April 2023

It has been an fantastic start to the summer term and it was pleasure to see so many parents and carers during our meetings this week. Many thanks for your support and cooperation and for the excellent response to our parent questionnaire - We will share a summary of the results next week.

In this month's newsletter, there is a range of great news and updates from across our school community. I'm delighted to announce the safe and healthy arrival of three beautiful babies - Many congratulations to Mrs Jones, Reiffer and Middleton and their families, we are so thrilled for you all. Additionally, please see an updated "Meet the team" overview and upcoming dates for the diary. 

Many thanks for your continued support

Mr Raymond

Attendance & Punctuality

We continue to strive for the highest possible levels of attendance and appreciate your support in ensuring your children attend school regularly. It is also vital that all pupils are in school and ready to learn by 9am. Furthermore, we have seen an increase in children being picked up early for a variety of reasons. It is essential that children benefit from the full school day. In the event that a child does need to be picked up early for an appointment, advanced notice is required so it can be added to our registration system. 

pps reading spine challenge



Has your child started the PPS reading challenge? Each Phase/Year group has their own set of special titles to read during the academic year. Click on the link here to see the titles for your child's Phase/Year group. Pencoed library may be able to help source the books and some class copies may be be available to borrow. Pupils who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and be entered into a prize draw. 


 School Clubs

Summer clubs will start the week beginning May 2nd. Clubs sign up has been posted on Class Dojo and pupils should have been informed this week if they have got a place. If you wish for your child's name to be added to a reserve list for a club, please email: clubs@pencoedprimary.co.uk including your child's name, class and club choice(s). Please also use this email address for any other queries about clubs. A huge thank you to staff for volunteering to run such an exciting range of clubs. Click here for a reminder of club days etc. Class teachers have informed pupils if they have a place in a club, and staff are setting up new club Class Dojo pages to ensure parents/carers are able to communicate with club staff. 


 criw cymraeg

welsh phrases of the month

Our Criw Cymraeg would like parents/carers to join in with their mission to encourage the PPS family to speak more Welsh around the school. Here are some phrases you could use with your child: 

staffing updates

Welcome to Miss Snow who has joined the PPS family this month. Miss Snow is now teaching in UKS2:KM. As you may be aware, Mrs H. Middleton, has started her maternity leave, and in her absence, Mrs K. Maund will assume the Acting Deputy Headteacher role on a temporary basis, initially until the end of the summer term. Please click here for an updated 'Meet the Team' overview. 


Congratulations to Mrs Reiffer and her husband, who welcomed their baby girl recently. Their joy was closely followed by the arrival of another PPS princess, as Mrs Jones and her husband also welcomed a baby girl. We were lucky enough to meet them recently when they came into school. Pupils in Reception and UFP:MR were very excited as were the staff! Mrs Middleton bucked the trend this week as her and her husband welcomed a baby boy. Both mother and baby are doing well and we look forward to meeting the newest member of the PPS family. 

pupil News

terrific trampolining 

Congratulations to Dylan in year 5 who recently came first place in his age group during a trampolining competition at the Institute of Sport Cardiff.


DC Thomas Under 11s cup

Mr Raymond was extremely proud to take some of UKS2 pupils to support Annayah and Lewis from year 6, as they were representing Bridgend Distract under 11s at the Principality Stadium. A fantastic achievement both! 

School news


outdoor excitement!

The children have thoroughly enjoyed accessing the new outdoor equipment. It has been fantastic to see the children using it to develop their own dynamic risk taking skills. Even Mr Raymond has been spotted 'trying it out'. 

Please can we ask that children do NOT use the equipment at the start and end of the school day for reasons linked to our health & safety policies. Thank you for your support with this matter. 

Animal encounters

The ALN Phase had 'A & S Animal Encounter Experiences' visit to teach the children about five different rainforest animals. The children were all able to touch a tortoise, lizard, gecko, armadillo, and even a bearcat! This experience allowed the pupils to have a first-hand experience of animals they have been learning about in their topics; Around the World, Rainforests, and Jungle Book. 

fantastic football

Congratulations to Miss Bowden who represented Wales recently in Sheffield as part of Women's and Men's Walking Football. Wales faced England and the over 50s team won 1 - 0 in the first game and drew 2 - 2 in the second game, after coming back from being 2 - 0 down. A superb effort!

mrs marathon

A huge shout out to Mrs Jenkins who completed the London marathon again last weekend. She never fails to amaze us with her dedication to raising money to help others this time running for the Bigmoose charity. More details about the school linking with Bigmoose for an exciting challenge to follow soon! Da iawn Mrs J! 

immersion days

Our curriculum this term is centred around creators. During their immersion days, KS2 explored different elements of their chosen creator and shared ideas about what they wanted to learn through the term. LKS2 will be looking at 'The Beatles' and UKS2 will explore the works of Walt Disney. 

family engagement

reading rockets

Our cluster programme was a huge success over the Easter holidays, where pupils from Croesty and Coychurch joined our pupils for a range of activities centred around reading. The pupils enjoyed cooking around the campfire, reading to Griff the therapy dog and sitting in a police car when PCSO Osbourne came to visit. 


Cake sale

Thank you parents/carers who donated cakes to sell as part of the 'Easter Bonnet Parade' at the end of term. The weather might have but a dampener on outside events but the pupils sang wonderfully, and the cake sale raised £280! Diolch! 

well-Being 

April is the designated month of the Military Child, it's a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the unique experiences children from Armed Forces background may encounter.

This year’s theme, Taking Care of Our Military Children, focuses on and promotes the variety of programs and support available to help military children, youth and teens and their parents thrive.

If you are currently part of or have been part of the Armed Forces please contact Mrs King for more information.


StAFF RECOGNITION AWARD

Miss Davies-Jones, Mrs Smith, Mrs Deeks, Mrs Delve, Mrs Andrews (Nursery Team): for keeping things running smoothly in the class.  

Well-being CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 

Mrs Harman -  for providing support to other members of staff.



Dates for your diary



Remaining Inset Days:

photos from this month

Safeguarding

Contact Us

Please let us know if you have any comments regarding the contents of this newsletter or any other matter relating to Pencoed Primary School. All issues will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. If you would prefer to make a personal appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us:

For regular updates 

please check Class Dojo