October 2024
October 2024
Embedded Files
It has been a busy and successful start to the 2024-25 academic year. It has been a pleasure to see so many great learning activities going on and the children thriving in their new classes. Last week, it was a pleasure to welcome families onto the school site for parents' evenings. Many thanks for your survey feedback on both the face to face and phone call meetings. It has provided us with a tremendous amount of information to reflect upon and move the school further forward with.
We are planning a wide range of parent and community events and concerts as we build towards the Christmas period. Please refer to the dates outlined at the bottom of the newsletter.
Many thanks for your continued support and cooperation. Have a happy and healthy half term break - see you on Tuesday 5th November.
Mr Raymond
Attendance & Punctuality
Attendance & Punctuality
Excellent attendance and punctuality are vital aspects of our school expectations; we know that missing school can have a significant impact on children's wellbeing, progress and achievement.
We want to ensure that parents and carers are aware of the support available to families if attendance or punctuality are challenges. Please get in touch with Mrs Julie Jenkins or Mrs Middleton to discuss how best we can support: juliejenkins@pencoedprimary.co.uk or hmiddleton@pencoedprimary.co.uk
We monitor attendance and punctuality regularly and work closely with the Education Welfare Service (EWS); if we have concerns about a child's attendance then a referral may also be made to this service to support raising your child’s attendance.
Drop Off AREA - KEY REMINDERS
Drop Off AREA - KEY REMINDERS
Many thanks for your continued support in following our drop off area rules to ensure the safety of all pupils, families, staff and visitors. Please see a list of important reminders regarding the use of the drop off area and safe routes to school:
Only authorised users may access the drop off area in a vehicle. The authorised users include:
Local authority-arranged taxis/buses
Parents/carers displaying a blue badge
Parents whose child has additional learning needs and/or attends a learning resource base
Registered childminders
If you are authorised to use the drop off area, please ensure you maintain a 5mph speed limit, park safely and use all designated pavements and crossing points.
Please note:
When walking onto site, it is vital that all pedestrians use the designated pavements and crossing points
All parents and carers who are picking up from an after school club must walk onto site
If you have an arranged appointment which requires you to drive onto the school site during the day, please email admin@pencoedps.bridgend.cymru
There are a range of safe parking spaces available in the local area - Please see our traffic management plan on our school website for further information - Link:
Secondary School Admissions
Secondary School Admissions
The admissions process for pupils moving from primary school (year 6) to secondary school (year 7) in September 2025 is now open. ALL year 6 parents/carers need to apply for a secondary school place using the link BCBC admissions
Deadline: Friday 17th January, 2025.
reception pupil Admissions
reception pupil Admissions
If you are the parent/carer of a pupil entering Reception in September 2025, you must complete a school admission application. Even if your child is currently attending Nursery here, there is no automatic right to a place in Reception. You are able to apply online. If you have already signed up to My Account on the Bridgend County Borough Council website, you will need to log in and you can then complete an online application for a Reception year place. Apply here from Monday, 11 November 2024 at 10am. Please note that the deadline date for completed applications is Friday, 14 February 2025.
school news
school news
Middle school monster ball
Middle school monster ball
Middle School pupils literally had a ball last night! The pupils were a credit to both the school and their parents as behaviour was fantastic. This coupled with the great dancing and a spectacular range of spooky costumes, made for a perfect evening! Thank you to all the staff who stayed on to set up, supervise and clean up.
Netball
Netball
Another superb Friday performance from everyone when we played against Mynydd Cynffig recently. Team 1 stomped away with a 10-0 victory and Team 2/3 drew 2-2 and 0-0. Well done to everyone who played! Miss Abell is looking forward to cheering on the teams in the local 'Derby' against Croesty Primary today! Come on PPS!
Rugby
Rugby
Our year 6 rugby team played at the Keith Grice Festival at Pyle RFC this month. Our team narrowly missed out on reaching the quarter final, winning 3 out of 5 games! A superb effort and excellent behaviour was noted by Mr Hopkins and Mrs Thompson.
Lower school's Expert visitor
Lower school's Expert visitor
As part of their Wonderful Wales topic, Lower School had a special visit from Mr Lippett from 'Eleri's Welshcakes'. He taught the children how to make delicious Welsh cakes, and they are looking forward to making their own over the next couple of weeks.
A huge diolch to Mr Lippett @eleriswelshcakes for coming in!
Middle School Game Creators!
Middle School Game Creators!
As part of our ‘Cynefin’ topic, Middle School pupils have created games that could be played with their family and friends. Over the last few weeks, the children have worked in small groups to research, plan, make and evaluate their games. They have had to use all of our school dispositions; independence, resilience, reflection, curiosity and cooperation in order to complete the task. The children have loved the whole project, but they particularly enjoyed playing everyone else’s games.
Upper School Kindess Assemblies
Upper School Kindess Assemblies
Upper School pupils have been showing their independence and collaborative skills when planning and delivering their very own kindness assemblies. Year 6 pupils took the lead on the planning and script writing, whilst year 5 pupils wrote their own kindness pledges. A huge thank you to Middle and Lower school pupils who listened with interest as each group delivered their assembly.
'making friends'
'making friends'
Our Nursery pupils have been busy making forever friends, whilst learning and exploring the nursery.
Meet the school council
Meet the school council
Many members of the School Council agreed to stay in post for another year to continue their contribution to school improvement. A warm welcome to the new members who have replaced pupils who have left the school. The School Council and the School Ambassadors meet regularly with Mrs Cottrell to discuss school issues, most recently this included the results of the pupil voice survey and the structure of other pupil voice groups.
upper school are 'Out of this world!'
upper school are 'Out of this world!'
Upper School pupils have been busy learning about Space! As part of their learning they have gathered information about the different planets in the Solar System, carried out a Science investigation to find out the best material to use for an astronaut's glove, explored the planet themed music composed by Gustav Holst and used their descriptive writing skills to create their very own planet!
November book fair
November book fair
We are so excited to be able to welcome the Scholastic Book Fair in November. The Book Fair will be open from 3:30pm - 4pm in the school hall on the following dates:
Friday 8th November
Monday 11th November
Tuesday 12th November
Wednesday 13th November
ANTI-BULLYING WEEK
A number of activities will be taking place in school to mark 'Anti-Bullying Week 2024'. As part of this, children are invited to wear odd socks on Tuesday 12th November.
CHRISTMAS TOY 'POP UP'
Once again, we will be organising a Christmas Toy Pop Up - an opportunity for unwanted gifts and toys to be recycled and a way to support families to save money over the Christmas period. Full details will be shared next half term, however, in the meantime, please hold on to any suitable toys/gifts - we will be requesting donations at the end of November.
pupil news
pupil news
Gymnastic Champion
Gymnastic Champion
Congratulations to Sophia in year 6 who recently competed at the Gymnastics Classic Championships, where she was awarded Welsh Champion! Sophia came 1st in vault, bars and beam, and 2nd for her floorwork. This meant she was 1st overall! PPS are extremely proud of you, da iawn!
Cross Country success
Cross Country success
Congratulations to the following pupils who have represented the school with distinction at the recent Bridgend primary schools cross country events - Eli, Harri, Llywelyn, Belinay, Eleri, Maddie, Sophia, Olivia, Isaac, Lloyd & Esme. A particular mention to Eli in year 3 who won the last year 3 and 4 event - a superb achievement.
Please keep an eye out for Mrs Jenkins' future announcements regarding the next events at Porthcawl CS, Pencoed CS & CCYD.
Trampolining
Trampolining
Congratulations to Gemma in year 2 who recently took part in the Tony James Cup trampoline competition and achieved a second place finish - Well done Gemma!
family engagement
family engagement
meet our family engagement Team
meet our family engagement Team
Mrs Jenkins has been delighted with the efforts of our new Family Engagement Team. They have thrown themselves into their new role in many ways, but we think the highlight so far has been their involvement with 'Baby & Toddler' sessions. Mrs Jenkins was so proud of the way they conducted themsleves. Da iawn pawb!
harvest donations
harvest donations
We are so grateful and proud of our school community for their generous Harvest donations. The local Foodbank and our ‘Cwtch Cupboard' will benefit greatly from these donations. Thank you all. Mrs Jenkins is able to issue foodbank vouchers or she can arrange a food parcel from the Cwtch Cupboard. Please contact her via email or Dojo for further details:
juliejenkins@pencoedprimary.co.uk
sunshine club
sunshine club
The Sunshine Club meet monthly for a coffee and a chat whilst enjoying a creative activity. This month they enjoyed making mini Halloween decorations.
Everyone is welcome!
Next session is on Tuesday 5th November.
uniform
uniform
A huge thank you to the parents who came in to help organise our uniform rail. Families are welcome to help themselves to any uniform they need from the rails at the front of the school.
At Pencoed Primary School we believe that a school uniform is important. It contributes to a sense of belonging and pride. It is practical and allows all pupils to fully engage with our varied curriculum, enabling them to participate safely in a range of learning experiences.
We ask that, wherever possible, all children wear school uniform and we encourage them to maintain a good standard of clean and tidy dress in school at all times. We ask parents to support us in ensuring their child is in school uniform on a daily basis.
Christmas Jumper donations
Christmas Jumper donations
We will be taking part in Christmas Jumper Day on Thursday 12th December, therefore we are now looking to offer pre-loved Christmas jumpers on the uniform rail. If you have any suitable items which you would like to donate , please send them in.
well-Being
well-Being
Staff Recognition Award:
Staff Recognition Award:
Mr R. Hilton - for his commitment to pupils, families and staff throughout his time at PPS!
Well-being CERTIFICATe OF EXCELLENCE
Well-being CERTIFICATe OF EXCELLENCE
Mrs Jo. Jenkins - for being supportive and flexible.
World mental health day
World mental health day
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on the10th October. This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is 'workplace mental health'. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations and communities.
See link below for more information:
This year’s theme for Black History Month is 'Reclaiming Narratives', and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.
See here for more information.
Dates for your diary
Dates for your diary
Monday 4th November - INSET DAY
Tuesday 5th November - Pupils return to school
Friday 8th November - First day of the Scholastic Book Fair 3:30pm in the school hall
Monday 11th - Wednesday 13th November - Book Fair continues 3.30pm each day
Monday 11th - Friday 15th November - Anti-Bullying week
Tuesday 12th November - 'Odd Socks Day' as part of Anti-Bullying week
Tuesday 12th & Wednesday 13th November - Middle School trip to Llancaiach Fawr
Thursday 14th November - School Photos
Friday 15th November - Children in Need
Friday 29th November - Y6 Transition visit to Pencoed Comprehensive School
Christmas dates
Tuesday 26th November PM - Reception-Y2 & LRB’s - Panto (In hall)
Tuesday 10th December 2pm - Reception concert
Tuesday 10th December - Upper School Trip to Cardiff Castle: 6AW, 6KM & 5/6LR
Wednesday 11th - Upper School Trip to Cardiff Castle: 5MC & 5LA
Wednesday 11th December 2pm - Nursery concert
Thursday 12th December - Christmas Jumper day
Thursday 12th December 9:30 - Y2 Christmas concert
Friday 13th December 9:30 - Y1 Christmas concert
Wednesday 18th December 2:30 - Middle School and Upper School - Carols in the Yard
LRC Christmas craft dates - Class teachers will write to parents with these dates after half term
Inset Days:
Monday 4th November 2024
Monday 6th January 2025
Monday 21st July 2025
*1 further date to be allocated which will be confirmed ASAP*
Safeguarding
At Pencoed Primary School, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. If you have a concern about the safety or well-being of a child, please report this immediately to either Mr A. Raymond, Mrs H. Middleton, Mrs K. Maund or Mrs A. Brennan (Designated Safeguarding Leads). In addition, advice can be sought from Mrs A. Williams, Designated Governor for Safeguarding.
If you are a parent or a visitor to the school and you are worried about the safety or well-being of a child or family please ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Leads or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Please access our child protection and safeguarding policy here - https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/school-policies-1/
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:
Email: admin@pencoedps.bridgend.cymru
Phone: 01656 815730
For regular updates
For regular updates
please check Class Dojo
please check Class Dojo
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