Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
Well, what a busy week it’s been as this newsletter will testify. I don’t think anybody could accuse us of taking our foot of the gas now that the Estyn report is out! We’ve received some lovely coverage in the Free Press this week and it’s lovely for the school to be the focus of such positive publicity.

Wel, am wythnos prysur y mae hi wedi bod ac mae’r cylchlythyr yma yn dyst i hynny. Dwi ddim yn meddwl bod neb yn medru ein cyhuddo o gymryd amser i orffwys gan fod yr adroddiad Estyn allan erbyn hyn! Rydym wedi derbyn sylwadau hyfryd yn y Free Press ac mae’n braf i’r ysgol gael bod yn ganolbwynt i gymaint o gyhoeddusrwydd bositif.

Your sincerely,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher

Year 5 Family Service – Myths and Legends was the theme of Year 5’s Family Service this morning and they skilfully told us tales through drama, song, recitation, using props, costumes and of course the ICT. Well done to them all – they’ve certainly worked extremely hard. Thank you to them for a fabulous service and to Mrs Davies and staff for preparing them so well. Thank you also for the parental support.

Achievers – Students of the Week were Max. Amelia, Leyla, Kian, Noah, Hakeem, Sophie, Daniel and all of Class 5. Welsh awards went to Casi, Emma, Alexa, RubyA, RubyJ, Casey and Kody. Xander received a certificate for his brass and Sophia a badge for gymnastics. Well done to them all!

Lottie the Bell Competition – Congratulations to the winners of the recent Lottie the Bell competition run by St. Peter’s Church under the coordination of Rev.Stuart. Emily was 1st and has won a trip to Loughborough, while Constance and Emma finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. What a fantastic prize!

Dydd Miwsig Cymru – Our Criw Cymraeg has this week organised that each class recognises National Welsh Music Day. This has involved all year groups watching and listening to YouTube videos of different Welsh language bands, while Year 3 have been taking part in activities involving Seren a Sbarc!

Safer Internet Activities – This week, Safer Internet Day took place and each class has been taking part in activities that promote safe and responsible use of the internet. On Monday, Year 6 took part in some sophisticated discussions about the pros and cons of internet use. They came to some interesting conclusions!

Creative Project Year 5 – Year 5’s creative project this week, involved working on animation and poetry in a very visual and stimulating way. They are really being given the opportunity to be creative in different ways and are being posed some really interesting questions to think deeply about in their work with Elizabeth Jones.

Creative Project Year 2 – Likewise, Year 2 have also been busy with Elizabeth, exploring emotions, responding artistically to music and using colour to show their feelings. Twitter is the place to visit to see lots of photos of these fantastic activities.

Netball Tournament – In this week’s Urdd Netball Tournament, the girls gave a great account of themselves, winning two of their four matches. They were buzzing on their return to school.

Wonderland Period Photos – As part of the Wonderland project, Year 2 and 6 have been working with green screen photography to use Victorian costumes to make period photographs reflecting Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland. I look forward to seeing the finished articles!

TT Rock Stars – In order to raise standards in Mathematics even higher, we have adopted a new online resource to reinforce knowledge of times tables. Our ever reliable Year 6 pupils have been busy visiting classes in order to teach the younger pupils how to use it properly. They will have log in so they can access the resource at home so your child should now be able to show you too!

PTA – Some of our pupils joined PTA Committee members in a special meeting last week, to share ideas and plan activities over the next few months. Thank you Lucy for chairing the session! Please see the PTA Newsletter for further details as well as information about the Disco, which will be held next Friday.

Urdd – We have now registered all members who have paid Urdd subscriptions and enrolled them onto the various competitions that the pupils have shown an interest in taking part. Now, everybody has to get on with the job of learning poems, scripts, musical pieces and dances! We will start work properly next week! The first round will be held on Saturday March 16th, with the County event a fortnight later for those who win through. However. dance competitions are held on a different date and the Dance Eisteddfod is on April 2nd.

Dear Parents / Carers,

I am delighted and proud to be able to present the Estyn report from our recent inspection, following its publication today. It is indeed a cause for celebration, as it has, following a rigorous, challenging and highly professional process, recognised excellent standards and leadership in a ‘high achieving’ school.

The most important task entrusted to every school, is to do its very best to support pupils in making progress and reaching high standards in line with their potential, in a safe and happy environment. With this in mind, it is such a pleasure to be able to share with you, that for the most important judgement of an Estyn report, ‘Standards’, we have received an ‘Excellent’ rating, the highest accolade that a school can be given. This judgement was based on the work produced by the pupils in their books this year and last, from talking to children about their education, observing them learning and also on the outstanding results the children have achieved over recent years across the school.

The report also states that, “Consistent teaching of good quality and strong systems for care, support and guidance, ensure that all pupils behave well, feel safe and make very good progress.”

The work of the Senior Leadership team and the Governing Body was also recognised, with ‘Leadership and Management’ at the school also adjudged to be ‘Excellent’, with the report stating that, “Leaders, teachers and Governors work together extremely well for the benefit of the pupils.”

I am immensely proud of the report, because it reflects what a fantastic job my staff at every level do here on a day to day basis. Our last inspection in 2013 noted the school’s excellent prospects for improvement and since then, we have endeavoured to meet that challenge to reach such standards in a safe and happy environment. Every member of this hardworking team has succeeded in partnership with our pupils to achieve that goal. When you take into account the additional burden and pressure of having to move and settle into a new building, in tandem with maintaining those standards we hold so dear, it makes the achievement of the staff, pupils and Governors even more remarkable.

The report recognises the strong and sustained performance of our pupils over time, highlighting the fact that ‘nearly all pupils leave the school with skills at least in line with those expected for their age and a majority leave with skills above those expected’. The pupils deserve every praise, because it is the excellent standards they display in their work, that has been the cornerstone of this wonderful report.

The school recognises the important role of parents and the school community in supporting and engaging in a positive way, so this is an accolade to be shared with all concerned and I acknowledge the crucial involvement of all our stakeholders in contributing to this great achievement.

The next challenge is maintaining these standards and in a landscape of great educational change, this is a task we meet with enthusiasm and determination, in order to continue the ongoing success of Rhos Street School.

Chair of Governors, Chris Johnson, has also made the following comment: “2018 was an exceptional year for Rhos Street School. We started with a seamless move to our new modern home and to finish with such a positive review of the school’s performance is a testament to the leadership team and the staff. This couldn’t have been achieved without their dedication and hard work. As a governor and a parent, I am immensely proud of all that the pupils and staff have achieved and I know that Ruthin can be proud to be home to an excellent school. I look forward to seeing the school strive to meet its future ambitions and the children fulfil their potential as part of a safe and happy community here at Rhos Street School.”

Electronic copies are available via email, the website and on the twitter feed. However, if you wish for a paper version, then a copy is available on request from the school office.

Yours sincerely,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Estyn Report – It’s been genuinely heartwarming to see, hear and read how thrilled everybody is about our successful report. Thank you all for your support. It’s lovely to see how much the whole school community and indeed beyond is collectively proud of our achievements.

Creative Projects – Year 2 and 5 kicked off their creative projects this week. Take a look at twitter for some fantastic photos.

Family Service – Year 5’s Family Service will take place next Friday 8th February at 9am. Parents and relatives welcome.

Urdd Netball – This takes place next Thursday. Good luck to the girls.

Urdd Eisteddfod – I’ve made my lists! Could instrumentalists please provide me with copies of the music, including details of the books they are copied from. Many thanks. Also – please make sure your child is an Urdd member if taking part.

Achievers – Students of the Week were Ryan, Joe, Isabella, Samadhi, Llinos, Ben, Connie, Casi and Milly. Welsh awards went to Shreya and Melissa. Llinos received a dance certificate, Max a Karate certificate and gymnastic awards went to Emily and Emi-Lee. Well done all!

Attendance and sickness – Could I ask for your co-operation in ensuring that if your child is absent for any reason, that you inform us straight away. This can be done by leaving a message on the phone, emailing the school or popping into the office. For safeguarding purposes, it is important we know where our pupils are if they have not arrived at school. Additionally, may I also ask you to ensure that if your child has suffered from diarrhoea or vomiting that they should not be sent to school for 48 hours.

Mobile Phones – There has been a recent increase of cases where pupils are bringing their mobile phones into school. Unless there is a very good safeguarding reason to bring one, mobile phones are not permitted. If pupils do need one in school, then they must be handed in for their teacher to look after until the end of the school day. Your co-operation here would be appreciated.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
Another first this week, as we experienced our first dollop of snow at the new site. Fortunately it’s cleared quite quickly, except of course the collection of snow that formed having slid off the roof! I heard some stories of tricky journeys on the road this week, so I hope you weren’t affected too much by the snowfall.
Profiad cyntaf arall yr wythnos hon, wrth i ni brofi ein cawod cyntaf o eira ar y safle newydd. Yn ffodus, mae wedi clirio’n eithaf cyflym, ac eithrio wrth gwrs y casgliad o eira a ffurfiodd wedi llithro oddi ar y to! Clywais rai straeon o deithiau anodd ar y ffordd yr wythnos hon, felly rwy’n gobeithio na chawsoch chi ormod o drafferth yn yr eira.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywie,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dydd Santes Dwynwen – The children wore red to school today as we recognised St Dwynwen’s Day, which is of course, Wales’ patron saint of love. We heard the story of Dwynwen and the money raised will go towards Denbighshire’s fund to stage the 2020 National Urdd Eisteddfod.

Mobile Phone Concerns – I was very concerned to hear reports this week, regarding sightings of parents using their mobile phones while driving in the car park. Neither school is aware of who is responsible, but both are united in stating how unacceptable and dangerous this is, putting members of the school community at great risk.

Dog Dirt Initiative – The school has been invited to send representation to a council meeting, discussing this unfortunate blight on our pavements. Hopefully our pupils can make a difference.

Lead Creative School Activities – Our project restarts next week and will initially involve Years 2 and 5. There will be lots to see on twitter next week, showcasing the fine work Elizabeth Jones will be facilitating among the pupils.

Achievers – Lots of achievers this week and they included Students of the Week, Poppy, Sol, Daniel, Cadie, LillyH, Ben, Cai, AlexD, Theo and Thomas. Welsh awards went to Charlie, Lily, Daniel, AlexG, Archie, RubyJ, Will, Amelia, Eve, Xander, Shreya and NoahG. Max received a Karate certificate, Issy a swimming certificate and Gymnastics awards went to Emily and Holly. Finally, dance exam certificates were shared with Emma, Holly and Seren.

Sportzone – I’ve tweeted and attached a poster online highlighting activities at the leisure centre over half term and the Easter break.

Twitter – See twitter for photos of Nursery activities as well as other activities since Christmas.

Trailfit – I’ve also tweeted and attached details online of Trailfit – an opportunity to take part in keep fit activities beginning outside the school gate.

Year 5 Family Service – This takes place next Friday at 9am. Parents and relatives are welcome to attend!

Provisional Diary Dates
Jan 29 – Lead Creative Schools Project starts in Year 5
Jan 29 – Dog Dirt Initiative in County Hall
Jan 31 – Publication of Estyn Report
Jan 31 – Lead Creative Schools Project starts in Year 2
Feb 1 – Year 5 Family Service
Feb 7 – Urdd Netball
Feb 8 – Welsh National Music Day
Feb 19 – PC Llinos to Year 6
Feb 22 – Year 4 Family Service
Feb 22 – Half Term
Mar 4 – School re-opens
Mar 4-5 – Pentrellyncymer Year 4
Mar 5 – Ruthin Pancake Races
Mar 15 – Year 3 Family Service
Mar 16 – Urdd Eisteddfod
Mar 30 – County Urdd Eisteddfod
Apr 2 – Urdd Dance Eisteddfod
Apr 5 – Year 2 Family Service
Apr 12 – Easter Holidays

Urdd Eisteddfod – It’s that time of year again and today I have shared recitation pieces, informed pupils of the possible competitions and now am hoping to make a list of pupils who are eager to grasp the opportunities offered through the Urdd Eisteddfod. Please be aware that all pupils competing in any competitions over the next couple of months will need to be Urdd members by February 8th, in order for me to electronically register each competitor into the correct competition. So long as I have all the information regarding the competitions pupils want to enter, I will do all the registration admin so long as the pupils are members. All instrumental entrants will need to provide details of the pieces they are playing including composer and publisher.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
January is always considered quite a dreary month, certainly from my point of view, so when a huge white rabbit lands in the school lobby, it certainly adds a bit of much needed surrealism to proceedings! Fortunately other activities like Glan Llyn and the opportunity to make a video promoting CPR as a crucial lifesaving skill have also certainly helped to kick start the year here at Rhos Street so the first month of the year is saved!

Mae mis Ionawr bob amser yn cael ei ystyried yn fis eithaf llwm, yn sicr o’m safbwynt innau, felly pan fydd cwningen gwyn enfawr yn dod i lobi’r ysgol, mae’n sicr y bydd yn ychwanegu ychydig o syrrealiaeth. Yn ffodus, mae gweithgareddau eraill fel Glan Llyn a’r cyfle i wneud fideo sy’n hyrwyddo CPR fel sgil achub bywyd hanfodol, hefyd wedi helpu i roi sbardun i’r flwyddyn newydd yma yn Stryd y Rhos.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Glan Llyn – The pupils have been having a wonderful time at Glan Llyn this week. They’ve taken part in a range of activities, including canoeing, orienteering, raft building and traversing the rope course. What a great experience in the outdoors. See twitter for the full story. Huge thanks to Miss Davies and Mrs Parker for their care of the children.

Netball – Practice for the forthcoming Urdd Tournament will take place on Wednesdays after school from next week. Mrs Davies has organised a squad of willing participants who will need to be Urdd members in order to take part.

Footwear in School – Could I ask for your co-operation in ensuring that pupils wear all black shoes or trainers for school, as per the school uniform. Too many flashy/stripey/multi-coloured trainers have been spotted of late. Many thanks.

Contact Details – If you’ve had a new mobile number over Xmas or had a change in any contact details, please inform the office.

Headlice – Reports of headlice sightings have reached us, so please take a look at your child’s hair and treat accordingly to ensure extermination. Many thanks.

Save a Life Cymru – Our pupils have been working hard this week helping to make a video promoting the impact of CPR on survival rates in a campaign called ‘Save a Life Cymru’ involving North Wales Ambulance, Achub Calon y Dyffryn, SADS UK and the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board. Thank you for the opportunity Tomos and Julie!

Congratulations – Well done to ex-pupil Charlie Caton who has been selected to represent Wales Football Schoolboys and won his first cap this week. Mr Davis and I are arguing over which one of us can claim responsibility for his success!

Enrichfest 2019 – The school has agreed to take part in an exciting County wide arts project called Wonderland and this week were visited by the White Rabbit to deliver information about lots of competitions and activities we can take part in. Watch this space!

Transition History Workshop – As part of transition arrangements, Year 6 went to Ysgol Brynhyfryd for the morning to take part in a History workshop which focused on Ruthin Gaol.

Hello Harry! – We were delighted when Mrs Lewis visited us this week to show off her new addition to the family, Harry. The staff are now very broody, but I am doing all I can to address this worrying development!!

Twitter – Remember that twitter is regularly updated and is a rolling source of the latest information, news and feedback. If you are not yet a twitter user, then you are able to view our tweets by visiting the school website’s homepage, in order to ensure you don’t miss out! Those of you who have twitter – please be aware if you have locked accounts, the school will be unable to see any of your interactions or messages – it’s not us being rude, honestly!

Elf Dash – The money raised in the Elf Dash in December raised £135.43 towards St. Kentigerns. Many thanks!

Music Lessons – Fees for music lessons are now on Parent Pay. Please log in and look at your account in order to review and make your payments for this term’s lessons.

Frost – Mr Thomas is of course endeavouring to grit the school grounds to make it safe now the cold weather is here. However, please take care on roads approaching the site as they will remain slippery and unfortunately, potentially un-gritted.

Dear Parents & Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Happy New Year to you all! The new term is quickly up and running and I trust everybody had a lovely break and enjoyed the festivities. Eyes now turn to the new challenges of 2019!

Giggles’ CSSIW Inspection – The New Year started positively for our pre-school group as they received their inspection report which was very positive indeed. Congratulations to Anna and her team. We’re also delighted to see Anna back with us at the beginning of this new term after her recent absence.

Class 1 Request – Miss Bevan is asking if Class 1 can borrow any old toys that anybody may have that could be shown to the pupils as part of their new topic, ‘Toys Through Time.’ Examples such as a cup and ball, old teddy bears/dolls, roller skates, train sets, rocking horse, etch a sketch etc. would be ideal.

Achievers – Our first achievers for 2019 include Students of the Week, Umar, Liam, Noah, Kaden, Chloe, Constance and AlexG. Welsh awards went to Nate, AlexD, Charlie, TylerW, Nick and Oscar. Emma received a diamond Blue Peter badge.

Congratulations – We were delighted to hear that Tomos Hughes, from Achub Calon y Dyffryn had been selected for a New Year honour from the Queen. Tomos worked with us along with Julie Starling when we initially launched Shoctober at the school and helped to promote this lifesaving initiative nationally.

St. Peter’s Church Competition – Entries for the Church Bell Logo Competition promoted by Rev. Stuart before Xmas will need to be received in school by Jan14th.
After School Clubs – The latest Art Club commences next Tuesday at a cost of £6 a week for 6 weeks. Please register interest in the office and see the attached poster. Chester FC’s after school club resumes on Thursday at £2 a session.

New Pupils – We were delighted to welcome Lilly, Umar, Liam, Lucas and Chloe to Nursery, Reception, Years 1, 2 & 4 this week. I’m pleased to see they’ve settled well.

PTA Meeting – The next PTA Meeting will be held on Thursday January 17th at 7pm here at the school. All welcome!

School Dinners – The canteen has a new electronic cashless till installed in the kitchen which is now registering all school meals electronically. As per the county policy, please ensure you are not in arrears for dinners as the new system will not allow the canteen staff to serve a full dinner to any pupils with dinner debts.

Canteen Cinema Day – On Monday there will be a themed Cinema Day at lunchtime. The menu includes popcorn chicken, big-screen fries, movie mayo and pick-n-mix cakes.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones,
Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,
As I write my final newsletter of 2018, I find myself reflecting once again on what a unique and remarkable year it’s been, how much has taken place and above all how much all stakeholders of this special school have pulled together in so many ways to have made it a year to remember, a year to celebrate and a year where much has been achieved. Not only have we left an old historic building, but we’ve also made a home on the new site, while still retaining all that is dear to us. We’ve put our own stamp upon that new building and it is a welcoming environment that stimulates our pupils. Those pupils have continued to reach the highest of standards and through all of the upheaval that is no small feat. Staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure that has been the case while also facilitating a smooth move. Governors’ effective input has been invaluable as has the help encouragement and support of so many parents who work in an effective respectful partnership with us. We look forward to sharing the inspection report with you at the end of January and face the future with pride, confidence and excitement! Here’s to 2019! (But hopefully the next fortnight goes really slowly!)

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Bryn D. Jones, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Christmas Service – Our series of services this week had a lovely Xmassy atmosphere as we went old-school with a string of the more traditional carols and songs being sung with one or two surprises in between. Thank you again to the pupils for their efforts, to the staff for their preparations and of course to Mrs Parr for accompanying the children on the piano.

INSET Day – Monday January 7th is a staff training day, so please do not send your child/ren to school until Tuesday January 8th.

Snow Alert – 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 we are delighted to have been able to place an order for a set of Chromebooks which we will receive in the New Year. The children had a film afternoon yesterday and the PTA provided refreshments and this gesture was very much appreciated.

Christmas Singalong – We all assembled in the hall today for our annual Christmas singalong. The pupils sang with enthusiasm, the staff played percussion terribly and the mistakes I made on guitar were cleverly hidden by all the noise. It was great fun!
It all became a bit of a riot in the end and frankly I didn’t care!

Rock Choir in Tesco – We received a lovely welcome in Tesco for our performance. Thank you again for the support

Santa Dash – Santa was chased by a group of elves from various classes today as we raised money for St. Kentigern hospice. Santa’s hamstring is very sore!

A Christmas Message – With all the various Christmas activities going on, despite all the hustle and bustle, there has been a lovely Christmas atmosphere here at Rhos Street School and I’m sure this is reflected in your homes, as excitement builds among the children with the big day approaching. I hope each and every one of you has a fantastic Christmas with your loved ones and that you all celebrate in style. I’d also like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and hope that 2019 brings luck, happiness and joy to you all! I look forward to seeing you all again in January, when I hope the children will be refreshed and ready to face the challenges that the New Year will bring. Have a good one! ☺