toward the half-term holiday the very first tentative signs of springtime are starting to appear. The children have really enjoyed the dry and sunny weather this week, and it’s been great to see them outside squeezing every last drop out of play and lunchtimes. In class everyone is busy preparing for our Rhos St Eisteddfod, watch this space for more information and invite coming soon! We have also scheduled the return of Family Services for all classes and I will share the dates with you all in the near future.

Turkey / Syria Earthquake
As I’m sure you are aware a series of devastating earthquakes have hit southern Turkey (now known as Türkiye) and north-west Syria killing over 17,000 people and injuring many more. DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) charities and their local partners are among the first responders providing urgent help. Immediate priorities are search and rescue, medical treatment for the injured, shelter for those who have lost their homes, heating in safe spaces, blankets, warm clothes, and ensuring people have food and clean water.
As a school we are supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee – Earthquake appeal. You can help people affected by the crisis by donating and helping to raise money for the DEC appeal. This will allow DEC charities and their local partners to scale up their response and reach more people. More information and a link to donate can be found here: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal

Dates for the Diary
Here is the latest version of the Key Dates for the Diary:

Monday 13th Feb – Kick It Sports Yrs. 3,4,5 & 6 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Wednesday 15th Feb – Reception Class hearing tests
Friday 17th Feb – Close for Half Term
Monday 27th Feb – Staff Training Day –
Monday 27th Feb Kick It Sports to be rescheduled
Friday 6th March – Yr. 5 Family Service 9:15am
Monday 6th March – Kick It Sports Yrs. 3,4,5 & 6 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Friday 10th March – Urdd Chwarae yn Gymraeg Yr. 6
Monday 13th March – Kick It Sports Yrs. 3,4,5 & 6 3:15pm – 4:30pm
Additional dates will be added when confirmed.

Industrial Action
As you may be aware the industrial action by the NEU union, scheduled for the 14th of February, has now been postponed while the union considers a new pay offer from the Welsh assembly government.
Rhos St school will therefore be open, as normal operation, to all pupils on February 14th. Breakfast Club, Giggles Daycare and After-School Club will operate as usual.

Kick It Sports
Kick It Sports will be beginning their Monday sports sessions for the Junior children beginning on Mon 13th of February. They are also offering a half-term full-day session for interested families for Yrs. R – 6. You can find more information about what is on offer by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/kickit.sportscoaching/
All booking is through the Kick It Sports website which can be found by following this link: https://bookwhen.com/kickitsports#focus=ev-saey-20230213151500
I am aware that one of the session dates for a Kick It Sports session is Monday 27th of February. This is a teacher training day, so that session will be rescheduled, I will share the new date when it has been confirmed by Kick It Sports.

Breakfast Club
Just a quick reminder of Breakfast-Club timings, as we have had some children recently brought to Breakfast Club after 8:30am, who have not had breakfast, causing some additional complexity for staff managing the setting. Breakfast club opens at 8:00am and breakfast is served until 8:30am. No additional children are admitted to Breakfast Club after 8:40am, until school opens at 8:50am. Many thanks for your support and understanding in relation to this.

Sister Act

The Yrs. 5 and 6 children had an amazing time on Wednesday when they were invited to watch Ysgol Brynhyfryd’s show Sister Act. The acting and singing were fantastic, with more than a few ex-Rhos St pupils in prominent roles, I taught them all they know (lies). A big thank you to Ysgol Brynhyfryd for the invitation to what was a really positive and enjoyable experience.

Achievers
This week’s brilliant achievers are: Megan, Henry, Abi, Eliza, Harri, Sebastian, Penny, Seren, Jade and Indi.
Elsie also shared her fabulous dance awards. Very well done to them all!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The oft misquoted and mis-attributed phrase: ‘May you live in interesting times.’ has seemed to be particularly pertinent in recent weeks, with last week’s snow and now the industrial action by the NEU union, being the most-recent iteration. I would like to thank the school community, as a whole, for their understanding in relation to the industrial action, about which I have no doubt people hold differing viewpoints, but have consistently maintained the positive, respectful interactions that we are so fortunate to experience every day here at the school.

Raising Standards in Reading
As you may be aware the School Development Plan is a document approved and monitored by the Governing Body to hold the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to account on set targets. One of the targets this academic year is to raise standards in reading. With this in mind the Governing Body are announcing a new project aimed at improving our school library. Via the online store Bookshop.org teachers have been creating a ‘Wish List’ of books that they know the children will love to read. The whole school community are invited to purchase any of these books and donate them to school. Bookshop.org are committed to financially supporting independent bookshops with every book sale and over £2.6 million has already been generated for those stores through this scheme.
The Rhos Street School Wish List is available by clicking the link below. This will take you to a login screen that you will need to sign up to first.
https://uk.bookshop.org/wishlists/a1b9668a49371a 33c9566c2c6dfee815a3081262

Year 3 Music Session
The Yr. 3 children had a fantastic session on Tuesday working with Denbighshire Music Coorporative. There was singing and dancing aplenty and as you can see from the pictures a great time was had by all.

Message from Giggles Daycare
Dear Parents/Carers,
I am writing to inform you that we are planning to increase the prices at Giggles Daycare. As a charity we too have been affected by the rising costs, energy, minimum wage increases and general cost of living have unfortunately pushed us to look at our charges.
We have tried our very best to keep the price increase as low as possible.
The price increase that will be taking effect from the week beginning Tuesday 28th February.
There will continue to be a £2.00 deduction in fees per sibling attending a full session until 5.30pm.
Giggles Daycare Preschool After School Provision
8.30am-11.30am- £12.50 3.15pm- 4.30pm- £6.00
11.30am-3.15pm- £15.00 4.30pm- 5.30pm- £12.00
8.30am-3.15pm- £27.50 5.30pm- 6.00pm- £18.00

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your understanding, and your continued support.
Yours Sincerely,
Anna Edwards, Giggles Daycare Manager

NEU Industrial Action
Following the completion of a risk assessment, Rhos St school will be closed to pupils from the Nursery, Reception, Yr. 1, Yr. 2, Yr.3, Yr.4, Yr.5 and Yr.6 classes on Wednesday 1st of February due to industrial action by members of the National Education Union (NEU).
Although there is no legal requirement to do so, all NEU members at the school have informed me of their intention to take industrial action in order to give parents and carers the greatest possible period of notice to organise alternative childcare provision on this date. NEU members are taking strike action because of their concern that cuts to teacher’s pay and lack of funding for schools is causing a crisis in education. Please see attached information from the NEU union outlining the reasons why their members feel that this industrial action is necessary.
Breakfast Club will be open, as usual, from 8:00am, but any children accessing the breakfast club provision must be collected by 9:00am as there will be no ongoing provision available for them after this time. In order to organise appropriate staffing levels, can I please request that any parents and carers, wishing their child to access the breakfast club provision on February 1st, notify breakfast club staff no later than January 31st .
After-School Club will be available from 3:30pm – 6:00pm as usual, with parents and carers requested to book this provision, in the standard manner, if required. Giggles Day Care will be open, as normal on February 1st, but will be unable, due to Unison union guidance, to accept any children who would usually be attending the Rhos St Nursery class from 9:00am to 11:30am. The school office will be open for any enquires or administrative matters, as per normal operation, on the day of the industrial action.
The decision has been made by Denbighshire County Council that no payments will be made for universal free school meals (UFSM) or free school meals (FSM) on the day of the industrial action, provision of keyworker childcare will also not be provided by Denbighsire schools, similar to the position should schools be closed due to poor weather. I will update you directly should I receive any additional information regarding any of these aspects.

Achievers
This week’s fabulous achievers are: Jasmine, Ellie, Ted, Elianna, Finley, Billy, Elsie, Eliza, Ruben, Adriel, Riley and Tyler.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The winter has made itself, very much, known to us all this week, bringing its own challenges, particularly for parents, carers and staff trying to get in to school. The children however have had a wonderful week and have made the most of and greatly enjoyed the snow. Next week’s weather is promising to be a little warmer and more benign, we shall see…

Contact / Medical Information
Please can I request that parents and carers inform us of any changes to contact information in order for us to ensure that our records are up to date. Could any new medical conditions or changes to existing medical conditions be shared with school please to ensure that we have the most current information. Contact and medical information can be updated by contacting the school office. Many thanks.

Kick It Sports
Due to unforeseen circumstances Kick It Sports were unable to hold the planned session on Monday 16th. The next session, for Yrs. R, 1 and 2, will be on Monday 23rd of January 3:15pm -4:30pm. The final session, to replace the missed session on the 16th, will be on Monday January 30th 3:15pm – 4:30pm.

Industrial Action
You may be aware from media coverage that the NEU and NAHT have declared strike action, which will take place on: Wednesday 1st of February 2023, Tuesday 14th February 2023, Wednesday 15th March 2023 and Thursday 16 March 2023. The strike is happening because of a national dispute between the unions and the government over teachers’ pay and conditions and not because of any issues at our school.
I’m sharing this to give you as much notice as possible that learning may be disrupted on these dates. This could mean a partial or full closure of the school to pupils. It may be worth considering possible alternative childcare arrangements for these dates.
I’m sorry about the potential disruption to you and to your child’s education. I understand that this situation may be frustrating, and ask that all members of our school community continue to treat each other with respect. Rhos St remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our pupils and delivering high-quality teaching. We are working closely with our staff union representatives to keep up to date with the situation, and I will inform you of the final arrangements as soon as possible. Many thanks for your understanding in this matter.

Disabled-Access Ramp
The disabled-access ramp offers a very tempting ‘path of least resistance’ across the grass slope. Unfortunately, the grass is suffering from the footfall and is becoming churned-up, muddy and slippery. For safety reasons, to protect the grass and to reduce mud being trodden into the school could I please request that members of the school community entering and exiting the site by the ramp avoid the grassed area, particularly during the winter months? I have placed some barriers in the area as an aide-mémoire of the request. Many thanks, in advance, for your help.

Dydd Santes Dwynwen – Canteen Theme Day
On Wednesday January 25th the school canteen will be offering a Santes Dwynwen theme-day lunch. On the menu will be: Chicago Town pizza, wedges and salad with, thematically appropriate, homemade Jammie Dodgers for pudding. It sounds like a lunch that I could definitely fall in love with.

Achievers
This week’s fabulous achievers are: Dexter, Joseph, Amelia, Isla-Rose, all of Yr. 2, Lola, Charly, Tommy and all of the Yr. 6 class.
Katelyn, Grace and Aidan shared their martial arts certificates and belts.
Well done to all of our fantastic achievers.

Yours sincerely /Yn gywir

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth