Literacy week success!!!

Such a rewarding week at school:

Buddy reading took off with a blast.  The pupils' responses were incredible.

A teaching triad is continously working on studying the benefits of 'Talk for writing ' and the affect it has on writing standards. They collaboratively plan, team teach and evaluate together  

We had a fantastic turn out for the shared writing afternoon where all involved worked together to improve pupils' 500 Words stories.  Thank you to all who came (Watch this space for a Foundation Phase afternoon). Mrs Pugh informed parents/grandparents of our process of writing in school involving reading for meaning, talking and writing. All involved helped to 'uplevel'  sentences together. 

All pupils are excited and inspired to write, talk and read. We look forward to Big Foot Theatre visiting after half term to inspire us to write about the story of Branwen. 

SPORTS RELIEF

Watch out for information about Sports Relief Day from the school council - Planned for 18th March.  Lots of sports, fitness and fun being planned!

 

Newsletter - 25th January 2016

25^th January 2016

Dear Parent / Carer

I have few updates I would like to share with everyone. 

After a very long process we have finally received planning permission to build a wooden ‘outdoor classroom’.  This will give an extra ‘outdoor’ room for children to use both in their lessons and during break and lunchtimes.  This work has been possible through the successful application of a grant from the ‘Wooden Spoon Foundation’.  Construction has been arranged for the week beginning 29^th February.  This will be clearly visible on the top of the junior yard and the area will be secured whilst the work is being completed.  I ask that you encourage the children to please avoid the construction area if possible. 

Mr Gardiner has also almost finished building our new planters to create our ‘garden area’ on the yard.  This will begin to create a quiet area on the yard for those children who prefer to chat, rather than the hustle and bustle of the yards.

The local newspaper has been in touch to arrange the photographs which will appear in the Pontypridd Observer on St David’s Day.  These photographs will be taken on Tuesday 2^nd February.  If you do not want your child to be part of this photograph please let your class teacher know.

Year 4 swimming  -  We have had notification from the Local Authority that Bronwydd Swimming Pool will be closed for repairs in the coming weeks.  As a result, the children’s final swimming session will be on Monday 22^nd February (this is the first day back after half term).

You would now have received information about our Writing event on Thursday 28^th January at 1.30pm.  Last year’s event was a fantastic success and we hope to see as many parents again this year to help with your child’s writing.   We are again working towards entries for BBC Radios 2’s ‘500 Words’ Competition.  We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday 28^th January at 1.30pm

I would like to thank the parents who have attended school to support the themes being studied in their child’s classes.  This adds a sense of the real world to the children’s learning - and the children love it when other people come in to school to help them.  These parents have also now earned ‘Time Credits’ which can be exchanged against a number of leisure treats for adults and children.  Look at http://www.justaddspice.org/our-work/where-we-work for details.  Ask about time credits if you volunteer at school! 

You should today have received your copy of the Christmas Performances.  Many apologies for the delay in the distribution, but unfortunately we had some technical difficulties.  Can you please check your DVD carefully – if you have any problems with it, please return to school and we can arrange to make a further copy for you. 

We also have a few more copies of the Lion King from our Summer performance for £5.  If you require a copy of this please place the money in an envelope with your child’s name and reason for the money and hand to your child’s class teacher.

Our 100% attendance days were tricky this time around, as there seemed to be quite a lot of sickness in the children.  Nevertheless, Hazel and Acorn classes had the best attendance and so had their prizes.  However, our school attendance is now only 94.7%.  As you are aware, this is below our target of 95.3% - we cannot meet this target without your support.  This could have an impact on any future visits by the school inspectors.  Our next challenge days are 25^th - 26^th Feb.

We had an amazing response to the girls’ ‘Beat Ball’ after school club.  As advised, there are only 16 places available, although we had over 50 replies.  I have contacted the organisers to find out if they can offer more sessions, and I am awaiting a response from them.   The girls who were successful have been informed today, and I have kept the names of all the other girls for sessions hopefully in the future. 

Don’t forget that we 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.

I have detailed a number of key dates below:

4^th Feb                     Ash and Cherry Class–litter pick-Planet Protectors

8^th Feb                     Reception children– height, weight & vision

9^th Feb                     Sports Festival at HHS for all Year 5 and 6 – they will provide details in due course

9^th Feb                     Safer Internet Day–PC Rob with Yr4–Safer Surfing

11^th Feb                   Ash and Cherry Class–litter pick-Planet Protectors

11^th Feb                   Years 5 and 6 – ‘Wide Kids’ Safer Internet use workshops

11^th Feb                   Parents’ workshops from ‘Wise Kids’ for Safer Internet use 3.30pm-4.30pm

12^th Feb                   Whole Cluster INSET Day

15^th -19^th Feb          Half Term

22^nd Feb                  Children return from Half Term

23^rd Feb                   Year 4 – PC Rob – T.A.S.K.

25^th -26^th Feb          100% challenge days for attendance

1^st Mar                    Eisteddfod–Welsh cake sale (proceeds to Bobath Cymru)

2^nd Mar                    Mothers’ Day Tea – Year3 Mums and Grans 2pm

3^rd Mar                    World Book Day

4^th Mar                    Mothers’ Day Tea–Nurs&Rec Mums & Grans 10.45am

4^th Mar                    Mothers’ Day Tea – Year2 Mums and Grans 2pm

14^th – 18^th Mar        Maths and Science Week – look out for events!

16^th Mar                  Parents’ Evening

17^th Mar                  Parents’ Evening

17^th Mar                  Class and team photographs (TBC)

17^th Mar                  RCT Rugby Festival

23^rd – 24^th Mar        100% challenge days for attendance

24^th Mar                  THURSDAY – Last day of Term

25^th Mar                  Good Friday (beginning of Easter Break)

11^th Apr                   Children return to school.

WG Test dates - The Welsh Government Tests for all pupils in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are 3^rd - 10^th May 2016

500 WORDS COMPETITION

Dear parents/carers,

                                    It’s that special time of the year when the 500 Words competition has been released. This was a great success last year and we saw so many pupils become inspired to write. TALKING HOMEWORK

 

I am setting the pupils ‘talking/thinking/ planning homework’ this weekend to begin to plan their characters and story plot (resources to follow – check the blog too). I have introduced the competition in assembly and we’ve watched a few videos to inspire them. The ‘500 Words’ website is helpful and offers lots of ideas and support. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00rfvk1.

I’ve already had pupils come up to me today to tell me their ideas: fantastic! :0)

Please could you help your child this weekend by discussing ideas for their story. Maybe they could find an object around the house to inspire them? Or maybe they could use a painting, a piece of music or a story that they love to give them ideas. This sight has lots of animations to inspire writing: http://www.literacyshed.com/

I HAVE SENT SOME PLANNING SHEETS HOME BUT PUPILS DON'T HAVE TO FILL THEM IN. THEY MAY COMPLETE THEM IF THEY WISH! IT WILL HELP THEM WHEN THEY ARE WRITING IN CLASS NEXT WEEK.

Next week, all teachers in Key Stage Two will give pupils the opportunity to write their stories in class. Foundation Phase will continue with their writing lessons as planned.

PARENTS SHARING WRITING

Again, this was a huge success last year and we’d like to repeat it. We originally organised it for a different time but we have to hold it at 1:30pm in the hall to allow your children to work alongside yourselves.

We would like to invite parents/grandparents/guardians in on Thursday afternoon (28th January) to sit with the children, share story ideas and to work to improve them thus celebrating their achievements. I will also be talking to you all, to let you know how we teach writing in our school.

If you are able to attend at 1.30pm please complete the slip SENT HOME and return it to school. We are all excited about this project and ‘thank you’ in anticipation of your support.

I look forward to seeing you all!

Kind Regards,    

Mrs Pugh

NEW YEAR'S NEWSLETTER

11^th January 2016
Dear Parent / Carer
Welcome back after the Christmas break.  I hope you have all had an enjoyable and safe holiday and that the children are ready for the challenges of the new term!
As you are aware, the children complete their learning on a ‘topic’ based format.  This term the topics are:
Oak, Willow and Beech classes:  Y Byd Arbennig / Wonderful World
Sycamore, Holly and Hazel classes: Monster Mayhem!
Ash and Cherry classes: Planet Protectors
Maple and Acorn classes:   Pitter, Patter Puddle Play
 If you are able to share any of your own expertise for these themes, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Our value for this half term is truthfulness/honesty.  The children will be learning about this in class and assembly.  They will learn the benefits of being honest and that sometimes it is difficult to tell the truth!  Your support, as always, is much appreciated in this.  Please remember that sheets are available at the classroom doors for you to be able to share how your child shows these values at home.
As always, your help with our attendance target is much appreciated!  We can only achieve this with your support.  As usual, we have planned a number of 100% days throughout the term to encourage excellent attendance and reward the children wherever possible.  Our first 100% days this term are on 21^st and 22^nd January – please help the children in your child’s class achieve their prize!!
Microsoft Office Code - Don’t forget that we have a number of updated 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.
WG Test dates - The Welsh Government Tests for all pupils in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are 3^rd - 10^th May 2016.  Please avoid taking any absences during this time.
Choir at Hawthorn
Hawthorn High School are setting up a ‘Cluster Choir’ for Year 5 and 6 pupils across the schools within our Cluster.  This will be led by staff at the High School on the following dates:

• Monday 8th February
• Monday 29th February
• Monday 18th April
• Monday 9th May
• Monday 20th June

The sessions will run from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.  Families will need to arrange their own transport to and from the school.  The High School are keen to know numbers so that they can be prepared.  Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like you child to attend.
Please bring your dinner money in an envelope each Monday.  Unless there are exceptional circumstances, we also ask that your child maintains the same arrangements for lunch throughout the week.  This helps the accurate administration of dinner money.
We have arranged for the Christmas DVDs to be copied and hope to get them to those who have placed orders as soon as possible. We also now have a number of DVDs of our production of the Lion King for £5.  If you require a copy of this please place the money in an envelope with your child’s name and reason for the money and hand to your child’s class teacher. 
Swimming – swimming this term will be for Year 4 on Monday mornings.  Please ensure your child has a swimming costume (preferably a full costume for the girls) and towel each week between now and the Easter break.
Please remember that we have over 280 navy blue cardigans/jumpers etc. worn to school each day!  Please, please ensure your child’s name is clearly marked on their clothing so that we can make sure they are returned to their rightful owners! 
Parents’ Fundraising Committee
There are a number of key members of the PTA/PFRC who are due to retire their posts at the end of this academic year as their children will be leaving Year 6 this summer.  It is essential for the PTA for these posts to be filled so that the PTA can continue the excellent work they do for the school.  Without this group of parents a number of wonderfully enjoyable events will not happen:

• Hallowe’en Disco
• Christmas Fayre with Santa
• Summer BBQ
• Easter treats for the children
• Etc. etc.

Please contact Kristen / Jo / Sarah / Andrea (apologies if I have left anyone else out!) if you would be able to support the PTA.  Attendance at a few meetings per year would be required, and your help at mustering support for other PTA events (e.g. stall holders at the BBQ and Christmas Fayre).
The PTA has recently helped the school purchase a number of iPads, laptops and PCs, as well as currently raising money to purchase sound and light equipment for our school performances.
They look forward to hearing from as many parents as possible
I have detailed a number of key dates below:
6^th Jan                     New Nursery children start school
19^th Jan                  PC Rob – All Yr 2 – Right or Wrong
21^st -22^nd Jan         100% challenge days for attendance
28^th Jan                  Year 3- Year 6 Parents’ Workshop (3.30pm) – what is REALLY involved with learning how to write effectively? What are the expectations throughout the school?
4^th Feb                    Ash and Cherry Class–litter pick-Planet Protectors
8^th Feb                    Reception children – School Nurse – height, weight and vision checks
9^th Feb                    Safer Internet Day – PC Rob with Year 4
11^th Feb                 Ash and Cherry Class–litter pick-Planet Protectors
11^th Feb                 Parents’ workshops from ‘Wise Kids’ for Safer Internet use with children in Yr5 & 6
12^th Feb                 Whole Cluster INSET Day
15^th -19^th Feb        Half Term
22^nd Feb                 Children return from Half Term
23^rd Feb                 Year 4 – PC Rob – T.A.S.K.
25^th -26^th Feb        100% challenge days for attendance
25^th Feb (TBC)       Parents’ Workshop – all welcome - Find out how we teach Maths/Numeracy– find out the expectations for each year group!
1^st Mar                   Eisteddfod–Welsh cake sale (proceeds to Bobath Cymru)
16^th Mar                 Parents’ Evening
17^th Mar                 Parents’ Evening
17^th Mar                 Class and team photographs (TBC)
17^th Mar                 RCT Rugby Festival
23^rd – 24^th Mar     100% challenge days for attendance
24^th Mar                 THURSDAY – Last day of Term
25^th Mar                 Good Friday (beginning of Easter Break)
11^th Apr                 Children return to school.
We wish Mrs Beer lots of luck in her new job and welcome Mrs Vukashin back to school.
I look forward to working with you all over the coming term.  If you have any queries or concerns, please discuss them with your child’s class teacher.  If they are not able to help, please call into the office where I will be happy to discuss any concerns with you.
Yours
Mrs Loveridge (Headteacher)

December Newsletter

December 2015

Dear Parent/Carer

After a very busy term, we find ourselves hurtling towards Christmas!  I’m sure that if you follow us on Twitter, you will have seen a number of activities many of the children have been taking part in over the last few weeks, from visits to Cardiff Castle, Birds of Prey at school, the panto, visiting Santa and seeing the premiere of Star Wars!

We have also been treated to wonderful performances / services from children across the whole school. The fantastic Glee Choir have also entertained the people of Pontypridd (where we raised a total of £240 for Bobath Cymru – thanks very much – and to Mr Carter for leading Glee Choir!).  Thanks also to all families who have helped with trips

Microsoft Office Code - If Santa is delivering any new computers to your homes this Christmas, don’t forget that we have a number of updated 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.

Please check on the Calendar on Moodle for updates to the school diary.

4^th Jan 2016            INSET day – school closed for

children

5^th Jan                     Children return to school

6^th Jan                     New Nursery children start school

19^th Jan                   PC Rob – All Yr 2 – Right or Wrong

9^th Feb                     Safer Internet Day – Look out for activities throughout the week – including parents’ workshops.

12^th Feb                   Proposed INSET Day

15^th -19^th Feb          Half Term

22^nd Feb                  Children return following Half Term

23^rd Feb                   Year 4 – PC Rob – T.A.S.K.

1st March                School Eisteddfod

16^th March              Parents’ Evening

17^th March              Parents Evening

17^th March              Class and team photographs

24^th March              THURSDAY – Last day of Term

25^th March              Good Friday (beginning of Easter Break)

11^th April                 Children return to school.

WG Test dates  - The Welsh Government Tests for all pupils in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are 3^rd - 10^th May 2016.  Please avoid taking any absences during this time.

Attendance - This term we are absolutely thrilled that we have rewarded 66 children for 100% attendance.  This is the highest amount for an Autumn Term ever!  Spring term usually gives us the highest amount of 100% attendance pupils, so we will hopefully see this increase too.  Children with the very best attendance also received a special award in the Summer Term.

We are currently at 95.2% for our whole school attendance.  This is slightly below our target set by the Local Authority.  You will all be aware that attendance is a core feature of the school’s Inspection process.  The school has previously had recommendations to improve attendance, and as such I ask for your continued support in sending your child to school as often as possible. 

Well done to Sycamore and Oak classes who won the best class attendance of the term, and Holly, Ash and Sycamore who had the most number of children who achieved 100%.

Please note: if your child is genuinely ill, they should not attend school - it remains the responsibility of parents to inform the school on the first day of absence if a child is not well enough to attend

Christmas Fayre - Thank you to everyone who supported the PTA’s Christmas Fayre.   It was great to see so many families queuing to meet Santa, making Christmas decorations, taking lucky dips for toys and enjoying sweets and cakes as a special treat!  We raised £769 in total with the Fayre and the Christmas Raffle.  This will add to the funds as the PTA save towards providing the school with microphones and speakers for our concerts!

Parents evening was a fantastic success – 93% of parents attended.  If you did not manage to make the evening to see your child’s teacher, please make an appointment in the Spring Term.  A second Parents’ Evening will also be arranged for the end of the Spring Term.

Following the amazing amount of responses from parents and Governors with regard to our approach to teaching and learning about ‘Values’, we have learnt about Respect and Peace this term  Next term, the children will be learning about truthfulness.  Year 3 have also worked with our artist Rhiannon Roberts to help create the beautiful mural in the hall.

Please send ALL your old Christmas Cards to school when the children return.  We are taking part in a RCT competition to try to get the most Christmas Cards recycled!  Ask the children to bring in cards from the WHOLE family!!

Please bring your dinner money in an envelope each Monday.  Unless there are exceptional circumstances, we also ask that your child maintains the same arrangements for lunch throughout the week.  This helps the accurate administration of dinner money.

Please also bring any money for trips, music lessons etc. in an envelope marked with your child’s name, class and purpose of the money.

Please note: all meals must be paid for. If you have any difficulties with payment please speak to staff in the office.

We have many, many coats, cardigans jumpers etc. which have remained unclaimed at school.  None of these have names on them.  Please, please ensure your child’s name is clearly marked on their clothing so that we can make sure they are returned to their rightful owners! 

It just remains for me to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas.  We will see you all again on Tuesday 5^th January 2016.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hoping you all had an enjoyable break.  School starts back on Tuesday 5th January for the children.  Please remember to send in all your Christmas Cards so that we can recycle them for you ... and hopefully win a prize for the most recycled cards!!

See you all on Tuesday.