Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

I trust you all had a good half term break. It is always a lovely time of year, as Halloween activities are closely followed by Bonfire Night excitement and I hope all the pupils have a great time, safely enjoying any firework displays they attend. It’s also been busy this week, with Nant BH taking place and we await the children’s return later. I’m sure they’ll be full of stories and when I visited them last night, I heard nothing but praise from all staff attending. They are having a great time, which I’m sure will live long in the memory.

The week has also ended with the news shared by the Chair of Governors regarding my plans in the New Year. I’m grateful to the Governors for facilitating this great opportunity for me. While I will be sad to step aside from a role I hold so dear, it will also bring exciting and fresh times for the school over my period of absence and I know from experience that the interim leadership team will have the full support of the whole school community.

Covid Guidance – The guidance for Covid self-isolation has been updated and the attached flowchart will assist you in taking the necessary steps in keeping everybody safe.

Remembrance Week – Next week is Remembrance Week. Poppies and other related items will be available in exchange for a donation to The British Legion.

Ruthin Friends of the Earth – The attached flyer gives information regarding the Celebrating Green Ruthin held at the Old Courthouse, St Peter’s Square and Church tomorrow from 10am-2pm.

FAO Nursery Parents – If you are yet to make your application to county’s admissions department for a place in the Reception Class here at Rhos Street School in September 2022, then please do so as a matter of urgency.

Children in Need – This takes place on November 19th. There will be in-class activities and the pupils can bring a £1 contribution to dress up in spots / stripes / onesies or as the legend himself, Pudsey.

Achievers – Students of the Week are Albie, Kitti, Thea, George, Madalyn, Eliza, ArloJ, CharlieR, LucasJ, Darcie, Oscar, Lola, Scarlet, and Leo. Welsh awards went to Neve, Eden, Alex and Sofia. Isla received a swimming certificate and also recognition for her success in Hill & Roberts’ Halloween Competition, along with other RSS winners, Ruby and Freya.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We reach half term and once again, it’s been a challenging period. Over the last couple of weeks, having kept Covid at bay for so long, we have been increasingly affected, particularly in the Foundation Phase. The week’s break comes at a good time, as we hope it will give us a bit of breathing space for those affected to recover and also avoid further transmission. Have a lovely half term.

Halloween Activities – We saw some great costumes and there have been some fabulous activities in the classes. Thank you to the PTA for the refreshments.

New Menu – I have attached copies of the new menu to the email.

Achievers – Students of the Week are Finley, Abigail, Sylvia, Lucas, Daisy, Bethany, Evie, Billy, Henry and Tiffany. A Welsh award went to Leon, Rugby and swimming awards to Holly and a certificate to Harri for being so brave having his tonsils out. Well done all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Harvest Week – Thank you for your contributions this week. We will pass on all your food donations to Ruthin Food Bank. The pupils have taken part in Harvest activities and had a Harvest themed assembly this morning.

Diwrnod Shwmae Sumae – Today, the pupils have been making an effort to use Welsh phrases and also are taking part in a poster competition.

Bikeability – Next week Year 6 pupils who have registered, will take their Bikeability course.

Flu Immunisations – On Monday, flu immunisations will take place for those pupils whose parents have consented for them to take place.

Welsh Water Workshops – As part of their project, Years 5 and 6 will take part in special workshops provided by Welsh Water on Tuesday.

Halloween Competition – I have once again attached details of Hill and Roberts’ Halloween competition for your attention.

PTA Halloween Disco – The PTA will hold a Halloween Disco in school time next Friday on October 22nd and the pupils are invited to come into school in Halloween costumes and pay a £1 contribution towards PTA funds. Poster attached!

PTA Mailing List – If you wish to be added to the PTA email list, please send an email to rhosstreetpta@gmail.com and you will be added. The PTA are also appealing to anybody interested in shadowing Jenny Johnson, PTA Treasurer in her last year on the committee, with a view to taking over next year to please get in touch. Many thanks.

Year 3 and 4 Tudor Day – Year 3 and 4 will have a Tudor themed day on Thursday 21st October. Please could the children come to school in brown, white and black clothing? If you have any Tudor style clothing, then the pupils may wear this, but there is no need to go out and buy anything.

Music Lessons – Parents of pupils having music lessons can now make their payments for current and outstanding lessons. Please log into ParentPay to do so. Many thanks.

Get Well Soon! – Harri in Year 1 has had his tonsils out, so I hope he is on the mend! It reminds me of the time I had mine plucked out!

Reading Club – There will unfortunately be no reading club in Year 2 next week.

Achievers – Students of the Week are Kitti, Emily, Oskar, Luna, Hugo, Lola, Nimrod, Teddy, Ruben, Azam, Sophia and Joey. Welsh awards went to Maisie, Rayne and Kush. Isabelle was also awarded a swimming certificate. Finley and Tyler also received ‘Over and Above’ awards. Well done all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

It’s been great fun taking part in the Hello Yellow initiative today, to promote the mental health & wellbeing of our school community. Activities took place in class, while raising money for the charity Young Minds. We asked our pupils to come to school wearing yellow and they enjoyed planting daffodils, telling jokes and taking part in some silly photos. Take a look at Twitter over the weekend to get a flavour of what happened today.

Mae wedi bod yn llawer o hwyl cymryd rhan yn y fenter Hello Yellow heddiw, i hyrwyddo iechyd meddwl a lles cymuned ein hysgol. Cynhaliwyd gweithgareddau yn y dosbarth wrth godi arian at yr elusen Young Minds. Gofynnwyd i’n disgyblion ddod i’r ysgol yn gwisgo melyn ac roeddent yn mwynhau plannu cennin Pedr, dweud jôcs a chymryd rhan mewn rhai lluniau gwirion. Cymerwch gip ar Twitter dros y penwythnos i gael blas o’r hyn a ddigwyddodd heddiw.

Parental Consultations – Parental consultation appointment slips were sent home with pupils in the Reception class up to Year 6. These will take place next week in school via Covid-safe face to face meetings. Please wear a face covering for these meetings. Please contact the office if you have any problems keeping your appointment.

PTA Xmas Card Designs – The pupils have brought home a design they have made to be put on a Christmas Card. If you wish to purchase some cards which include the design, then please return the form early next week.

Halloween Disco – The attached poster includes details of the PTA Halloween Disco to be held in school time on October 22nd.

Harvest – Next week is harvest week. Once again, we will be unable to hold our Harvest Service this year, due to Covid-19. However, class Harvest activities, will be taking place and we will collect food donations in aid of Ruthin Food Bank. Please send in any contributions of pre-packed dried foods or cans from Monday, October 11th and on the Friday we will donate what has been collected.

‘Shwmae Sumae’ – Next Friday, the Welsh language initiative ‘Shwmae Sumae’ takes place and in a competition, pupils will be making colourful posters adorning Welsh phrases for a large display here in school.

St. Peter’s Church Survey – Rev. Stuart is inviting you to participate in this online survey to plan the best days and times for family friendly activities in Ruthin. https://forms.gle/87URVKgTFbtaV65V8
Marathon Runner – Congratulations to Miss Davies on her fine achievement of completing the Chester Marathon last Sunday. I’m sure the blisters are worth it!!

Olivia Alkir Appeal – Hill and Roberts, Chartered Accountants here in Ruthin have provided us with sets of Christmas Cards to raise funds towards a stained glass window at Efenechtyd Church in memory of our ex-pupil Olivia Alkir, who was tragically killed in a car crash two years ago. You can purchase a pack of 5 cards for £5.00 and £2.50 from each pack will be donated to the above fund. Please pop into reception if you wish to contribute or you can email rhuthunhandr@gmail.com or direct message on their Facebook page.

Achievers – Congratulations to Students of the Week, Amelia, Florence, Will, Daisy, Eden, Teddy, Eva, Eliza, ArloB, Lucas, Jack, Eira, JacobPh, Cadie and Megan. Welsh awards went to Eva-May, Leila, Paige and Oscar. Swimming certificates were shared with Jensen and Holly. Isaac and Fletcher were also recognized for making their debut for Denbighshire Schools’ Football Team. Well done! Also a big welcome Tulga, to the Nursery Class!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Parking – A complaint has been received by Denbighshire County Council’s Traffic department in relation to parking taking place on Parc Y Dre which I have been asked to share with you. Concerns have been raised around parents of Pen Barras and Rhos Street pupils allegedly blocking drives, restricting residents from entering or leaving their properties and restricting the movements of residents/traffic entering and exiting the estate. The traffic department understands that there is nothing stopping vehicles parking along this street as there are no parking restrictions either in the form of double or single yellow lines. However, parking across driveways and turning circles is an offence and as a response to those raising concerns, the Traffic Department has reminded residents that any issues have to be reported to North Wales Police.

Chester FC Football Sessions – We were delighted to welcome back Chester FC this week, as they provided sessions for Years 3 and 4. Their ongoing support over a long period has been much appreciated and we look forward to continuing that relationship over this school year. Until half-term, they will work with Years 2, 3 and 4 so please could pupils in those classes remember their PE kits on those days. Other classes will soon have their opportunity.

Hello Yellow Week – Next week, will be a week to promote the mental health and wellbeing of our school community. Activities will take part in class and we will also raise money for the charity ‘Young Minds.’ On Friday, we ask our pupils to come to school wearing yellow and bring a £1 donation please.

Harvest Week – The following week will be ‘Harvest Week.’ Once again, we will be unable to hold our Harvest Service this year, due to Covid-19. However, class Harvest activities, will be taking place and we will collect food donations in aid of Ruthin Food Bank. Please send in any contributions of pre-packed dried foods or cans from Monday, October 11th and on the Friday we will donate what has been collected.

Twitter – Take a look at Twitter for some updates of the range of topics and activities taking place in our classes.

Academic Dates – Attached to the email is an updated list of academic dates for this year. As the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday for schools in Denbighshire will be Wednesday, 22nd December 2021, school will now break up for Christmas on Tuesday 21st December.

PTA News – The PTA AGM was held this week. Lucy Purvis has stepped down as Chair, so I’d like to take the opportunity to thank her for her commitment to the role. Despite the pandemic, the PTA have certainly been busy and successful and have worked round the restrictions in a safe proactive way to provide activities that have been both fun and profitable. Emma Phipps has stepped up to take her place and I wish her well in the role and thank her also for her commitment. I will share the finalised committee with you in the near future. The PTA will hold a Halloween Disco in school time on October 22nd and the pupils are invited to come into school in Halloween costumes and pay a £1 contribution towards PTA funds.

School Menu Change – There will be a swap to the menu next week, so on Tuesday it will be fishcake, with curry now on Wednesday.

Achievers – Student of the Week awards were shared with Raphael, Isla, Sam, Eve, Oliver, Leila, Thea, Grace, Oscar, Theo, Ryan, Tommy, ThomasW, Billy and Maya. Rayne received a Welsh award, while 1st Aid Rainbow Awards went to Neve and Grace. Well done to all concerned!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Online Platforms – This week, we’ve ensured all pupils are up and running on online platforms once again. This means they can access Hwb, Google Classroom, RM Easimaths, Wordshark, TT Rockstars and Purple Mash both in school and at home. Please support your child in the Juniors by encouraging them to access particularly RM Easimaths and Wordshark. These short sessions will help reinforce their school work and will help to support ongoing post-lockdown progress. Many thanks.

Year 6 Brynhyfryd Open Evening – Ysgol Brynhyfryd – by appointment only
Message from Brynhyfryd for parents of Year 6 pupils – Due to popular demand, we have had to put on a second evening on the 6th of October as well as the 7th of October. Please follow the instructions below and book a slot. Please click on one of the links below and choose your date and time to attend our Open Evening.
Wednesday the 6th of October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/175366324397
Thursday the 7th of October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/175374007377
When choosing your tickets, please note that some tours will take place through the medium of Welsh and some through the medium of English. Every person attending the event will require a ticket, including children. Due to Covid restrictions, please limit the number of people accompanying your Year 6 child, and all visitors will be required to wear a face covering, unless they are exempt. Unfortunately, due to high demand, we are not able to offer an Open Evening appointment to Year 5 pupils at this time. They will however be invited to take part in our transition events during the year.

PTA Meeting – The PTA AGM will be held in school at 3.30pm on Thursday next week. We would be grateful if you could confirm that you are going to attend by email to rhosstreetpta@gmail.com. This is to ensure we can conduct the meeting safely.

School Jumpers – We’ve had a few hunts for school jumpers already this term. It seems pupils are taking them home without checking names inside before doing so. Could you please check the jumpers you have at home and if you spot Harri Lewis’ name or indeed any other child’s name other than your own, please return them to school. I’ve asked the pupils to check names before putting them back on. Also please ensure all jumpers have a name in them. Many thanks.

Denbighshire Football Squad – Congratulations to Isaac and Fletcher for being selected to represent Denbighshire Football team after a successful recent trial. A real accolade!

St. Peter’s Church Drop-in – St Peter’s Church are holding ‘Drop in Fridays’- an opportunity to call in starting on October 1st at 9am. Activities such as chatting over tea & toast, clothes swaps, storytime, skills swap, sharing a ‘Sociable Soup’ lunch, children’s activities etc. will be going on. Details are attached to the email.

Litter Competition – Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Menna E Jones has written to the pupils to ask them to help raise awareness about local litter. They are asked to create a poster to remind us all of our responsibilities. Full details are attached to the email.

Achievers – Congratulations to Hiyan, Bradley, Ruby, Louie, Jude, Chima, Lola, Hannah, Thea, Katelyn, Leyla, Alys and Luca who are our Students of the Week. Also, Isaac and JacobW were given Welsh awards.

Halloween Competition – Another competition attached, is Hill and Roberts’ annual Halloween competition, including full details.

Bottle Tops and Caps – As part of our eco work in school, Mrs Davies is requesting that pupils bring in any plastic bottle tops or caps from home, in order to use them for a display. Many thanks.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Two weeks in and the place is a hive of activity. Different topics are being explored, taught and investigated in the year groups with themes such as Water, The Tudors, Food and Ourselves firing the imagination. Take a look at Twitter to see some examples of what’s been going on with more to share as the topics take shape!

Dan ni bythefnos i mewn ac mae’r lle yn fwrlwm o weithgaredd. Mae gwahanol bynciau yn cael eu harchwilio, eu haddysgu a’u hymchwilio yn y grwpiau blwyddyn gyda themau fel Dŵr, Y Tuduriaid, Bwyd ac Ni ein Hunain yn tanio’r dychymyg. Cymerwch gip ar Twitter i weld rhai enghreifftiau o’r hyn sydd wedi bod yn digwydd gyda mwy i’w rannu wrth i’r themau siapio!

Covid-19 – As we continue to be mindful of the continued presence of Covid-19 in our community, may I once again ask you to continue to be vigilant for any symptoms. If you are in any doubt, order a PCR test for your child at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. Anyone with the symptoms of a new continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste – should remain in self-isolation until the test result is known. Many thanks for your ongoing co-operation.

Vaccination Consent Forms – If you are yet to return the consent form shared for your child’s flu vaccination, then please do so on Monday. Please still return the completed form, even if you do not consent. Many thanks.

Make Some Noise – Pupils enjoyed their virtual concert performed by The Denbighshire Music Co-operative yesterday. Attached to the email is a flyer for anybody interested in music lessons

Clwb Cwtsh – Also attached are details for Clwb Cwtsh, an eight week Welsh taster course for parents / prospective parents or anyone wishing to start speaking Welsh at home, which will start during October. The sessions are free and will be online.

Achievers – Congratulations to Alice, Bertie, Isabella, Elsie, Daisy, Darcie, Claire, Merry, Tomos and Ruby on being awarded Students of the Week. Belle and Jade won Welsh awards and also Alys passed her grade 2 piano exam. Llongyfarchiadau!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth