January 2024

It has been a really busy and successful start to the new school term with the children settling back into school routines so well. It has been particularly pleasing to welcome so many parents into school for our Funky Phonics and literacy family learning programmes. The uptake has been so high and we really value your efforts and support in participating with these important initiatives. 


In this month's newsletter, we celebrate a wide range of events and updates across the school. This includes information on extra-curricular clubs, trips and activities both inside and outside the classroom. 


Please also note the dates for the diary section at the bottom. 


Many thanks for your continued support,


Mr Raymond


attendance & Punctuality  

Good school attendance is crucial in ensuring your child(ren) make the optimum progress with their learning and social skills. We are working closely with our Education Welfare Officer to identify pupils and families who require further support to improve attendance and punctuality. 

Our whole school attendance figure was 94% for the autumn term. It is vital that we continue to work as a whole school community to drive that figure towards our target of 95% during the spring term and support all pupils to attend school regularly and on time. 

school news

spring term clubs

It has been fantastic to start our spring term extra-curricular club provision this month with18 after school/lunch clubs on offer. A huge thank you to our staff who volunteer to run these clubs.

Many clubs are now full but if you would like to add your child's name to a reserve list, please email: clubs@pencoedprimary.co.uk and include your child's name, class and club choice.

Middle school trip

Our Middle School pupils visited the Odeon cinema to launch their new topic 'Roald Dahl'. The pupils watched the new 'Wonka' film and feedback included 'Best movie ever', 'It was kind of magic' and 'AMAZING!'. The pupils behaved impeccably and were a credit to the school and their families. The film has inspired lots of fantastic artwork and will help to drive future writing and creative learning opportunities. 

netball news

Miss Abell was so proud of the netball teams last Friday,  as they all played fantastically and respectfully against a  less experienced Maes yr Haul team.

A's won 15-1 and B's 9-0.

Thank you to everyone who came and supported the teams despite the wind! The teams looked superb in the new kits- a massive thank you to all the sponsors- Miss Abell says the girls represented you all excellently. 

Football news

Last Friday our football teams enjoyed their first match of 2024 against Maes yr Haul. Although, our A team was defeated, they showed excellent sportsmanship, and were proud to wear the new kit sponsored by Swim Kidz. 

Our B team held on for a credible 0-0 draw. Well done! 

SSCE FESTIVAL

Some of our 'Services' children joined other pupils from the cluster schools to attend the SSCE festival at Maindy Barracks recently. The children enjoyed workshops which included history, music, mindfulness and fitness. 

Sign language

Year 6 are very grateful to Wendy, our community volunteer, who visits our school every Thursday to teach sign language. The children learn the signs so quickly and can soon hold a conversation with each other. What a fantastic life long skill to have! Da iawn pawb! 

penblwydd Hapus Griff!

A big Happy Birthday to Griff, our school PAT dog who is 4 years old this month! The children enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to him and making dog models out of Play-Doh. 

Lost property reminder

The 'Lost Property' rail,  is displayed at the back of the school, near the year 5/6 entrance.

Any items that remain unclaimed after 4 weeks will be donated to the uniform rails.

PLEASE ensure that you label your child's uniform and other school items, as this makes returning lost items easier. 

pupil news

Congratulations to Elis in Year 2 who competed in a team show jumping competition on Sunday on his pony William. The Llangeinor pony club team that he is part of came first and Elis came second individually (for the height category which is only 40cm). A fantastic achievement! 

Congratulations to Jack in Year 6, who ran in the South Wales 1500 metres U13 Championship at Cardiff Indoor Arena recently. Despite being the youngest in the race he recorded a PB of 5 minutes, 6 seconds to claim the silver medal. Da iawn! 

The end of year rankings were released this month and Jack was ranked 3rd in the U11 category for 2023 and 1st in the Welsh Athletics rankings! We are so proud of Jack and he continues to impress us with his growing list of achievements. 

family engagement

family learning - Early Years

Our FUNKY PHONICS programme has been a great success with 70 parents/ carers attending the programme last week. Thank you to all those who came to learn about how their children are taught phonics and how to support their learning at home. The children then got to work with their adult to complete phonics tasks together. We look forward to seeing the impact of all of the hard work that is being completed at home over the next six weeks. 


family learning - Middle School

Our oracy workshops have also commenced with our Middle School classes this month, a great opportunity for parents/carers to find out more about the importance of developing pupils' oracy skills. 

Thank you for your support in helping us to work together for each and every child.

pencoed food bank & PPS Cwtch Cupboard

Pencoed Foodbank operates every Monday 1-3pm from the Church Hall. Mrs Patrick is able to pick up and deliver if needed. She can also issue foodbank vouchers, and provide food supplies from our 'Cwtch Cupboard'. Please contact her via email or Dojo for further details, rpatrick@pencoedprimary.co.uk


well-Being 

Staff Recognition Award: Mr T. Landon

For working effectively as part of the Sunbeams Team. 

Well-Being Certificate: Mrs L. Lewis

For effectively supporting the Reception Team. 


family learning - Middle School

27th January - Parental Mental Health Day

With the theme ‘Balance’, Parent Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of parent mental health and its potential impact on the whole family. The aim of the day is to encourage parents and carers to take a moment to reflect on how they balance looking after their family’s mental health, as well as taking steps to ensure their family’s well-being.

Dates for your diary



Family Learning Workshops:




Remaining Inset Days:

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