Mai 20fed / May 20th 2022
Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

There is a definite buzz around the school at the moment as we begin to gear up for two significant events. We are making plans for our platinum jubilee celebrations, with hushed discussions about staff costumes – I know this isn’t going to end well for me! We are also busy decorating the school ready for the Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbigh and the 100 Years of the Urdd Movement celebrations. Some parents may be particularly aware of some of the bunting at the front of the building, as they had to limbo under it on Thursday morning.

Urdd Message of Peace
On Wednesday the Urdd asked schools across Wales to share their message of peace as part of a country-wide call to action. In the Urdd’s centenary year, the 2022 Peace and Goodwill Message was launched at a dedicated event in the company of the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford at the Nobel Peace Center, Oslo, Norway. Also present at the event were the students from Aberystwyth University who created this year’s message, following the partnership between the Urdd and the university.

Criw Cymraeg
The Criw Cymraeg have been working hard over the year, thinking of new ideas and creating the Welsh shop on a Wednesday lunchtime. They have also been changing children’s Welsh books and completing many other tasks in school. We have been working on our Cymraeg Campus Bronze Award and hope to achieve this soon. We have completed the different targets together. Establishing a Welsh ethos, learning about the advantages of learning Welsh, the use of incidental Welsh in the classroom, the use of incidental Welsh outside of the classroom, Welsh in assemblies, using apps and websites to enhance learning and enjoyment, enrichment activities, developing reading, using Welsh across the curriculum and developing a positive attitude towards the Welsh language and culture. Thank you for all your support. Diolch!

Update on School Attendance Guidance
Parents and carers in Denbighshire are being informed that the Welsh Government has reverted back to the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for non-school attendance (please see attached letter). Following an announcement from the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Denbighshire County Council will follow the guidance to ensure young people are accessing their education. Geraint Davies, the Council’s Head of Education, said: “Denbighshire is informing parents and carers of the update from the minister for education. We are committed to ensuring school attendance, attainment and the well-being of our young people.

Urdd Eisteddfod Tickets

You can now obtain your free tickets for the Eisteddfod online (access to the Primary Show comes automatically under the Maes ticket that you order for the whole day). Tickets are available through the link below:
https://urdd.ticketsolve.com/shows

School Decoration
As part of the 100 years of the Urdd Movement schools in Denbighshire have been asked to decorate their grounds in suitable livery. Always mindful of our eco-credentials and our Platinum Eco-Award staff and pupils worked together to produce a wonderful Mistar Urdd to decorate our emergency evacuation gate, adjacent to the bypass. He was made of an upcycled sign and lots and lots of upcycled plastic lids. Give him a wave as you pass by. He is soon to be joined by his twin, welcoming pupils, parents and visitors to Rhos St’s main entrance.

Achievers
Our inspiring achievers this week are:
Daniel, Freya, Elliot, Louis, Alex, Paige, Piper, Eira, Scarlett, Leighton, Charlotte, Trystan, and Isaac.
Welsh Awards went to:
Henry, Esme, Samuel, Eliza, Lucas, Ryan, Kalyani, Emi-Lee and Anna.
Isla shared her swimming award and Eva shared her Karate- student of the month award.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Mai 13eg / May 13th 2022
Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The summer term is now in full swing and there is definitely a buzz of activity emanating from every classroom. Secret plans for school trips are being laid and everyone is looking forward to doing some of those fun things that we have been denied in recent years.

Music Provision
This term’s music fees are now on Parent Pay and I would ask that they could be paid as soon as is possible please. Could I also request that any outstanding fees from previous term’s music sessions be paid up to date. Many thanks.

Upcycled Display
The whole school have worked brilliantly together collecting plastic lids which have been expertly upcycled by many children, under the expert guidance of our resident artistic consultant Leanne Caton. The finished artwork is a bright, colourful and uplifting landscape created completely from upcycled materials and has been placed at the entry to KS2, brightening up every journey down the corridor. Many thanks also to Tony Dallolio for installing it for us – a real team effort. Many thanks to everyone who collected plastic caps and to all of the children and staff that worked towards its completion.

School Trips
With the alignment of school Covid-19 regulations with other sectors we are able to begin to think about school trips for this summer term. You should be receiving a letter soon regarding your child’s school visit. We are extremely mindful about the pressure on many families at the moment, in light of the cost-of-living crisis and have made every effort to keep the cost of school trips to an absolute minimum. The donation we ask for, towards the cost of school trips, is a voluntary contribution, but I would highlight that some trips or visits may not be able to go ahead if the level of contribution does not cover the costs of the planned excursion. We are looking forward to some brilliant summer-term adventures!

Swimming Lessons
It was great to see Yr. 5 heading off to Ysgol Brynhyfryd on Monday to restart swimming sessions. We are being offered a swimming session every two weeks until the end of term and have decided to focus on Yrs. 5 and 6 for this year, due to the limited number of sessions available. We are all hoping that swimming sessions will return to normal in September and the junior classes will be able to take advantage of the many benefits and opportunities opened up by school swimming sessions.

Platinum Eco-Schools Award
A massive thank you to Mrs. Davies for collating the vast quantity of eco evidence needed for our recent Eco-Schools Award assessment. We are very passionate as a school about the environment and are very proud of the rich vein of environmental awareness and practice that goes on across so many areas of the school. This ongoing approach has been rewarded by the school receiving the Platinum Eco-Schools Award! The great news was shared in service this morning with the Eco Council proudly showing off the flag and plaque.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
For the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations on Thursday 26th of May we are giving pupils the option of coming in a 1950s / Kings, Queens, Princess themed outfit, should they wish to. I can’t decide if I’m coming in my Princess Belle Princess Ariel outfit – decisions, decisions…

Achievers
Our dazzling achievers this week are: Ellie, Amelia, Auraya, Madalyn, Eliza, Lilly, Daisy-Jane, Darcie, Maddison, Nimrod, Amelie, Oscar, Joe, Jacob, Leighton, Jay, Grace, Luca and Tiffany. Well done to all of them!
Maya achieved a Merit in her Initial-Grade Piano Award, Layla performed her first piano recital at the English Presbyterian Church and Elsie showed off her gymnastic rosettes and medals. What a talented bunch!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis
Headteacher / Pennaeth

Mai 6ed / May 6th 2022
Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

A busy week draws to a close, when is there any other kind! Lots going on this week trips out, some great work in the Garden Area and Living Classroom, as well as children getting their teeth into their new themes and topics. The weeks are flying by! Have a great weekend.

Minibeast Hunters
Some of Dosbarth Meithrin/Nursery have spent the morning hunting for Minibeasts. They worked in pairs using a magnifying glass and a Welsh tick sheet to see how many they could find. They were lucky to find several different types of Manifest!

Geometric Shapes
Blwyddyn 1 have had great fun making the 3D shapes they have learned about this week.

Lost Bracelet
We have had a bracelet handed in to us at school. Please call in to the office if it’s yours.

Covid19
With a recent announcement from Jeremy Miles, Welsh minister for Education, schools no longer follow the Local Infection Control Decision Framework. Education settings are now in line with other sectors and the wider community. Covid-19 regulations will now be made in consultation with the local authority and public health advisors. We will continue as a school to follow the core measures to minimise infection:
• All staff and learners will be reminded to follow the Welsh Government guidance for self-isolation.
• Regular handwashing and respiratory etiquette (Catch it, Bin it, Kill it) will be followed.
• Adequate ventilation by opening windows / adjusting ventilation systems continues to be important.
Achievers
This week’s fantastic achievers are: Thomas, Maya, Emily, Sam, Toby, Eden, James, Oliver, Zakk, Brandon, Ruben, Romeo, Oliver, Maddison, Hannah, Holly, Kian, Stacey, Grace, Bella and Tristan. Well done to all of you!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Ebrill 29ain / April 29th 2022

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The first week of the summer term has flown by, maybe the four-day week has helped a little, and another to follow next week! New equipment has ‘magically’ appeared over the Eater break (thanks Tony) and there have been a huge variety of activities going on all across the school. It has been wonderful to see Miss Pugh settling in so well with her Nursery class and the lovely response she has had from all the children. As we head into the final term of the year I’m hopeful that we can begin to return to some sort of normality, getting back to doing the things, in school, that we have enjoyed so much in pre-covid years. Have a great long weekend.

Planting Tables / Foundation Phase Stage

Many thanks again to our multi-talented caretaker Tony Dallolio for his hard work over the Easter break constructing planting tables in the polytunnel and a fantastic stage in the Foundation Phase outdoor area. Both will be put through their paces, I’m sure, over the coming term. I am so proud of the staff and children of Rhos St for embracing our outdoor projects with so much gusto.

Artefact Workshop

Year 2 and 4 thoroughly enjoyed their workshops with @HistArchChester. A huge thanks to them for bringing in so many wonderful artefacts and for inspiring creative thinking!

Ruthin Castle

Year 2 went on a fantastic adventure to Ruthin Castle on Thursday as a follow-up to their medieval artefacts workshop on Tuesday. They learned lots about the medieval parts of the site and saw some of the wonderful decorations and furniture.

Yr 6 Team Building

To kick off their new topic, Dragon’s Den, Blwyddyn 6 had a team-building task to build the tallest tower using only paper. Despite a few setbacks, each team showed great resilience and are now ready to put their entrepreneurial skills to the test. Fantastic teamwork!

Service
The relaxation of school covid restrictions has meant that we are able to accommodate all of our children in the hall during lunchtime. It was so good to see everyone together again. And on that note we had our first whole-school service in a very long time this morning, all about friendship. Despite the amount of time that has passed since the last time the children were all together in the hall they all behaved, listened and responded brilliantly. It was a great feeling to be back doing primary-school type things again!

Job Opportunities
We have two great job opportunities at Rhos St at the moment. We are looking to appoint a cook for both Rhos St and Ysgol Pen Barras and a cleaner, at Rhos St, for two hours each weekday evening from 3.15pm – 5.15pm.
More information and the online application form for both opportunities can be found on the Denbighshire County Council website by following the Job Vacancy tab.

Achievers
Our wonderful achievers this week are: Fleur, Isaac, Elsie, Eliza, Myah, Jude, Isla, Leila, Eva, Belle, Oskar, Abbie, Elissa, Emiliya, Leon, Azam, Shraya, Joe, Maya, Issy and Elliott. Congratulations to them all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Ebrill 8fed / April 8th 2022

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The Easter holidays have arrived and I’m sure that we are all ready to take a little time to reflect and recharge. It has been a really positive term with many projects, long in the planning, beginning to come to fruition. I am immensely proud of the children of Rhos St who have met every challenge and made the most of absolutely every opportunity that has come their way. I wish you all a restful and relaxing Easter, fingers crossed for a little kindness from the spring weather. See you all on the 26th.

Eleri Morris’s Retirement
It a momentous day here at Rhos St as it is Eleri Morris’s last day of work here with us. After 42 years of dedicated service Eleri will be retiring to spend well-deserved time with her family and enjoy her garden. Eleri has been a stalwart presence at the school for over 42 years and has worked with so many children over the years, many returning as parents and even grandparents. Her caring, calm and professional presence will be greatly missed here at school, by staff, parents and children alike. The contribution that she has made over the years, ensuring that the children of Rhos St had the best possible grounding in their journey through education is huge and I’m sure that you will all join me in wishing Eleri a very long and happy retirement.

Natalie Sproston
We also this week have bid a very fond farewell to another colleague Natalie Sproston. Natalie has worked in Rhos St since 2007 and has been a wonderful asset to the school, working in a wide variety of classes and supporting many, many children on their learning journey here with us. Natalie is looking to work a little closer to home, and all of us at school wish her all the best in her future career, and thank her for her professionalism, hard work and friendship.

Old Carpet
We are putting out a request for any bits of old carpet that the school community would be willing to donate. We want to develop our wildlife pond in the Garden Area and I’m reliably informed that pre-lining with old carpet will stop sharp rocks and stones puncturing our expensive pond liner. If anyone is able to help please let us know and we can arrange drop-off or pick-up. Many thanks.

Covid-19
As I’m sure you have seen in the media recently there has been a reduction in the level of regulation around Covid-19. I wanted to clarify the situation with school-based Covid-control measures. The intention of the Welsh Assembly Government is to continue to reduce the regulations towards the goal of ‘living with’ covid-19. In school there is still a legal requirement to have a specific school-based Covid-19 risk assessment in place. This is continuously monitored and reflects local Covid levels, current Government guidance and also infection levels within the school. The current local-infection control stipulates that we continue to avoid whole-school gatherings, such as whole-school assemblies, indoor shows or performances. The wearing of face coverings, at this level, states that face coverings may be worn in and around the school building. Social-distancing and ventilation measures will continue to be an important part of school-based infection control. I will continue to provide updates on current guidance as the situation develops and would like to thank all members of the school community for their ongoing support.

School Meal Prices
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 8% across food suppliers, but is working with suppliers to mitigate increases. In the face of rising prices the service has agreed to increase the cost of school meals by 5p, this will take effect from Monday 25th April. Even after this increase, prices will still be relatively low compared to other local authority areas, and the service is confident that it is providing value for money in terms of the quality of food given to pupils across our schools. This means that the price of a school meal will increase to £2.45. Examples of the meals provided to pupils by the service can be found at: https://denbighshireschoolmeals.co.uk/primary-menus/

Let’s Play Out: Easter holidays
Let’s Play Out are open access play sessions run by Denbighshire’s Play Ranger Service where children have the chance to play, have fun, get messy and muddy and make friends. These sessions have an open access policy which means that young people will be free to leave the session at any point. Sessions are recommended for children aged 6 to 13 years old. Children under 6 years old are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Information is available by following this link: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/lets-play-out-easter-holidays.aspx

Unreasonable Behaviour
At Rhos Street School, we believe that our stakeholders have a right to be heard, understood and respected. As a school we are extremely fortunate that the vast majority of our community are helpful, supportive and positive and share any queries or concerns in an appropriate manner, working with the professionals in school, as a team, to provide the best possible outcomes for learners. We also understand that people can become angry when they feel that matters about which they feel strongly are not being dealt with as they wish. If that anger escalates into aggression or abuse towards our staff, governors or pupils, we consider that unacceptable. Aggressive or abusive behaviour includes language (whether verbal or written) that may cause staff, governors or pupils to feel afraid, threatened or abused and may include threats, personal verbal abuse, derogatory remarks and rudeness. We also consider inflammatory statements, remarks of a discriminatory nature and unsubstantiated allegations, to be abusive behaviour. Where a stakeholder is aggressive or abusive, we may decide to take action in line with our Unreasonable Behaviour Policy, which may limit or define the specific terms of contact with school.

Buffet
A huge thank you to local company – Pen Y Bryn for supplying a plentiful, and very tasty buffet for leaving staff. They get a big thumbs up from us all here at Rhos St.

Attendance
On our return to school for the summer term, on Tuesday 26th of April, the special Covid-19 regulations put in place for attendance at school come to an end. Monitoring of attendance data will return to pre-covid regulations. Poor attendance or lateness may incur fixed penalty notices or the involvement of the Educational Social Worker. For more information on school attendance please visit: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk and search for behavior and attendance.

Achievers
Our wonderful achievers this week are:
The whole Nursery class – for being so sensible and listening so well while preparing food.
Toby, Florence, Elsie, Isaac, Grace, Lucas, Lola, Hannah, Katelyn, Aidan, Charles, Noah L.S and Jo
Welsh awards went to Aidan, Eva and Jacob
Sophia shared a Brownies award and Holly shared her Rugby – Player of the Match medal.
Piper shared her Little Princess Trust certificate following her generous hair donation.
Eleri got a head-teachers award for hard work and being good – FOR 42 YEARS!
Well done to our brilliant achievers this week!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Ebrill 1af / April 1st 2022

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The spring term is flying by at breakneck speed, with one more week to go before the Easter holidays sail majestically over the horizon. As ever, this week has been full to bursting with activity, both inside and out. A fantastic PTA Easter Fun Day brings this week to a close. We can all gird our loins ready for the final push next week!

Garden-Area Donation
Many thanks to Mr. Siôn Gwyn-Jones, Arlo and Fleur’s dad, for his kind donation of £200 towards the Garden-Area project, from his company Urbanbuild Homes. We are extremely grateful and will put the money to very good use developing the area further for the children to enjoy and learn in.

Broken Digging Tools

We are looking for donations of any digging tools, even if they have broken handles, as we have a volunteer who is able to fabricate new handles. Please drop off any donations in the foyer. Many thanks.

Olivia
I was accompanied by Mr. Bryn Jones on Tuesday to the premier of the road-safety film Olivia at Cineworld Llandudno. Working with Olivia’s parents, family and friends and after securing funding through collaborative working involving North Wales Police and partners, a film and supporting lessons have been produced which will be shown to school pupils right across Wales as part of the national SchoolBeat programme. Olivia, a much-loved, ex-Rhos St pupil, was tragically killed in a road-traffic incident. The film was the most difficult thing I can ever remember watching, but will do a vital job in educating new or pre-drivers and aims to help them be aware of their responsibilities and of the devastating consequences that can occur.

Earth Hour

Many thanks to Ben and Emily for sharing pictures of their Earth Hour activities. I’m sure that they were not alone in taking time to stand alongside the WWF – World Wildlife Fund collaborating with people from all over the world celebrate and support positive action for our fragile planet.

Wellbeing
As part of our work supporting Wellbeing in school, and in recognition of the challenges that many children have faced in recent times, we have a copy of the excellent book: Worry-Proofing Your Anxious Child by Bev Aisbett available to loan form the school. A calm, clear and reassuring book that is filled with explanations and practical advice for parents. If you would like to borrow this book please contact Mr. Davis, Mrs. Liddy or Mrs. Davies.

Eleri Morris Retirement
A card and envelope are in the school office for any parents who wish to leave a message or make a donation for Eleri who will be leaving us next Friday after over 40 years of sterling service. – The end of an era!

Easter Fun Day
A brilliant time was had by all at the Easter Fun Day, organised by the wonderful Rhos St PTA. There were lots of great activities including arts and craft, Easter-egg hunts, pin the tail on the bunny, Easter hat / bonnet competition and lots, lots more. Many thanks to all of the PTA members who gave up their time to support the school and also to parents and carers for their kind donations in support of the school. Pictures of the event will soon be available on the schools Flickr account, accessible through the Rhos St website.

Achievers
Our fab achievers this week are: Amelia, Aliza, Oliver, Isabella, Skye, Max, Kalyani, Emi-Lee and Ella May.
Meredith was awarded a Welsh award and Emi-Lee shared her rugby award. Well done to them all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Mawrth 25ain / March 25th 2022

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The warm, sunny weather this week may have lulled us into a feeling that spring is springing. There have been lots of great work outdoors, both in the Living Classroom and also in our Garden Area. It is great to see children outside learning and having fun. Fingers crossed that the weather lasts over the weekend, as the forecast looks a little more unsettled for next week, with even the word snow being recklessly bandied about, so we all need to make the most of it.

Earth Hour
Our service this morning was all about Earth Hour. Started in 2007 by WWF and partners as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney to raise awareness of climate change, Earth Hour is now one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment. Held every year on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour engages supporters in more than 190 countries and territories, all taking action to ensure a brighter future for people and the planet.
We are asking for pictures of any Earth Hour activities be forwarded to: andrew.davis@denbighsire.gov.uk so that we can celebrate Rhos St school’s part in the global, collective action for our planet. Many thanks.

Little Princess Trust
We are so proud of Piper, in Yr 2 for her selfless donation of 13 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real hair wigs, free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer. Well done to her for such a kind gesture. We will Tweet her certificate next week.

Tesco Donation

A massive thank you to Tesco Ruthin who have donated plants and compost to our Garden Area project. Yr. 5 had a brilliant time helping bring in the goodies. Many thanks also to school Governor Pat Astbury and husband Peter for collecting and delivering the donations.

Co-Op Donation
Many thanks to Co-Op Ruthin for their kind donation of plants for the Garden Area project. Also to Pat Astbury and Julie Debicka for organising their collection and drop off at school.

Achievers
Our wonderful achievers this week are: Jake, Emily, Morgan, Jude, Joshua, Arlo, Skye, Maddie, Amelie, Milo, Daniel, Melissa and Miley.
A Welsh award went to Isabella, well done to them all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth