Dear Parents and Carers,
2019 is coming to an end, as is another term here at RSS. The year began positively with the publication of our Estyn report and the findings of the inspection, remain something we are extremely proud of. The year wasn’t without its challenges though, as our ongoing frustrations while we endeavoured to secure additional yard space on the new site continued. Hopefully our determination will bear fruit very soon as planning permission has now been secured. The loss of Jill was such an awful thing to have to accept and of course as a staff and community, we are still coming to terms with her death. The year ended extremely positively, however, with our successful Xmas performances in the Infants and Juniors and the Christmas spirit has been strong here, as I’m sure it is with you at home. Have a wonderful festive time. I intend to eat, drink and be merry, so I hope you all do too, while having a fantastic time with your families and friends. I hope the fortnight goes really slowly, but afterwards I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Junior Concert – The Juniors’ Concert was a triumph! Huge congratulations to the pupils and Key Stage 2 staff for their efforts. Diolch yn fawr. Thank you also to parents for their donations and ongoing support, as well as the PTA for their tireless fundraising.

Rock Choir Performances – Our Rock Choir sang so well this week. From Sunday’s Rotary Concert, through visits to the Library, Ruthin Hospital, Costa and Tescos they really shared the Christmas spirit throughout the community. Thank you to parents for supporting and for the warm welcome everywhere we went.

Xmas Singalong – We all had our traditional raucous singalong in the hall this morning. Always a highlight!

Achievers – Students of the week were Arlo, Darcie, Henry, Arthur, Logan and all of Year 2. Swimming certificates went to Daniel and Gymnastics to Eliza, Eva, Alys and Holly. Gabby received some swimming medals and Max a Karate certificate.

INSET Day – Monday January 6th is a staff training day, so the children return on Tuesday 7th.

Snow – We’ve been fortunate to avoid any snow so far this winter and fingers crossed that will remain to be the case. However, as before, you are best keeping an eye on twitter when any bad weather hits in the New Year because any news will be posted there first.

PTA – At the end of the year, I’d like to thank the PTA for their efforts. Lucy and the team have worked hard and lots of great activities have taken place, raising much needed funds. We look forward to spending some money in the New Year!

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

We are getting nearer and nearer to the big day. I’m sure you’ll agree it is definitely the best time of year and these final weeks in school, despite the busy hurly burly are very, very special and ones to savour. I hope you enjoy the final concerts and the children enjoy the final week.

Rydym yn agosau at y diwrnod mawr. Rwy’n siŵr y cytunwch ei bod yr amser gorau o’r flwyddyn ac mae’r wythnosau olaf yma yn yr ysgol, er gwaethaf y prysurdeb mawr, yn arbennig iawn. Rwy’n gobeithio y byddwch chi’n mwynhau’r cyngherddau ac mae’r plant yn mwynhau’r wythnos olaf.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Infants’ Concert – The Infants’ Xmas Concerts this week were lovely. Thanks to pupils, parents, staff and the PTA! It was great to see the hard work of all concerned come to fruition.

Juniors’ Concert Details – On Tuesday, it’s the Juniors’ turn at 1.30pm and 6pm. No tickets are being sold, but donations are requested on the door. Please ensure your child returns to school for the evening performance as it is very disruptive to all concerned if children are missing. In order to prepare for the evening performance, could all pupils return to school from 5pm and no later than 5.30pm. There will be additional parking available at the Farmers Market if needed.

Intergenerational Work – Once again, our pupils attended Trem y Foel to take part in some inter-generational work. This time, they made Xmas Crafts! Diolch am y croeso.

Sunday’s Rotary Concert – Could those pupils who have been preparing this week to sing in the Rotary concert on Sunday, please meet outside St. Peter’s Church at 5.45pm.

Pantomime – Jack and the Beanstalk, Wednesday January 8th, returning to school at 4.45pm. Please pay the requested £7.50 contribution via Parent Pay.

Free Press Piece – See the Free Press for some Christmassy photos from RSS!

Xmas Jumpers – Thank you for supporting Xmas Jumper Day!

Rock Choir in the Community – Next week we perform at: Ruthin Library on Wednesday at 10am, the Hospital at 1.30pm. On Thursday, we’ll be at Costa at 10am and Tescos at 11am.

Planting – We’ve been planting in the school’s garden area this week!

Art Club – Places are available in the final art club session on Monday.

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
With two weeks left, both including the Infants and Junior Concerts respectiuvely, it’s all hands to the pump as preparations build up to the final perfomances. It always is a lovely time of year in school, despite the breakneck speed of everything as the atmosphere builds towards the big day. I hope everybody very much enjoys the concerts!

Gyda phythefnos ar ôl, yn cynnwys y Cyngherddau Babanod ac Iau yn olynnol, mae’r paratoadau yn gweld pawb yn llawn prysurdeb ar gyfer y perfformiadau. Mae’n adeg hyfryd er cyflymder popeth wrth i’r awyrgylch adeiladu fel mae’r diwrnod mawr yn nesau! Gobeithio y bydd pawb yn mwynhau y cyngherddau!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Rock Choir – Thank you to those who joined us on the square last weekend. It was a very enjoyable singalong!

The Ex-Pupil Done Good! – Congratulations to ex-pupil Charlie Caton, who was named in Shrewsbury Town’s first team squad for the first time in their EFL Cup match v Man City U21s this. We’re all proud of his ongoing success.

Remembrance – Thank you for your contributions. We collected £145 for the British Legion.

Christmas Lunch – Thank you to Lyn and her canteen staff for their work preparing a turkey dinner yesterday and indeed for their efforts throughout the year! Xmas lunch was delicious!

PTA Fair – Thank you for supporting our PTA Fair. My thanks as ever go to the committee for their efforts and time given. A profit of £666 was made, which is an impressive total!

Giggles Rating – Well done to Giggles for being awarded a 5 hygiene rating!

Xmas Jumper Day – This is next Friday with a £1 contribution requested towards Save the Children.

Achievers – Students of the week were Grace, Charlie, Rayne, Amelia, Riley, Leo, Noah, Megan, Leo and Freya. Welsh awards went to Jade and Maya. Swimming certificates went to Charlie and Isla, Gymnastics awards went to Alys, Holly and Isabella, with a certificate for bravery also going to Isabella. Well done all!

Governors’ Report to Parents – I have emailed copies of this report to you and also added it to the school website. If you require a paper copy, then please pop into the office where we will be happy to provide you with one. Guidelines state that if you wish to call a meeting to discuss its contents, then please inform the office in writing by Monday, December 16th. Please refer to the section ‘Meeting with parents’ on p5.

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
I hope to see many of you after school today at the PTA Fair. There have been lots of preparations by members of the PTA and indeed our staff and pupils as they organise stalls, having designed and made goods to be sold as part of class financial management projects. Preparations also continue for our concerts with both Infant and Junior staff alternating between despair and delight on how things are going! I have faith!!!

Rwy’n gobeithio gweld llawer ohonoch ar ôl ysgol heddiw yn y Ffair CRhA. Bu llawer o baratoadau gan aelodau’r CRhA ac yn wir ein staff a’n disgyblion wrth iddynt drefnu stondinau, ar ôl dylunio a gwneud nwyddau i’w gwerthu fel rhan o brosiectau rheoli ariannol. Mae’r paratoadau hefyd yn parhau ar gyfer ein cyngherddau gyda staff Babanod ac Iau yn drist a hapus bob yn ail sut mae pethau’n mynd! Mae gen i ffydd !!!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dogs Trust Visit – Key Stage 2 enjoyed a visit from the Dogs’ Trust and a strong message on how to care for our four legged friends was shared and understood.

Christmas Lunch – This will be served next Thursday and if you wish your child to have turkey and all the trimming then please inform us on Monday.

PTA Book Fair – A huge thank you to the members of the PTA for giving of their time in manning the Book Fair this week. Thank you to those of you have supported and helped to secure funds for the PTA.

Digital Leaders’ Tip of the Week – Keep your information safe!
Make sure your phone is locked. Secure your smartphone with a PIN (minimum 4 digit number), password, or fingerprint.

Rock Choir – Could all those pupils who will be singing in Ruthin tomorrow meet by the Post Office at 1.50pm please. Many thanks.

Rugby – Year 2 enjoyed a session with the local Rugby Development Officer, Emyr Gwynedd this week.

PTA Xmas Photos – Could you get your PTA Xmas Photo orders in ASAP please. The deadline is Monday!

Own Clothes – Many thanks for your donations today for the chocolate tombola!

Mrs Liddy – Mrs Liddy’s recuperation continues and her recent doctor’s appointment has confirmed everything is going to plan. She still requires rest and physio before she’ll be on her feet and we look forward to welcoming her back to the fold in 2020!

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
Christmas songs are being heard this week – for the rock choir and for the forthcoming Infant and Junior concerts. Well, it is Novemebr after all… Next week will see the Xmas season officially begin with our PTA Fair and the Rock Choir singing on Saturday. The rollercoaster can officially set off! See Twitter for additional photos from the following recent activities: Don’t Touch Tell presentations, Year 2 Traffic Survey, Year 2 Walk Wise, Year 4 rugby, Year 5 CSI transition afternoon and our Governors’ Visit.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Parent Governors – Following our invitation for nominations for Parent Governors, Two applications were received for the two places and I’m pleased to share with you that Sarah Longhurst, mother of Alys in Year 2 and Christian Killow, father of Ryan in Year 1 have joined the Governing Body for a term of four years. A big welcome to them both!

Super Hero Day – This was held today, as part of a fundraising event in memory of Mark from the Bartley family on Saturday 30th November in the Rugby club to raise money towards stem cell treatment for a little boy who had a non-fatal drowning accident in April 2017. Lots of great costumes on show!

PTA Book Fair – The PTA have organized a book fair for Nov26-Dec3. Books can be browsed and purchased directly from 3-3.45pm. Payment can be made with cash or by card.

PTA Xmas Fair – In addition to the PTA requests in last week’s newsletter, they are planning to have an ‘Adopt A Teddy’ stall at the Christmas Fair. Suitable donations of unwanted, clean teddies would be most welcome!! Many thanks. Next Friday, on the day of the fair, it will be an own clothes day, with donations requested for the chocolate tombola in exchange.

PTA Xmas Photos – Xmas photos have been taken this week. They are available to view outside each class and in the foyer. Please see the attached poster for ordering details.

Achievers – Students of the Week were, Maisie, Alex, DanielR, Charlie, Thomas, Maizie, Chloe and DanielJ. Welsh awards went to Jacob and Stacey and a Karate purple belt to Ben.

Rock Choir – A letter has been sent with a proforma to register interest in forthcoming singing events. Please return it early next week.

Children in Need – A total of £510 was raised. A fantastic return! Well done Miss Davies and the School Council!

Dance for Jill – Some of the girls in Year 6 wanted to design, practice and perform a special dance in memory of Jill. They shared it with the school on Monday and a clip of the dance can be seen on Twitter. Not only is of a very high standard, but it is also a lovely gesture, that they should all be proud of.

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
In times of adversity you see the best in people and in recent weeks, the manner in which everybody in the school has supported one another has been evidence of this fact. Another example this week has been the lovely gesture made by Year 2 parents for Mrs Liddy, preparing a hamper of goodies for her to enjoy as she recuperates. She asked me share that she is incredibly grateful for the wonderful gifts and appreciates their thoughtfulness.

Ar adegau anodd fe welwch y gorau mewn pobl ac yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf, mae’r modd y mae pawb yn yr ysgol wedi cefnogi ei gilydd wedi bod yn dystiolaeth o’r ffaith hon. Enghraifft arall yr wythnos hon fu’r ymdrechion a wnaeth rhieni Blwyddyn 2 tuag at Mrs Liddy, gan baratoi hamper o bethau da iddi ei mwynhau wrth iddi wella. Gofynnodd imi rannu ei bod yn hynod ddiolchgar am yr anrhegion rhyfeddol ac yn gwerthfawrogi eu caredigrwydd.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Children in Need – We had lots of fun activities for Children in Need today. Thank you to the School Council for organising. There will be plenty of photos on twitter before the weekend is out!

Armistice Day – We observed two minutes silence at the appointed hour on Monday in order to remember those who gave their lives in conflict.

Year 5 Transition – On Tuesday afternoon, Year 5 will visit Brynhyfryd for CSI transition Science activity.

Superhero Day – On Novemebr 22nd, we will hold a superhero day as part of a fundraising event in memory of Mark from the Bartley family on Saturday 30th November in the Rugby club to raise money towards stem cell treatment for a little boy who had a non-fatal drowning accident in April 2017.

Anti Bullying Week – Lots of fabulous activities took place this week, including odd-socks day and special presentations by school councilors on a number of anti-bullying themes.

Llaeth-Y-Llan Yoghurt Lids – Please keep the lids if you buy these yoghurt pots, as a monthly draw is held for £1000 takes place for participating schools.

Disabled Parking – Please do not park in the disabled spaces if you are not eligible to do so. Reports of places being taken illegally have reached the office.

Head Lice – Please check your child’s hair for head lice as I have received reports of sightings of the unwelcome blighters among our pupils. Many thanks.

Pentrellyncymer – A great trip to Pentre took place this week for Year 4 with many activities taking place. They’ll have lots of great memories I’m sure. Thank you to Miss Price and Leanne, for their care of the pupils.

Ruthin Town Girls’ Football – Our girls’ team has been very successful in recent football events and all Year 4, 5 and 6 girls can attend local sessions run by Ruthin Town in order to improve their skills and have lots of enjoyment. 5.30-6.30pm on Wednesdays at the Leisure Centre in Ruthin.

PTA Requests – Do you have any unwanted mugs you could donate to serve tea and coffee in PTA events? Also, feel free to bring your own travel mugs if you wish to use them for refreshments. Additionally, please bring carrier bags to the PTA Xmas Fair to carry home your purchases! Any help on PTA Stall for the fair on November 29th would be very much appreciated. Please see a member of the PTA or drop a message into the office if you are interested. Many thanks. The PTA are hoping to hold a Xmas jumper sale at the Xmas Fair. Are you able to donate any children’s Xmas jumpers that might now be too small or surplus to requirements? The money raised will go towards funds collected on Xmas Jumper Day, which is on Dec 13th.

Urdd Swimming Gala – This week, Nate, Daniel, Gabby and Constance competed in the Urdd Swimming Gala and were great ambassadors for the school. Nate won 1st place in the butterfly and 3rd in the individual medley with a 3rd place for all four of them in the freestyle relay. Huge thanks to Martha Savage for her support on the day. Da iawn chi blant!

Pantomime – Please head over to ParentPay to pay for the pantomime trip if you are yet to do so. Many thanks

Music Lessons – Payment for outstanding music lessons can also be settled on ParentPay.

Intergenerational Session – An intergenerational art activity took place down at Trem y Foel yesterday. It was much enjoyed by pupils and elderly alike!

Achievers – Students of the Week were Logan, Oscar, Piper, Isabella, Mathew, Tyler, Olivia and Alex. Swimming certificates went to ArloB and DanielB.

Twitter – Lots more to see from this week on twitter, so please take a look!

PTA Book Fair – The PTA have organized a book fair for Nov26-Dec3. Books can be browsed and purchased directly from 3-3.45pm. Payment can be made with cash or by card.

Chester FC Sessions – Next weeks’ session and beyond will be held outside on grass.

Selected Diary Dates (inc finalised Xmas Concert Dates)
Nov 22 – Superhero Own Clothes
Nov 29 – Chocolate tombola own clothes and PTA Fair after school
Nov 30 – Rock Choir on Ruthin square 2pm
Dec 5 – Xmas Lunch
Dec 10 – Infant Concerts 2pm and 6pm
Dec 13 – Xmas Jumper Day
Dec 17 – Junior Concerts 1.30pm and 6pm
Dec 20 – End of term

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
I trust everybody had a lovely half-term. We have hit the ground running again this week with lots going on already, in what will prove to be a busy few weeks in the run up to Xmas. With Halloween and Bonfire Night behind us, we look forward to activities like Children in Need next week and then of course the build up to the festive period, with preparations already afoot!

Gobeithio bod pawb wedi cael hanner tymor hyfryd. Mae llawer yn digwydd yn barod yn yr ychydig wythnosau prysur yn y cyfnod cyn y Nadolig. Gyda Chalan Gaeaf a Noson Tân Gwyllt y tu ôl i ni, rydyn ni’n edrych ymlaen at weithgareddau fel Plant Mewn Angen yr wythnos nesaf ac yna wrth gwrs y cyfnod cyn yr ŵyl, gyda pharatoadau eisoes wedi cychwyn!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Family Service – A big thank you to Blwyddyn 6 for their Family Service, based on their Blue Planet class project. We all learned a lot! Thank you to Mr Davis for his work and also to parents and relatives for their support.

PTA Meeting – A PTA Meeting was held last night. The Xmas Fair will be held after school on Friday, November 29th.

Criw Celf – Criw Celf is the pan North Wales programme for talented young artists. You can find details for this year’s recruitment on twitter. Submissions are open until 22 November and can be made via the school or parents can also apply.

Art Club – Art Club resumes on Monday, please send in the proforma and payment into the school office.

Girls’ Football – Three wins, a draw and a defeat was a very good return from our girls in this week’s Vale of Clwyd Football Festival. Da iawn chi genod!

Run For Refugees – Today’s activity brought our Run For Refugees sponsored initiative to a close. Could any sponsor money yet to be sent please be passed on next week. Many thanks.

Anti Bullying Week – Next week, there will be activities run by our School Councillors. On Tuesday, we will once again have an ‘Odd Socks Day’, celebrating how it’s good to be different.

Remembrance – There is a collection box for children to bring in donations in exchange for a poppy. On Monday, we will observe a two minutes silence for Armistice Day

Walk Wise – Year 2 started a series of ‘Walk Wise’ sessions, which promotes road safety. Thank you to Jenny and Tash for helping out.

Urdd Swimming Gala – Good luck to our swimming squad in next week’s gala in Rhyl.

Pentrellyncymer – I hope Year 4 enjoy their visit to Pentrellyncymer next week.

Children in Need – This is next Friday and children can come dressed in spots and stripes for £1. We are asking for cake donations to be sold for 20p/50p and the School Council are organising various stalls with games at 50p each.

School Council Visit – Our councilors had an enjoyable time learning how their equivalent Denbighshire councillors did their jobs, when they visited County Hall.

Digital Leaders Tip – Our Digital Leaders’ online tip for this week is as follows:
“Encourage your child to be careful when disclosing personal information – Regardless of privacy settings, once material is online you can no longer control who sees it or how it is used.”

MAT Maths – Our MAT Maths sessions resumed this week, with Mrs Lewis taking over the role of introducing activities, following the departure of Mr Oakes. Our groups this morning had a positive session.

Achievers – Students of the Week were Eliza, Lucas, Ruben, Azam, Brandon, Stacey, Holly and all of Year 6. Swimming certificates went to DanielB, Issy, DanielR, Noah, Emily and Fletcher. Welsh awards went to Logan, Benjamin and Tiff, while Sophia received a Tech Academy certificate.

Diary Dates
Nov 11 – Anti Bullying Week starts
Nov 13 – Pentrellyncymer Year 4
Nov 15 – Children in Need
Nov 19 – Year 5 Transition Brynhyfryd pm
Nov 22 – Own Clothes, Superhero theme
Nov 25 – PTA Book Fair all week
Nov 28 – Dogs’ Trust workshops for Juniors
Nov 29 – PTA Xmas Fair
Nov 30 – Rock Choir Ruthin Square pm
Dec 5 – Xmas Dinner
Dec 5 – PC Llinos Years 3 and 4