Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Pupils’ Return – It’s been a while, but at last we can say that we are fully open for business once again and long may it continue! Pupils have returned to all of our classes and we have high expectations of them in terms of their effort, behaviour and engagement going forward. They’ve come back to a Junior library refreshed plus classes and corridors with fantastic, colourful rejuvenated displays. Thank you to those staff who have worked so hard on these areas. I’m very much looking forward to seeing and hearing about our pupils progressing apace with smiles on their faces, while face to face learning gets back on track at long last. Many thanks to the school community for their efforts in making it all happen as safely as possible.

Red Nose Day – One positive about not being able to get a haircut, is that it has made it easier to have a crazy hairstyle on Red Nose Day! I’ve seen all sorts of colours and styles, so thank you for supporting today! The pupils have enjoyed themselves, despite us having to restrict activities due to current guidelines.

Rugby Sessions – Mike Evans worked with Years 5 and 6 this week and next week will take sessions for Years 3 and 4. After Easter there will be a provisional schedule involving Foundation Phase classes too.

Smoke Issues – The issue of smoke affecting the locality from a business near to the Glasdir site is one that I’m sure you’re familiar with, particularly as the local press has recently covered the ongoing long-term concerns. As a school, we are passionate about the environment, fighting for sustainability, conservation and of course a clean planet, so we have been trying to get some answers ourselves. Our pupils have been and will be involved in discussions in class, have an opportunity to voice those concerns and channel them in a positive manner that we can share with DCC. We also want to support our local community in Glasdir. Hopefully, the pupils’ input as well as other consultations in the community and Local Authority, will help facilitate a positive outcome going forward.

Parking – Naturally, congestion in the car park has of course increased significantly during this week. May I please ask you all to follow all the signage regarding speeds and direction of travel, in order to ensure that everybody remains safe. Many thanks.

Congratulations! – Congratulations to the Gratton family and the Vallance family on the arrival of their new born babies! It has been lovely to hear some positive news. James and Emi-Lee have been very proud! A big welcome to their respective little sisters Sydney and Harriet!

Denbighshire Library Book Bingo – Denbigh and Ruthin Libraries are inviting primary school children to participate in #BookBingo over Easter, to promote reading and using their local library through a challenging and fun activity. This coincides with the reopening of libraries on March 29th by appointment only. Completed sheets will be entered into a draw after the April 17th closing date for a prize sponsored by Siop Clwyd, Denbigh and Siop Elfair, Ruthin. See the attachment for full details.

Music Lessons – If any pupils have been receiving remote lessons over the past term, then payment can now be made via Parent Pay.

Students of the Week – Well done to Emilia, Hugo, Drago, Neve, Thea, Hannah, Oscar, Eliza, Isaac, Maisie, Jacob, Sebastian, Isla, Nimrod, Ryan, Katelyn, Claire, Romeo, Scarlet, Leala, CharlieE, NoahG, Anna, Joey and Bhupinder on being awarded Students of the Week!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Juniors’ Return – We are delighted to be able to bring remote learning to a close for Juniors today and eagerly anticipate their return on Monday. I have posted my weekly virtual message to Junior Google Classrooms and ask you to encourage your child to view it and heed the advice I share. I have also sent information regarding arrangements for next week via email and shared Welsh Government advice on Twitter, in order to ensure everybody is able to work together to keep one another safe. I am confident we can all continue to cooperate as a school community with this aim in mind. I very much look forward to welcoming everybody back on Monday.

Lateness – It would be appreciated if you could be supportive in ensuring that your child arrives on time for school each day. I have been a little concerned that a minority of our pupils are arriving habitually late and am eager that pupils are punctual in order to start each day in a positive, organised manner. Lateness can be disruptive not only to the individual, but the whole class. Many thanks for your anticipated cooperation.

Music Lessons – Face to face music lessons will resume on-site following the Easter break. Virtual lessons are still available in the meantime.

PTA Sponsored Challenge – Huge thanks on behalf of the PTA and myself for your efforts with this challenge. It’s been really positive that so many of you have tried to get out and about, clock up the miles and enjoy the fresh air. Additionally, the projected sum of money raised is very significant and is approaching £2000 on the ‘Just Giving’ page, which is amazing! Any further donations can be sent in via the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rhosstreetschool-pta. The page will remain open for the rest of the weekend and will be closed on Monday. Contributions can also be sent into school in an envelope via the office from next week, if you prefer to donate in this manner. Once again, a massive thank you! The money will be crucial as we invest in outdoor equipment in the coming weeks and every penny has made a difference.

Mother’s Day – A template for a Mother’s Day message has been shared on Twitter and via my Juniors’ message on Google Classroom for anybody who wishes to use it. Any completed hearts can be sent to Rev. Stuart to share if you wish, via his email address cymrostu@gmail.com. I hope all the Rhos Street mums are spoiled on Sunday!!

Internet Safety Competition – I have reshared the Internet Safety competition run by North Wales Police. Information can be found on Twitter and on the Juniors’ Google Classroom.

Rugby Sessions – Ex-pupil Mike Evans is running a series of rugby sessions for our pupils on Tuesday afternoons. He is the local rugby officer, base at the Ruthin Rugby Club and Ysgol Brynhyfryd. This week, he worked with Years 1 and 2 and will do the same with Junior classes on their return. His sessions have been very well received and I’m sure Key Stage 2 will look forward to working with him.

New Pupils – Since lockdown ended, we have welcomed some new pupils to the Foundation Phase and look forward to others joining in the Juniors next week. Sophie, Joshua and Bertie have settled really well in the Infants and it’ll be great to have Zakk, Kush, Kalyani and Evelyn join Year 3, as well as Joey and Anna in Year 5 and last but not least Bhupinder in Year 6. I’m sure our pupils will make them all feel very welcome, as they join the school community.

Students of the Week – Well done to Morgan, Verity, Isabella, Isla, ArloB, Rayne, Leala, Max, OscarH, Henry, Ruben, Mia-Rose and Scarlet on their Student of the Week awards this week. Also, congratulations to Ben for achieving Grade 2 in piano.

Return of Reading Scheme Books – There are still a number of reading books that were shared with parents for Foundation Phase pupils to read over lockdown, that have not yet been returned. I’d be really grateful if those books could be sent back into school as a matter of priority, because they are now needed in school. Many thanks.

Family Link Worker Support – Please be aware, if you need any support with any issues you may be encountering at home after such a difficult period, that Family Link Workers are available to contact via this link: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/childcare-and-parenting/family-link-workers.aspx. I have also attached a flyer for The Solihull Approach: ‘Understanding Your Child’ course for parents, which can be accessed virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

St David’s Day – Thank you for supporting our St David’s Day activities. The children looked great!

World Book Day – It was also a pleasure to see all the World Book Day costumes in school. There are many photos on Twitter for you to enjoy. You’ve heard of the Masked Singer, well here at Rhos Street for World Book Day, we have the Masked Reader! On Google Classroom, Juniors can guess which disguised staff member is reading from a well known story. Can you guess the stories too?

Red Nose Day – On March 19th, it is Red Nose Day and we will become involved but keep it very simple. Pupils can come in their own clothes, have silly hair if they wish, wear a red nose and if they wish to donate, then they are most welcome to do so and we will pass on any money raised.

Students of the Week – Students of the Week are Bertie and Sophie (N), Daisy and Louie (R), Theo ArloJ, LeilaH, Piper, Thea, Lola and CharlieR (1), OscarH, Max, Poppy, Katelyn and Seren (2), Kush, Charlie, Willow (3), Melissa, Lilly, Noah, Tyler and Emi-lee (4), Barkley, Joey, Tyler and Isaac (5), Brody, Daniel, Illy and James (6). Well done all!

Fair Trade Bake Off – I can also announce the winner of the Year 5 and 6 Fair Trade bake-off and the winner was Cake No 5, the ‘Fairtrade Logo Cake’, by Finley Griffiths. He will receive a prize on return to school and Fair Trade treats will be shared with all who entered.

Google Classroom Assembly – Due to a packed diary, there wasn’t an opportunity to broadcast an online assembly to the classes today, so I will be recording one later this afternoon and will post it to Google Classroom.

PTA Meeting – On Wednesday, there will be a PTA Meeting online at 1pm. If you wish to attend, let us know and we will share the meeting details. All welcome!

A Thank you – We are grateful to Richard Williams for helping us with the provision of wood this week. Mr Davis has been making wellington racks for the pupils and he has done a sterling job.

Juniors’ Return! – You may well have seen in the press, that the return of the Juniors to school on March 15th has now been confirmed. I will resend the details I sent before the Foundation Phase reopens as a refresher so that we can continue to operate as safely as possible.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

It was gorgeous weather outside at the front of the school this morning as everybody arrived. Hopefully the bright sunshine is reflecting the positive steps made this week. Thank you once again for your co-operation in helping things go so smoothly. Diolch yn fawr.

Infants’ Return to School – Seeing the smiling happy faces of the Infants returning was a tonic this week. It was also a boost to see them keen to return the next day too. The relief among parents was palpable as they finally got to hand over their children at the gate once again. It augurs well for the provisional return of our Juniors on March 15th and that day can’t come soon enough!

St. David’s Day – On Monday it is St David’s Day, so we invite the pupils to come in dressed for the occasion. I’m sure we’ll see clothes in red white and green, national costumes, rugby or football shirts, leeks and daffodils aplenty. I’m sure everybody will look magnificent and proud to be part of our Welsh community!

World Book Day – World Book Day is also an annual event that will take place on Thursday the 4th March. As is traditional, pupils can come to school dressed as a literary character, but as ever there is no pressure to go out and buy costumes. You can be as creative as you like with what you have at home and participation is of course, voluntary.

We also invite Junior pupils to get involved in these two events at home if they wish and send in their photos for us to share.

PTA Sponsored Challenge – Thank you for your ongoing participation in the PTA Sponsored Challenge. There is still time to get out and about and clock up the miles so keep going! Many thanks for all the contributions so far.

PTA Thanks – The PTA have received a £250 donation from local business Lewis and Hunter Contracting. We are extremely grateful for their kindness. Diolch yn fawr iawn!

Reading Club – Infant Reading Club restarts Monday!

Students of the Week – Well done to all of Reception, Jacob, Grace, Leala, Leila and Jay (Yr 1&2), Eva-May, Zakk and Merry (Yr3), Issy, Cain, Shreya and Henry (Yr4), Lacy, Ben, Ella May, Elliott, Tiffany and Tyler (Yr 5) and Bhupinder, Benjamin, ConnieT and Noah (Yr 6).

New Yard Update – The local authority have informed me that the appointed contractor for the new yard GH James Cyf are now preparing to complete the works. An internal fence will be installed to safeguard our pupils while the works take place. Councillor Hilditch will communicate with you once confirmation of the proposed start date of the work is known.

Staff COVID-19 Lateral Flow Device Testing – As part of the return to face to face learning for pupils, we are introducing a number of additional measures to provide an added level of assurance for parents and staff. This includes the introduction of twice weekly testing for staff members. All those working in schools will have access to Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs). This enables them to undertake a test for coronavirus at home twice a week. The LFDs provide a result within 30 minutes and don’t require a laboratory to process.
The testing will take place on Sunday and Wednesday evenings. If a member of staff tests positive, the whole of the contact group will need to self-isolate. This means that you, as parents / carers, could be contacted on a Sunday or Wednesday evening advising you that your child must self-isolate immediately. In the meantime, the staff member will be tested again using a laboratory test (a PCR test). If this second test is also positive, the self-isolation will need to continue as advised by Public Health Wales. If the PCR test is negative, the school will contact you to arrange for the children to return to school the next day.
We will work with Denbighshire to ensure that in those instances of a positive test, that we can get a message to you as soon as possible. These arrangements are to provide additional assurances regarding the safety of your child.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We reach half term and I’m sure there will be a collective sigh of relief heard across the Vale of Clwyd from parents, teachers, staff and indeed pupils. It is a time to pause, switch off and recharge for everybody. Screens can be put away and focus can be channelled elsewhere.

Preparations have taken place this week, in order to ensure the return of our Foundation Phase pupils from Wednesday 24th February, happens as safely as possible. I am eagerly looking forward to them coming back and getting to see and hear the hustle and bustle of full classrooms once again. First of all though, a nice lie down in a darkened room wouldn’t go amiss for a little while, accompanied by some liquid refreshment and I’m sure this sentiment resonates with many of you. Have a lovely week and then we can start on what will hopefully be a short road back to normal operations here at Rhos Street.

Parents; a big thank you for your efforts this term with remote learning. Teaching pupils is a highly specialised profession that requires training and most importantly lots of experience to deliver with confidence, so it’s been a tall order for you all. No doubt you will have experienced many frustrations while you navigate the blurred lines between being a parent and supporting your child with their schoolwork. I have been with you on that journey with my youngest child too over recent weeks, so I empathise with you all. It’s not easy!

I’m also hugely grateful to the support staff here at the school, who have pooled together over the half term to deliver the childcare to our Key Worker and Vulnerable pupils in the hall, while teachers have been in their class focusing on supporting remote learning. They have cared for pupils ranging from 3 years old to 11 in great numbers who have a great range of abilities and needs, in an environment very different to that of normal class teaching and indeed, the more direct focus of being supported at home. This is no small feat in such circumstances. Despite those challenges, they have done their best to ensure that each pupil has engaged with their schoolwork as much as possible and facilitated opportunities for pupils to get on with their work independently, despite the bustling environment and the very social nature of the provision in place. I’m sure the parents of those pupils will and indeed have, echoed that gratitude I have for the efforts of support staff in providing care, enjoyable activities and support with the children’s work and of course their wellbeing over the last six weeks.

While chidcare has been going on in the hall, teachers have been in their empty classes, preparing work, collaborating while planning, recording videos and responding to pupil’s efforts through marking and feedback. Their efforts in providing such a high quality package of remote learning which has been engaging and varied, has I’m sure, made things easier for you at home. The lovely feedback you have provided via email or through the wellbeing phone calls, has been a real tonic for the teachers in this period of uncertainty. One thing that shines through during these times, is how much Rhos Street’s staff cares about the pupils in their classes. They care about their progress and they care about their wellbeing and again, I’d like to thank them.

I’d also like to thank the pupils. I know it’s not easy being at home all the time and while I know that there are many online tools they have to keep in touch with their friends at such a time like this, it’s never the same as seeing them in person. I’m sure they’ve all been cheesed off and fed up, but from teachers’ conversations with you, it seems they’ve taken things in their stride well. However, they need to be in school and I’m hopeful they will all be back in soon. That day can’t come soon enough for me, with the caveat that we are in a safe position to do so. Fingers and toes crossed!!

ALN Changes – Please refer to the letter attached on behalf of the North Wales Consortium, regarding changes to the system with regard to the Additional Learning Needs support offered to pupils.

PTA Sponsored Challenge – I have emailed details of the challenge to you this week, including the link to the Just Giving page as an option for contributing safely in these times of Covid-19. The primary purpose of the challenge is to get pupils out in the fresh air, getting away from their screens and focusing on their wellbeing. Of course, any amount donated, however small will be very much appreciated, but as ever there is no pressure!

Nursery – I’d like to remind any parents who want to register their child for the Nursery Class for 2021-22 that they have a week left to do so. I’d advise sorting this as a matter of priority, as indications are that places will be at a premium.

Free School Meals – For your information, free school Meal payments paid on the 15th February will be for the half term week (15-19th February). After that, the current weekly payments will carry on every Monday based on previous attendance at school. The payment on Monday the 22nd February will be based on your child’s attendance during the week beginning 1st February and the payment on Monday the 1st March will be based on your child’s attendance during the week beginning the 8th February.

Students of the Week – The end of term Student of the Week roster is a long one and that can only be a good thing! ALL of Reception, Darcie, Lucas, OscarW, Rayne, Lola, Hannah, Nimrod, Alex, Lilly, Isaac and Sebastian (Bl1), Scarlet, Ryan, Mia-Rose, Katelyn, Romeo, Jay, Leala, Poppy and Ruben (Bl2), Jade, Aidan, Merry, Sofia, Mia and Liam G (Bl3), Holly, Lilly, Trystan and Kemal (Bl4), Barkley, Ben, Ella May, Elliott, Emily, Finley, Isaac, Kian, Lacey and Tiffany (Bl5), Urte, Noah, BenC and Chloe. Well done to them all!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The Welsh Minister for Education’s announcement this lunchtime, regarding the return of Foundation Phase pupils during the first week back after half term, displays some hope that we are on a pathway back to normality. It remains crucial to ensure that any return of pupils, is enacted with the safety of all in the school community as the greatest consideration. Over the next few days we will put together a plan that suits the best interests of the community of Rhos Street School and that will be shared with you next week. As yet, there is no indication as to when Junior pupils will return.

Safer Internet Day – This takes place on Tuesday and resources will be posted on Google Classroom for pupils to engage with the message of 2021, which is that we should always question the reliability of information on the internet.

Great British Birdwatch – Thank you to those of you who took part in the birdwatch. It seems many of you enjoyed spotting our feathered friends as part of our Weekly Wellbeing Activity.

PTA Sponsored Challenge – Attached to the email is further information on the PTA’s Sponsored Challenge, which invites pupils to get out and count the miles they walk, run, cycle or scooter over the next 28 days. Can they reach 50 miles and can they raise money for outdoor equipment through sponsorship? Again, any photos will be gladly shared! Thanks to Lucy Purvis for organising.

Take a Notice Journey – The above activity dovetails nicely with our Wellbeing Activity for next week, which is to go on ‘Take Notice Journeys’ using the senses to fully appreciate the outdoors. Full details will be on Google Classroom.

Junior Blogging and Showcasing – On Google Classroom there is now information regarding blogging opportunities for our pupils to share messages and ideas with one another via Purple Mash. Also, there is a Purple Mash display board, where the teachers are showcasing examples of fine work produced by the Junior pupils in their learning.

Dydd Miwsig Cymru – A link to a disco run by Glan Llyn is on Twitter. This is always a great opportunity for our pupils to have the chance to listen to pop/rock music sung in the Welsh language.

Students of the Week – Well done to the following pupils for their efforts! Drago, Billy and Isabella (Reception), CharlieG, ArloB, CharlieR, Penny, Alexander, Thea, Theo and Grace (Bl1), Romeo, Amelia and Max (Bl2), Isabella, Liam and Jade (Bl3), Sophia, Llinos, Charlotte and Thomas (Bl4), Emilie, Ben, Lacey, Finley, Kian and Ruby (Bl5) and Daniel, Xavier, James and Declan (Bl6).

National Safeguarding Concern – There have been concerns raised nationally, regarding individuals contacting parents of pupils while posing as a tutor and offering one to one tuition . Many parents inadvertently think schools are contacting them and parents are advised to not provide any details about themselves nor their child or school, but rather terminate the call and contact the school where their child is registered and notify North Wales Police on 101.

Message from Huw Hilditch Roberts

Huw Hilditch-Roberts

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We awoke today to the news that some pupils may return to school after the half term holiday. I very much hope that this is the case and that we are in a position of safety to do so. I will of course keep you fully updated on the format that this return to face to face learning involves, as soon as I have further information.

Weekly Wellbeing Activity – Thank you for sharing your dens – please keep them coming. Next week’s activity involves the Great British Birdwatch, so please keep an eye out on Google Classroom for details next week.

Estyn – The word Estyn normally brings me out in a cold sweat, but it was a pleasure talking to them at length and in depth this week, in order to share and discuss the details of the school’s Covid response over the last 12 months and particularly our success in meeting the current challenges.

First Minister’s Competition – On Google Classroom, there is also a colouring competition run by the First Minister. Some of our pupils’ entries have been shared on Twitter already and full details have been posted to GC.

Students of the Week – Well done to Eliza and Lucas (R), Jacob, Paige, Isla, Jack, Lilly, Maisie, Belle, Daisy and Nimrod (Bl 1), Seren, Ruben, Ryan, Charly, Scarlet and Romeo (Bl 2), Leyla, Daniel, Jacob and Mia (Bl 3) Mia, Emi-lee, Billy and Jenson (Bl 4), Emily, Kaden and Finley (Bl 5) and Archie, Gabby, Logan and Leo (Bl 6) for their efforts. Keep up the good work!

Home Learning Packs – Updates to Year 1 and 2 home learning packs have been prepared and have been left outside main reception for pick up.

Music Lessons – If you wish for your child to continue receiving music lessons while school remains closed, the Denbighshire Music Co-operative are providing online lessons and you can register to receive them this way, via the following link:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ouEiaNPmIEe_X_psK1t04xa-5nJ0D4tDnTlFTuoFa4xUN0xSNU01RE43NlpLODBKVjE0OENUR0xIMCQlQCN0PWcu

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth