Newseltter - 18th May 2015

14^th May 2015
As you are all aware, we have recently had our visit by the school inspectors, Estyn.  During their time at the school, they looked through children’s exercise books, monitored class teaching, spent time talking to the children and reviewed a wide range of other school files and records.  Their report is due to be published in the next few weeks.  As soon as this report is available, it will be forwarded to you for your records.
Children from Years 2 to 6 have completed the Welsh Government tests which are now being marked.  The results of the tests will be forwarded to parents with their summer reports.  As usual, these reports will contain a ‘statutory’ or formal element of the skills your child has developed throughout the year, as well as more personal comments from the class teacher. You should receive these reports on Thursday 16th July.
Even though the children have been sitting their tests, we have continued to include as much variety in their school work as possible.   Lower Key Stage 2 were excited when ‘Muffin the Robot’ came for a visit – thanks to staff at the University of South Wales.  Techniquest brought ‘Starlab’ for the older children to find out about the stars and planets.  Foundation Phase have visited our school field to investigate the plants and wildlife, as well as think about building dens!
A number of children in year 6 attended the annual residential trip to Llangrannog.  They had a fantastic time and were able to try out a wide range of activities – karting, horse riding, ‘mud’ run etc.  Many thanks to Ms Jones and Mrs Gannon for accompanying the children on the trip.
The children have asked if the school can raise some money for the children of Nepal who have suffered some terrible earthquakes.  As a result, we will be holding a non-uniform day on Friday 22nd May.  All we ask is that pupils bring in some spare change or £1 to contribute. Staff will be digging deep too! We will bank our funds with Unicef who will focus on helping the children there.
Dinner Money
Please remember that the cost of school lunches increased to £2.40 per lunch after Easter.  Please ensure this is paid each week on Monday morning either through the electronic systems or by sending the money in an envelope to class.  It is essential that this is paid on time each week.
School Photographer
The photographer had the camera repaired and returned to school on 27^th April for the class photos.  You should now have received the ‘proofs’ with instructions of how to order.  Please send all orders to school by Wednesday 20^th May.
Performances
Key Stage 2 children will soon start rehearsing for our performance of the Lion King.  We will let you know when tickets will be available.  Performances are planned for 1st and 2nd July at Hawthorn High School theatre.
Year 5 have also been invited to take part in a ‘cluster’ performance of Bugsy Malone.  This will be on 7^th July, again at Hawthorn High.  Details of this will be sent out as soon as we have more information from the High School.
19^th May                 Taster Session – Tae Kwon Do – Years 5 and 6
21^st May                  Willow and Beech classes to Hay-on-Wye
22^nd May                 Last Day before half term
                                Non-uniform day – Nepal Earthquake
25^th May – 29 May – Half Term
1^st June                   INSET Day
2^nd June                   Children return after half term
3^rd June                   Meeting for new Nursery parents – 2.00pm
8^th and 9^th June       Parents’ evening – Mr Carter’s class only – appointments will be issued.
16^th June                 RCT Music Ensemble at school
                               5.00pm - Meeting for new Year 3 parents
17^th June                 Year 6 – 13 children – cycling proficiency
17^th June                 PC Thomas – “It’s your choice” – Yr 6
19^th June                 School Nurse – Year 5 and 6 ‘Growing Up’
24^th June                 Year 6 – 13 children – cycling proficiency
22-25^th June            Y6 - Transition for pupils moving to Ponty High
26^th June                 Y6 - Transition activity for Hawthorn High
29^th June                 RCT Music festival
1^st and 2^nd July        “Lion King” performed by KS2–at Hawthorn High School
2^nd July                    School used as a Polling Station – school will remain open
3^rd July                     Provisional date for PTA BBQ – 5.30pm
6^th July                     Cricket Wales – 2 hour session – Year 5
7^th July                     Free Girls Only Rugby taster session – juniors
8^th July                     Pandemonium Theatre – performance at school
9^th July                     Provisional date for Sports’ Day (depending on the weather!)
13^th July                   2.00pm - Year 2 end of year class assembly – parents invited
                                Y6 - Transition day at Hawthorn High
15^th July                   Year 6 – Leavers’ Assembly/Presentation
16^th July                   Reports sent out to families
17^th July                   Last Day of term.
**details of summer trips will be available as soon as possible**
Attendance and 100% Days
Willow class won our most recent 100% days, with Cherry class coming a very close 2^nd!  Ash class had 100% attendance for last week.  Well done to them – and keep up the good work!  Our next 100% challenges will be on 4^th and 5^th June.
Remember to check out our Moodle and Blog to keep up to date with activities in school.
We still have a number of Microsoft Office codes available for those families who wish to use this free offer.  Just send your email address to school and we can forward the details to you.
As usual, if you have any concerns please contact the class teacher or myself.  Remember to check out our Moodle and Blog to find out our winners of Seren yr Wythnos / Star of the Week as well as keep up-to-date with school activities. 
Yours
Mrs Loveridge