Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Although the rain hasn’t shown many signs of stopping, our pupils have taken it all in stride. Indoor activities have been buzzing, and the enthusiasm around school has certainly brightened the grey weather.
A special highlight this week was the Year 5 Family Service. The children led with maturity, confidence, and warmth, sharing their learning and reflections beautifully. Thank you to all families who were able to join us—it was wonderful to see such supportive engagement.
We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Rupert’s Rainbow Bingo. The event brought a brilliant burst of colour and community spirit to the week. Your participation and enthusiasm made it truly memorable.
Meanwhile, our School Council has continued to meet and discuss ideas for improving school life. Their thoughtful contributions and sense of responsibility are impressive, and we look forward to sharing more about their projects over the term.
Despite the weather, it’s been another positive and productive week here in school. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Year 5 Family Service
Our Year 5 pupils treated us to a truly memorable Family Service today centred around their fascinating topic Blood, Bones and Body Bits. The children shared an impressive range of knowledge—everything from the workings of the human body to surprising scientific facts they’ve been exploring in class. It was clear they’ve learned so much!
The service was brought to life with energetic acting, confident speaking, and some wonderful songs that the pupils performed with enthusiasm. Their teamwork, creativity and courage were evident throughout, and they should all feel very proud of what they achieved.
A huge thank you to our fantastic Year 5 pupils for their hard work and for presenting their learning with such confidence. Thank you also to the staff team for guiding and supporting them, and to all the parents and carers who were able to join us. Your encouragement means a great deal to the children and the school.
It was a joyful celebration of learning—and a great reminder of what talented, curious young scientists we have in Year 5!

The Importance of Good Punctuality
At Rhos Street, we are committed to ensuring every child has the best possible start to their learning each day. Recently, we have noticed an increase in pupils arriving late, and we would like to highlight why punctuality is so important.
Impact on Learning and Attainment
Arriving even a few minutes late can have a significant effect on a child’s learning:
• The first part of the day often includes vital teaching input, explanations and settling routines.
• Missing the start of lessons can lead to gaps in understanding that build up over time.
• Children who begin the day rushed or unsettled often take longer to engage fully in learning.
Regular punctuality helps pupils feel confident, organised, and ready to learn.
Impact on Classroom and School Routines
Lateness doesn’t only affect the child who is late:
Lessons are disrupted when staff need to repeat instructions or pause to settle late arrivals.
The flow of teaching is interrupted, which impacts the concentration of the whole class.
Staff time is diverted from teaching and supporting learning to managing late arrivals.
Additionally, when parents and carers remain on site after 9.00am, staff are required to leave classrooms or offices to monitor the site and ensure safeguarding procedures are upheld. This further reduces the time available for teaching and preparation.
How Families Can Help
We understand that mornings can be busy and unpredictable, but small changes can make a big difference:
• Allow extra time for travel and morning routines.
• Ensure children have everything they need ready the night before.
• Aim for arrival a few minutes before the bell so children can settle happily.
• Please leave the site promptly after drop‑off to help us maintain smooth routines and safeguarding procedures.
Working Together
Our shared goal is to give every child the best possible learning experience. By improving punctuality and ensuring the site is clear after 9.00am, we can support higher attainment, smoother routines, and a positive start to each school day.
If you need any support with your child’s attendance or punctuality, please contact the school office—we are here to help.

Safeguarding Update: How We Support Our Learners and Families
At our school, keeping all children safe is our highest priority. We want to ensure that parents, carers, and learners are aware of the safeguarding support available within our setting, as well as through external services and community organisations.
Support Within School
Our designated safeguarding team is available to offer advice, guidance, and support whenever you have concerns about a child’s wellbeing. Learners are reminded regularly about who they can talk to if they need help or feel unsafe.
Support Through Community and External Services
We work closely with local safeguarding partners and community services, which can offer support with mental health, online safety, family wellbeing and early intervention. Families are encouraged to contact us if they would like more information about the support available.
Sharing Information to Keep Children Safe
To protect the welfare of every learner, there may be situations where school staff need to share relevant information with other agencies, such as children’s services or health professionals.
Information is only shared when necessary for safeguarding purposes and always in line with statutory guidance and data protection legislation. Our aim is to ensure every child receives the right support at the right time.
If you have any questions about how safeguarding information is used, please contact the school office.
Key Contacts
School Safeguarding Team External Support – Denbighshire Children and Families

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Andrew Davis
• Office Contact: 01824 702565 Gateway
• Phone (Mon–Thu 9am–5pm, Fri 9am–4:30pm): 01824 712200
• Evenings and weekends: 0345 053 3116
• Email: cfsgateway@denbighshire.gov.uk

Request for Junior Book Donations
As part of our ongoing work this year to promote reading for pleasure, we are currently zhuzhing up the Junior Library to make it an even more inviting and exciting space for our pupils. Alongside this, we are also preparing for our upcoming Book Café.
To support both projects, we would be really grateful for donations of good‑quality Junior-age books (ages 7–11). If you have any books at home that your children have finished with, we’d love to give them a new lease of life on our shelves.
Donations can be handed to your child’s class teacher or dropped off at the main office.
Thank you, as always, for your wonderful support. It truly makes a difference to our reading community.

Rupert’s Rainbow Bingo – A Wonderful Evening of Community Spirit
Despite the dreary, cold, rainy weather, our school hall was filled with warmth, colour, and community spirit on Thursday evening as we came together for Rupert’s Rainbow Bingo. The event was held in aid of the Rupert’s Rainbow Foundation, supporting awareness of AHC (Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood)—a cause close to the hearts of both Rhos Street School and Little Acorns, as the child of a former pupil is affected by this rare condition.
We are absolutely thrilled to share that over £1,500 was raised during the evening—an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the generosity and kindness of our whole community.
A major highlight of the night was our superb bingo caller, Jermaine, whose enthusiasm, energy, and excellent calling skills kept everyone entertained from start to finish. A special thank you as well to Piper and Eliza, who ran a beautiful bracelet stall, adding an extra splash of colour and helping boost the fundraising total even further.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the Little Acorns and Rhos St staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, organising the event, and kindly giving up their time to make sure everything ran smoothly. Your effort and dedication were very much appreciated.
We are also deeply grateful to the parents, carers, families, and friends who braved the rain to join us. Your attendance, encouragement, and generosity helped create a warm, uplifting atmosphere and made a real difference to this important cause.
Rupert’s Rainbow Bingo was a wonderful celebration of compassion, teamwork, and community spirit. Thank you once again to everyone involved for contributing to such an amazing total and helping us support a cause that means so much to our school community.

Weekly Wellbeing
In a week where we witnessed such wonderful community spirit and everyone working together for an incredibly worthwhile cause, here is a heartwarming quote from Fred Rogers.

Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was an American television presenter, educator, and writer, best known for creating Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood. He was celebrated for his gentle, compassionate communication and his lifelong dedication to children’s emotional wellbeing, kindness, and community connection.

“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.”

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

What a busy and productive week at Rhos Street. We’ve enjoyed a wonderfully busy few days filled with learning, safety awareness, community spirit, and fundraising. This week saw the unveiling of our new Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt road safety banner, as well as a really constructive road safety meeting with North Wales Police that helped reinforce safe habits for all pupils.
Alongside this, the children took part in both a lockdown drill on Monday and a fire drill on Wednesday, responding calmly, sensibly, and brilliantly to each. These drills are an important part of our safeguarding practice, and we’re proud of how maturely the pupils approached them.
We also embraced an own clothes day in support of Rupert’s Rainbow, helping raise awareness and funds for a cause close to our community. And of course, we’ve been busy collecting donations for our Recycle 4 School fundraising initiative.
It’s been a packed and purposeful week, and our pupils have worked incredibly hard throughout.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Safety Drills Success This Week
This week, pupils took part in two important whole‑school safety practices: a lockdown drill on Monday and a fire drill on Wednesday. We are very pleased to share that both drills were extremely successful.
Our pupils responded brilliantly in each situation. They followed instructions calmly, moved quickly and sensibly, and demonstrated a clear understanding of what to do to stay safe. These drills are an important part of our safeguarding procedures, ensuring that staff and pupils are well prepared for any situation that may arise.
Both drills were carried out efficiently and effectively, and we are proud of how maturely all children approached them. Regular practice helps us refine our procedures and maintain a safe, secure environment for everyone in our school community. Well done to all pupils and staff for their excellent response and teamwork.

Recycle 4 School – Thank You for the Fantastic Donations!
A huge thank you to everyone for the wonderful donations received today as part of our Recycle 4 School scheme.
Your generosity is helping us raise valuable funds while supporting textile recycling. Our Eco-Council will now organise collection of two full recycling containers!
We truly appreciate all the good‑quality items you’ve sent in — from clothes and shoes to accessories and other reusable textiles. Every donation will be collected, reused around the world, and will make a real difference by reducing textile waste and supporting our school.
Thank you once again for your incredible support!

Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt Banner Unveiled
We are delighted to share the next phase of our joint Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt road safety campaign, delivered in partnership with Ysgol Pen Barras and Ysgol Borthyn. This week, a new road safety banner was unveiled at our shared site, reinforcing the importance of using the school car park safely and responsibly. This continues our ongoing work to keep our school community safe. Alongside regular reminders, we are taking further actions to promote safe drop‑off and pick‑up routines, reduce congestion, and ensure that pedestrians—especially our youngest pupils—can move around the site with confidence.
Our pupils have played an important role in shaping this campaign through pupil voice activities. Their ideas and concerns have helped us understand key priorities and ensure that the messaging is meaningful to the children themselves.
Safeguarding remains at the heart of everything we do, and this campaign is another positive step in strengthening the safety of our whole school community. We look forward to updating you as further actions are introduced in the coming weeks.

Thank You for Supporting Rupert’s Rainbow
A huge thank you to all pupils, parents, and carers for your fantastic support during our Own Clothes Day for Rupert’s Rainbow. Your generosity and enthusiasm were very much appreciated and have helped raise both awareness and funds for a truly important cause.
This fundraising is in support of 7‑month‑old Rupert, who has AHC (Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood). Funds will go towards vital research taking place in the USA, helping to further understanding of this rare condition and support Rupert and his family.
We are also so proud of our pupils, who have been colouring in beautiful rainbows to decorate the hall ready for Thursday’s Bingo event. Their effort, creativity, and kindness have brought so much colour and joy to the school — thank you all!
A quick reminder that our next fundraising event — Bingo Night on Wednesday 5th February — is just around the corner. We hope to see many of you there for an evening of fun, prizes, and community spirit, all in support of this wonderful cause.
Thank you once again for your kindness and continued support.

Supporting Children to Thrive Online – Digital Resilience Sessions
We are pleased to share details of our upcoming Digital Resilience Sessions, designed to help parents, carers, and families feel confident supporting children in today’s online world.
These sessions will explore:
• How to keep children safe online
• How to build confidence in talking to your child about internet safety
• How to recognise concerning online behaviours
• How to create a practical digital safety plan for your family
The sessions are open to all parents, carers, and family members, with multiple opportunities to attend, both online and in person, to suit different schedules.
Together, we can help children become safe, confident, and resilient digital citizens. Sign up link: Digital Resilience for adults – Fill in form

Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt – Meeting Update
Thank you to everyone who attended our Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt meeting yesterday. It was a really positive and productive session. We reviewed the data and findings from both the pupil and parent road safety surveys, and we’re very grateful to everyone who took the time to complete them. Your feedback is incredibly important and has already helped shape our next steps. Some fantastic ideas were shared, and we’re excited to start working on them.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming Road Safety Poster Competition—details will be shared soon!
Thank you again for your continued support in helping keep all our children safe.

Request for Junior Book Donations
As part of our ongoing work this year to promote reading for pleasure, we are currently zhuzhing up the Junior Library to make it an even more inviting and exciting space for our pupils. Alongside this, we are also preparing for our upcoming Book Café.
To support both projects, we would be really grateful for donations of good‑quality Junior-age books (ages 7–11). If you have any books at home that your children have finished with, we’d love to give them a new lease of life on our shelves.
Donations can be handed to your child’s class teacher or dropped off at the main office.
Thank you, as always, for your wonderful support. It truly makes a difference to our reading community.

Weekly Wellbeing
This morning’s service was all about kindness; this quote from Aesop reminds us that we all make the world the way it is. Aesop was an ancient Greek storyteller believed to have lived around 620–564 BCE. He is best known for his collection of short moral tales, now called Aesop’s Fables, which include familiar stories such as The Tortoise and the Hare and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
Although little is known about his life with certainty, his fables have been passed down for centuries and continue to teach children (and adults!) important lessons about kindness, honesty, and empathy.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop

Achievers
This week’s amazing achievers are: Kadey-May, Sam, Noa, Eliza, Jack, Kitti, Phoebe, Orfan, Eric, and Verity.
Welsh awards went to Omran, Fleur, Paisley, Orla, Isla, and Jack. Well done to all of our fabulous achievers!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

It’s been another wonderfully busy week in school, filled with hard work, curiosity, and lots of smiles. Across the classes, children have been making fantastic progress—whether tackling new learning challenges, developing their confidence, or showing great teamwork. It’s been lovely to see everyone putting in such effort and taking pride in their achievements.
As always, thank you for your continued support. We’re excited to share some of the highlights from the week and key messages below.

Lockdown Drill
As a vital part of our safeguarding at school we will be holding a Lockdown Drill on the afternoon of Monday 26th of January in conjunction with Ysgol Pen Barras. The drill will involve the children moving into their classrooms, and staff ensuring that the school is locked and secured. Staff will be speaking to the children, prior to the drill, to explain what they need to do and reassure them that it is simply a practise, just like a Fire Drill, to keep them safe. Staff will be using the scenario of needing to lock the school doors if there was ‘A dog on the yard that we did not know.’, rather than relate it to some more serious threats, which may cause children distress or upset. This Lockdown Drill is extremely important in ensuring our ability to keep our leaners and staff safe and will be handled with great sensitivity with children being supported and reassured at every stage.

Festive Reading Challenge – January Reminder!
A quick reminder that we are still collecting entries for our **Festive Reading Challenge: Reading in Unusual Places! **
We’re certain there are plenty more great photos sitting on phones and tablets just waiting to be uploaded!
Here’s how to take part:
• Choose a favourite book
• Find an unusual or interesting place to read it – indoors, outdoors, cosy corners or creative spots (as long as it’s safe!)
• Take a photo of your child reading in their unusual place
• Email it to: ReadingChallengeR5@hwbcymru.net
• Don’t forget to include your child’s full name and class.
We’ll be putting together a display of all entries soon, and prizes will be awarded for the most imaginative photos in each class!
Thank you to those who have already sent in their pictures — they’re fantastic. We’d love to see more. Happy reading!

Request for Junior Book Donations – Forthcoming Book Café
As part of our ongoing work this year to promote reading for pleasure, we are preparing for our upcoming Book Café and would be grateful for donations of Junior-age books (ages 7–11).
If you have any good-quality books at home that your children have finished with, we would really appreciate them being passed on. Donations can be given directly to your child’s class teacher or left at the main office.
Thank you, as always, for your generous support. It makes a real difference to our reading community.

Contacting School with Queries or Concerns
At Rhos Street, we are always here to support our pupils and families, and we know that questions or concerns can arise from time to time. If you do need to get in touch with a member of staff, please remember that teachers are the right people to contact directly, as they know your child best and are best placed to help.
To ensure we can respond in the most effective and timely way, we ask that parents and carers complete a Meeting Request Form from the school office. This helps us arrange the right member of staff to meet with you and ensures that we can give
your concern the attention it deserves.

We politely remind families of the following:
• Inform staff of any concerns in a proportionate and courteous manner. We will always do our best to address issues, but please allow us reasonable time to respond.
• Respond to staff courteously when we contact you about any matters involving your child.
• Approach the school directly if you have a concern. Please allow us the opportunity to resolve the issue with you.
• Avoid discussing school matters on unaffiliated social media platforms. Social media is not an appropriate forum for raising concerns and can cause unnecessary upset or misunderstanding.

We must also remind parents that defamatory, offensive, or derogatory comments about the school, its pupils, parents, or staff on Facebook or other social networking sites are not acceptable. If you have a worry or would like to raise an issue, please speak directly to a member of staff, or the Headteacher. This ensures that matters are handled fairly, appropriately, and effectively for all involved.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us maintain a positive, respectful school community.

Help Available – Gas & Electric
Unity in Community will be providing vouchers to help towards paying for gas and electricity. To qualify you must pay for your energy through a prepayment meter and have not received energy vouchers from Unity in Community within the past 12 months. This is in response to the ongoing cost of living crisis and beneficiaries can be working, unemployed, self-employed, or retired. For more information and to register, call 01482 420836, Monday to Friday, 9am – 3pm – if busy, please keep trying.
We look forward to working with you to support families through a challenging time.

Upcoming Online Sleep Hygiene Session for Parents & Carers
We are pleased to share details of an upcoming Sleep Hygiene Session designed to support parents and carers. This helpful online workshop, delivered by The Sleep Charity, will explore practical strategies to promote healthy sleep routines for children.
Session Details:

Date: Monday, 27th January
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Online

Parents can register by clicking the link provided to complete the short registration form.
Sleep Hygiene Session for Parents/Carers 27th January 6 pm – 7 pm – Online – Fill in form

We hope many of you will find this session useful and are able to join.

Exploring ‘Changes’ in Blwyddyn 1
Blwyddyn 1 have been busy carrying out a fun and colourful science investigation as part of our topic, ‘Changes.’ The children have been exploring whether we can change the colour of cabbage water by adding different substances — and the results have been fascinating!
Using bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice, the pupils carefully observed how the cabbage water reacted. They were amazed to see the liquid change colour right before their eyes! This simple experiment helped the children learn about how materials can change when they are mixed together, introducing them to early concepts of acids and alkalis in an engaging, age‑appropriate way.
The class thoroughly enjoyed predicting what might happen, watching the reactions unfold, and talking about the changes they saw. A brilliant hands-on learning experience — da iawn, Blwyddyn 1!

Blwyddyn 2 Join the Big School Birdwatch!
Blwyddyn 2 had a wonderful time taking part in the Big School Birdwatch on Wednesday. Armed with curiosity and a great deal of enthusiasm, the children headed outdoors to see which birds they could spot around our school grounds.
They observed carefully, listened attentively, and showed impressive patience and stealth as they tried to creep quietly towards any unsuspecting birds nearby. Some pupils even brought in their own binoculars from home, which added an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
The children enjoyed identifying different species, discussing what they noticed, and contributing to this important nationwide survey that helps track and protect the UK’s bird populations. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and develop observation skills.

Recycle 4 School – Bags Going Home Today!
Rhos Street is taking part in the Recycle 4 School scheme, helping us raise funds while supporting textile recycling. Collection bags will be sent home with pupils today. Please send any donations back to school on Friday, 30th January, to allow us to manage any donations effectively. We welcome good‑quality unwanted items such as:
• Clothes
• Shoes (including trainers)
• Handbags, belts, accessories
• Underwear and socks
All donated items are collected and reused around the world, helping reduce textile waste and raising money for our school. Thank you for your support!

Weekly Wellbeing
This morning’s service focused on healthy screen time and the importance of finding a good balance in our daily routines. This quote reminds us of the importance of getting outside.
“Balance your screen time with green time — your mind will thank you.”

Achievers

This week’s brilliant achievers are: Eva, Chloe, Isaac, Tommy, Nancy, Nils, Orson, Hattie, Kit, Florence, and Junior. Cymraeg awards went to: Maddie, Ayla, Poppy, Alfie, Ronnie, Alice, Rose, and Keiran. Isla shared a plethora of swimming medals!
Well done to our amazing achievers this week!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

After last week’s flurry of snow, it’s been a welcome change to enjoy a much calmer spell of weather. The children certainly made the most of the snowy excitement while it lasted, and it’s been lovely to see everyone settling back into their routines as things return to normal.
Our pupils have continued to throw themselves into Urdd activities, showing fantastic enthusiasm and teamwork. It’s wonderful to see so many children representing the school and embracing new experiences with such confidence.
This week also brought the first sessions with the Denbighshire Music Cooperative, giving many pupils first tastes of learning a musical instrument.
Across the school, classes are diving into new themes and topics, and there’s already a real buzz of excitement as learners begin exploring fresh ideas and projects. It promises to be an inspiring and engaging term ahead.

National Discussion on Children, Smartphones and Social Media
You may have seen recent national discussions around children’s use of smartphones and social media. This conversation is developing quickly, with various organisations, charities, and policymakers exploring how best to support children’s wellbeing online.
One charity involved in raising awareness around this issue is Smartphone Free Childhood, which is encouraging parents and carers to share their views with their local MP as part of the wider national debate. They have created an online tool that allows families to send a pre‑written message to their MP, which can be personalised if desired.
If you would like to read more, the charity’s link is here: https://smartphonefreechildhood.eaction.org.uk/raise-the-age
We are sharing this information to keep families updated on current national conversations that may influence future guidance for schools, parents, and young people. We will continue to monitor developments and share relevant updates as they arise.

Lockdown Drill
As a vital part of our safeguarding at school we will be holding a Lockdown Drill on the afternoon of Monday 26th of January in conjunction with Ysgol Pen Barras. The drill will involve the children moving into their classrooms, and staff ensuring that the school is locked and secured. Staff will be speaking to the children, prior to the drill, to explain what they need to do and reassure them that it is simply a practise, just like a Fire Drill, to keep them safe. Staff will be using the scenario of needing to lock the school doors if there was ‘A dog on the yard that we did not know.’, rather than relate it to some more serious threats, which may cause children distress or upset. This Lockdown Drill is extremely important in ensuring our ability to keep our leaners and staff safe and will be handled with great sensitivity with children being supported and reassured at every stage.

Very Best Wishes to Mrs. Lewis
All of us at Rhos Street School would like to wish Mrs. Lewis the very best as she begins her maternity leave. She is a truly dedicated and much valued teacher, and her warmth, commitment, and enthusiasm have been greatly appreciated by pupils, staff, and families alike. We hope this special time is filled with joy, good health, and wonderful memories.
We are also delighted to share that the Year 4 reins will be handed over to the incredibly capable Mrs. Janet Hughes, who has worked with us here at Rhos Street for many years. Mrs. Hughes knows our school, our children, and our values extremely well, and we are confident that Year 4 are in very safe hands. Warmest wishes to Mrs. Lewis from everyone at Rhos Street— we look forward to welcoming her back in the future and can’t wait to hear all her exciting news!

Sleep Hygiene
Community Focused Schools are pleased to announce an online sleep hygiene session hosted by The Sleep Charity, specifically for parents and caregivers. This session will provide valuable insights into children and young people’s sleep patterns, the effects of insufficient sleep, and practical ways to help them achieve better sleep for improved physical and mental health and well-being. There will also be a Q&A at the end. Parents/carers can attend the session by scanning the QR code or by clicking on this link: Sleep Hygiene Session for Parents/Carers If any parents or caregivers would like to attend but are having difficulty with technology, please reach out to Cheryl at communityfocusedschool@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 07875 689826.

Year 5 Family Service – New Date
Please note that the Year 5 Family Service will now take place on Friday 6th February at 9:15am.
Many thanks for your understanding and patience regarding this change. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Denbighshire Music Co‑operative – First Experiences of Music with Year 3
Our Year 3 pupils enjoyed a fantastic First Experiences of Music session this week led by Johnny from Denbighshire Music Co‑operative. Johnny was incredibly impressed with the children’s enthusiasm, creativity, and focus throughout the session. It was wonderful to see pupils exploring musical ideas with such confidence and enjoyment, making the whole experience both enriching and memorable. We look forward to building on this positive start and welcoming the Music Co‑operative team back for more exciting music‑making opportunities.

Clwb Crefft Cymraeg – Creativity, Fun and Welsh Language Learning
Our pupils have been enjoying wonderful sessions at Clwb Crefft Cymraeg, where creativity and fun combine with Welsh language learning every Wednesday. The children have produced some fantastic craft work while confidently using and practising their Cymraeg in a relaxed, engaging environment.
A huge thank you to Leanne and Becky for all their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication in running the club. Their support and energy have made Clwb Crefft Cymraeg a highlight of the week for many of our learners.

Request for Junior Book Donations – Forthcoming Book Café
As part of our ongoing work this year to promote reading for pleasure, we are preparing for our upcoming Book Café and would be grateful for donations of Junior-age books (ages 7–11).
If you have any good-quality books at home that your children have finished with, we would really appreciate them being passed on. Donations can be given directly to your child’s class teacher or left at the main office.
Thank you, as always, for your generous support. It makes a real difference to our reading community.

Festive Reading Challenge – January Reminder!
A quick reminder that we are still collecting entries for our **Festive Reading Challenge: Reading in Unusual Places! **
So far, we’ve only received two photos, and we’re certain there are plenty more sitting on phones and tablets just waiting to be uploaded!
Here’s how to take part:
• Choose a favourite book
• Find an unusual or interesting place to read it – indoors, outdoors, cosy corners or creative spots (as long as it’s safe!)
• Take a photo of your child reading in their unusual place
• Email it to: ReadingChallengeR5@hwbcymru.net
• Don’t forget to include your child’s full name and class
We’ll be putting together a display of all entries soon, and prizes will be awarded for the most imaginative photos in each class!
Thank you to those who have already sent in their pictures — they’re fantastic. We’d love to see
more. Happy reading!

Join Our PTA – Your School Needs You!
Our PTA is small but mighty… and we’d love you to be part of it! Recently, our numbers have been dwindling, and to keep providing the wonderful extras that enrich school life, we need new members more than ever.
Being part of the PTA isn’t just about fundraising (although every cake sale and raffle helps!). It’s about:
🌟 Making a real difference – PTA funds directly support resources, activities, and experiences that benefit every child in our school.
🌟 Having your voice heard – Help shape events, priorities, and projects that matter to our pupils and community.
🌟 Building friendships – It’s a warm, welcoming group of parents and carers who share a common goal: helping our children thrive.
🌟 Giving as much or as little time as you can – There’s no pressure! Whether you can attend meetings, help at events, or even offer support from home, every contribution counts.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d like to help, but I’m not sure how…” — this is your moment! We promise it’s rewarding, appreciated, and genuinely fun.
Interested? Curious? Even just slightly tempted. Please get in touch or pop along to our next meeting on Thursday 22nd Jan at 3.15pm. We’d be thrilled to welcome you. Let’s grow our PTA together and continue doing amazing things for our school community. Your school. Your PTA. Your chance to make a difference!

Weekly Wellbeing
This morning’s assembly explored the life and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leading figure of the Civil Rights Movement. Born on 15th January 1929, he dedicated his life to promoting equality, justice and peace through non violent action. While best known for challenging racial segregation, his wider message of hope, courage and fairness continues to inspire people worldwide. To mark his birthday on Thursday, pupils reflected on how their own everyday choices can help create a kinder, more inclusive world.

Achievers
This week’s fantastic achievers are: Rayne, Jacob, All of Yr. 4, Ruby, Nancy, CJ, Noah, Lucas, Niamh, Kiara, Rose, Stevie, and Kieran.
Welsh awards went to Paige, Harri, Jack, Elianna, Ronnie, Henry, Alfie, Parker, Bryce, and Sydney. Well done to them all!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Happy New Year! We hope you all had a restful break and are ready for an exciting new term at Rhos Street. It’s certainly been an interesting start, with snow flurries, a brief school closure, and Storm Goretti keeping us all on our toes. Despite the unpredictable weather, our pupils have shown fantastic resilience—though we know some were a little disappointed that Goretti didn’t deliver the Friday snow day they were hoping for!
Now that we’re back, there’s a real buzz of excitement around school. We have lots planned for the coming weeks, and we can’t wait to share all the learning, activities, and events that will make this term a memorable one. Here’s to a great start and an even better term ahead!
The Importance of Attendance and Punctuality

As we begin this new term, we want to take a moment to highlight just how important regular attendance and punctuality are for your child’s education. Every day in school counts—each lesson builds on the last, and missing even a small amount of time can make it harder for children to keep up and feel confident in their learning.
Arriving on time ensures that your child starts the day calmly and ready to learn, without missing key instructions or disrupting their own routine. Good attendance and punctuality help children develop positive habits, strengthen friendships, and make the most of every opportunity school offers.
We understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances can happen, but please work with us to keep absences to a minimum and ensure your child arrives promptly each day. Together, we can give them the best possible start and help them thrive. Thank you for your continued support.

Family Link Worker – Information Sharing Event
The Family Link Team is delighted to invite all parents and carers to a special community event at:
Ysgol Rhos Street / Ysgol Stryd Yr Rhos
Date: Thursday, 15th January 2026
Time: 9:15am – 10:45am
This is a fantastic opportunity to come together, enjoy some refreshments, and discover the wide range of support services available to families in our community. Representatives from various local services will be on hand to share information, answer questions, and explain how they can help you and your child.
Whether you’re looking for advice, resources, or simply want to learn more about what’s on offer, this event is a great chance to connect and find out how we can work together to support our children’s wellbeing and education.
We look forward to seeing you there.

Dates for the Diary
30th Jan Yr. 5 Family Service 9.15am
9th Feb Kick-It Sports – Football Yrs. 1-6
12th Feb Urdd – Yrs. 3 and 4 Mixed Tag Rugby and Girls Tag Rugby
16th – 20th Feb Half Term
23rd Feb Kick-It Sports – Football Yrs. 1-6
26th Feb Yr. 3 Family Service 9.15am
2nd Mar Kick-It Sports – Football Yrs. 1-6
3rd Mar Tempest Photography Yr. 6 Class Photo
4th Mar New Nursery / Current Nursery – Engagement Event
First Experience in Music Yr. 3
5th Mar World Book Day
6th Mar Yr. 4 Family Service 9.15am
9th Mar Kick-It Sports – Football Yrs. 1-6
10th Mar Urdd – Girls Netball
24th Mar Urdd – Mixed Netball
27th Mar Yr. 2 Family Service 9.15am
30th Mar – 12th Apr Easter Holiday
14th Apr First Experience in Music Yr. 3
30th Apr Yr. 1 Family Service 9.15am
15th May Yr. R Family Service 9.15am
4th June Urdd – Yrs. 3 and 4 Mixed Cricket 50:50
24th June Urdd – Athletics
30th June Sports Day
1st July Sports Day (Reserve)
8th July Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service 2.00pm
Additional dates will be added once confirmed.

Keeping Warm and Ready for Learning
As the colder weather continues, we kindly remind parents and carers to ensure children come to school with a warm coat every day. Outdoor play is an important part of the school day, and we want pupils to stay comfortable while enjoying fresh air.
For snowy, wet, or muddy conditions, please send in a pair of named wellies so your child can take part in outdoor activities without worrying about their shoes. Appropriate footwear is essential for safety and comfort.
We also ask that pupils wear the correct school uniform and bring their PE kit on the designated days. This helps maintain our sense of community and ensures everyone is prepared for all aspects of school life.
Thank you for your support in helping our pupils stay warm, safe, and ready to learn.

Rhos Street School Working Towards the Cymraeg Campus Silver Award
We are excited to share that Rhos Street School is currently undertaking the Cymraeg Campus Silver Award as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the Welsh language and culture throughout our school community.
The Cymraeg Campus initiative encourages schools to embed Welsh into everyday life, creating opportunities for pupils to use and enjoy the language both inside and outside the classroom. Achieving the Silver Award means we will be building on the foundations of our Bronze Award by introducing even more Welsh language activities, signage, and events, and ensuring that pupils have regular opportunities to speak Welsh confidently.
This is a fantastic way to celebrate our heritage and strengthen bilingualism, and we look forward to working together—staff, pupils, and families—to make Welsh a natural part of school life. Diolch for your continued support as we take this exciting step forward.

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s wellbeing quote is from Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher, widely regarded as one of the founders of Western philosophy. Known for his method of questioning and dialogue, Socrates encouraged critical thinking and self-reflection. His teachings, recorded by his students such as Plato, continue to influence modern thought on ethics, knowledge, and personal growth.
This quote reminds us that new beginnings are about progress, not dwelling on the past. Socrates encourages us to channel our energy into creating positive change—whether through new habits, goals, or perspectives—rather than resisting what’s behind us. Focusing on building the new sets the stage for growth and success.

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Socrates

Achievers
The first achievers of 2026 are: Eva, Chloe, Elliott, Rupert, Antos, Portia, Kwaku, and Miley.
Welsh awards went to: Belle, Harry, Abi, Dexter, and Tobias
Eva shared her Karate award. Well done to all our brilliant achievers!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As we reach the final day before the Christmas holidays, we want to take a moment to reflect on what a wonderful term it has been. The children have worked incredibly hard, shown great enthusiasm, and filled our school with festive cheer over the past few weeks. From sparkling decorations to joyful performances, it’s been a season full of creativity and community spirit.
We are so proud of everything our pupils have achieved this term and grateful for the continued support from families. As we head into the holidays, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved break filled with laughter, warmth, and special moments together.
On behalf of all the staff, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6th for another exciting term of learning and fun.

Thank You for Supporting Road Safety!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents and carers from Ysgol Rhos Street, Ysgol Pen Barras, and Ysgol Borthyn who took the time to complete the “Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt” Parental Road Safety Questionnaire.
Your responses have been incredibly valuable, and the excellent suggestions you shared will play a vital role in shaping our Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt campaign in the New Year. Together, we can make a real difference in keeping our children safe on their journeys to and from school.
Your input is invaluable, and we truly appreciate your commitment to road safety and the wellbeing of our school community. Watch this space for updates as we put your ideas into action!

Festive Reading Challenge: “Reading in Unusual Places”!
As we approach the festive season, we have an exciting and creative challenge for you! Over the Christmas holidays, why not take part in our “Reading in Unusual Places” activity?
Your mission is simple:
• Pick a book you love.
• Find an unusual or interesting place to read it – somewhere cosy, outdoors, or even a spot you’ve never tried before!
• Take a photo of yourself reading in that unusual place (make sure it’s safe and you have permission).
• Email your photo to ReadingChallengeR5@hwbcymru.net, including your full name and class.
When we return to school in the New Year, we’ll create a fantastic display showcasing all the imaginative places you’ve discovered for reading. Prizes will be awarded for the most inventive photos from each class!
We can’t wait to see your creative ideas. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your reading adventure!
Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!

Stay Safe Around Open Water This Winter
Winter brings beauty, but it also brings risks—especially near rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and the coast. Tragically, 54 people drowned in Wales in 2024, many during the colder months. One drowning is too many, so Water Safety Wales are asking families to help keep everyone safe by following these simple life-saving tips:

Key Safety Messages:

• Stay Away from the Edge: Banks can be slippery, and ice is dangerous. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
• Keep Children and Pets Close: Teach children never to go on ice or near floodwater. Keep dogs on a lead near water.
• If You Fall Through Ice: Stay calm, float on your back, and call for help. If you can’t climb out, keep floating and keep your head above water.
• If Someone Else Is in Trouble: Call 999 immediately. Do not enter the water—use a rope, pole, or branch from the bank to help.
• Check Flood Updates: Visit Natural Resources Wales for local flood risks and sign up for warnings.

Please share these messages with your family. Knowing these tips could save a life.
For more resources and updates, visit Water Safety Wales or follow their social media channels. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe this winter.

Social Media Safety: Quick Guide for Parents
Social media is fun for young people—but it comes with risks. Here’s how to keep your child safe using privacy settings and parental controls:
Facebook & Messenger
• Teen Accounts (13–17) have built-in protections; under-16s need parental permission to change settings.
• Supervise: ✔ See contacts ✔ Set time limits ✔ Schedule breaks
• Set up: Log in → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Family Centre
• More info: https://familycenter.meta.com
Instagram
• Teen Accounts are automatic for ages 13–17.
• Adjust privacy/content via Profile → Menu → Privacy.
• More help: https://familycenter.meta.com
Snapchat
• Family Centre shows friends and recent messages; restrict sensitive content.
• Set up: Log in → Add teen → Search “family” in app.
• Learn more: https://parents.snapchat.com
WhatsApp
• Run Privacy Checkup: Settings → Privacy Checkup.
• More info: https://faq.whatsapp.com
TikTok
• Under-18 accounts are private; under-16s can’t message.
• Use Family Pairing for screen limits & content filters:

• Profile → Menu → Settings and Privacy → Family Pairing
• More info: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/guardians-guide
More tips? Visit: childrenssociety.org.uk/tweens

Sponsored Santa Walk – Nursery & Reception
Our Nursery and Reception children had a fantastic morning taking part in their Sponsored Santa Walk! The festive spirit was in full swing as they strolled around in their Santa hats, spreading cheer and enjoying the crisp winter air.
We are so proud of how beautifully they behaved throughout the event – da iawn pawb! It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork shining through.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this fundraiser so far. The money raised will be used to enrich the experiences of the children in Nursery and Reception. The children have already been sharing their ideas on how they would like the funds to be spent! Thank you for your continued support – it really makes a difference.

Governors’ Report to Parents Now Available
We are delighted to let you know that the Governors’ Report to Parents is now available to view online. You can access it by following: https://rhosstreetschool.co.uk/download/rss-governor-report-2024-25/
Our governing body plays a vital role in the life of the school – offering support, acting as a critical friend, and helping to ensure the very best for our pupils. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment throughout the year.
A special thank you goes to our Chair of Governors, Julie Debicka, for her hard work in preparing this comprehensive report. Her efforts ensure that parents are fully informed and engaged with the school’s progress and priorities.

Recycle Unwanted Clothes and Raise Funds for Rhos Street!
We’re excited to announce that Rhos Street School is taking part in the Recycle 4 School scheme – a free, eco-friendly fundraising initiative that helps schools raise money through textile recycling. https://www.recycle4school.org.uk/
How does it work?
Recycle 4 School organises collections of good-quality unwanted clothing and accessories. Parents, students, and staff are encouraged to donate items such as:
• Clothes
• Shoes (including trainers)
• Handbags, belts, and accessories
• Underwear and socks
Once collected, the items are loaded onto the Recycle 4 School van and begin a journey to places around the world where they will provide affordable clothing to people who need it most. Within five working days, the school receives a payment directly into its fund.
When is it happening?
We’ll be sending out collection bags in the New Year, so start gathering your unwanted items now!
Why take part?
• It’s free and easy to do.
• It helps divert textiles from landfill, protecting the environment.
• It raises much-needed funds for our school.
• It teaches students about sustainability and global impact.
Let’s work together to make a difference! Keep an eye out for your collection bag and help Rhos Street reach its fundraising goals while supporting communities worldwide.

Weekly Wellbeing
 This week’s festive quote is from Dr. Seuss (1904–1991), the beloved American writer and illustrator, creator of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”
Dr. Seuss

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
As we approach the festive season, the school is buzzing with excitement! Our Christmas concerts have filled the halls with music and cheer, and we’ve even managed to enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner while dodging the wind and rain brought by Storm Bran. Now, we’re ready to wind the children up into a frenzy of festive fun before handing them over to you for a well-deserved Christmas holiday. Thank you for your continued support throughout this busy term.
Christmas Concerts – A Wonderful Success!
This week’s Christmas concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday were a fantastic celebration of talent and festive cheer. The children performed brilliantly, filling the hall with music, laughter, and joy. Their hard work and enthusiasm truly shone through, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
A huge thank you goes to our dedicated staff for all the planning and preparation that made these events possible. We also want to express our gratitude to parents, carers, family, and friends for your incredible support – your presence and encouragement mean so much to the children.
We’re delighted to share that the money raised from ticket sales will go towards providing additional opportunities and experiences for our pupils in the coming year. Thank you for helping us make this happen!

Community Information Sharing Event
The Family Link Team would like to invite you to their Community Information Sharing Event at Rhos Street School on Thursday, 15th January 2026, from 9:15 am to 10:45 am. Join them for refreshments and discover the range of support services available to families. We look forward to seeing you there!
Rhos Street Christmas Dinner – A Festive Feast!

Yesterday, our pupils enjoyed a wonderful Christmas dinner, and what a treat it was! A huge thank you to our amazing catering team for preparing such a delicious festive lunch. We are so grateful for the care and effort they put into providing fantastic meals for our children all year round, and this special seasonal celebration was no exception. The smiles on the children’s faces said it all – great food, great company, and plenty of Christmas cheer!

A Special Visitor – Santa at Rhos Street!
We had a very special guest at school yesterday– Santa himself! It was wonderful to see the children’s faces light up with excitement and joy as they met him. His warm and friendly manner made the visit truly magical, and it’s safe to say the festive spirit is now in full swing at Rhos Street. A huge thank you to everyone who helped arrange Santa’s visit – your efforts made this day unforgettable for the children. We can only hope the staff have been good this year too – Santa might be checking his list twice!

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote is from Albert Camus (1913–1960) a French philosopher, author, and journalist, known for his works on existentialism and human resilience. It expresses the idea that even in life’s harshest and darkest moments (“the depth of winter”), we can discover an inner strength and resilience (“an invincible summer”) that helps us endure and overcome challenges.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
Achievers
This week’s achievers are: All of Yrs. R, 6, & 5, Freya, Fleur. Kalani, Sophia, Logan, and Orfan.
Welsh awards went to Yr. R, Eudora, Louie, Hannah, Tommy, and Teddy. Toby shared his football medal, Belle shared her pony-showing rosettes, and Islas shared her multiple swimming medals. Well done to them all!

Our brilliant Criw Cymraeg presented the prizes today for our Sut Mae, Sut Mae poster competition. Well done to our fantastic prize winners, and to the Criw Cymraeg for organising it all.