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.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Wow, where did that holiday go? As another academic year gets under steam it was wonderful to welcome the children back to school on Wednesday, full of exciting tales of summer adventures and proudly showing off their new uniform, snazzy bags and shiny shoes. The children have settled in really well to their new classes and I have been so proud of how they have come in with a can-do attitude and positive mindset.

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 letter attached for more information on Rhos St School’s procedures for supporting and promoting good attendance.

School Uniform / Lost Property
We have a large selection of pre-loved school uniform available for any parents to access at school. We have a very strong ethos of recycling at Rhos St and all pre-loved uniform items are available free of charge. Before spending on new uniform please consider some of our pre-loved items which help to save money, and the environment.
In order to reduce the annual mountain of lost property can I please request that ALL school items are clearly labelled with your child’s name. Many thanks.

Snack Money
Please can all snack money be brought into school on a Monday, in a named envelope please. Snack money can be paid weekly at a cost of £1 per week, termly or for the whole year:

Autumn Term: £14.60

Spring Term: £12.60

Summer Term: £10.60

The total for the year is £37.80

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.

Taxi Rank / Disabled Parking
Our new signage designating the drop-off area for Taxis Only between 14.30 and 15.30 was installed today. I would request that parents and carers do not use the drop-off area during these times as it is important for ensuring the safety of the children who use the taxis. We have also, 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. We also have witnessed members of the Rhos St and Ysgol Pen Barras school community parking on the double-yellow lines outside of the car park. I have had this reported to me as a hazard by local residents as it 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 it us able to function as safely and efficiently as possible.

Nursery Forms
Can all information forms for new Nursey pupils be returned to school as soon as possible please as the information is required to ensure the best possible provision can be made for each child.

Medical / Contact Information Update

Please can any medical updates for your child be shared with school as soon as possible. If there has been a change in your child’s medical condition/s or treatment, please complete the brief form from the school office to ensure that we are able to provide appropriate care. Many I also request that any medication required by your child, including any emergency medication (Epi-Pens / Inhalers etc) are in date, as we are not permitted to administer out-of-date medication to pupils. If your child requires medication of any kind to be administered in school you must complete a Permission to Administer Medication to a Pupil form, which are available from the school office as we are legally not permitted to administer any medication without this written permission. Can I also request that you also inform us of any changes to your contact information to ensure that we hold the most up-to-date records. Many thanks in advance.

Dates for the Diary

Dates for the Diary
20th September PTA – AGM 15.30pm – 16.00pm
7th October Kick It Sports
14th October Kick It Sports
15th October Harvest Service 10.00am – 11.00am
21st October Kick It Sports
25th October Yr. 5 Family Service 9.15am – 10.00am
4th November Kick It Sports
6th – 8th November Nant BH
20th – 22nd November Pentrellyncymmer
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
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.

Make Some Noise Performance
Following our fab Make Some Noise session, provided by Denbighshire Music Cooperative, this week the children have had a first-class demonstration of what musical heights can be reached through dedication and practise. Denbighshire Music Cooperative offer a broad range of music lessons in school including: guitar, piano, voice, drums, flute and violin. Please contact the school office as soon as possible if you are interested in peripatetic music lessons for your child.

Urdd

Following on from previous year’s Rhos St Eisteddfod success we will be holding our own Rhos St Eisteddfod again this year and will be inviting parents and carers into the school to see the work that the children have been doing around the Welsh language and culture. Please follow this link to information for parents and carers who wish to join the Urdd movement for 2024-25: https://www.urdd.cymru/en/join/
Urdd membership is required for children to enter the art and craft work, CogUrdd and Urdd sports competitions, but will not be necessary for the Rhos St Eisteddfod activities which will be an inclusive opportunity for all of the children to take part.

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote is from the American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tyson studied at Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University. From 1991 to 1994, he was a postdoctoral research associate at Princeton University.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As the summer term draws to a close, I would like to thank our amazing Rhos St School community for their support and positivity over the last academic year, it is always greatly appreciated. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise our amazing staff here at the school, who give so much to ensuring that the children have the best possible experience here with us. Many thanks to our fantastic, governing body, for their support, guidance, and fellowship over the course of the year and also to our brilliant PTA, who so generously give their time to support us in offering those extra things that go into making the children’s time here so special.

The end of term also heralds a big change for our Yr. 6 leavers, who move on from their familiar surroundings and will be heading off to pastures new. We wish them all every success in the future, they are a wonderful group of children who I have no doubt will find success in whatever direction in life they choose to take. They will always receive a warm welcome here at Rhos St School and we look forward to hearing all about their many future successes.

From everyone here at Rhos St School, we wish you a wonderful summer break, and look forward to welcoming you all back on September the 4th.

Trauma-Informed Schools
Huge congratulations to Mrs. Liddy who received notification of achieving her Trauma-Informed Schools Diploma on Tuesday. She has worked so hard and was rewarded with a distinction for her efforts. Mrs. Liddy has become our second staff member to be awarded the diploma, with other staff members having completed the Senior-Leaders Trauma-Informed training and teaching and teaching and support staff scheduled to undertake training in the new academic year, as we move towards the goal of becoming an accredited Trauma-Informed School.

Summer Reading Challenge – Marvelous Makers!
Get ready for a reading adventure! This year’s Summer Reading Challenge starts on 6 July in Wales. There are two ways you can take part: You can join the Challenge at your local library. A librarian will give you a special collector’s pack and help you find books to read for your Challenge. You’ll collect stickers and other rewards along the way! Alternatively, take part in the Challenge online by signing up here: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/about-the-challenge Set a reading goal and log your books on your profile. Reach your goal and unlock a limited-edition online badge and a certificate. Please note, the in-person and online Challenges are separate. Physical incentives like medals and certificates are only available via the library, for those taking part in person.

Get Help With School Costs
The Welsh Government is offering help with school costs – find out about the support your child may be eligible for, as well as additional funding available for their school. Your child may be eligible for the following support:

• Free School Meals
• School Essentials Grant
• Universal Primary Free School Meals

If your circumstances have changed recently, or if you receive certain benefits, your child may be eligible for Free School Meals. Free School Meals promote healthy eating, increase the variety of food your child might eat, and can improve their behaviour and social skills. If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, your school could receive additional funding. Follow this link to see if your child is eligible for free-school meals: Find out about free school meals | GOV.WALES

Claim what’s yours: Get financial help through the School Essentials Grant If your child already gets Free School Meals, there could be more financial help available through the School Essentials Grant.
This support can help with essentials like school uniform and equipment to make sure your child is ready for the school day. You could be entitled to financial help of up to £200 for:

• school uniform, including coats and footwear.
• school activities: this could include learning a musical instrument, sports kit and other equipment for after-
school activities.
• classroom essentials: this could include pens, pencils and school bags.

Find out if you can get help with School Essentials by following this link: https://www.gov.wales/school-essentials-grant

Yr. 2 Sleepover

Last Friday saw some of our Yr. 2 pupils embark on a sponsored-sleepover adventure here at school. The children had a fantastic time making s’mores riding bikes and zooming around the yard on trikes and scoot boards. After their film they bedded down in the hall and had a pretty good night’s sleep (some drifting off sooner than others). A huge thank you to Mrs. Liddy for organising it all and to Mrs. Davies for giving up her time to support the sleepover. The Yr. 2 sleepover raised a whopping £670 for the school! A big thank you to all the parents and carers who supported this very-successful event.

Water-Safety Wales
In 2023 there was an increase in the number of fatalities in and around water amongst young people, and we have already seen a number of drowning fatalities this year. Data from 2023 shows that boys aged 10-19 are particularly at risk of accidental drowning and that 59% of fatalities occurred on inland waters (rivers, lakes, canals etc). One drowning is too many. We urge you to remind children and young people of four simple tips to help them stay safe around open water. Knowing these tips can save a life.

Gifts
A huge thank you to parents and carers for the incredibly kind gifts that staff have received at the end of term. They are never expected in any way, but always very gratefully received.

Yr. 6 Water Fight
Monday saw the annual return of the traditional Yr. 6 Water Fight, with the children arriving at school armed to the teeth with a vast array of ferocious looking water pistols. The weather was fortunately dry, even though we didn’t stay so for long…and the traditional / mildly terrifying final round of Miss. Price & Mr. Davis versus the Yr. 6 Class went as well as it usually does for the faculty.

School Transition Resources for Families
Solihull Approach has recently launched a new online course to help families as their children transition from Preschool to Primary School. These periods can mean big change for children, and their parents or carers. Fears and worries are common as well as excitement, as with all stages of childhood development. We recognise that parents have a vital role in helping their children cope during these times. Please follow this this link to access the online course: inourplace | Solihull Approach – Moving up , click on the Free Courses tab and enter the code ‘NWSOL’ which gives free entry.

Welsh Water – Support for families
You could save up to £200 on your annual water bill. Summer holidays can be a challenging time for families, juggling the kids being off school with work and other commitments, as well as managing money during what can be an expensive few weeks. Working families, low-income families and families receiving a means tested or disability benefit may be entitled to money off their water bill. Visit Welsh Water online for more information: dwrcymru.com/costofliving

Achievers

Congratulations to Tobias, William and Felicity who won the Nursey Class School Core Values Awards. Verity, Chima, Charlotte, Alex, Linden and Lilly were worthy winners of our final Student of the Week Awards this year. We have also been treated recently to some lovely piano recitals from Poppy, Isla and Eliza, and a wonderful violin solo from Jess, to bring the term to a close.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

July seems to be doing an excellent impersonation of October at the moment, which does raise one or two concerns with myself as to what August will show up as… We have unfortunately been at the beck and call of the rainy and windy weather this week, but as you can see from the huge list of activities that have been going on it hasn’t slowed us down one bit.

Red-Squirrel Workshop
The Year. 2 children had a fantastic morning with Caro, the Red squirrel Ranger at Bod Petryal on Tuesday. They spent some time in the woods hiding hazelnuts, completing a scavenger hunt and then tried to ‘think like a squirrel’ and find our nuts! A morning filled with lots of learning and fun!

Lockdown Drills
I’m so proud of all of the children and staff at Rhos St who have responded so brilliantly to our recent lockdown drills. We have held monthly drills in order to ensure that everyone knew exactly what to do and where to go should the need arise. Yesterday’s drill went extremely well, with all of the children safe inside in under a minute, and issues that had been highlighted, following analysis of the previous drills, mostly around door locks and testing protocols at different times of the school day, have all been remedied. I now feel confident that we are in the place we need to be in order to keep everyone safe. Following the success of establishing and enhancing these protocols lockdown drills will become a less-frequent, termly event, as with fire drills.

Yr. 3 Music

The Yr. 3 class had a wonderful ukulele session as part of their First Taste of Music from Denbighshire Music Cooperative. They all well and truly got to grips with the ukelele, and as you can see from the picture, had a fantastic time. Many thanks to Denbighshire Music Cooperative for providing the sessions this year for the Yr.3 children, which have all been great!

HLTA
Congratulations to Shanny and Sara who received notification of successfully achieving their HLTA (Higher-Level Teaching Assistant) qualification yesterday. They have both worked so hard and have surpassed every standard required of them. We are so proud of them both!

Yr. 3 Visit to the Library
Bl 2 and 3 had a very enjoyable and productive visits to Ruthin Library @DenbsLibs this week. Everyone signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge – Marvelous Makers, and are very excited to read, review and collect the stickers!
Living Classroom
The Yr. 5 children had a great visit to the Living Classroom this morning working alongside Matt, from Denbighshire Countryside services, making Bug-Hotels which will be attached to the climbing wall on the old Rhos St Site.

Yr. 2 Sleepover
Some of the Yr. 2 children will be having an exciting sleepover at school this evening. Lots of playtime fun and activities are planned, a movie and, hopefully, lots of blissful sleep.

Yr. 3/ 4 Visit to Eureka

Blwyddyn 3 a 4 had a fabulous time with at Eureka Science and Discovery yesterday. They had lots of opportunities to explore the galleries, and hands-on exhibits and were treated to a show all about the digestive system! The children were perfect representatives for Rhos St. Da iawn pawb!

Leavers’ Blessing
The Yr. 6 children joined fellow pupils from Ysgol Pen Barras and Ysgol Borthyn at St Peter’s Church on Wednesday for a Leavers’ Blessing. There were games, involving marshmallows allegedly, and an opportunity to reflect on the big step that they will be taking in September. Thank you to Reverend Luke for inviting us.

Yr. 6 Leavers’ Service
We were treated to a wonderful, tour de force, performance from the Yr. 6 children this afternoon which had a little bit of everything. The children, spoke, danced acted and sang beautifully and there was certainly many a lump in the throat when the pictures of their younger selves came on screen during their final song. A huge thank you to the fantastic Yr. 6 class, who have all worked so hard, to Miss. Price and her team for preparing the children so well, and to parents, carers family and friends for coming along to support us here at school. We will share pictures of the leavers’ service on X (Twitter) and our Flickr account next week. To all of the families whose association with Rhos St School comes to a close at the end of this term I wish you all the very best for the future and heartfelt thanks for your support over the years.

Rhos St School Term Dates 2024-2025

Rhos St Core-Values Awards
This year we have decided to align our end-of-year awards with the work we have been doing all year on Rhos St Core Vision and Values. Children from all classes were recognised for demonstrating one of our core values – Be Respectful, Be Kind and Be Your Best. The Yr. 6 winners also received the Olivial Alkir Award – Be Your Best, The Joel Darlington Award – Be Respectful and the Rhos St Governing Body Award – Be Kind.
This year’s worthy winners were: William, Felicity, Tobias, Oliver, Nancy, Archie, Albie, Fleur, Raphael, Florence, Ruby, Willow, Elsie, Billy, Harri, Sophie, Maisie, Leila, Jessica, Bethany, Max, Liam G, Tahapanes and Liam P. We are so proud of each and every one of them.

Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

Avery difficult introduction to write this week as our thoughts lie very much with the pupil who was injured in an accident at sports day on Tuesday. All the staff, children and so many of our wonderful school community have expressed their concern, care and support for the child who was injured. We are incredibly grateful to the amazing paramedics, who were on the scene so quickly, for their incredible professionalism, expertise, and the quality of care shown. Heartfelt thanks also to Rowena Kearns, Liz Williams, and Margaret Nield, who instantly offered their help and medical expertise following the accident. We continue, as a school, to keep in close contact with the child and family and will be sharing the lovely get-well soon cards, created by the children, with them shortly. I’m sure you will join me in wishing them the speediest of recoveries and in looking forward to welcoming them back to school as soon as they are able.

Ruthin Festival
Our fantastic choir represented the school at Ruthin Festival on Saturday. They overcame their initial nerves of performing at such a large event, on a big stage, and in front of so many people to sing beautifully. We are so proud of each and every one of them. A massive thank you to the choir, for all their hard work practising and preparing for the performance, the parents and carers for supporting us at the event and bringing the children along on a, less than sun-kissed, Saturday afternoon. Huge thanks also to Rachel, from Denbighshire Music Cooperative, who gave up her own time to prepare and practise with the children and to guide them on Saturday at the festival, and to Mrs. Liddy for giving her time to support their wonderful performance.

Personalised-Assessment Feedback
The feedback from our web-based summer assessments is now available to view on-line. You will be able to access the information using your child’s Hwb Username and Password. Your child should know their username and password, however if you require this information, please contact your child’s class teacher. The information can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet or computer. Viewing the feedback online has obvious environmental and financial benefits and enables parents and carers to access interactive elements of the feedback, which is not possible via printed feedback sheets. Please see attached instruction on viewing your child’s Personalised-Assessment Feedback.

People who Help Us

The Reception Class had a fabulous time learning all about Firefighters as part of their ‘People Who Help Us’ topic. Thank you so much to Nancy’s father for answering the many questions and bringing along equipment to allow the children dress up as firefighters.

Sports Day

Thank you so much to our wonderful school community for coming along to support us here on Tuesday for our Infant and Junior Sports Day. The morning saw the Infant children compete in their many events, and it was lovely to see their positive attitudes, competitive spirit, and sportsmanship shine through. Congratulations to the winners of the parents’ races, Caleb’s mum Dominique and to Finley’s dad John, the latter who was unprecedentedly awarded first, second and third place stickers, by our scrupulous and meticulous finish-line officials, for being the only competitor in the field who followed the stringent, and oft-ignored, bean-bag-on-head race regulations.
It was lovely to see the Junior children, in the early part of the afternoon, competing in their track and field events with them demonstrating great teamwork, positivity and competitiveness, the very embodiment of our Rhos St core values of Be Respectful, be Kind and Be Your Best.
Our focus and thoughts however are very much with the pupil who was unfortunately injured in a fall during one of the races, the first aid and primary care of whom quite rightly, but sadly for all concerned, curtailing the event. We are so proud of the way in which the staff, children and school community have responded to this distressing situation, and I would like to personally thank everyone for their ongoing compassion and support.

Yr. 6 Leavers’ Blessing
The Yr. 6 children will be attending a Leavers’ Blessing at St Peter’s Church in Ruthin on Wednesday the 10th of July at 10.00am – 11.00am (approx.). Yr. 6 pupils form Ysgol Borthyn and Ysgol Pen Barras will also be joining us for the event. Parents, carers, family, and friends are welcome to attend.

Reports & Parental Consultations
Your child’s end of year report has been sent home with them today. In line with the Curriculum for Wales we have endeavoured to make the reports as personalised and individual as possible and very much appreciate your time in reading and sharing them with your child. Any comments that you may have, regarding your child’s report, should be emailed to: andrew.davis@denbighshire.gov.uk and will be collated and shared with the pertinent staff members. An appointment can be made, via the school office, should you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s report with the class teacher on Monday 8th of July.

Lunchtime Supervisor
We are currently looking to appoint a lunchtime supervisor to join the brilliant team here at Rhos St. If you are interested and are available 11.45am – 12.45pm daily, please contact myself at: andrew.davis@denbighsire.gov.uk or via the school office on 01824702565 to arrange an informal chat around the role.

Lost Bag
A dark grey cross-body bag was left on the field on Tuesday. Can parents and carers please check if has been accidentally picked up with your belongings. Many thanks.

Weekly Wellbeing
This week’s quote is from William Butler Yeats an Irish poet, dramatist, and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature, and incidentally my favourite poet.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

W.B. Yeats

Achievers
This week’s fantastic achievers are: All of the Reception class, Ryan, Jacob, Isla, Sophie and Kadey.
Eva shared her gymnastics awards and Isla shared her swimming medals. Well done to them all!