Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

There have been many firsts this week within my role of Interim Headteacher. I’ve spent lots of time looking at e-mails trying work work out what different acronyms mean and what I need to do about them! I’ve written my first Newsletter and made my first Rhos St Tweet. Lots of change and new things. What has been wonderful through all of this ‘newness’ and unfamiliarity is the welcome and support that I have received from so many members of the school community.

I have had a lovely response form the wonderful children of Rhos St, even if many of them have said, “Why are you trying to look smart?” I would like to thank all of the parents and carers who have offered kind messages of support and a massive thank you to the staff of Rhos St who have been so positive and supportive.

It has been a busy week, with all the children settling brilliantly back to their classes and to working hard. It has been so nice to walk around the classes seeing everyone focused and learning.

Covid-19
Although we have been affected, to some degree, by the current levels of covid-19 we have, fortunately managed to keep all of our teaching and learning, this week, face-to-face. We will continue to do our utmost to keep pupils in school, but we may need at some point to move to online / distance learning if there are increased levels of staff absence and we are unable to provide appropriate staff to pupil ratios. The move to distance laearning may need to made quickly, as staff are testing for Covid-19 three times per week. I will endeavor to inform parents and carers of any affected classes as soon as I have the information via e-mail, Twitter and the Rhos St website. I would like to thank you all for your continued support in following the current guidance.

Urdd
This year, due to Covid-19, we will not be entering the Urdd Eisteddfod as we have in the past. The lack of surety around the Urdd activities that will able to be offered to pupils in the current climate, has made us consider carefully if requesting parents and carers to pay for membership of the Urdd movement would be as valuable as it has been in previous years. We will, as a school, be taking the Urdd theme of Sea to Summit and will be developing Welsh language and art activities, throughout the school, that we will be sharing with you all in our own in-school Eisteddfod, around St David’s Day. This, we feel, allows pupils the opportunity to gain maximum benefit from undertaking the activities and reducing the possible issues around the current pandemic.

Lunchtime Supervisors
Please see below our advert for Lunchtime Suprvisors at the school:

The Governing Body of Rhos Street School wish to appoint two enthusiastic Midday staff to supervise pupils during lunch time in and around the school site. We are looking for an individual who has the ability to secure the safety, welfare and good conduct of pupils during the mid-day break period, in accordance with the practices and procedures of the Local Authority.

Appointment subject to Disclosure & Barring Service Check and satisfactory references. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the post, please call Andrew Davis on 01824 702565.

If you are interested in this vacancy, please apply on-line via the website www.denbighshire.gov.uk. For alternative methods of applying please contact Customer Services on 01824 706101.
Candidates must complete our application form to be considered.

Big thank you!
A massive thank you to, ex-pupil, Anthony Dallolio (AJ) who gave up his time at the weekend to use his professional tree-surgery skills to remove a hanging branch from the garden area of the school. A big thank you to Tony Dallolio, AJ’s dad, and our relief-caretaker for arranging it.

Young Minds
We have received a big thank you from the charity YoungMinds for taking part in the Hello Yellow for World Mental Health Day. School raised a fantastic £149 which will go towards supporting childrens’ and young people’s mental health.

Uniform and PE Kit
Please could I request that all uniform, coats and PE kit is named. This really helps us to make sure lost property finds its rightful owner and will reduce the need for parents to rifle through the dreaded lost property boxes.

Achievers
Our fantastic achievers this week are:
Oliver, Thomas, Jude, Oliver, Lukas, Elsie, Sky, Sophie, Charly, Mia-Rose, Jade, Willow, Llinos, Cain and Finley
Big congratualtions to Alys for achieving a Merit in her Grade 1 Violin examination.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We’ve made it to the end of term, barring a couple of days of learning remotely next week and as I reflect on 2021, it has certainly been another year of great challenge. Twelve months ago when I looked back on 2020, it was with incredulity, but not a lot has really changed has it and we face 2022 with equal uncertainty. Something else that hasn’t changed is how this school unites parents, pupils, staff and Governors in working together for the benefit of its community. Though admittedly a little world weary, we can all look back on the year with pride, knowing that despite all the challenges in the face of Covid and the subsequent fallout, everybody has done their very best for these fantastic pupils and can hold their heads high.

As the school moves into a new phase in January, when I go on secondment, it brings a great opportunity for Rhos Street to refresh things with new ideas from an enthusiastic team who I know are ready and raring to show what they can do. I would like to wish Mr. Davis, Mrs. Liddy and Mrs. Davies every success in their new roles on the Senior Leadership Team. All three have already made a huge impact on the school over many years and consequently, the school is in very capable hands. I’m sure you will give Mr. Davis your full support as Headteacher. He has my full confidence, respect and admiration.

After 13 years in the role, it will be strange to step away for a while, but I will be rooting for Rhos Street from afar in 2022. It’s time for me to do something different and I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead. I’d like to thank everybody for their support – to staff, Governors, pupils, parents and the whole school community. This truly is a special school and I will miss the place while I’m away.

Finally, I’d like to wish you all a lovely Christmas and New Year. It is a time to be cherished with family, so I very much hope we’re all able to do that safely. All the best for 2022. The New Year will I’m sure, bring its Covid complications, but the ‘Rhos Street Way’ sees everybody pull together and that will no doubt be the case going forward.

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

Yours sincerely,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher

Olivia Alkir Fundraiser – Thank you for your contributions to the recent fundraiser. A total of £209.93 was raised towards the stained glass window at Efenechtyd Church.

Christmas Jumper Day – We raised £88.02 on Xmas Jumper Day, so thank you once again!

PTA Thanks – A huge thank you to Emma and her team on the PTA for all their work and support this term. Today, they organised a visit from Santa, who presented each of our pupils with a gift, which were individually wrapped in a wrapping party at Jodie’s – thank you to all concerned! They organised the art competition and the successful raffle. I am very grateful for the PTA for their time, commitment and enthusiasm. Thank you to Santa too!

Virtual Christmas Concert – The video has been completed the link will soon be emailed to you all. Thank you to everybody for their hard work and to Mr. Davis for his technical skills in compiling it all together.

January Arrangements – The uncertain circumstances around the Omicron variant means that we are uncertain to what degree restrictions will be used in and around school in the new term. Those details will be provided by Mr. Davis when the picture has become clearer.

Library Initiative – Denbighshire Libraries are running an initiative called the Winter Mini Challenge? All pupils have to do is read at least three books before 16 January and add them to their online profile at http://wintermini.org.uk to earn fun digital rewards!

PTA Raffle – Congratulations to the winners below and thank you to everybody who bought a ticket. Could winners collect their prizes from the school office please. The total raised was £503 which is a great efforts. Many thanks.
£100 cash – John Heaven
Hamper – Wendy Nulty
Lamp – Mo Rennie
Choo Choo items – D Owen
Jack Daniels – Don Hilario
Candy Shack sweets – Arlo Boyd
Toiletries set – Jodie Pike
Avon set & gin sample set – Amy Hewitt
Automark MOT – Kath Edwards
Chocolate Tasting set – Sylvia Smith
Chocolates & wine – Neil Jones
Chocolates & bracelets – Michelle McDonald
Tea light set – Apirak Lenla

Art Competition – Congratulations to art competition winners, Elliott, Emily, Sofia, Seren, Hannah, Samuel, Isla and Daisy.

Achievers – Mia received a swimming certificate, Llinos a gymnastics trophy and Harri a taekwondo medal. Well done to all three.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Xmas Dinner – Many thanks to Lyn and her staff in the kitchen for putting together a delicious Christmas lunch yesterday. There was much merriment in the hall.

PTA Raffle – PTA Raffle Tickets continue to be on sale! The star prize is £100 cash. Other prizes include a luxury hamper, designer lamp, personal trainer sessions, MOT at Automark, sweetie selection, a bag from Choo Choo, various alcohol bottles & a toiletries gift set. The draw takes place next Friday.

Virtual Christmas Concert – Despite all the restrictions, absences and circumstances around Covid, the pupils and staff have been working hard to put together a virtual Christmas concert for you all to enjoy. I will share the link with you next week and would be grateful if it was not shared beyond family. Hopefully circumstances next year will allow it to be a traditional Rhos Street Christmas once again.

North Wales Community Alert – Please see the attached details regarding this initiative by North Wales Police.

Achievers – Students of the Week are Esme, Morgan, Amelia, Nancy, Thea, Hannah, Isaac, ArloB, Seren, Eva-May, Bella, Tiffany. Nursery also had a special mention for working so hard on the Christmas Concert. Welsh awards went to Lucas and CharlieG and Mia. Seren also had a special award in tap and a swimming certificate was shared with Isabella. Well done all!

Welsh Poster Competition – Here are the winners of the Welsh poster competition run by our Criw Cymraeg.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers,

Remembering Olivia – Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts towards the stained glass window at Efenechtyd Church in memory of Olivia Alkir. Pupils came to school in navy blue and white – her favourite colours. We saw from experience in her time here at Rhos Street School that she was a pupil who always grasped all the opportunities offered to her with enthusiasm. This example set by her is certainly something that all our pupils should aspire towards.

Christmas Jumper Day – This annual fundraiser for Save the Children takes place next Friday. Our pupils are invited to come to school in their Christmas jumpers and if you wish to also make a donation, then we will pass on all collected to the charity concerned.

PTA Raffle – PTA Xmas raffle tickets have been given out to pupils this week. We’d be grateful if you could buy or sell some tickets. The draw will take place on 17th Dec.

PTA Xmas Competition – The PTA are running a Christmas competition again this year. They are asking Juniors to draw their own winter scene and for the Infants to decorate a Christmas tree template. 50p to enter and winners will be awarded a prize on the last Friday of term. Templates have been given out today.

PTA Own Clothes for Chocolate – The PTA are also requesting chocolate donations for own clothes on December 17th. Pupils can come in own clothes for a small donation of chocolate.

Fundraising – Thank you for supporting our fundraising efforts over recent months. The amount collected in various activities / initiatives are as follows:
Poppy Appeal – £288.12
Move a Marathon – £216.15
Hello Yellow Day – £149.37
Children in Need – £207.80

New Staffing Team – Please see below for a message from Mr Davis, who of course will be stepping into my shoes for rest of the academic year beginning in January.

Xmas Dinner – This takes place next Thursday, so pupils are welcome to bring in Xmas hats to make it a festive occasion!

Students of the Week – Students of the Week are Fleur, Ella, Aliza, Louie, Alex, Lucas, Oliver, Penny, Amelia, CharlieE, TylerP and TylerOM. Welsh awards went to ArloJ, Belle, Rayne, Daisy, Piper and Ella.

Yours sincerely,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

Following lesson observations and interviews yesterday, I am extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Miss Alana Price to the role of Yr 6 teacher. Miss Price will begin teaching Yr 6 from the beginning of the Spring term and her appointment completes the process of finalising the staffing team for the rest of the academic year. I would like to thank governors: Mr Brian Hubble and Mrs Julie Debicka for supporting us with the interview and appointment process.

The completion of the staffing team means that I can now look forward, with a little nervousness, to taking on my new role as interim headteacher. I will endeavour to live up to the high standards that Rhos St has upheld for so many years, under the accomplished leadership of Mr Jones, and look forward to working positively together as a whole-school community over the coming terms.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Davis

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Dimau Dinbych – Local schools are raising money for the 2022 Denbigh Eisteddfod with a project called ‘Dimau Dinbych’, collecting as many coppers & loose change as possible. Please bring any spare pennies into school & we will donate to our local Urdd Appeal.

PTA Xmas Competition – The PTA are running a Christmas competition again this year. They are asking Juniors to draw their own winter scene and for the Infants to decorate a Christmas tree template. 50p to enter and winners will be awarded a prize on the last Friday of term.

Olivia Alkir Fundraiser – You will recall that Olivia was a pupil at Rhos Street and in 2019 was tragically killed in a car crash. There is a fundraiser to raise money towards a stained glass window in her memory at Efenechtyd church and we want to assist in any way we can. Olivia’s favourite colours were navy blue and white, so we invite pupils to come in those colours next Friday and contribute a pound each. Many thanks for your anticipated support.

Vaccination Drop in Sessions – The email includes an attachment providing you with dates and locations you can take your child for their flu immunization if they weren’t able to attend on the day the school nurse administered the vaccine here at Rhos Street.

Welsh Resources – Also attached is a document providing you with some useful Welsh websites and apps to support you at home with learning Cymraeg.

Christmas Dinner – This will be served on Thursday December 9th. Due to supply constraints at the moment, the canteen staff have requested that we obtain an indicative number of pupils requesting lunch on that day, which will be the same menu as the one provided on Thursday of week one, with a sweet option of either Christmas pudding or ice-cream. A pro-forma has been sent home for you to indicate whether you wish your child/ren to have the dinner.

Virtual Christmas Concert – As you will be aware, we have once again not been able to organise Christmas Concerts this year, due to Covid-19 restrictions. As an alternative, we have asked each class to record a short item which will then be merged into a series of class performances. For your information, the recording will be uploaded as a private video online with the link only being shared with members of the school community. The link will not be made public and only people with the link will be able to watch the video. I would be very grateful if you only share the link with your families and do not share on social media. If you do not wish your child’s recording to be used, please inform the school office.

Christmas Jumper Day – This annual fundraiser for Save the Children takes place on December 10th. Our pupils are invited to come to school in their Christmas jumpers and if you wish to also make a donation, then we will pass on all collected to the charity concerned.

Achievers – Students of the Week are Dylan, Cecily, Sophie, HarryC, HarriL, Joshua, Rayne, Sebastian, Belle, Amelie, Isabella, Mia, and Ben. Welsh awards went to Eva, Lola, Isla, Jacob and Evie, while swimming certificates were shared with Daniel and Llinos. Well done all!

Sympathies – We send our deepest sympathies to the Jones family on their recent bereavement. The whole school will wrap its arms around Lucas and Dylan in this difficult period and our thoughts are with you all.
Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Children in Need – Thank you for your support for today’s fundraiser. I will share the total amount raised by the school when it has been calculated. I am sure the children have had a great time supporting this very worthwhile charity.

Pentrellyncymer – Huge thanks go to Miss Davies and Shanny for taking our pupils away on their residential visit to Pentrellyncymer this week. The photographs on Twitter give every indication of what a fantastic experience it has been for all concerned. Thanks also to the staff at the centre for providing the activities.

Bottle Tops – We are still on the lookout for any plastic bottle tops you may have at home. If you have any, please send them in and they will be put to good use in our eco work.

Year 2 Tesco Visit – Year 2 are off to Tesco next Monday on a visit, as part of their food project.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones
Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Remembrance – I am sure you have seen the photographs on Twitter of our pupils, respectfully observing a two minutes silence yesterday on the Infants’ yard in order to recognize the armistice on Remembrance Day.

Tudor Day – The Tudor project in Blwyddyn 3 a 4 came to a close with their special day yesterday. The morning involved dressing up, playing games, having a banquet and a dance. In the afternoon, they enjoyed a performance from creative group, Mewn Cymeriad based on Henry Tudor who was born in Wales and built his army to win the throne here too. Thank you to Ruthin panto for the loan of the costumes and also to Mrs Lewis and Miss Davies for organising such an enriching day of activities. Anybody from Welsh Government studying how our pupils are engaging with the new Curriculum for Wales would be very impressed!

Anti Bullying Week – Next week, we will be supporting this annual initiative and on Monday, once again we will invite everybody to come into school wearing odd-socks to celebrate that it’s good to be different. Feel free to tweet photos of your child in their odd socks before they come to school!

Chester FC Sessions – Years 2, 3 and 4 have very much enjoyed and benefitted from their sessions with Kalvin. From Monday, he will work with Years 1, 5 and 6 up to Christmas. PE kits are required on those days for those classes please.

Children in Need – Next Friday, Children in Need will be supported by the school. Pupils can come to school dressed as Pudsey, in spots or stripes, in their pyjamas or onesies or own clothes and we ask for a £1 contribution.

Congratulations – Congratulations go to Rayne, Hugo and family on the arrival of a baby brother!

Achievers – Students of the Week are Joe, Oliver, Lukas, Auraya, Piper, Lilly, Jacob, Jay, Sofia, Lilly, Henry and Kian. Welsh awards went to Eden, Eva and Leo. Holly received a certificate for rookie lifeguard and Seren one for tap. Well done all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones
Headteacher / Pennaeth