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

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Euro 2020 Art – Thank you for the examples sent so far. I have received completed templates and also outdoor art and look forward to seeing more soon. If pupils just want to just make a design on the template, that is fine. Equally, if they just want to create something outdoors that’s fine too. All participants will receive a small prize!

DMC Summer Camp – Attached to the email is a flyer for Denbighshire Cooperatives summer music camps.

Music Lessons – Last week, I shared a letter for you to register interest in your child receiving music lessons from September. I’d be grateful if you could return them at your earliest convenience. I have attached once again.

Academic Dates 2021-22 – I have also attached a document specifying the term dates and training days next year. At some point during the academic year, there will be an additional day that school is closed, in lieu of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June, but I’m told that date is yet to be determined.

Active Travel Survey – Denbighshire is running a consultation about the active travel network. Part of the phase two consultation is about reaching out to schools and families to engage with them about their local areas and their journeys in and out of school plus other trips they may do in their area. This link will take you to the survey in order to participate.
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/26eedfd68fc7468c8908688730248c95?portalUrl=https://Sustrans-UK.maps.arcgis.com&center=53.116757,-3.322261&field:what_school=Ysgol%20Rhos%20Street

Play Equipment – The new play equipment is looking good and is nearing completion. We will instruct each class individually regarding its safe use.

New Yard – See Twitter for updates on how the new yard is progressing. Quite a lot has been done over the past week!

Staffing News – We approach the end of the year and plans have been finalised for 2021-22. Mr. Davis, Mrs. Davies and Miss Davies will continue teaching Years 6, 5 and 3 respectively. We are looking forward to welcoming Mrs. Mari Lewis back in Year 4 from her maternity leave just before we break for Summer. She is returning for four days a week with Mrs. Jan Hughes teaching on the other day from September. Miss Price will sadly leave us, but I’m delighted she has been awarded another post in Mynydd Isa and they will be extremely lucky to have her on their team! In the Infants, Mrs. Liddy will be with Year 2, Miss Bevan Year 1, Mrs. Bourne Reception plus Eleri & Kelly with the Nursery.

Transition Morning – On Thursday, each class will spend a morning with their new teachers, as part of our transition arrangements.

Sports Days – We are having some mini bubble ‘Sports Days’ with the pupils. We’ll get some photos posted to Twitter so you can get a flavour of what has been happening. Hopefully next year, we can have a traditional Rhos Street Sports Day once again.

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

Topsoil Bag – The fruit and veg outside the front of the school is looking fabulous in the Dandy’s Topsoil bag. There’s coriander, tomato, beetroot, peas, strawberry, chard and some lettuce. Please wash anything picked before eating!

Use of the Car Park – Thank you for your patience with the car park situation. Please ensure you follow the signs directing the flow of traffic, in order to ensure such congestion does not compromise the safety of all.

Summer Reading Challenge – Attached to the email, is an image highlighting the forthcoming Summer Reading Challenge. This initiative is something I’m always eager for all our pupils to take part in, but particularly this year in order to keep our pupils reading over the summer break after such a disrupted 18 months of schooling. Your support in facilitating this would be very much appreciated. I will be delighted if you could tweet us about your visits to the library over the summer break.

Ruthin Town FC – Ex-pupil Charlie Caton visited Ruthin Town FC Under 10s last week, to give them some inspiration. Coach Andrew Lewis, shared with me how grateful the club was to Charlie for giving up his time to share his experiences with the children and what an excellent role model he was. He told the players about the importance of working hard, enjoying what you do and being polite as key things in football or indeed life in general. He met current Rhos Street pupils Elliott, Isaac and Kaden who I’m sure will be very eager to follow in his footsteps! Charlie has just started his pre-season training with Shrewsbury Town this week.

PTA Raffle – Many thanks for selling the PTA Raffle Tickets. There are still books available at the office if want any additional tickets. The draw will take place next Friday.

PTA Photos – If you are yet to send in your order form for electronic PTA Photos, then please do so, in order for them to be sent to you by email before the end of term. Many thanks. The order form is once again attached.

PTA Lockdown Hero Medals – The PTA have kindly organised that each of our pupils receives a special ‘Lockdown Hero’ medal, as recognition for their efforts over the last 18 months of the pandemic. They look lovely and we will present them to each bubble next Friday in a mini-ceremony and celebration. Huge thanks to Lucy Purvis for organising this.

Year 6 Summer Bikeability – As the local authority were unable to deliver the Year 6 Bikeability course this year due to COVID-19, an additional course has been arranged for the summer holidays. Please see the attached flyer.

Year 6 Leavers Ceremony – We will hold a brief socially distanced ceremony on the field by Ruthin Town FC, where we normally hold sports day to share hoodies and pay tribute to our departing Year 6 pupils. Parents of Year 6 pupils are invited, but please maintain 2m distance from one another and wear a face covering. This event will take place at 2pm on Wednesday, July 14th.

St Peter’s Church – Year 6 pupils normally attend St. Peter’s Church for a Leavers’ Service along with other local schools. This year, representatives from the church will visit Year 6 in school and present them with a gift.

Students of the Week – Students of the Week are Elliot, Eden, Chima, Eve, Louie, Piper, Nimrod, CharlieG, Rayne, CharlieR, Thea, Romeo, Charly, Mia-Rose, Tommy, Mia, Lily-Mae, Indi, Kemal, Maya, Anna, Tiffany, Ruby, Jason and Lexie. Well done to them all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

What is it they say about London buses? Well, in relation to outdoor works on and next to the site, the same principle applies here, as we not only have the new housing estate being built and the accompanying traffic lights, but also have seen the installation of our new play equipment begin. Finally and also most importantly, work has finally started on providing our Infant pupils with a yard. After such a prolonged period battling behind the scenes for this to happen, it’s something that we’re extremely relieved to witness. I remember clear as day, raising the issue with Karen Evans then Head of Education in Denbighshire when she visited the brand new site on the Monday before we opened back in April 2018 and highlighted the deficiencies in our outdoor areas. It’s been a long frustrating wait for staff, Governors, parents and pupils to see this addressed, with all playing their part to make this happen. There have been many obstacles, delays and red tape, but the Local Authority are delivering on their promise and our pupils will benefit greatly. Like me, I’m sure you will all be very much looking forward to its completion.

Move a Marathon – Thank you for your contributions last Friday to our fundraising efforts. A total of over £200 was raised.

Euro 2020 Day – Today, we had a special Euro 2020 themed day, with pupils dressed in red to back Wales in the last 16 match tomorrow v. Denmark. In our online assembly, we sang Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau and I introduced a special activity for the pupils to take part in at home. They’ve been given a planning sheet to design a Euro 2020 football themed outdoor art creation, a little like the one they were asked to complete during lockdown in the natural materials activity. They can use any materials they want to make their outdoor creation and then photos of their work can be emailed or tweeted to the school. I’ll organise a small prize for every entry. Could all photographs be sent by a week on Monday please?

Registration for Music Lessons – Please see the attached letter, regarding registering interest in music lessons with the Denbighshire Music Cooperative for the next academic year 2021-22.

PTA Photos – I have emailed details and sent home an order form for you to make your orders for PTA photographs. Please send them in an envelope and you will receive the photos by email after the deadline of July 9th

PTA Raffle – Raffle tickets have been sent home this week for the PTA Summer Raffle and we’d be grateful if they could be sold and the money returned. More tickets available in the office. There will be some great prizes!
Vaccination Posters from BCUHB – I have also attached some information from the health board regarding vaccinations. They are attached to the email.

Helping Your Child at Home – Last week, information was sent via email regarding a free online course available to all parents at the school, offering guidance and training on how to help your child to learn at home. In order to access the course for free, the code you will need to enter at the checkout is as follows: Denbighshire-05-2021 A video from Mike Gershon, the course creator and presenter, gives further information on the content and explains
its benefits. The video can be accessed via this link – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EdU9fW_eOdIwOXlIzTLWZ7g3s5kqdQMp/view?usp=sharing

Transition – Thank you to staff from Ysgol Brynhyfryd for visiting to speak to our Year 6 pupils about the transition to Secondary School ahead of them. Year 2 also had a lovely transition session with Miss Davies which was held with Year 2 outdoors yesterday, to prepare them for life in the Juniors.

Traffic Lights – You will be now be aware that there are three-way traffic lights on the main road outside the school site, due to works by Welsh Water for the new houses. This is causing significant congestion, so please bear this in mind at pick-up and drop-off time. If you are able to walk instead of travel by car to the site, then this would be helpful and appreciated. I am told a two way system on the approach road will be replacing it soon and have been reassured the traffic system is being monitored going forward.

Thank You Miss Pugh – A big thank you to our departing student Miss Pugh. Best wishes for the future after a fine placement.

Students of the Week – Congratulations to Toby, Madalyn, Billy, Sylvia, Harri, Teddy, Isaac, Lucas, CharlieG, Isla, Rayne, Lola, Theo, Amelie, Leala, Charles, Jacob, LiamG, Jensen, Izzy, EmilyD, Joe and Nate.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Helping Your Child at Home – I have attached further information by email regarding a free online course available to all parents at the school, offering guidance and training on how to help your child to learn at home. In order to access the course for free, the code you will need to enter at the checkout is as follows: Denbighshire-05-2021 A video from Mike Gershon, the course creator and presenter, gives further information on the content and explains its benefits and can be accessed via this link – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EdU9fW_eOdIwOXlIzTLWZ7g3s5kqdQMp/view?usp=sharing

Move a Marathon – Thank you for your contributions, which will go towards Air Ambulance and Young Minds. The pupils enjoyed running their communal marathons and pictures can be seen on Twitter.

Year 2 & 3 Transition – The normal transition activities are of course restricted. However, Year 2 will have some outdoor sessions with Miss Davies from Year 3 in order to give them a flavour of life in the Juniors. The first session will take place next Wednesday.

Year 6 Transition – Year 6 will be visited by staff from Brynhyfryd on Thursday morning. I am sure it will be a worthwhile exercise in supporting their transition.

Music Lessons – We would be grateful if you could settle all outstanding music lesson payments please.

New Yard – I have received further confirmation from the local authority that on Monday, work will indeed commence on the new yard.

Year 6 Class Photo – I emailed all parents in Year 6 with details on how to order the class photo earlier this week.

Menu Change – On Monday, barbecued chicken will be served instead of fish.

Students of the Week – Congratulations to Jaxson, Luna, Samual, Verity, Josh, Lucas, Max, Ruben, Ella, Leyla, Melissa, Cain, Shreya, Stacey and Chloe.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

I hope everybody had a lovely half term and took advantage of the good weather. I’ve been eager to see the pupils get straight back in the groove for this final half-term of the academic year. They’ve settled back into the swing of things well this week, which has been positive and reassuring.

Gobeithio cafodd bawb hanner tymor hyfryd a manteisio ar y tywydd da. Rwy’n edrych ymlaen at weld y disgyblion ail-gychwyn ar eu gwaith ysgol ar gyfer hanner tymor olaf y flwyddyn academaidd.

Giggles News – Two bits of good news from Giggles to report. Firstly, staff member Mali Walker was awarded Coleg Cambria’s Childcare Work Based Learner Award for 2021. What an achievement! Also, Giggles was awarded a five star food hygiene rating, so congratulations to Anna and her team also for that assessment!

A New Baby – Charley and Chima Hecox have welcomed a new sister into their family! Lovely news and congratulations to mum and dad!

Happy Birthday! – Cleaner Liz McLaren celebrated a big birthday this week, so we wish her many happy returns!

Good Luck Wales! – Euro 2020 starts tonight and Wales play their first game tomorrow. Fingers crossed for another strong performance in this year’s tournament. Memories of 2016’s adventure come flooding back! Cmon Cymru!

Yard Update – We have received the following update from the Design and Construction Team of Denbighshire County Council and have been informed the work will commence a week on Monday.
“The relevant agreements and issues which impacted on the start dates have now been resolved and the contractors are able to access the new playground area via the land between the estate road and the school. The works are now presently scheduled to start on the 21st June and it is anticipated that the works will take 10 weeks to complete. We will confirm these arrangements in advance of the 21st June.”

Outdoor Play Equipment – We also have a start date for the installation of the first phase of outdoor equipment, most of which will take place adjacent to the Juniors’ Yard and this will also commence on the 21st June.

Twitter – It was nice to receive updates from families on their half-term exploits and get to share them with the school community. Many thanks. Keep an eye on Twitter for news of our ongoing activities.

GCSE and A Level Results – It’s been a very strange year for students who have been preparing for GCSEs and A Levels this year and a very uncertain time, I’m sure. Normally, it’s during the summer that our ex-pupils receive their results, but this week provisional grades were shared for both GCSE and A Level pupils by Ysgol Brynhyfryd. We very much hope all the Rhos Street veterans received the grades they need to take the next step in life and we wish them all the best for the future. We always root for our ex-pupils long after they leave the building and are proud to hear of their successes.

Charlie’s Contract – One ex-pupil who I’ve mentioned of late is Charlie Caton, who has had further good news in his footballing exploits, by being awarded a two year professional contract by Shrewsbury Town. Congratulations to him once again!

Move a Marathon – Across Denbighshire, many schools are taking part in a charity event to raise money for Young Minds UK and the Welsh Air Ambulance. This is to be done in the memory of Ethan, a young man from Denbighshire who tragically lost his life in a car crash back in 2020. Therefore, on Friday pupils can come to school in their own clothes, bring a suggested donation of £1 per child into school and during the afternoon, each class will collectively run a marathon together. Thank you for your support.

Covid Concerns – I am sure you will have read about and seen the renewed concerns about the impact of the Delta Variant on the number of Covid-19 cases and we have been made aware of an increase of cases in Denbighshire of late. Once again, I am appealing for your ongoing support in ensuring that we as a school community do all we can to mitigate further risk of spreading the virus. The fact many schools have been affected once again, serves as a reminder that we all need to play our part and I’m sure I can count on everybody to do exactly that!

Students of the Week – Congratulations to Esme, Daisy, Elsie, Jude, LucasJ, Leila, Rayne, Alexander, CharlieR, Oliver, CharlieG, Daisy, Amelia, Max, Poppy, CharleyH, Ruben, Claire, Riley, Trystan, Lacey and Bhupinder. Foundation Phase Welsh awards went to Romeo and Ryan.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Half term arrives as does a half decent weather forecast! Have a lovely week and see you on Monday June 7th.

PTA Pyjama Day – Pyjamas, onesies and dressing gowns were the order of the day. See Twitter for the photos. Thank you for your contributions to PTA funds.

Ruthin Town Youth – Ruthin Town Youth Football Club, will shortly be holding training sessions for next season’s Under 12 team, made up of boys currently in Year 6. Interested pupils are very welcome to attend sessions, which have been arranged to take place at the Glasdir pitches next to Ruthin Town Football Club every Thursday evening during June. Sessions are to commence promptly at 6.30pm and completed by approximately 8.00pm, with the first one being on Thursday the 3rd of June. Rhos Street pupils don’t have to be currently playing for Ruthin Town Juniors FC to be able to attend, all new players will be very welcome. All should wear football boots, pads and bring their own drink.

Library Packs – The local libraries are encouraging pupils to visit and pick up a bag of ‘Elmer’ activities. Contact your local library to arrange an appointment.

PTA Photos – A huge thank you to Emma Phipps for her time, equipment and skills as she took the pupils’ photos on Tuesday. Thank you also to Jenny Johnson for helping things run smoothly on the day. Information will follow regarding previewing and ordering arrangements.

Year 6 Photo – On Tuesday, June 8th, Temest photography will visit to take the Year 6 class photo.

Missing Jumpers – Oliver Appleby has mislaid a few jumpers over the past term. They have his name on, so I’d be grateful if you check any you have at home to see if they can be found.

Students of the Week – Congratulations to George, Billy, Sebastian, Jacob, Eliza, Alexander, Maisie, Scarlet, Mia-Rose, Oscar, Ryan, Charley, Amelia, Isabella, Jade, Tomos, Jolie and Leo.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth