Week 30 - Friday 14th May 2021

Welcome

Welcome to the newsletter for week 30 of the school term. We've had another busy week in school - this week we sent parents a letter detailing some changes to our school operations. Please see the details below.

We wanted to update you on an amendment to our school operation in relation to the Covid pandemic. As you are aware, Covid rates within the local area are low and many areas of normal life are planned to resume following guidance from Welsh Government.

Our school operation at this challenging time is managed via our in depth risk assessment, and at this time we feel that it is appropriate to make a few small changes to our operation.

Our children will still operate in their class bubbles, however when they are on break and lunch time they may freely circulate on the yard within their year group during their designated timeslot. Year groups will not mix with other year groups, and children will only be able to mix amongst their year group whilst outside.

The other main change that we are implementing is allowing children to sit opposite each other whilst in the dining hall / sandwich hall. Children will still be in their class bubbles. This will also be implemented in the classroom, where children may sit in small groups to undertake project based work.

Both of these small adjustments will help our school operations immensely and we are sure that our pupils will enjoy being able to use more of the playground whilst on break times.

We are still extremely cautious regarding the pandemic and we are very grateful for the ongoing support from parents in particular to adhering to our one way system and the use of face masks whilst on school premises.

We look forward to being able to make further operational changes in the coming weeks as we receive more information from Welsh Government.

School Photographs

Our school photographer will be visiting on Tuesday 22nd June to take class photos. All school photos will be available to purchase online after 22nd June.

After School Club

After school club bookings for the period after half term will close on Monday 17th May. Parents can make a booking via the link below. All bookings should be made in advance and will be non refundable. Thank you for your support and assistance in making our after school club work in these challenging times. After School Club Booking Form.

Parent Homework Survey

We are currently reviewing our Homework Policy and would welcome views from parents. Please complete this short google form to let us know your views on homework for all ages. Homework Survey. Thank you to the many parents that have completed the survey already - the survey will close to responses on Monday 17th May.

Barney

Barney is thoroughly enjoying his role as well-being dog in school and this week has helped children who can be anxious coming into school. Barney is a great distraction and provides support to these children by just being himself! The highlight of his week has to be putting our year 6 children through their paces in their P.E. lesson!! He certainly made them work hard.

Poster Display

This week our children's artwork has been displayed at the Valleys 2 Coast development on the corner of St Marie Street / Ewenny Road. We hope you are able to walk past and see the designs.

School Savings Club

School savings club took place again this week and we had lots of children saving money. Saving Club runs every Wednesday. If you would like to join please take a look at our website for more details. School Savings Club Information.

Healthy Eating Week

We will be celebrating Healthy Eating Week from 14th to 18th June and children will be learning about healthy food choices. More information will be shared with parents nearer the time.

Big Birthday!

One of our longest serving members of staff celebrated a big birthday this week - you may have seen the balloons and banners that staff put up around the school!! Mrs Shelley Williams celebrated her 50th birthday this week and we were so pleased to be able to make it a day to remember! We even managed to arrange a special message from Sam Warbarton for Mrs Williams, and the children in RSW were delighted to see Miss Williams and baby Beau on the screen as she wished Mrs Williams a very happy birthday!

Inset days from September 2021

Inset days from September 2021 have been confirmed and are as follows:

• 2nd and 3rd September

• 1st November

• 18th February

• 25th April

• 20th June

P.E. Lessons

P.E. lessons this term will take place on the following days. Children attending school should wear their P.E. kit to school on the day of their lesson.

• Nursery - Friday

• Reception - Thursday

• Year 1 - Monday

• Year 2 - Tuesday

• Year 3 - Wednesday

• Year 4 - Tuesday

• Year 5 - Friday

• Year 6 - Thursday

COVID Reminder - Please refresh yourself on the following information.

If your child is off school due to a member of your household having a Covid test please ensure that you let us know when you report their absence.

The main symptoms of coronavirus are:

• a high temperature

• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot, for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours

• a loss or change to sense of smell or taste – this means they cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

What to do if your child has symptoms. If your child has any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:

1.Get a test to check if they have coronavirus as soon as possible.

2.Stay at home and do not have visitors until you get the test result – only leave your home to have a test.

Anyone you live with, and anyone in your support bubble, must also stay at home until you get the result.

Inset Days

Inset days for the school year have been approved and these are:

• Monday 7th June 2021

• Monday 19th July 2021

• Tuesday 20th July 2021