Ysgol Gynradd Tre Uchaf Primary School

12.5.23

Newsletter week ending 12^th May 2023

Theme next week: Making a contribution

Welsh phrase of the fortnight: Sut wyt ti? How are you?

Best Attending classes: Year 5 and JSTF with 100%

Whole school attendance is 93%

Newyddion  a Criw Cymraeg,

This week the younger Criw Cymraeg members have been playing some Welsh playground games and practising their Welsh words. On May 18^th the Criw will be delivering an assembly all about ‘Negys Ewyllys Da’ which is an annual celebration by the Urdd with their Peace and Goodwill Message. This year the theme is Anti-racism. 

We are always looking for new members to join our Criw so if you are free on Mondays after school, please ask Mrs Havard for a consent form. 

Diolch,

Criw CymraegCongratulations!

Llongyfarchiadau to Mrs Pugh, our ISTF class teacher, who is expecting her first baby in September.  It’s always lovely to hear baby news in school and we wish Mrs Pugh and her husband our very best wishes from everyone at Tre Uchaf!

Family Learning

Don’t forget family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1 and Year 2 can attend free of charge!

Residential for next year’s Year 6

We have booked a 2 night stay at Morfa Bay on March 20th for next year’s Year 6. We have set up a payment plan over the next 11 months to spread payments out and there will be a slight reduction for children who access free school meals and the school uniform grant. Please could you send in £20 to secure your child’s place before 31^st May.

SAFE PARKING

Please park safely around the entrance to our school. Parking on a pavement so wheelchairs can’t get past is an issue for all of us because we have children and parents who use a wheelchair to access school safely. Please be considerate to our neighbours and respect the car park rules. A white car parked illegally, on yellow lines opposite the car park entrance earlier today and this was a risk to our children. Please contact 101 and report drivers and cars who are a nuisance. We don’t want any road traffic accidents or any children to be injured through careless parking!

Please use the Pengry Road carpark if possible! Thank you to those who do park safely and help look after our children. Diolch yn fawr iawn!

Walking Bus

Apologies to anyone who has been waiting at 8.20 for the walking bus. The walking bus is staffed from 8.30am. We did start it earlier when we did it every day during the Big walk and Wheel to boost our numbers and encourage the children however on a normal Friday the drop off time is 8.30. Please accept my apologies for the confusion. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Civil, Miss Trotman, Miss Kierl and the other staff who help out, for giving up their time to organise it every week; it’s much appreciated!

Safeguarding and Child Protection

 The Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer for our school is Mrs Louise Davies, the Headteacher. In her absence the Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Stephanie Edwards. The Governor with responsibility for Child Protection and Safeguarding is Mrs Rachel Rees, the Chair of Governors.

Breakfast club

Our KS2 children will now have the option of using our Art room over in the gym building for quieter activities in the morning. These will include board games, cards, puzzles, colouring, drawing and my favourite, Top Trumps! Thank you to Mrs Tench for organising this. If your KS2 child would prefer the quietness of the art room, please see Mrs Tench in the morning. Breakfast times are 8am-8.40am. A £1 charge is payable from 8am-8.20am. If you come along after 8.20am breakfast club is free!

Energy drinks message from Year 4

Year 4 have been discussing energy drinks as part of their Potions topic. Mr Smith and the children have been researching them and wanted to share this information with you.

Energy drinks have large amounts of caffeine and drinking these can have the same effect on child-sized bodies as the ‘fight, flight, freeze’ response that they learned about during Children’s Mental Health Week. A lot of the physical symptoms that we have when we are worried (palpitations, stiff limbs, tunnel vision, headache) are due to our bodies preparing to be fast or strong. Even in adults, powerful energy drinks can cause these symptoms. 

They’ve been researching ingredients for healthy potions (i.e. Smoothies) and looking at how much sugar we should be consuming each day. Year 4 made a smoothie in class today from unsweetened coconut milk, avocado, banana, strawberries and blueberries. Two children did not want to taste it but those who did taste it gave it a score out of ten, and the average score was 9.04. Lots of children said they would make this again, even though it had no added sugar.  

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Our teaching students, Nia Loren and Lowri Clark, will be speaking at the ‘Aiming for Excellence’ conference at the University next week. Both Nia and Lowri have been outstanding students who will be sharing their experiences of their time in our school with other educational practitioners. We are delighted that they have been recognised as excellent students and wish them the very best of luck!

Diary Dates

Monday 15^th May

Years 3 and 5 to visit St Catherine’s Church

Tuesday 16^th May

Reception to visit the library

Active travel ambassadors to The Senedd

Year 6 Trumpet classes

Wednesday 17th May

STF Football festival 9.45-12

Year 5 to Big Pit

Thursday 18th May

Year 3 and JSTF to Techniquest

Violins

3D Printing club

Friday 19^h May

Year 6 Swimming

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Seren yr wythnos

Interest Groups

Future Events

24^th May

PC Laura Anthony to run workshops with Years 3,4 5 and 6 all day

25^th May

Health Visitor drop in session. Come along and chat to Rhian and Brogan about screen time, baby massage, toilet training, behaviour and sleep routines.

Reception to visit Brynteg farm

Monday 5^th June INSET Day

School closed to pupils

Friday 9^th June

Welsh Whisperer event in Penyrheol Comprehensive

Monday 12^th June

Year 5 Transition taster mornings this week (Dates to be confirmed)

Primary Partners week in The Grand Theatre (Exact date is yet to be confirmed)

Tuesday13th June

FP/ KS2 Sports day

Wednesday 14th June  

 Grand Theatre Performance Year 6

Thursday 15^th June

Year 5 taster day to Penyrheol. Please see the letter from Mr Benney regarding  the day.

Friday 16^th June

Nursery Sports day

Monday 19^th June

Welsh Athlete to visit school for the day

Thursday 22^nd June

PTA Summer fayre

Friday 23^rd June

Year 6 Transition to comprehensive workshop with CAMHS outreach team

Monday and Tuesday 3^rd and 4^th July

Year 6 Transition days to Comprehensive

Wednesday 5^th July

STF Football event

1.30pm Summer singalong FP

Friday 7^th July

Nursery Summer Singalong 10.30am

Monday 10^th July

Work experience pupils from Year 10 to visit school

Thursday 13^th July

Cluster Enterprise Final Year 6

Friday 14^th July

Nursery Summer trip

Monday 17^th July

Annual Reports sent  to parents

Wednesday 19^th July

Year 6 Leaving Assembly. (Time to be confirmed)

Friday 21^st July

Last day in school for pupils

Monday 24^th July

INSET DAY for Staff Training.

25^th July

Food and Fun Summer play scheme starts!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Warm regards,

Mrs Davies

Belong- Believe- Be the best you can be!

Newsletter week ending 5^th May 2023

Theme next week: Ready to learn

Welsh phrase of the fortnight: Llongyfarchiadau! Congratulations!

Best Attending class: Reception with 97.1%

Whole school attendance is 90.7%

Newyddion  a Criw Cymraeg,

The Criw Cymraeg helped to organise an excellent Celf a Coronation event this week inviting parents/carers and our local community. A huge thank you to Mrs Havard and the Criw for helping the staff and children prepare art work and crafts to sell. Da iawn pawb!

INSET DAYS

We have 2 INSET Days planned for Monday 5^th June and Monday 24^th July. Please put these dates in your diary!

Safety

This week we had our fire drill and I am pleased to say that all children and staff responded well and got out of the building quickly and safely. Da iawn pawb!

Rugby News

Well done to our Year 6 team who represented school on Wednesday at the beach rugby festival. All children and parents had a fantastic day. Diolch to Mr Civil and those children who stepped out of their comfort zone to participate in a sport they hadn’t tried before. Llongyfarchiadau!

Gorseinon RFC are looking for Year 6 players who might want to join their Under 12’s team next year. Flyers have been given to Year 6. If you’d like any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Phil Davies on 07751018887

Family Learning

Don’t forget family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1 and Year 2 can attend free of charge!

Thank you!

Diolch yn fawr to the PTA for organising a fabulous disco to celebrate the King Charles Coronation. We are always looking for help so if you could spare an hour or so when we hold an event please let Mrs Pompa know. All help will be gratefully received. Thank you to the mums who helped sell the snacks.

Residential for next year’s Year 6

We have provisionally booked a 2 night stay at Morfa Bay next March for next year’s Year 6. We priced lots of other places but it seems like this is very good valuie for money compared to other places in Wales. We will set up a payment plan over the next 11 months to spread payments out. There will be a slight reduction for children who access free school meals and the school uniform grant. Please could you send in £20 to secure your child’s place before 31^st May.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

 The Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer for our school is Mrs Louise Davies, the Headteacher. In her absence the Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Stephanie Edwards. The Governor with responsibility for Child Protection and Safeguarding is Mrs Rachel Rees, the Chair of Governors.

Parent Focus Group

Please come along to the next parent focus group if you would like to see how we have added in your suggestions to contribute to our Tre Uchaf Curriculum. This will be 2pm on Thursday in the Thrive Room. I look forward to seeing you!

Diary Dates

Monday 8^th May

Bank Holiday

Tuesday 9^th May

Reception to visit the library

Active travel ambassadors to The Senedd

Year 6 Trumpet classes

Wednesday 1oth May

Year 1 Superhero hunt in the local area

Child protection training for staff

Thursday 11^th May

CLASS  PHOTOGRAPHS

Brynmill school staff  to see POPAT in action

2pm Parent focus group

Violins

Stringalong

Friday 12^th May

Year 6 Swimming

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Seren yr wythnos

Interest Groups

Future Events

Wednesday 17^th May

STF Football Tournament

Year 5 visit to Big Pit

Thursday 18^th May

Year 3 visit to Techniquest

24^th May

PC Laura Anthony to run workshops with Years 3,4 5 and 6 all day

Monday 5^th June INSET Day

School closed to pupils

Friday 9^th June

Welsh Whisperer event in Penyrheol Comprehensive

Monday 12^th June

Year 5 Transition taster mornings this week (Dates to be confirmed)

Primary Partners week in The Grand Theatre (Exact date is yet to be confirmed)

Tuesday13th June

FP/ KS2 Sports day

Wednesday 14th June  

 Grand Theatre Performance Year 6

Thursday 15^th June

Year 5 taster day to Penyrheol

Friday 16^th June

Nursery Sports day

Monday 19^th June

Welsh Athlete to visit school for the day

Thursday 22^nd June

PTA Summer fayre

Monday and Tuesday 3^rd and 4^th July

Year 6 Transition days to Comprehensive

Wednesday 5^th July

STF Football event

1.30pm Summer singalong FP

Friday 7^th July

Nursery Summer Singalong 10.30am

Monday 10^th July

Work experience pupils from Year 10 to visit school

Thursday 13^th July

Cluster Enterprise Final Year 6

Friday 14^th July

Nursery Summer trip

Monday 17^th July

Annual Reports sent  to parents

Wednesday 19^th July

Year 6 Leaving Assembly. (Time to be confirmed)

Thursday 20^th July

Provisional date for Year 6 Leaving event

Friday 21^st July

Last day in school for pupils

Monday 24^th July

INSET DAY for Staff Training.

25^th July

Food and Fun Summer play scheme starts!

I hope you all have a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend.

Mrs Davies

Week ending 28^th April 2023

Next week’s themes: The King’s Coronation /Ambition

Best attending class: Year 1 with a whopping 98.6%. Well done Year 1!

Whole school attendance: 93% Huge improvement in attendance this week despite the sickness bug that is going around. Da iawn!

Celf a Coronation

Please join us in the school hall on Wednesday 3^rd May at 2pm for a Celf and Coronation Fayre. The   children will be displaying their art work and selling their ‘Coronation crafts’. Please come along and support them if you can. The children have been using their enterprising skills by researching, marketing and pricing their products ready to sell. Ardderchog pawb!

Coronation Disco

A huge thank you to the PTA for organising the Coronation Disco on Thursday. There will be a foundation phase disco at 4pm until 5pm but parents of nursery pupils are asked to stay with them. Those children who become overwhelmed by the noise of a disco are invited to attend the quiet disco at 4pm in the JSTF. Please use the JSTF door to access this.

The Key Stage 2 disco for Years 3,4,5 and 6 will be at 5pm-6pm. Tickets cost £2 and are available from Mrs Pompa or Mrs Seager in the school office. The PTA are looking for some Foundation Phase parents to help sell hotdogs, sweets and drinks at the disco. If you think you can help out, please let me or your child’s class teacher know. All help gratefully received!

RVE

As part of our Religion, Values and Ethics Curriculum, our children will be visiting places of worship such as the local Church, Swansea Mosque and a Sikh temple to name a few.  I am sure that you will agree that the children need opportunities to:

 · develop a sense of their uniqueness and value;

· reflect upon their own beliefs, values and actions and express and justify their own feelings and opinions;

· show empathy and consideration for others;

· develop compassion and help others;

· develop a voice and listen with respect to the voices of others;

· form good relationships;

· talk about themselves in relation to others;

· gain awareness of and respect for the beliefs, teachings and practices of others, as well as an ability to articulate their own;

 · explore how religious and non-religious worldviews impact on the lives of individuals, the local community and wider society.

Visiting these special places of worship with their teachers and friends will give them confidence to ask questions and explore their surroundings in a respectful and inquisitive way. If you would like more information about our  school curriculum please contact me on 01792 893682 or come along to our next parent focus group on Thursday May 11^th at 2pm.

Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers who might have a spare hour or so every week to hear readers, help in classes with art or gardening or even share a particular skill with the children. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me on 01792 893682 for a chat!

TRAFFIC

I would like to remind you to drive at 5MPH in the school car park and the surrounding areas. A black car was seen driving dangerously in the car park this week and a nursery child had to be pulled back. This is being investigated so if you know the driver or have any information about this incident please contact me ASAP. Please be vigilant and walk safely with your children, holding their hands if they don’t have any road sense yet, and using the pavement rather than walking through the carpark.

 Remind your children to follow the ‘Kerb craft’ rules.

Water/ beach safety

The children took part in an excellent assembly on Tuesday. Joe and Sam from the RNLI came to school to teach the children about what to do in a water emergency and how to stay safe at the beach. They had a sound understanding to start with but by the end of the session it was clear that they had learnt much more. Thank you to the children who volunteered to take part in the activities and those who answered the tricky questions. I’m sure if the children visit the beach this weekend they will tell you all about it! Da iawn pawb.

I hope you all have a relaxing Bank Holiday weekend; fingers crossed for sunny weather.

See you on Tuesday!

Mrs Davies

Events this fortnight

Monday 1^st May

Bank Holiday

Tuesday 2^nd May

Years 2,4 and 6 to visit the Mosque

EWO will be checking on attendance

School Council Meeting

Wednesday 3^rd May

Year 6 Tag Rugby Team to Swansea Festival

Criw Iaith Assembly

2pm Celf a Coronation Fayre

NO ARTS AND CRAFTS CLUB This will return in September!

Thursday 4^th May

Violins

Stringalong

4pm Foundation Phase disco (Please use the main foyer door to enter)

4pm Quiet disco (Please use the JSTF door to enter)

5pm Key Stage 2 disco (Please use the main foyer door to enter)

Friday 5^th May

Tiddly Tots

Swimming

Pupil of the month Assembly

Interest Groups

Monday 8^th May

Bank Holiday

Tuesday 9^th May

Active Travel Ambassadors to visit the Senedd

Wednesday 9^th May

Child protection Training for staff and governors

Thursday 11^th May

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

Reception to visit the library

Staff will be sharing good practice with Brynmill School

Parent Focus Group at 2pm

Violins

Friday 12^th May

Tiddly Tots

Swimming

Monday 15^th May

Years 3 and 5 to visit St Catherine’s Church

Newsletter week ending 21^st April

Theme next week: Charity

Welsh phrase of the fortnight: Esgusodwch fi- Excuse me

Best Attending class: Year

Whole school attendance is

The Big Wheel and Walk to School week

Congratulations to everyone who took part in this. The results are in and we came fourth out of all Swansea schools. Well done everyone!

INSET DAYS

We have 2 INSET Days planned for Monday 5^th June and Monday 24^th July. Please put these dates in your diary!

Attendance

This week you were given an attendance percentage during parent’s evening. We are really concerned with the amount of children who have less than 90% attendance and even more worried about the learning being missed of those children with less than 80% attendance. Please read the top tips to help improve attendance and please contact me or Cathryn Roberts our Cluster Outreach family liaison worker if you need some help or support..

Cathryn Roberts-  Cluster Family Liaison Outreach Worker (CFLOW)

07599516716

Newyddion  a Criw Cymraeg,

This week the criw have been monitoring the class mascots and found that a couple of classes will be sending these home over the next few weeks. Look out for Bryn, Enfys and co.

Diolch

Criw

Thank you to the 24 families who have completed the parent questionnaire. Your feedback is important to us as a school and helps school staff to plan for the future. If you haven’t completed it yet, it is still live and will be for one more week. This is the link: https://forms.office.com/e/bHmxVnWYax

Football News

Well done to our Year 3and 4 team who won 4 games out of 4 in the tournament yesterday. They only conceded 3 goals. Fantastic!

Family Learning

Don’t forget family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1 and Year 2 can attend free of charge!

Residential for next year’s Year 5

We have provisionally booked a 2 night stay at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay for the children going in to Year 5 next year. This will be during March 2024. The cost is likely to be approx. £150 including bus, accommodation and plenty of activities to keep them entertained. This year’s Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all thought a two-night stay would be better. They had to fit in a lot during the day so we have enquired about extending it to an extra day. More information about this will follow from Mrs Edwards after Easter.

Health visitor drop in sessions

Thank you to the parents who popped in and met with Rhian and Brogan yesterday. The next drop in session is arranged for 25^th May. They can help with toileting toddlers, behaviour strategies, screen time, speech and language support or just listen to any worries you may have. They will be based in our school hall so if you’d like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01792 893682 or speak to any member of staff.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

 The Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer for our school is Mrs Louise Davies, the Headteacher. In her absence the Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Stephanie Edwards. The Governor with responsibility for Child Protection and Safeguarding is Mrs Rachel Rees, the Chair of Governors.

Water safety

On Tuesday the lifeguards will be in school sharing water safety tips which is especially important particularly as the children all live near Loughor Estuary.

Celf a Coronation- Save the date!

We will be holding a Celf a Coronation event in the school hall on Wednesday 3^rd May. The children will be sharing their art work and selling their Coronation crafts. Come along and join the fun. More information will follow!

School Development Plan 2022-23

We are well on our way to achieving excellent progress on our school development targets.

Implement and embed a whole school approach to emotional and mental well-being

Developing key skills across the curriculum including literacy, numeracy and digital competence

Developing our assessment procedures so children know how to improve their work

Develop our own Tre Uchaf Curriculum including new guidance on Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics ( RVE).

Diary Dates

Monday 25th April

Selected Year 5 Playground pals to receive emotion coaching training in Cadle Primary

2.15pm Reception Parents will be joining the class

Tuesday 25th April

Year 4 Gymnastics

Year 6 Trumpet classes

Lifeguard Assembly and workshop about water safety

Thursday 27th April

Violins

Friday 28th April

Year 6 Swimming

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Seren yr wythnos Assembly

nterest Groups

Future Events

Monday 1^st May- Bank holiday

School closed

Wednesday 3^rd May

Celf a Coronation Fayre

Thursday 4^th May

PTA Coronation Disco

Monday 8^th May

Additional Bank Holiday for the King’s Coronation

Thursday May 11^th 

Class photos

Wednesday 17^th May

STF Football Tournament

Year 5 visit to Big Pit

Thursday 18^th May

Year 3 and JSTF  visit to Techniquest

Monday 5^th June INSET Day

School closed to pupils

Friday 9^th June

Welsh Whisperer event in Penyrheol Comprehensive

Monday 12^th June

Primary Partners week in The Grand Theatre (Exact date is yet to be confirmed)

Thursday 15^th June New Date

Year 5 Transition taster morning

Tuesday13th/Wednesday 14th June  

Sports day

(Exact date to be confirmed once we know when Primary Partners event takes place)

Thursday 22^nd June

PTA Summer fayre

Tuesday 27^th June

Cynefin project with local primary schools

Monday and Tuesday 3^rd and 4^th July

Year 6 Transition days to Comprehensive

Wednesday 5^th July

STF Football event- All day

Monday 10^th July

Work experience pupils from Year 10 to visit school

Thursday 13^th July

Cluster Enterprise Final Year 6

Monday 17^th July

Annual Reports sent  to parents

Wednesday 19^th July

Year 6 Leaving Assembly. (Time to be confirmed)

Thursday 20^th July

Provisional date for Year 6 Leaving event

Friday 21^st July

Last day in school for pupils

Monday 24^th July

INSET DAY for Staff Training

Tuesday 25^th July

Food and Fun Summer play scheme starts!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Kind regards,

Mrs Davies

Belong- Believe- Be the best you can be!

Newsletter week ending 31st^h March

Theme next week: Citizenship

Welsh phrase of the fortnight: Pasg Hapus! Happy Easter!

Best Attending class: Year 2

Whole school attendance is 87.2%. We really need to do better than this and aim for 95%!

The Big Wheel and Walk to School week

Thank you to all families who have supported our Big walk and Wheel to school this last fortnight. We reached 49 children, a baby and a couple of parents. Diolch yn fawr!

Newyddion  a Criw Cymraeg,

Over the last few weeks, we have been meeting regularly to improve the use of Welsh in our school. We have been making labels in Welsh for all children to read around their classrooms and welcome posters on the doors. Every two weeks we have a new Welsh phrase to learn in assembly and we are trying to explain to the children the benefits of learning Welsh.

Diolch

Criw

Attendance

Congratulations to Kacey, Elynor and Brooke who are our 100% attenders since September 2022 and received a big Easter egg in assembly to say well done! We also have 23 children who have 100% attendance for the whole of Spring Term. And they also received an Easter Egg today. Ardderchog pawb! I wonder if any more children will have 100% attendance for Summer term. Hopefully we can beat 23; let’s go for it!

A huge thank you to our ‘Enterprising bees’ who have organised the Easter raffle this week. They raised over £239.50.

INSET DAYS

We have 2 INSET Days planned for Monday 5^th June and Monday 24^th July. Please put these dates in your diary!

 World Autism Acceptance Week

Thank you to all the staff and children who wore their Onesies or pyjamas to school on Wednesday. We have many children with ASD and the school support around these events means a lot to our pupils. Thank you for your support!

Parent’s evening

Our Parent’s evening will be Tuesday 18^th and Wednesday 19^th April. These will be face-to face appointments as promised back in Autumn Term. Hopefully you have been able to arrange an appointment with your child’s class teacher. Please can I ask you to stick to just 10 minutes per meeting and be mindful of the parents who are also waiting to speak to the teacher. If you have recently attended a more detailed PCR during Spring Term then you won’t need to make an additional appointment at this time. I’m also aware that many of you have had a substantial ALN meeting with Miss Smith and the class teacher this term, so again you will not need to book an additional appointment because progress and learning has already been discussed at length.

We will arrange a crèche for the children which will be based in the ISTF classroom and I will be available in the school hall.

Please be prepared to answer my online parent questionnaire. I will have chrome books available and it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. Your feedback is important to us as a school and helps school staff to plan for the future. If you would prefer to complete this at home, this is the link: https://forms.office.com/e/bHmxVnWYax

After school clubs

Due to Parent’s evening, all clubs will be cancelled for the first week after the Easter holidays.

Football News

Well done to our Year 6 team who were up against some strong competition in the tournament yesterday. They came joint 3^rd in their group and met Swansea City legend, Angel Rangel! Mr Jones will arrange more matches during Summer Term. Watch this space!

Family Learning

Don’t forget family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1 and Year 2 can attend free of charge!

School Governor

We are still searching for a community/ LEA/ Parent Governor to be part of our very successful Governing Body. This is a volunteer position and would suit someone who could be available for evening meetings every half term and to be part of a committee either involving finance, premises or curriculum. Please contact me or the Chair of Governors, Rachel Rees if you’d like any further information.

Residential for next year’s Year 5

We have provisionally booked a 2 night stay at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay for the children going in to Year 5 next year. This will be during March 2024. The cost is likely to be approx. £150 including bus, accommodation and plenty of activities to keep them entertained. This year’s Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all thought a two-night stay would be better. They had to fit in a lot during the day so we have enquired about extending it to an extra day. More information about this will follow from Mrs Edwards after Easter.

Health visitor drop in sessions

We are delighted to tell you that our local health visitors Rhian and Brogan will  be offering drop in sessions every Thursday morning starting on the 20^th April. They can help with toileting toddlers, behaviour strategies, speech and language support or here to listen. They will be based in our school hall so if you’d like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01792 893682 or speak to any member of staff.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

 The Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer for our school is Mrs Louise Davies, the Headteacher. In her absence the Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Stephanie Edwards. The Governor with responsibility for Child Protection and Safeguarding is Mrs Rachel Rees, the Chair of Governors.

School Development Plan 2022-23

This year we are working on the following targets:

Implement and embed a whole school approach to emotional and mental well-being

Developing key skills across the curriculum including literacy, numeracy and digital competence

Developing our assessment procedures so children know how to improve their work

Develop our own Tre Uchaf Curriculum including new guidance on Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics ( RVE).

Diary Dates

Monday 17^th April

Back to school

Tuesday 18th April

Year 4 Gymnastics

Year 6 Trumpet classes

Trampolines to be delivered

Wednesday 19th April

STF class assembly at 2pm

Active journeys event for staff training

Thursday 20th April

Health visitor drop in sessions to start in the school hall from 8.45-11.30. Pop in and meet with Rhian and Brogan for a chat about any issues.

School council meeting

Violins

Friday 21st April

2B Enterprising to work with Year 4

Year 6 Swimming

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Pupil of the month assembly

Interest Groups

Future Events

24^th April

Playground Pals to have Emotion coaching training

28^th April

Rugby Sevens event for Year 6

Monday 1^st May- Bank holiday

School closed

Wednesday 3^rd May

Celf a Coronation Fayre

Thursday 4^th May

PTA Coronation Disco

Monday 8^th May

Additional Bank Holiday for the King’s Coronation

Thursday May 11^th 

Class photos

Wednesday 17^th May

STF Football Tournament

Year 5 visit to Big Pit

Thursday 18^th May

Year 3 visit to Techniquest

Monday 5^th June INSET Day

School closed to pupils

Friday 9^th June

Welsh Whisperer event in Penyrheol Comprehensive

Monday 12^th June

Year 5 Transition taster mornings this week (Dates to be confirmed)

Primary Partners week in The Grand Theatre (Exact date is yet to be confirmed)

Tuesday13th/Wednesday 14th June  

Sports day

(Exact date to be confirmed once we know when Primary Partners event takes place)

Thursday 22^nd June

PTA Summer fayre

Monday and Tuesday 3^rd and 4^th July

Year 6 Transition days to Comprehensive

Wednesday 5^th July

STF Football event- All day

Monday 10^th July

Work experience pupils from Year 10 to visit school

Thursday 13^th July

Cluster Enterprise Final Year 6

Monday 17^th July

Annual Reports sent  to parents

Wednesday 19^th July

Year 6 Leaving Assembly. (Time to be confirmed)

Thursday 20^th July

Provisional date for Year 6 Leaving event

Friday 21^st July

Last day in school for pupils

Monday 24^th July

INSET DAY for Staff Training. School closed to children

Tuesday 25^th July

Food and Fun Summer play scheme starts!

I hope you all have a fantastic Easter holiday and I’ll see you on 17^th April.

Pasg Hapus pawb!

Mrs Davies

Newsletter 23rd^h March

Theme next week: Easter Traditions

Welsh phrase of the fortnight: Dw I ddim yn siwr- I’m not sure

Best Attending class is Year 5 with 97%

Whole school attendance is 89%

The Big Wheel and Walk to School week

Thank you to all families who have supported our Big walk and Wheel to school this week. The event continues until 31^st March. So far our walking bus record is 34 children and I have to say the children have been superstars.

Botanical Gardens

Our Year 4 children enjoyed their visit to the Botanical Gardens on Monday. Their behaviour was impeccable and the staff commented on how proud they are of the children, they are a credit to you and our school. Ardderchog Year 4!

Easter celebrations

On Friday 31^st March, our Foundation phase children in Reception, Year 1 and Year2 will be parading their Easter hats/ bonnets to the park for an Easter Treat. Please don’t create an Easter hat that’s heavy or might fall off onto the road. We want the children to be safe but also want to show off their artistic skills. There will be prizes for creativity!!

If you’d like your child to make an Easter crown in class, please let the staff know on Monday and they will make provision for that to happen through the week.

Our key Stage 2 pupils will be invited to decorate a hard-boiled egg for an Easter competition. These will be displayed in the hall for our mystery judges to judge the creativity. There will be prizes for the winners!

Our ‘Enterprising bees’ have organised an Easter raffle. If you’d like to donate an Egg or an Easter inspired gift such as a sticker set or a stationary set, please send them to Mrs Edwards before Friday. Tickets are on sale already and the draw will take place on Friday afternoon.

INSET DAYS

We have 2 INSET Days planned for Monday 5^th June and Monday 24^th July. Please put these dates in your diary!

Down Syndrome Awareness Day and World Autism Acceptance Week

Thank you to all the staff and children who wore their odd socks to school on Tuesday to show their support for Down Syndrome day. We have an Autism Acceptance Week coming up next week so if the children would like to wear their Onesies or pyjamas to school on Wednesday they can. We have many children with ASD and the school support around these events means a lot to our pupils. Please support them if you can!

Parent’s evening

Our Parent’s evening will be Tuesday 18^th and Wednesday 19^th April. The class teacher will send out information regarding times. These will be face-to face appointments as promised back in Autumn Term.

 Breakfast Club

Please can I remind you that there is a £1 charge to attend breakfast club from 8am-8.20am. Breakfast club is FREE from 8.20. This cost goes towards paying for staff to supervise the children during this time. If there is a problem with payments, please contact Mrs Seager in the school office.

Family Learning

Don’t forget family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1 and Year 2 can attend free of charge!

School Governor

We are searching for a community/ LEA/ Parent Governor to be part of our very successful Governing Body. This is a volunteer position and would suit someone who could be available for evening meetings every half term and to be part of a committee either involving finance, premises or curriculum. Please contact me on 01792 893682 if you’d like any further information.

Residential for next year’s Year 5

We have provisionally booked a 2 night stay at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay for the children going in to Year 5 next year. This will be during March 2024. The cost is likely to be approx. £150 including bus, accommodation and plenty of activities to keep them entertained. This year’s Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all thought a two-night stay would be better. They had to fit in a lot during the day so we have enquired about extending it to an extra day. More information about this will follow after Easter.

Health visitor drop in sessions

We are delighted to tell you that our local health visitors Rhian and Brogan will  be offering drop in sessions every Thursday morning starting on the 20^th April. They can help with toileting toddlers, behaviour strategies, speech and language support or here to listen. They will be based in our school hall so if you’d like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01792 893682 or speak to any member of staff.

School Development Plan 2022-23

This year we are working on the following targets:

Implement and embed a whole school approach to emotional and mental well-being

Developing key skills across the curriculum including literacy, numeracy and digital competence

Developing our assessment procedures so children know how to improve their work

Develop our own Tre Uchaf Curriculum including new guidance on Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics ( RVE).

Next week’s events

Monday 27^th March- The Big Walk and Wheel to school! Meet at the Pengry Road carpark  

Tuesday 28th March

FP Easter egg hunt organised by the pupil voice groups

Year 4 Gymnastics

Year 6 Trumpet classes

Food and Fun training for staff

Wednesday 29th March

PC Laura Anthony workshops with Years2-6

STF class assembly at 2pm

Thursday 30th March

Year 6 football event

Kat Watkins from disability Wales visiting school for KS2 worshops and special assembly

Violins are cancelled this week

Friday 31st March

LAST DAY OF TERM

FP Easter bonnet/ hat parade to the park. Prizes for the most creative!

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Easter Egg decorate an egg competition for Ks2

Attendance assembly and Easter raffle draw

Interest Groups

Monday 17^th April

Back to school

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Warm Regards,

Mrs Davies

Newsletter-17^th March

Theme next week: Parents and family

Welsh phrase of the week: Dw I ddim yn siwr- I’m not sure

Best Attending class Year 5

A huge thank you for the donations to the Morriston Family Appeal. Our ‘Bee Citizens’ pupil voice group have been very concerned about the families who have been affected by the explosion. Their thoughts and kindness have really impressed me this week; I’m very proud of them for making a difference! Da iawn pawb! We have raised £305.

Residential for next year’s Year 5

We have provisionally booked a 2 night stay at the Urdd Centre in Cardiff Bay for the children going in to Year 5 next year. This will be during March 2024. The cost is likely to be approx. £150 including bus, accommodation and plenty of activities to keep them entertained. This year’s Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all thought a two-night stay would be better. They had to fit in a lot during the day so we have enquired about extending it to an extra day. More information about this will follow after Easter.

The Big Wheel and Walk to School week

Next week we will be encouraging you all to walk, scoot, park and stride or cycle to school. This is an initiative that our ‘Healthy Bees’ would like to promote so we would love it if you could help them reach their target of three quarters of  the school getting her by walking or wheeling! We can do it!!

Breakfast Club

Please can I remind you that there is a £1 charge to attend breakfast club from 8am-8.20am. Breakfast club is FREE from 8.20. This cost goes towards paying for staff to supervise the children during this time. If there is a problem with payments, please contact Mrs Seager in the school office.

Playground

If you have any good quality bikes, mud kitchens, sit along toys that we can use in our Foundation phase garden, we would be very keen to take them off your hands. Please see Mrs Havard for more information.

Family Learning

Don’t forget family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1 and Year 2 can attend free of charge!

Nursery Numbers

Our Nursery numbers are quite low for September 2023. If you know any children who haven’t registered for school yet, please collect an application form from the school office or contact Mrs Seager or Mrs Glass for more information.

Health visitor drop in

We are delighted to tell you that our local health visitors Rhian and Brogan will be offering drop in sessions every Thursday morning after Easter. They can help with toileting toddlers, behaviour strategies, speech and language support or here for a general chat. They will be based in our school hall. If you’d like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01792 893682 or speak to any member of staff.

School Development Plan 2022-23

Every year we set ourselves targets to develop our school for the coming year. We work closely with children, staff and governors to share ideas with a view to improvement.

This year our targets are:

Implement and embed a whole school approach to emotional and mental well-being

Developing key skills across the curriculum including literacy, numeracy and digital competence

Developing our assessment procedures so children know how to improve their work

Develop our own Tre Uchaf Curriculum including new guidance on Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics ( RVE).

Next week’s events

Monday 20^th March- The Big Walk and Wheel to school!

Year 4 trip to Botanical Gardens

Tuesday 21^th March

The Betty Campbell Touring show to perform for Years 5/6 and JSTF

Year 4 Gymnastics

Governor meeting

Year 6 Trumpet classes

Wednesday 22nd March

NSPCC Workshop with KS2- Time to be confirmed

STF Football Tournament

Thursday 23rd March

Years 5/6 to work with The Urdd on Welsh games

Violins

JSTF to Framptons

Year 3 and 4 football team to Oakleigh House

Friday 24th March

Year 6 to Llandarcy for Ospreys coaching

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Seren yr wythnos assembly

Interest Groups

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and I’ll see you on Monday!

Kind Regards,

Mrs Davies

Newsletter-17th February 2023

Theme next week: Wales and its links with the wider world

Whole school Attendance: 87.5%

Best attending class: Year 5

Welsh phrase of the week: Syniad da

We have reached the end of a very busy half term and the children have been a credit to you all. The school council have done a brilliant job raising money for the Turkey-Syria Earthquake appeal. Mrs Burder is still counting out all the money so as soon as we know how much we have raised we will let you know. Thank you to all the children who have supported the cause.

Today, Toby in Year 4 has been presented with a framed certificate and a trophy from the staff at SOS Shelter Cymru for his fund raising efforts. He raised over £2600 from his sponsored walk. Well done Toby we are all very proud of you. You’re a star!

I am delighted to tell you that I had my minibus driving test today and I passed! Fingers crossed we’ll be able to borrow the minibus from our local schools to take children to local events rather than pay for expensive buses!

Thank you to the PTA for organising the Valentine disco. The children had an amazing night full of fun, laughter, bubbles and foam.  Diolch to Mrs Pompa, Mrs Havard and all the mums that helped support the event. Diolch yn fawr iawn!

As you know the NEU strike day was cancelled on Tuesday. The NEU were hoping to be able to negotiate a deal with Welsh Government however this hasn’t been resolved. I have discussed the recent risk assessment with the chair of governors and there has been a change in circumstances with regards to staff in NEU. Therefore on Thursday  2^nd March, school will be closed to all pupils but open to Non-NEU staff. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will risk assess each strike day separately. The dates for further strike action are  15^th and 16^th March. I will keep you updated with information as and when I receive it and as soon as the next risk assessment is completed. 

Our Year 5 children will be attending the Urdd Centre in Cardiff for an overnight residential on 27^th February. I’m sure they will all have a fabulous time. The dates for the Year 6 Morfa Bay residential are now 8^th, 9^th and 10^th March.

Family Learning

The next session is Wednesday 1st March. Parents and carers of children in reception, Year1  and Year 2 can attend from 1pm-3pm every Wednesday.

Worry workshop

Ceri from the outreach CAMHS team delivered an excellent session about children’s worries. Thank you to the parents who supported the event. I found it very helpful as a parent of 2 boys. I have a copy of the powerpoint she used so if you would like further information, please contact Mrs Seager and she will forward the information to your email address.

School Development Plan 2022-23

Every year we set ourselves targets to develop our school for the coming year. We work closely with children, staff and governors to share ideas with a view to improvement. This year our targets are:

Implement and embed a whole school approach to emotional and mental well-being

Developing key skills across the curriculum including literacy, numeracy and digital competence

Developing our assessment procedures so children know how to improve their work

Develop our own Tre Uchaf Curriculum including new guidance on Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics ( RVE).

Planned events

Monday 27^th February

Year 5 to Urdd Residential. Bus will be leaving Pengry road carpark at 9.15am. Please can children come to school at the normal time. Please see the letter from Mrs Edwards.

New little boy starting in Year 1 today

Tuesday 28^th February

Cricket Wales will be working with children from Years 2-Year 6

Brass lessons for Year 6 ( Please bring instruments)

Wednesday 1^st March- St David’s Day

Eisteddfod for all pupils. Please see the Eisteddfod letter/ homework from Mrs Havard and the Criw Cymraeg. The more competitions tey enter the more points they earn for their team. Who will win the Eisteddfod cup this year?

Year 4 will be presenting their Eisteddfod project to parents at 2pm in the school hall.

 Thursday 2^nd March

Closed to all pupils

Friday 3^rd March

Foundation Phase are singing to the residents in Awel y mor

Swimming

Kerbcraft with Year 2

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Pupil of the month assembly

Pupils of the month to have a hot chocolate and a piece of cake in the staffroom with Mrs Davies!

I hope you all have a wonderful half term. I will look forward to seeing you back in school bright and early on Monday 27^th February for another busy half term!

Warmest regards,

Mrs Davies

                

                 Belong- Believe- Be the best you can be!

Newsletter-10^th February 2023

Theme next week: Welsh week

Welsh phrase of the week: Syniad da- Good idea!

Best attending class: ISTF  96% Well done!

Whole school attendance: 87.4%

Updates

The dates for the Year 6 Morfa Bay residential are now 8^th, 9^th and 10^th March.

NEU Strike Action has been postponed so school will be open to all pupils, as normal, next Tuesday 14^th February.

After-school clubs

Day	Activity	Staff member	Where
Monday	Netball for Years 4, 5 and 6	Miss Trotman	Gym
Monday	Criw Cymraeg for years 3,4,5 and 6	Mrs Havard	Year 2
Tuesday	Board games	Miss Murray	Year 6
Wednesday	Art and Craft for Foundation Phase	Mrs M Davies ISTF	ISTF class/ hall
Thursday	Mindfulness for Years 2,3,4,5 and 6	Mrs Sarah Rees	Year 3
Thursday	Bronze ambassadors for Years 3,4,5and 6	Mrs Lodwig with help from Oliver and Isabella	Gym
Thursday	Clwb Cymraeg for Reception, year1 and 2	Miss E Morgan	JSTF class
Thursday	Cycling/ Active Travel ( You will need to bring your bike/ scooter)	Mr Civil	Playground/ Peace garden/ Year 6
Football matches will be organised throughout the term	Mr Jones	School Field

Lunch time clubs

Day	Activity	Staff member	Where
Monday	Enterprising Years 5and 6	Mrs Dixie	Year 6
Thursday	Recorders Years 3-6	Miss Smith	Cwch Gwenyn

Family Learning

We would like to invite Year 2 parents and carers to our family learning afternoons on a Wednesday afternoon between 1pm and 3pm. The next session is Wednesday 8^th February. Parents and carers of children in reception and Year1 can also attend as normal.

School Development Plan 2022-23

Every year we set ourselves targets to develop our school for the coming year. We work closely with children, staff and governors to share ideas with a view to improvement. This year our targets are:

Implement and embed a whole school approach to emotional and mental well-being

Developing key skills across the curriculum including literacy, numeracy and digital competence

Developing our assessment procedures so children know how to improve their work

Develop our own Tre Uchaf Curriculum including new guidance on Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics ( RVE).

Next week’s events

Monday 13^th February

EWO to visit school to meet with parents to discuss attendance

4pm Valentine disco for foundation phase (Please enter through the main foyer door and collect from the Year 2 door)

5pm Valentine disco for KS2 Please enter from the main foyer door and collect from the Year 2 door.

Tuesday 14^th February Industrial action for NEU members

Cricket Wales to work with Y3-Y6 pupils. Please wear PE kit to school.

Wednesday 15^th February

Reception visit to Waterfront museum

Thursday 16^th February

Violins

Stringalong with Year 2

Ospreys working with Year 6

Friday 17th February

Year 5 swimming- please bring a t-shirt and a pair of shorts to wear in the water

Kerbcraft with Year 2

Tiddly Tots parent and toddler group

Seren yr wythnos assembly

Half term

School starts back on Monday 27^th February.

I hope you all have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Monday!

Pob lwc Cymru!

Mrs Davies

Dear Parents / Carers,

As a result of strike action being taken by the National Education Union (NEU) on Wednesday 1st February, and following discussions with the Chair of Governors, the impact on our school will be as follows: Closed to all pupils.

Further industrial action is planned on 14th February and 15th and 16th March. We will write to you again a week before these dates with further updates.

Kindest regards,
Mrs Davies