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

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

It’s been a really pleasing first week back for us here at Rhos Street School. The pupils have settled into their new classes well, have been focused and come back with a really positive attitude. This has been really reassuring after all that they have been through over the last couple of years and is a great sign which augurs well for the new school year.

Mae hi wedi bod yn wythnos gyntaf braf iawn yn ôl i ni yma yn Ysgol Stryd y Rhos. Mae’r disgyblion wedi ymgartrefu yn eu dosbarthiadau newydd yn dda, wedi canolbwyntio ac wedi dod yn ôl gydag agwedd gadarnhaol iawn. Mae hyn wedi bod yn galonogol iawn wedi’r cyfan y buont drwyddo dros y blwyddyn diwethaf ac mae’n arwydd gwych sy’n argoeli’n dda ar gyfer y flwyddyn ysgol newydd.

Reading Challenge – As this initiative comes to an end, it would be lovely if our pupils could bring in their certificates for us to celebrate their achievements. I think there is still time to finish the challenge. With it being Roald Dahl Day on Monday, perhaps our pupils would like to choose a book written by him!

Admissions – Please see the attached letter, regarding this year’s school admission dates for Nursery, Reception and Year 7. The deadlines for applications are included and may I remind our new Nursery parents that they must make another application this year, in order to secure a place in the Reception class for next September 2022. Year 6 parents will also need to apply for their child’s Secondary School place. If you have a relative, neighbour or friend with a child who will be of Nursery age by September 2022, I’d be grateful if you could pass on the information to them. Many thanks.

Teddies – From this week, rather than send out the Foundation Phase Communication Sheets by hand, I will email them as an attachment to my weekly newsletter email and post to Twitter.

Reading Club – Next week, Year 1 Reading Club will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.30am. Year 2 Reading Club will commence on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Friday at 8.30am from the 20th September.

Family Link Worker – Nia Hughes, the school’s Family Link Worker, is available to contact any families in need of support. Please see the attached leaflet.

After School Club – Spaces are at a premium for After School Club, so please ensure you book in advance and also inform us promptly if you wish to cancel any days booked as soon as possible. Many thanks.

Clock Tower Presentation – Fiona and Rob, members of the Clock Tower Restoration Committee, attended this morning to speak to Years 4, 5 and 6 about the project to restore the clock on the square by St. Peter’s Church. During the summer term, Juniors took part in a competition to draw the Clock Tower and in the Year 5/6 category, 1st place went to Connie Taylor, 2nd to Anna and 3rd to Megan. In the Year 3/4 category, 1st place went to Zakk, 2nd to Charlotte and 3rd to Cain. Well done to the winners and all who took part. Details of the exhibition were included in last week’s newsletter.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We are very much looking forward to welcoming the school community back on Monday and seeing familiar and new faces, as we begin the new academic year. Staff have been busy this week preparing and finalising plans for what I’m sure will be a positive year as we continue to move towards what we once called normality! I hope everybody has had an enjoyable summer, is suitably refreshed and ready to play their part in ensuring we have successful year. As I traditionally ask in this first newsletter, please take a moment to read the information below carefully, to help ensure that all runs smoothly here from the outset.

Covid Arrangements Going Forward – I would like to take the opportunity to update you on the following protocols which will be exercised by the school as we continue to keep our community safe in the light of updated national guidelines.
• Staff will continue to take twice-weekly Covid tests.
• Keeping pupils in bubbles/contact groups is no longer expected. However, we will continue with the same drop off and pick up arrangements.
• We continue to request that adults in the school community wear a face covering for drop-off and pick-up and also while visiting the main reception area.
• Pupils in the Juniors will still have their designated play areas and toilets. The Infants will now play on the new yard.
• All pupils will now eat in the school hall, regardless of whether they are being served with school lunches or eating a packed lunch. Pupils will continue to be seated in their groups in separate sittings for Infants and Juniors.
• Regular hand washing, keeping the building ventilated and regular cleaning will continue to take place.
• Pupils will continue to come to school in PE kit on designated days.
• Pupils will need a water bottle with their name on for use during the day.
• Any pupils identified as contacts will no longer be required to self-isolate unless they display symptoms. Instead they will be offered a PCR test on day 2 and 8.

New Parents – There are a number of new families joining us at the beginning of term. These includes parents of Nursery pupils and also in other classes. I understand that due to the lack of familiarity with the school that you may be confused, but please do not worry. There will be staff about at the front of school each morning to guide you in the right direction.

School Lunches – Please note that the new price of £2.40 per day for school dinners is now effective. Please top up your Parentpay with the correct amount of £12 per week if your child has meals every day. Many thanks.

Reading Challenge – There is still time to complete the reading challenge and we look forward to celebrating our pupils’ involvement in this initiative as the new term begins.

Clock Tower Project – Before the summer, pupils in the Juniors took part in a competition to produce artwork, based on the clock tower in St. Peter’s Square. Winners will be presented with prizes next Friday, but there is an exhibition of the entries opening at the Old Court on September 4th, open 10-4pm each day and then in Ruthin Library from September 20th until October 2nd.

PE Kit and School Uniform – May I please remind pupils that the Rhos Street PE kit is a plain white t-shirt, black shorts, black/white/grey socks, ‘subtly’ coloured trainers for Juniors and pumps for Infants. Joggers and a school sweatshirt can be worn over their kit during the day. Please ensure that your child complies with this expectation. Could you also ensure that pupils’ names are written/sewn onto all items of school uniform, so that we can return any misplaced garments to the correct owner promptly. Finally, may I also remind pupils that jewellery, nail varnish and toys are not permitted. Once again, I ask for parental support in ensuring that the pupils comply with these wishes. Many thanks.

PE Timetable – PE Days are as follows:
Nursery – Thursday (No PE kit needed)
Reception – Tuesday & Thursday
Year 1 – Monday & Wednesday
Year 2 – Monday & Tuesday
Year 3 – Monday & Thursday
Year 4 – Tuesday & Friday
Year 5 – Wednesday & Friday
Year 6 – Wednesday & Friday

New Yard – It will I’m sure, be of great excitement to the Foundation Phase pupils to be able to play on the new yard, now that is has finally been completed. It has taken a long time, but we are grateful to the local authority for delivering on their promise!

Walking to and from School – Pupils in the Upper Juniors are often given permission by parents to walk to and from school independently. If this is the case, please ensure the consent form shared next week is filled and signed by yourselves, so that we know we are safe to release them from school in this manner.

Use of Mobile Phones – The extensive use of the mobile phone is an undeniable part of modern society. However, we do not see a place for their use here in school by pupils, other than for those who are walking to and from school independently. Any pupils who need to bring in a mobile phone for this reason must give it to a staff member for safekeeping. Mobile phones are not to be accessed by those pupils on site without express permission. Please be aware that any mobile phones are sent into school at your own risk.

Unofficial Online Communication – One area of concern, particularly as a result of lockdown, has been the increase of issues as a result of inappropriate communication between pupils online, off-site and out of school time. It is a particular worry, because this is a matter very much outside of the school’s control and jurisdiction but does subsequently cause problems within school. While we take our responsibilities seriously in educating and guiding our pupils on how to use the internet responsibly, the responsibility of monitoring pupils’ use of the internet out of school lies with parents. I appeal to you to keep an eye on your child’s use of the internet please, particularly in respect of messaging groups, which have been known to cause problems. Additionally, pupils have also set up groups with ‘Rhos Street’ used as its name or as part of the name. This is problematic, as any such groups are in no way affiliated and should not be identified with the school. I’d be grateful if you could ensure the school’s name is not associated with any unofficial online groups set up by members of the school community. Many thanks. Also, in respect of any unofficial groups, the most accurate information about school activities is to be found via the school’s official channels, as highlighted below.

Twitter – Twitter has increasingly become one of the main modes of communicating information across the world and the school’s account @rhosstreet has become a highly useful and very popular tool to share information, photographs and particularly any updates that need to be shared urgently regarding school business. I would highly recommend, if you are not already a twitter member, that you join and follow our account, to help you keep abreast of the latest news.

Further Lines of Communication – The newsletter is published and emailed each Friday. Foundation Phase classes also provide a weekly update which is posted to Twitter at the end of the week and also sent home by hand. Remember that the school’s news and more can be found by logging on the school website at www.rhosstreetschool.co.uk. Photographs of activities can also be viewed on our Flickr page. The PTA Facebook page is another source of important information. Links to all of the above can be found on the website.

Medical Information – If there is any medical information that you need to share with us regarding your child, then please do so, as a matter of urgency, so that we may update our records.

Personal Information & Contact Details – If you have recently changed your address, mobile telephone number or any other details, could you please inform us, so that we may update our records accordingly? Many thanks.

Wellingtons – Could all Junior pupils ensure that they bring a pair of wellingtons to keep in school? Mr Davis’ wellie racks, built during lockdown will keep them safe and dry! Many thanks.

Hockey Taster Sessions – Please view the attached image for information about free hockey taster sessions that are available for our pupils here in Ruthin on September 14th.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

An End of Year Message – Here we are at the end of another year, which once again has been far from straightforward. Everybody has played their part to get through the challenges we have faced and I’d like to thank my Senior Leadership Team, the staff, parents and Governors for all their input and support. September brings challenges new and old, but as ever we’ll be ready for them and face them together! Have a lovely summer!

PTA Update and a huge thank you – Despite the pandemic the PTA has had an amazingly successful year, raising just over £6000, which will be used on phase 2 of our outdoor play equipment during the autumn term. Huge thanks to Lucy Purvis and her team raising money via two raffles, two own clothes days, two photograph sales, the sponsored walk challenge and also donations from local businesses. The recent PTA Photos raised £1351 so the hard work of Emma Phipps in taking and preparing the photos and Julie Brixey who sent them out has been rewarded and is very much appreciated. I mustn’t forget Jenny either – who has also been as committed and generous as ever with her time. Thank you parents also for supporting our fundraising activities.

Reading Challenge – Another plug for the Reading Challenge – your support would be appreciated.

End of year activities –There have been some lovely end of year activities, trips and sports events. Take a look at Twitter and you can see some great photos.

New Yard – The new yard progresses at a good pace. All being well it will be ready for use after the holiday.

Goodbye Year 6 – We held our Leavers’ Presentation on Wednesday and today bade farewell to our Year 6 pupils. All the very best to them all!

The New Term – The school will be open to pupils on Monday, September 6th.

Payment of Monies – It would be appreciated if all debts for dinners and music lessons could be settled. Many thanks.

Twitter Over the Summer – Please keep in touch via Twitter over the summer if you have something to share or have been somewhere special and I’ll be happy retweet.

Well done – Well done to Amelia and Alys for achieving their gymnastics awards.

Goodbye – I mentioned Miss Price’s time coming to an end with us last week and this week I want to say thank you and goodbye to Jen Roberts who will start her new role at St Brigid’s from September. We’re grateful for all she’s done for us and wish her well.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Message from the Chair of Governors
At the end of another busy term, and another school year, I would like to take this opportunity to give my sincere thanks to Mr Jones and his team for steering us safely though a really difficult period in the life of the school. The disruption to learning in the classroom has been unprecedented, and I would like to thank everyone, especially the children, for rising to the challenge.

To those who are leaving us, especially families of Year 6 and Miss Price, good luck, and to everyone else, have a really great summer. I hope you have a great holiday and the sun keeps shining. It is difficult to see exactly how things will be when we all return in September, and I know everyone will hope for a less disrupted year, but whatever happens, I know that the staff and pupils at the school will rise the challenge. Until then, stay safe.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

School Meals – The Denbighshire School Catering Service reports it has faced an increase of prices for all major commercially procured food products. In the face of rising prices, the decision has been made to increase the cost of school meals by 20p per day as of September.

End of Year Visits – Despite the continuing restrictions, it has been nice to allow our pupils the opportunity to get out and about in the community at the end of the school year, via visits to local parks and the Living Classroom. You can see photos of these activities on our Twitter feed.

Outdoor Equipment – It’s been fabulous seeing many of our pupils trying out the new outdoor equipment. The climbing wall has now been given the ok for pupils to use and it’s such a relief after all this time to see things beginning to fall into place outdoors.

Sunflower Learning Hub – A flyer for Sunflower Learning Hub’s Summer Club which includes full details, is attached to the email for your attention.

Sports Day Activities – Again, it’s been pleasing that we’ve been able to facilitate Sports Day activities of sorts for our pupils and again, Twitter is the place to go to get a flavour. Soon, the school’s Flickr account will be updated with further galleries.

Sad News – We were extremely sad to hear the news that volunteer and member of the school community for many years, Jacquie McGillan passed away this week following a long illness. Jacquie was a great friend of the school and her input while helping our pupils was always valuable and greatly appreciated. Her grandson Ieuan is an ex-pupil and also a current volunteer and we send our heartfelt condolences to him, to Jacquie’s husband Frank and all the family.

PTA Raffle – Many thanks for selling raffle tickets over the last few weeks. A total of £737 was raised which is amazing! The draw was made today and prizes won are as follows:
Hill and Roberts Hamper – Fletcher & Piper Jones.
Cabin Coffee Shop voucher & Candy Shack sweets – Elliott & Harri Lewis
Nails by Hels voucher – Jo Corfield
Polish Me Pretty voucher – Sian Fordham
Candy Shack voucher – Mark Szabo
Trefor Jones voucher & Prosecco – Steve & Mary Beach
Pick Me Up Kit & Wine – Elaine W
Notice board from Lovingly Made by Lyn – Jodie Pike
State of Distress Pottery voucher & craft tin – Noah Gardner
Yellow Moon plant, Eco Pantri soap & wine – Maz Nield

Huge thanks to the following who have donated prizes. Their generosity is very much appreciated:
Hill and Roberts
Candy Shack
State of Distress
Yellow Moon Florist
Lovingly Made by Lyn
Trefor Jones
Well Street Chemist
Nails by Hels voucher
Eco Pantri
Myddelton Grill
The Cabin Coffee Shop
Polish Me Pretty voucher

PTA Lockdown Heroes – We were delighted to present our pupils with their medals today. The brief ceremonies were followed by a little party accompanied by some music.

Reading Challenge – The pupils have today been a given a bookmark which provides details of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge – ‘Wild World Heroes / Arwyr Y Byd Gwyllt’ Please encourage your child to take part – it’s fun, it’s free and will help keep your child reading over the summer term and ensure they hit the ground running when they return in September. Please tweet us photos of them either at the library or reading their books.

End of Year Reports – End of year reports are being sent home today. I’d be grateful if you could fill the feedback sheet and return it to school next week. You may keep your copy of the report.

Pizza Treat – On Monday, July 12th the canteen will be serving Chicago Town Pizza and doughnuts.

Students of the Week – Congratulations to Bertie, Sophie, Ayla, Oliver, Aurora, Hugo, all of Blwyddyn 1&2 for being great sports, Jacob, Leon, all of Blwyddyn 4, Isaac, Livvie, Dean and Urte. Well done also to Illy for passing grade 2 on piano!

Goodbye Miss Price – With Mrs. Lewis returning on Monday from maternity leave, Miss Price said a goodbye to Blwyddyn 4 today (although she will be about next week too!) She has, over the last three years had a very varied experience of inspection and two lockdowns but has been a huge part of our success and leaves with our respect and friendship. Mynydd Isa School are lucky to have her and we wish her every success!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher