Dear Parents and Carers / Annwyl Rieni a Gwarchodwyr,

As we reach the final day before the Christmas holidays, we want to take a moment to reflect on what a wonderful term it has been. The children have worked incredibly hard, shown great enthusiasm, and filled our school with festive cheer over the past few weeks. From sparkling decorations to joyful performances, it’s been a season full of creativity and community spirit.
We are so proud of everything our pupils have achieved this term and grateful for the continued support from families. As we head into the holidays, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved break filled with laughter, warmth, and special moments together.
On behalf of all the staff, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on January 6th for another exciting term of learning and fun.

Thank You for Supporting Road Safety!
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents and carers from Ysgol Rhos Street, Ysgol Pen Barras, and Ysgol Borthyn who took the time to complete the “Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt” Parental Road Safety Questionnaire.
Your responses have been incredibly valuable, and the excellent suggestions you shared will play a vital role in shaping our Be Alert, Don’t Get Hurt campaign in the New Year. Together, we can make a real difference in keeping our children safe on their journeys to and from school.
Your input is invaluable, and we truly appreciate your commitment to road safety and the wellbeing of our school community. Watch this space for updates as we put your ideas into action!

Festive Reading Challenge: “Reading in Unusual Places”!
As we approach the festive season, we have an exciting and creative challenge for you! Over the Christmas holidays, why not take part in our “Reading in Unusual Places” activity?
Your mission is simple:
• Pick a book you love.
• Find an unusual or interesting place to read it – somewhere cosy, outdoors, or even a spot you’ve never tried before!
• Take a photo of yourself reading in that unusual place (make sure it’s safe and you have permission).
• Email your photo to ReadingChallengeR5@hwbcymru.net, including your full name and class.
When we return to school in the New Year, we’ll create a fantastic display showcasing all the imaginative places you’ve discovered for reading. Prizes will be awarded for the most inventive photos from each class!
We can’t wait to see your creative ideas. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your reading adventure!
Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!

Stay Safe Around Open Water This Winter
Winter brings beauty, but it also brings risks—especially near rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and the coast. Tragically, 54 people drowned in Wales in 2024, many during the colder months. One drowning is too many, so Water Safety Wales are asking families to help keep everyone safe by following these simple life-saving tips:

Key Safety Messages:

• Stay Away from the Edge: Banks can be slippery, and ice is dangerous. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid walking or driving through floodwater.
• Keep Children and Pets Close: Teach children never to go on ice or near floodwater. Keep dogs on a lead near water.
• If You Fall Through Ice: Stay calm, float on your back, and call for help. If you can’t climb out, keep floating and keep your head above water.
• If Someone Else Is in Trouble: Call 999 immediately. Do not enter the water—use a rope, pole, or branch from the bank to help.
• Check Flood Updates: Visit Natural Resources Wales for local flood risks and sign up for warnings.

Please share these messages with your family. Knowing these tips could save a life.
For more resources and updates, visit Water Safety Wales or follow their social media channels. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe this winter.

Social Media Safety: Quick Guide for Parents
Social media is fun for young people—but it comes with risks. Here’s how to keep your child safe using privacy settings and parental controls:
Facebook & Messenger
• Teen Accounts (13–17) have built-in protections; under-16s need parental permission to change settings.
• Supervise: ✔ See contacts ✔ Set time limits ✔ Schedule breaks
• Set up: Log in → Settings & Privacy → Settings → Family Centre
• More info: https://familycenter.meta.com
Instagram
• Teen Accounts are automatic for ages 13–17.
• Adjust privacy/content via Profile → Menu → Privacy.
• More help: https://familycenter.meta.com
Snapchat
• Family Centre shows friends and recent messages; restrict sensitive content.
• Set up: Log in → Add teen → Search “family” in app.
• Learn more: https://parents.snapchat.com
WhatsApp
• Run Privacy Checkup: Settings → Privacy Checkup.
• More info: https://faq.whatsapp.com
TikTok
• Under-18 accounts are private; under-16s can’t message.
• Use Family Pairing for screen limits & content filters:

• Profile → Menu → Settings and Privacy → Family Pairing
• More info: https://www.tiktok.com/safety/guardians-guide
More tips? Visit: childrenssociety.org.uk/tweens

Sponsored Santa Walk – Nursery & Reception
Our Nursery and Reception children had a fantastic morning taking part in their Sponsored Santa Walk! The festive spirit was in full swing as they strolled around in their Santa hats, spreading cheer and enjoying the crisp winter air.
We are so proud of how beautifully they behaved throughout the event – da iawn pawb! It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork shining through.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this fundraiser so far. The money raised will be used to enrich the experiences of the children in Nursery and Reception. The children have already been sharing their ideas on how they would like the funds to be spent! Thank you for your continued support – it really makes a difference.

Governors’ Report to Parents Now Available
We are delighted to let you know that the Governors’ Report to Parents is now available to view online. You can access it by following: https://rhosstreetschool.co.uk/download/rss-governor-report-2024-25/
Our governing body plays a vital role in the life of the school – offering support, acting as a critical friend, and helping to ensure the very best for our pupils. We are extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment throughout the year.
A special thank you goes to our Chair of Governors, Julie Debicka, for her hard work in preparing this comprehensive report. Her efforts ensure that parents are fully informed and engaged with the school’s progress and priorities.

Recycle Unwanted Clothes and Raise Funds for Rhos Street!
We’re excited to announce that Rhos Street School is taking part in the Recycle 4 School scheme – a free, eco-friendly fundraising initiative that helps schools raise money through textile recycling. https://www.recycle4school.org.uk/
How does it work?
Recycle 4 School organises collections of good-quality unwanted clothing and accessories. Parents, students, and staff are encouraged to donate items such as:
• Clothes
• Shoes (including trainers)
• Handbags, belts, and accessories
• Underwear and socks
Once collected, the items are loaded onto the Recycle 4 School van and begin a journey to places around the world where they will provide affordable clothing to people who need it most. Within five working days, the school receives a payment directly into its fund.
When is it happening?
We’ll be sending out collection bags in the New Year, so start gathering your unwanted items now!
Why take part?
• It’s free and easy to do.
• It helps divert textiles from landfill, protecting the environment.
• It raises much-needed funds for our school.
• It teaches students about sustainability and global impact.
Let’s work together to make a difference! Keep an eye out for your collection bag and help Rhos Street reach its fundraising goals while supporting communities worldwide.

Weekly Wellbeing
 This week’s festive quote is from Dr. Seuss (1904–1991), the beloved American writer and illustrator, creator of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”
Dr. Seuss