Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

The Rhos St Christmas-show machine rumbles inexorably forward and we are all very excited to be on the brink sharing all the hard work and preparation that has taken place over the last few weeks with you all next week. Tickets have been selling very well, so please get in touch with the school office if you haven’t managed to get yours yet. We are also in the process of taking posed cast photos which will be available for sale at each performance.

Attendance
Good school attendance is key to helping children have the best possible start in life, to support and maximise their potential learning opportunities. There is clear evidence which links educational achievement to good school attendance. Rhos St School is determined to provide the best education to the children they serve. In recognition that school attendance and attainment are strongly linked a robust attendance procedure has been developed to support pupils learning. Please see the attached: Improving School Attendance information from the Welsh Assembly Government which outlines the importance of school attendance and the policy and procedures that support good attendance.

STATUTORY FRAMEWORK
The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him/her to receive efficient full-time education suitable to his /her age, aptitude, and ability and to any additional needs he/she may have either regular attendance at school or otherwise. A pupil is required to attend regularly at the school where they are registered as a pupil.

Furthermore, Section 444 states that:
“If a child of compulsory school age who is a registered pupil at a school fails to attend regularly at the school, his parent is guilty of an offence.”

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/56/section/444

Rhos St will use a variety of strategies to intervene at an early stage to encourage improved attendance of individual pupils and assist to overcome any barriers that may be preventing the expected level of attendance. Persistent absence in Wales is set at below 90 % all pupils below this level are a concern for school and will require monitoring and intervention. The use of school attendance data and coding of pupils is fundamental to tracking and monitoring pupil and school performance. Strategies to improve a pupil’s attendance may be school-based or involve joint working with other education services and partner agencies to ensure the most appropriate support for the pupil is in place supported by the parent/ carer.

Welsh Government in December 2023 changed the threshold for a pupil being persistently absent from previously being any pupils whose attendance was below 80% to those whose attendance is below 90%. This increased expectation underlines the importance attached to regular school attendance and the need for local authorities, schools, and families to work together to achieve this outcome.

Belonging, Engaging, Participation Guidance Welsh Government Guidance 293/ 2023

Christmas Tickets
Tickets are still available for our Christmas performances:

3rd December Christmas Fun with the Early Years (Yrs. N & R) 9.30am – 10.30am
4th December The Nativity – Matinee (Yrs. 1 & 2)
The Nativity – Evening (Yrs. 1 & 2) 1.30pm – 2.30pm
5.30pm – 6.30pm
5th December Christmas Fun with the Early Years (Yrs. N & R)
Panto Pandemonium – Matinee (Yrs. 3, 4, 5 & 6)
Panto Pandemonium – Evening (Yrs. 3, 4, 5 & 6) 9.30am – 10.30am
1.30pm – 2.30pm
5.30pm – 6.30pm

In order to adhere to fire regulations two tickets per-performance will be available to purchase, from the school office, per-family. Nativity and Panto Pandemonium tickets cost £2.50 per ticket, Christmas Fun with the Early Years cost £5, as there is a craft element and refreshments are provided at the event. For safety reasons there will be strictly no ‘on-the-door’ access to any of the shows without the appropriate ticket.
Additional tickets are now on sale, subject to availability, from the school office. Due to the anticipated limited number of additional tickets, only two additional tickets per-performance per-family will be available. Any subsequently remaining tickets will be available for sale on the day before the individual performance.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the school office, or a clearly labelled envelope, with payment, your child’s name, class, and the performance/s for which the tickets are required, can be sent in with your child.
Cast photos will be available to view and purchase on the day of the Early Years, Infant Nativity and Junior Panto Pandemonium performances.

Size of Wales
Yrs. 3 & 4 had a very informative and enjoyable time on Monday in their deforestation workshop, linked to their topics. They learned all about the damage cause by deforestation and what we can do to help preserve our wildlife and wild spaces.

Christmas Jumpers
Many thanks to everyone for the fantastic response to our PTA Christmas Jumpers for Chocolate Day yesterday. The children looked fantastic in their finery and a huge mountain of chocolate was kindly donated to the PTA Christmas Fair.
We have three more Christmas Jumper Days scheduled this term:
• Friday December 6th – Christmas Jumper Day (scheduled to avoid our Christmas shows)
• Thursday December 12th – Save the Children Christmas Jumper Day (£1 donation to Save the Children)
• Friday December 20th – Christmas Jumper Day (end of term)

There is no pressure whatsoever to purchase a Christmas jumper, own clothes on these days are fine. We will also be running our Christmas Jumper Exchange, in the foyer, where jumpers can be swapped; a great way to update your Christmas look for free! Just leave a jumper and take a new one!
Any donations of Christmas jumpers, for the Exchange, are very gratefully received. Just leave your donated jumper on the back of the blue chairs in the foyer.

Christmas Fair
A huge thank you to our, always brilliant, Rhos St PTA for organising such an enjoyable festive event yesterday. The school hall was transformed into a Christmas Wonderland of stalls, activities, and games. Many thanks to all the members of the PTA, parent volunteers and staff members who gave up their time to run the event. Thank you also to parents, carers, family, and friends who came along to support us in such numbers. The Christmas Fair raised a fantastic £1281.48 which will be used to provide enrichment activities for the children of the school.

Name the Elf
I had very mixed feelings yesterday when I discovered that the two giant elves, that had been hanging round my office, had finally found their new homes. They have definitely been getting in the way somewhat and have been caught making themselves at home on more than one occasion. But they did add a wonderful Christmassy ambience to the place, which I’m sure that they will take with them as they take up their new residence with the winners of the PTA Name the Elf competition Eva and Toby. Well done to them both. Huge thanks also
to Emily Jackson, who so kindly donated one of the elves to the PTA.

Raffle Prizes
Please see below the list of our PTA Christmas Raffle winners. Thank you so much to the members of the school and local community who so kindly donated the fantastic prizes, and to everyone who purchased a ticket. The prizes can be collected from the school office.

Prize Ticket Number Winner
Wine Vaults Gallon of beer 1115 Noa Swan
Jay Reigns recording session 0983 Justya Kupins
Ruthin Castle sparkling afternoon tea for 2 0332 Elle Rowlands
Union Wrestling Dec 28th tickets x 4 1250 Rayne Jones
Union Wrestling Dec 28th tickets x 4 1648 Jayne Williams
Park Place 3 mystery prize 0751 Jess Geddes
Park Place 3 mystery prize 0763 Mal
Park Place 3 mystery prize 0431 Emma H
Vale Golf Centre voucher 0752 Jess Geddes
The Pet Sitter Ruthin £30 voucher for Farm & Pet Place 1058 Eden Jones
Handmade by Nanny dinosaur teddy 0078 Gareth Edwards
Asudres Bar cocktails for 4 people 0781 Reece Jones
Kellogg’s Cereal hamper 1033 Rhian S&L
Pop Ins, 2 hours domestic 1640 Linda Jones – Corwen
Automark dash cam 1759 Junior
Automark dash cam 0392 Nicola Brown
Automark dash cam 1726 Natalie Davies
Automark dash cam 0382 Elianna Bett
MKM £50 Amazon 0806 Kathy- Ellie Sandbrook
MKM echo dot 1650 Jayne Williams
Llanbenwch £10 voucher 1080 Emma Taylor
Bartley’s Tyres £30 voucher 0483 Thea Littler-Healey
Bartley’s Tyres £30 voucher 0540 Isla Wilson-Pickles
Splash-N-Dash Valeting Free Mini Valet 1074 G Liddy
CJ Valeting Exterior Valet 0183 Lesley- Mia & Esme
Tesco Vera Wang perfume 1013 Kara Astbury
Tesco Wine 1036 Deanne
Leyland Arms Sunday lunch for 2 0537 Isla Wilson Pickles
Shorecliffe 3 day first aid course 0185 Lesley-Mia & Esme
Port 0912 Hannah Vallance
Fizzy Wine 0967 Louise Thew

Influenza Vaccinations
Please can all flu-vaccination forms be returned to school as soon as possible please. The vaccinations are scheduled for the Reception to Yr. 6 classes on December 13th.

Urdd Sports Club
Please see the flyer attached for the Urdd Sports Club scheduled to begin in February 2025.
Scan the QR Code of follow this link to book a place on the course: Urdd – Gweithgareddau

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s wellbeing quote is from Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. This quote helps to remind us of the positive side of the long nights and cold weather:

“Wisdom comes with winters.”

Oscar Wilde

Achievers
This week’s fantastic achievers are: Henry, Myah, Arlo, Teddy, Elsie, Eden, Chloe, Elliot, Freya, Daisy, Daniel, Rupert, Kai and Kiara. Sebastian and Cecily shared their badminton certificates and Jess shared her gymnastic medals. Very well done to this week’s amazing achievers.

Yours sincerely / Yn Gywir

Andrew Davis, Headteacher / Pennaeth

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Even a weather obsessive, such as myself, has never looked at the Met Office site so often as we have tentatively navigated our way thought the unravelling complexity of this week’s wintry offerings. The children on the residential to Pentrellyncymmer were greeted by a winter wonderland on their arrival at the centre and have had a magical experience in the mountains. It’s also been lovely this week to see the children who remained at Rhos St enjoying the snow together.

Book Café
Mrs. Bourne is extremely keen to run another of our fantastic book cafés this term. We have lots of picture books and books for grown-ups but would really love some junior-age-appropriate books for the café. If you have any suitable books to donate, please bring them in to the school office.

Stroke Association Fundraising
Poppy Davies, from our Yr. 6 class, completed her 4th swim on Thursday night for the Stroke Association. So far, she has completed 126 lengths and raised £545 + £101.25 in gift aid.
Poppy’s original target was 100 lengths in a month and to raise £500 by 15th of
December, so she’s smashed both targets!
You can follow the link below to support Poppy for this very worthwhile, and personal, cause: https://www.justgiving.com/page/angela-davies-1730807939734?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fangela-davies-1730807939734&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Appointment Cards
As part of our important work in promoting positive attendance at school I would request that all medical appointments, requiring absence from school, are supported by the appropriate appointment letter. In cases where an appointment letter is not available an appointment slip can be obtained from the main school office which can then be stamped by a medical professional and returned to school to enable us to authorise the absence. Unfortunately, any absences which are not supported by an appointment letter or stamped appointment slip may be recorded as unauthorised. Many thanks for your help regarding this important matter.

Pentrellyncymmer Residential
We returned this afternoon from our residential visit to Pentrellyncymmer. The children had an amazing time and were lucky enough to experience some wonderful, snowy adventures making memories which, I’m sure will last a lifetime. I’m so grateful to the children, who were praised by the bus driver and the centre staff, for their great attitude and behaviour. Huge thanks also needs to go to Miss. Davies, Miss. Price, and Emma who freely gave up their time to allow the children to have these fantastic experiences. Thank you also to parents and carers for supporting the visit. The stunning photos of the residential will available to view soon on our school’s Flickr account.

Christmas Tickets
Tickets will be going on sale from today for this year’s Rhos St Christmas performances:

3rd December Christmas Fun with the Early Years (Yrs. N & R) 9.30am – 10.30am
4th December The Nativity – Matinee (Yrs. 1 & 2)
The Nativity – Evening (Yrs. 1 & 2) 1.30pm – 2.30pm
5.30pm – 6.30pm
5th December Christmas Fun with the Early Years (Yrs. N & R)
Panto Pandemonium – Matinee (Yrs. 3, 4, 5 & 6)
Panto Pandemonium – Evening (Yrs. 3, 4, 5 & 6) 9.30am – 10.30am
1.30pm – 2.30pm
5.30pm – 6.30pm

In order to adhere to fire regulations two tickets per-performance will be available to purchase, from the school office, per-family. Nativity and Panto Pandemonium tickets cost £2.50 per ticket, Christmas Fun with the Early Years cost £5, as there is a craft element and refreshments are provided at the event.
Additional tickets will be on sale, subject to availability, from the school office from November 29th. Due to the anticipated limited number of additional tickets, only two additional tickets per-performance per-family will be available. Any subsequently remaining tickets will be available for sale on the day before the individual performance.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the school office, or a clearly labelled envelope, with payment, your child’s name, class, and the performance/s for which the tickets are required, can be sent in with your child.
Cast photos will be available to view and purchase on the day of the Infant Nativity and Junior Panto Pandemonium performances.

Weekly Wellbeing
In the week that we have been enjoying the many pleasures and benefits of getting outside this quote is from John Muir. Also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of the National Parks”, he was a Scottish-born American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States
“Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.”

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

This week has seen our preparations for our Harvest Service, on Tuesday, coming along nicely, and the brilliant response and bright colours of Hello Yellow have been bringing a smile to us all today. Parents’ evenings, Harvest service, Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae and Show Racism the Red Card will be keeping us all out of mischief next week.

Urdd Sports Club
There is still an opportunity to sign up for the Rhos St Urdd after-school sports club on Thursday evening 3.30pm – 4.30pm for Yrs. 3-6. The cost for the seven sessions is £14. All bookings are through the Urdd website: https://gweithgareddau.urdd.cymru or via the QR code on the attached poster.

Harvest Service
We will be holding our Harvest Service on Tuesday 15th of October at 10.00am in the school hall. Parents, carers family and friends are all welcome to join us in celebrating the harvest with songs, poems, and stories. We will also be collecting donations of food for Ruthin Food Bank. Donations can be brought to the office or handed in by your child to their class teacher.

Hello Yellow
We had a brilliant response to our Hello Yellow day in school, in support of the Young Minds mental-health charity.
We talked in service about the importance of keeping you mind healthy in just the same way as it is important to keep your body healthy. It was lovely to see the children in their special clothes for the day. If you would like to support the Hello Yellow – Young Minds charity you can donate, on their website, by following this link: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/support-us/donate

Foundation-Learners Morning Protocols
Just a quick reminder that Little Acorns and Nursery pupils should be brought in through the top gate in a morning and Yr. R, Yr. 1 and Yr. 2 pupils should be brought in through the lower gate. Many thanks for your help and support with this.

Parental Consultations
Rhos St will be holding the autumn-term parental consultations next week 14th – 17th of October. You should have received an appointment slip with the date and time of your consultation. If you are unable to attend the appointment, for any reason, please notify school as soon as possible and your child’s class teacher will arrange an alternative. Teachers will be verifying contact details during the consultation to ensure that we hold the most current information. Please wait outside your child’s classroom, prior to your appointment, and the class teacher will greet you at the appropriate time.
Our amazing Family-Link Workers Hayley and Sarah will be offering drop-in sessions on Monday and Wednesday from 3.30pm – 5.00pm. Please call in if you’d like help or support with anything, or even just the opportunity for a friendly chat.

Dates for the Diary

Dates for the Diary
14th October Kick It Sports
Parental Consultations 14th – 17th Oct
Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae – Yrs. 5 & 6 working with Ysgol Pen Barras on Welsh language games
15th October Harvest Service 10.00am – 11.00am
Diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae
17th October PTA Christmas card order deadline
18th October Show Racism the Red Card
Yr. 3 First Experiences in Music
21st October Kick It Sports
24th October PTA Halloween Party
25th October Yr. 5 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
4th November Kick It Sports
6th – 8th November Nant BH
20th – 22nd November Pentrellyncymmer
28th November PTA Christmas Fair (TBC)
4th December Christmas Show Matinee 1.30pm – 2.30pm
5th December Christmas Show Matinee 1.30pm – 2.30pm & Evening Performance 5.30pm – 6.30pm
30th January Yr. 4 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
17th February Parental Consultations 17th – 20th Feb
20th February Yr. 3 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
4th March Tempest Photography Yr. 6 9.00am – 12.00pm
28th March Yr. 2 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
10th April Yr. 1 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
8th May Rhos St Eisteddfod
23rd May Yr. R Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
1st July Sports Day
3rd July Reserve Sports Day
11th July Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service
Additional dates will be added once confirmed

Parking
We have unfortunately had some car-park users inappropriately using the disabled parking bays, which has led to some blue-badge holders being unable to access the disabled-access spaces at the end of the day. The disabled-access spaces are for blue-badge holders only and should not be used by any other car-park user. I would request that all car-park users respect the signage and designation of areas, both inside and adjacent to the school car park, to ensure that those members of our school community who genuinely require priority parking are able to access it. Many thanks.

Signs of Autumn
The Reception Class had a fantastic time this week investigating our Garden Area for signs of autumn. They looked all around for fallen leaves and had a great time searching for minibeasts.

Christmas Cards
You should have received your child’s PTA Christmas card this week. Please be mindful that you only have until October the 17th to place your orders directly with the company; we are unable to take orders for Christmas cards in school.

Show Racism the Red Card
Rhos St School will ‘Wear it Red’ on Friday the 18th of October in support of Show Racism the Red Card’s anti-racism campaign. We will learn all about the importance of respecting and celebrating all the things that we share as well as the things that make us special, unique individuals. For more information on Wear Red Day or the brilliant work of Show Racism the Red Card follow this link:
https://www.theredcard.org/

Flickr
Our Flickr account has now been updated with all of our latest activities and adventures. Got to https://rhosstreetschool.co.uk/ and click on the Pictures tab to view the latest pictures.

Cornel Cymraeg
Tuesday is Shwmae Su’mae Day, there will be lots of fun Welsh activities going on all across the school. On Monday the Yr.s 5 & 6 pupils will be meeting up with children form Ysgol Pen Barras, as part of the Shwmae Su’mae celebration, for Welsh games and activities, in what will be an ongoing collaboration between the two schools.

Weekly Wellbeing
In the week that held World Mental Health Day our quote is from American actor Sophia Bush and reminds us not to let the quest for perfect get in the way of good enough:

You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.

Sophia Bush

Achievers
This week’s brilliant achievers are: Kit, Scarlet, Isabella, Abi, Evelyn, Grace, Nancy, Paisley, Will, Ellie, Raph and Isaac. Well done to them all!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

A very busy week draws to its end. Plenty of great activities going on and even a little bit of sunshine to add a bit of cheer to our, up-till-now very soggy, sombre autumn.

Cross Country

A huge ‘well done’ to all those who competed at Denbighshire Cross country yesterday. A great demonstration of resilience and perseverance, we’re so proud of you all. Da iawn pawb!

Clocktower Presentation
On Tuesday Yrs.5&6 were treated to a fascinating talk on the restoration of Ruthin’s Clock Tower and tales of the old Courthouse. A big thank you to Fiona Gail & Magistrate David Davies for giving their time to talk to the children and for preparing the presentations.

Urdd Sports Club
Rhos St will be offering an Urdd after-school sports club on Thursday evening 3.30pm – 4.30pm for Yrs. 3-6. The cost for the seven sessions is £14. All bookings are through the Urdd website: https://gweithgareddau.urdd.cymru or via the QR code on the attached poster.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility
Everybody has the right to be safe, no matter who they are or what their circumstances are. There may be a need to protect some children, young people and vulnerable adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. We are all responsible for the safety of the most vulnerable members of our society.
Members of the public
If you are concerned about the welfare or safety of a child or young person, please contact: 01824 712200: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm
0345 053 3116: evenings and weekends
You can also send an email to cfsgateway@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Xplore Science
A big thank you to Xplore Science who came along on Monday to work with Yrs. 3 – 6 on coding and control activities. The children had a fantastic time learning all about coding and got to put their new-found knowledge to the test by building robots to and coding them to follow their instructions. This is the first of many coding and control activities that we will be undertaking this year.

Weekly Wellbeing
Today is World Animal Day, the International Day of Action for animal rights and welfare celebrated annually on October 4, the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. This quote, from A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie-the-Pooh books, reminds us of how we should be always mindful of the living creatures that share our planet with us.

Achievers
This week’s brilliant achievers are: Jessica, Teddy, Daisy, Elsie, Louie. Cecily, Daniel, Elliot, Ruby, Alice, Rupert, Connie, Jake and Phoebe.
Jessica shared her gymnastics certificate and medal, Elianna shared her Summer-Reading Challenge certificate and medal and Grace shared her Champions Award. Well done to all our mazing achievers.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As September draws to a close, the summer seems a dim and distant memory, it’s great to see the children really getting back into the swing of school life. With the leaves starting to slowly turn to yellows and reds, combined with the sound of ‘Cauliflowers Fluffy’ drifting down the corridor it’s really starting to feel like the impending onset of autumn proper.

Head Lice
We are stiil having ongoing incidences of head lice in school this week. I would request that you check your child’s hair and treat if appropriate. Please see the information below regarding identification and treatment of head lice:
Head lice are small insects (no larger than a sesame seed when fully grown) with moving legs. They live very close to the scalp. Nits are not the same as lice. They are the egg cases which stick to the hair and look like specks of dandruff. You only have head lice if you find a moving louse (not a nit). Your head does not have to be itchy to have head lice.
Because of children’s play activity and direct head-to-head contact, head lice are usually found on children, but can also spread to adults. Head lice are caught from close family and friends in the home and community, as well as at school. Head lice live in all types of hair – dirty or clean, short, or long. Head lice walk from one head to another, when heads are in direct contact with each other – they do not fly, jump, or swim. It may be advisable to keep long hair tied back to reduce the chance of infection.
As most children will get head lice at some point or another, we strongly advise that our parents/carers routinely check their children’s hair for head lice at least weekly. Head lice is one of the conditions covered by the Common Ailments Scheme which is an NHS service that patients can access for free advice and free treatment and is available from 99% of pharmacies in Wales.
https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/h/article/headliceandnits/#:~:text=Headlice%20is%20one%20of%20the,more%20information%20on%20the%20service.&text=Lice%20and%20nits%20can%20be%20removed%20by%20wet%20combing

Fundraising Skydive
We are so incredibly proud of Charlie’s mum Kris who has taken the incredibly brave step of undertaking a sponsored skydive to raise funds for Plas Brondyfryn and Rhos St. We are so glad that Kris’s feet are now safely back on the ground, and so impressed that she has raised an amazing £3000! A huge thank you from everyone here at Rhos St.

New Bench
We are so grateful to our caretaker Tony Dallolio for making and erecting our new bench outside the front entrance. Tony had spotted that some seating would really help some members of our school community when waiting to pick up their relatives at the end of the day. In line with his typical can-do style, he leapt into action and, using wood donated to the school, created our fantastic new bench. Tony has made, painted, and put up our new Rhos-St-blue bench at zero cost to the school, giving his time and expertise for free! We are so grateful to Tony for everything he does here at Rhos St, this latest act of generosity being one of many times he has proved himself invaluable to us here.

Dates for the Diary

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote, in a week where our school focus has been on the Rhos St School value of Kindness, is from Sir. Winston Churchill the British statesman, military officer, and writer who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945.

Achievers
This week’ amazing achievers are: Harvey, Bethany, Elsie, Thea, Bradley, Fleur, Rose, Alfie, Sophie, Noah and Tommy.
Daisy shared her dance and gymnastics awards, Sam shared his green taekwondo belt and certificate, Josh shared his triathlon trophy and medal, Cecily shared her badminton certificate, Toby shared his rugby trophy and medals, Jessica shared her gymnastics medal and certificate, and Belle shared her riding awards. Well done to everyone in our huge list of achievers today!

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Not that I’m completely obsessed with the weather, but… it’s been a lovely sunny week this week. The children have really enjoyed the time on the school field and squeezing the pips out of every outside playtime. The preparations for our Harvest service are getting under way and, even though it strikes fear into my heart, the PTA Christmas cards have been receiving their finishing touches, despite the fact that even saying the word ‘Christmas’ in September should be subject to an automatic six months!

Head Lice
I have been informed of ongoing incidences of head lice in school this week. I would request that you check your child’s hair and treat if appropriate. Please see the information below regarding identification and treatment of head lice:
Head lice are small insects (no larger than a sesame seed when fully grown) with moving legs. They live very close to the scalp. Nits are not the same as lice. They are the egg cases which stick to the hair and look like specks of dandruff. You only have head lice if you find a moving louse (not a nit). Your head does not have to be itchy to have head lice.
Because of children’s play activity and direct head-to-head contact, head lice are usually found on children, but can also spread to adults. Head lice are caught from close family and friends in the home and community, as well as at school. Head lice live in all types of hair – dirty or clean, short, or long. Head lice walk from one head to another, when heads are in direct contact with each other – they do not fly, jump, or swim. It may be advisable to keep long hair tied back to reduce the chance of infection.
As most children will get head lice at some point or another, we strongly advise that our parents/carers routinely check their children’s hair for head lice at least weekly. Head lice is one of the conditions covered by the Common Ailments Scheme which is an NHS service that patients can access for free advice and free treatment and is available from 99% of pharmacies in Wales.
https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/h/article/headliceandnits/#:~:text=Headlice%20is%20one%20of%20the,more%20information%20on%20the%20service.&text=Lice%20and%20nits%20can%20be%20removed%20by%20wet%20combing

Nant BH and Pentrellyncymmer
As the date of our two planned residential visits draws ever nearer, please can I request that all outstanding payments are made in full, via out ParentPay app, before each respective start date. The Nant BH residential is at capacity, but we do have spaces available on the Pentrellyncymmer residential. Please speak to our admin team if you would like your child to take part.

Grapes
I have had a request from the Infant department that grapes, sent in with school lunches and snacks, be cut in half please as we are mindful of the current guidance around avoiding possible choking hazards.
So, why are grapes so dangerous?
The size and shape of grapes means they can completely plug a child’s airway. And the tight seal produced by the grape’s smooth surface makes them difficult to dislodge with standard
first aid techniques.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking on grapes because:
They don’t have a full set of teeth and are still learning to chew properly.
Their swallow reflex is still developing.
Their airway is very small.
It’s why we advise that grapes should be chopped in half lengthways and ideally in quarters.
For more information, from The Child Accident Prevention Trust please follow this link:
https://capt.org.uk/why-are-grapes-so-dangerous/

Language and Play Sessions
Language and play sessions are free to attend and take place throughout Denbighshire. The sessions are run by Family Link Workers on a weekly basis during term time. All of the sessions have planned activities that help children build language and social skills in preparation for school in a fun, friendly environment.
Rhos St will be hosting a series of Language and Play sessions, in the school hall, Wednesday afternoons 1.15pm – 2.45pm for children 1 – 3 yrs. old. Call Nicola on 07770681399 for details.

Parking on Double-Yellow Lines
I have received concerns regarding members of the Rhos St and Ysgol Pen Barras school community parking on the double-yellow lines outside of the car park. This irresponsible parking restricts the visibility of adults, and particularly children, when crossing the road and could lead to injury or worse. I have contacted North Wales Police and requested they monitor this going forward.
I would request that all car-park users respect the signage and designation of areas, both inside and adjacent to the school car park, to ensure that children and other members of the school community are kept as safe as possible.https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/waiting-and-parking.html

Admissions
Please see below the School Admissions timetable for Denbighshire when application for entry to school in September 2025 must be made. All applications for school places should be made through Denbighshire Admissions Department: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/education-and-schools/school-admissions/school-admissions.aspx

Pre-Loved School Uniform
We have recently revamped our pre-loved school uniform station in the foyer. As a Platinum Eco-School, we are all about reusing things and would love parents and carers to help themselves to any uniform items that they require. It’s great to give these pre-loved items a second life, saving money and helping the planet in one go! The items are organised in age groups, so it should be really easy to find anything you are looking for. Please come and have a look before buying new. We would request that any items taken from the pre-loved rail, along with all other school uniform, are clearly labelled with their owner’s name, so they don’t end up back in the dreaded lost property pile.

Cornel Gymraeg
In Welsh Corner this week the children learned all about the story of Owain Glyndŵr, on his special day – September 16th. He was a prince of Wales and Medieval Welsh nationalist leader, who organised a rebellion against the English king, Henry IV. Like the legend of King Arthur, Welsh legend has it that when Wales is threatened again, he will rise in order to lead the defence of Wales.

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote is from Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the pen name Mark Twain. He was an American writer, humourist, and essayist. He was praised as the “greatest humourist the United States has produced,” with William Faulkner calling him “the father of American literature.”

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.

Mark Twain

Achievers
This week’s fabulous achievers are Isaac, Thomas, Ted, Amelia, Paige, Eve, Logan, Flynn, Curtis. Kalani and Eudora.
Jessica shared her gymnastic medals; Isla shared her swimming medals and Ella shared her dance and gymnastics medals.
We also had some more children who have worked incredibly hard to complete the Summer Reading Challenge. Very well done to: Romeo, Sophie, Poppy and Louie.
We are also recognising Oscar this week, who played in a golf tournament at Pwll-glass last weekend. Oscar was not only competing against adults, but won, taking home the prize money. A future Rory McIlroy in the making, I think.
We were also lucky this morning to be treated to a lovely piano recital from Poppy and Charlotte.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

It has been great to see how everyone has settled in so well to their new classes this, rather soggy, week. There has been a focussed buzz discernible all over the school on my many journeys around the classes this week. Lots of new, exciting themes and topics are beginning and it’s lovely to see the enthusiasm and excitement from the children.

Taking a Holiday in Term Time Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I entitled to take my child out of school for a family holiday?
• No. Parents have a legal duty to ensure that their children attend school or the alternative provision on a regular basis
• The Education Act 1996 makes it a criminal offence for a parent to “fail to secure their child’s regular school attendance at the school”
• The view of Denbighshire County Council is no term time holidays should be approved
• Headteachers must not grant any leave of absence (holiday) during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances
• Parents do not have entitlement to take their child out of school for a holiday in term time
If we decide to take a holiday during term time what must we do?
• The parent/carer with whom the child resides must apply in writing to the headteacher where the child is registered
• The letter / application must explain the exceptional circumstance surrounding the request for the leave of absence
What will school do then?
• The headteacher will determine whether the exceptional circumstance applies, if not the application will be declined
• You will receive a written response from the headteacher (or the Deputy) letting you know if your application has been approved
• If the holiday goes ahead after the application has been declined the absence will be recorded as unauthorised

Denbighshire Music Cooperative Violin & Cello Demonstration
The junior children were treated to a wonderful violin and cello demonstration on Tuesday. Music teachers from Denbighshire Music Cooperative showcased the versatility of the two string instruments with some lovely pieces of music, many of which the children were familiar with from films and TV shows. Violin and cello lessons are available in school, please contact the school office for details.

Home-School Agreement
At Rhos St School, we recognise each child as an individual, and aim to give all children every opportunity to realise their full potential. We believe that a close partnership between the school, parents and the child is essential if we are to achieve this aim.
It is therefore an expectation that all parents who wish their children to attend Rhos St School will agree to our Home School Agreement. We ask parents to share the Home School Agreement (attached) with their child, and we will also discuss it with them in school.

Head Lice
I have been informed of incidences of head lice in school this week. I would request that you check your child’s hair and treat if appropriate. Please see the information below regarding identification and treatment of head lice:
Head lice are small insects (no larger than a sesame seed when fully grown) with moving legs. They live very close to the scalp. Nits are not the same as lice. They are the egg cases which stick to the hair and look like specks of dandruff. You only have head lice if you find a moving louse (not a nit). Your head does not have to be itchy to have head lice.
Because of children’s play activity and direct head-to-head contact, head lice are usually found on children, but can also spread to adults. Head lice are caught from close family and friends in the home and community, as well as at school. Head lice live in all types of hair – dirty or clean, short, or long. Head lice walk from one head to another, when heads are in direct contact with each other – they do not fly, jump, or swim. It may be advisable to keep long hair tied back to reduce the chance of infection.
As most children will get head lice at some point or another, we strongly advise that our parents/carers routinely check their children’s hair for head lice at least weekly. Head lice is one of the conditions covered by the Common Ailments Scheme which is an NHS service that patients can access for free advice and free treatment and is available from 99% of pharmacies in Wales.
https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/h/article/headliceandnits/#:~:text=Headlice%20is%20one%20of%20the,more%20information%20on%20the%20service.&text=Lice%20and%20nits%20can%20be%20removed%20by%20wet%20combing

Urdd
The Urdd are offering reduced membership prices for families and for pupils who are in receipt of Free School Meals (not Universal Free School Meals).
Individual membership is £10. Family membership (3 or more children) is £25.
£1 for persons in receipt of one of the following benefits:
Income Support, Income-Based Job-Seeker’s Allowance, Income-Based Employment and Support Allowance, Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, Guaranteed Element of Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit. Follow this link for more information on Urdd membership: https://www.urdd.cymru/en/join/

Bikes, Trikes & Scooters Request

Mrs. Liddy and her foundation learners’ department would love donations of any outgrown, appropriately sized, bicycles, tricycles, or scooters for the children to use. Please speak to your child’s class teacher or to the admin team if you think you may have a bike, trike, or scooter to donate. Many thanks

Influenza Vaccination
Schoolchildren (including all children from Reception to Year 11) are a priority group for the annual flu vaccine. Most children receive a painless nasal spray vaccine at special clinics held at school, organised by our school immunisation team. Vaccinating children helps to prevent them becoming unwell with serious flu infections – and helps to protect other members of their family and more vulnerable members of the community from flu too. You can find out more about flu vaccination at: phw.nhs.wales/fluvaccine

Bangor University Post-Pandemic Speech, Language, and Communication Needs for children aged 5-8 in full-time schooling.
Parental and Carer Survey:
Bangor University has been funded by the Welsh Government to research the speech, language, and communication needs of 5–8-year-olds. We would like to invite you to take part in a short survey to share your views. The survey will take less than 15 minutes to complete, and your responses will contribute to a greater understanding of the speech, language, and communication needs of children, supporting important policy development in this area.
To complete the survey in English, please click on the link below, or scan the QR code:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/bangor/bangor-university-speech-language-and-comminucation-needs-sur-3

A Free Webinar: ‘Promoting Digital Literacy & Digital Wellbeing for Children and Young People in an age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)’
17th of September 2024 – 5.15pm to 6.45pm (using Teams)
As part of Adult Education Week, WISE KIDS is delighted to offer a free 90-minute webinar for parents, foster carers and professionals across Wales on the 17/9/2024 from 5.15pm and 6.45pm (using Teams).
This webinar will provide a brief overview of the changing digital landscape with a focus on AI developments. It will explore the digital literacy skills, values and resilience children and young people need to keep be empowered digital citizens. You can register here: https://forms.gle/DMfpU6EzjjWFmrNM9
All registrants will receive joining details 3 days before the event. This workshop is kindly supported by the Learning and Work Institute in Wales, as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

Cornel Cymraeg

Our fantastic Welsh Wednesdays got underway again this week with the children gathering in the school hall to learn and sing Welsh songs, learn all about Welsh culture and traditions and to celebrate everything great about Wales.

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote is from actor Christopher D’Olier Reeve the American actor, activist, director, and author. He amassed several stage and screen credits in his 34-year career, including playing the title character in the Superman film series. When he became paralyzed in an equestrian competition in 1995, Christopher motivated neuroscientists around the world to conquer the most complex diseases of the brain and central nervous system while he put a human face on spinal cord injury.

A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.

Christopher Reeve
Achievers
This week’s amazing achievers are: All of the Reception class, Amelia, Jake Orson, all of Yr. 3, Oscar, Max, Oliver and Henry.
Emilia, Joe, Emily and Eliza shared their Summer Reading Challenge certificates and Neve shared her Brownies rosette. Well done to our fab achievers this week.