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It has been an action-packed and successful spring term with so many great activities and events enjoyed across the school community. I'd also like to acknowledge the support received from parents and carers - As always, we are indebted to you for the time and commitment you give to the school and your children's education and experiences.

In this months newsletter, we provide a range of updates, news and important diary dates for the summer term including bank holidays and sports days.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Maund for the outstanding job she has done as Acting Deputy Headteacher during Mrs Middleton's maternity leave. We are delighted to welcome Mrs Middleton back to school after Easter and Mrs Maund will recommence her role as Acting Assistant Headteacher. Please visit https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/whos-who-1/ for the updated "Who's Who" staffing list. Finally, I would like to thank Mr Watkins for his excellent contribution to the school whilst covering Mrs Middleton's maternity. Mr Watkins has gone above and beyond to build relationships and provide our pupils with opportunities including the walking bus and a range of after school clubs. On behalf of the whole school community, thank you for your excellent work and we wish you all the very best in your next chapter.

Have a happy and healthy Easter break - Lets all hope we have some nice weather to enjoy!

Mr Raymond

Attendance & Punctuality

As part of our attendance policy and processes, it is vital that parents and carers report pupil absence immediately. Please do so using the following options.

How do I report my child's absence?

If your child is unwell you can let the school know using any of the following:

Call the school office - 01656 815730
Email the school office - admin@pencoedps.bridgend.cymru (note - please don't email contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk with attendance related updates)
Text using the School Comms Gateway App
These can also be used to inform us about upcoming medical appointments etc.

staffing updates

Mrs Reiffer - Class 1MC/MR

Mrs H. Middleton - Acting Deputy Headteacher

Mrs K. Maund - Acting Assistant Headteacher

It has been a pleasure to welcome back Mrs Reiffer from her maternity leave this half term. After Easter, she will be job sharing with Miss Cinderby in year 1 (1MC/MR).
We will also be welcoming back Mrs H. Middleton as she also returns from maternity leave. She will resume her role as Acting Deputy Headteacher and Mrs Maund will resume her previous role as Acting Assistant Headteacher.

School News

world book day 2024

Our PPS World Book Day took place on March 7th. The school was buzzing with excitement and the classrooms were filled with an array of different characters. It was wonderful to see the fantastic effort made by pupils and staff. Some classes were lucky enough to take part in online workshops where they met an author/illustrator.

st david's Day

Eisteddfod

Eisteddfod excitement certainly filled the school this half term! From off stage competitions including art, handwriting, gymnastics and dancing to some outstanding on stage performances including Welsh poetry recitals and the annual 'House Choir' sing off! We would like to say 'diolch yn fawr' to our guest judges; Mr Patrick who is one of our school governors and Mr Lambert, our infamous once Deputy Head, who kindly agreed to take a break from his retirement to return once again. We would also like to say 'da iawn' to all the pupils who behaved well and showed enthusiasm and passion throughout the events.

Rugby tournament

Congratulations to the school rugby team for their excellent performances at the recent Bridgend schools tournament. The boys competed superbly against tough opposition, and more importantly, represented the school with maturity and pride.

kerbcraft

Year 2 have been taking part in a Kerbcraft, which is a National road safety initiative. As part of the programme pupils have been out and about in the local area learning how to cross roads safely, making sensible decisions when faced with traffic.

easter

We have lots of egg-citing events planned to celebrate Easter at PPS, including our 'Easter Bonnet Parade' for our Nursery, Reception and Year 1 pupils, an 'Easter Egg Hunt' for Year 2 pupils, a Spring disco for Lower School pupils and an egg decorating competition for our Middle and Upper School pupils. The whole school are also invited to enter our Easter Raffle - £1 per ticket!

Easter Bonnet Parade (Nursery, Reception, Little Stars & Year 1 pupils) - Friday 22nd March @ 2pm - If the weather is poor, the event will be cancelled. We will communicate any changes ASAP via Class Dojo.
Egg Decorating Competition Middle & Upper School pupils - please bring in entries on Friday 22nd March
Easter Raffle to be drawn - Friday 22nd March.

pupil news

Congratulations to the following pupils:

Willow in Year 3 - who has achieved two certificates and a medal for her performances and progress. Upon further progress and a lot of hard work, she had the opportunity to audition to appear on stage in Peter Pan next year. Willow's hard work and efforts have paid off and she was successful in gaining a part! We can't wait to hear about her future performances!
Jack in Year 6 - who recently won another event at the Bridgend Schools cross country held at Pencoed Comprehensive making it his 4th win in a row. Jack also came 4th in the Wales National U11 race held in Brecon High School fields. Keep on running!

family engagement

transition

Some of the Year 5/6 parents from our cluster schools had a fantastic time at Pencoed Comprehensive making bird boxes for their community garden. Mrs Julie Jenkins also attended the workshop and welcomed the opportunity to work with the staff and parents.

Family forum

Thank you to the families that were able to attend the latest forum with Mrs Patrick. They were treated to a presentation from our pupil Eco Committee who shared information about their efforts to help the school to be more eco friendly. The following items were also on the agenda:

Changes to lunchtime arrangements - we have adapted lunchtime routines to ensure that pupils having packed lunch can also access the hall.
Piano lessons - CAVMS is visiting after Easter to discuss the possibility of offering piano lessons during the school day. This would be a paid service - invoiced directly to interested families. More information to follow.
Community Governor vacancies - we currently have 2 vacancies for Community Governors. These roles are not usually assigned to parents or carers, but we would be very grateful if you could share the information with friends, family members and work connections.
DIY SOS day - It has been a long and wet winter period and we want to give our school site a big tidy up. This will include pressure washing, painting and gardening. If you are available on Saturday 18th May from 9am 12pm, and would like to be involved, please email contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk

Parent/Carer Meetings

It has been a pleasure to see so many families attending parent/carer meetings at the school, or taking up the opportunity to have a phone call from their child's teacher. We were delighted to receive such positive feedback from so many families.

Thank you to the staff who stayed to facilitate the creche, they made it so fun that many pupils didn't want to leave!

well-Being

Well-Being Certificate: Mr Markham-Jones - For supporting staff with I.T. issues.

Staff Recognition Award: Mrs Garza- For supporting staff with ASD strategies to support pupils.

International Women’s Day

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is about inspiring inclusion. Our role in shaping a better world lies in inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is all about recognising the many strengths and talents that come from thinking and perceiving the world differently. Together we can make a positive change in the way neurodivergent people are seen and supported, enabling them to reach their full potential, by recognising and appreciating their strengths. At PPS we strive to be inclusive each and everyday, ensuring we meet the needs of all of our pupils.

Dates for your diary

Friday 22nd March - Easter Bonnet Parade & Egg decorating competition
Monday 25th March - Friday 5th April - Easter Holiday
Wednesday 17th - Friday 19th April - Year 6 Residential to Liddington
Friday 26th April - Wear purple to celebrate the month of the military child
Thursday 6th June AM - Sports Day for Early Years (Nursery & RHH/RGP)
Thursday 6th June PM - Sports Day for Lower School (R/1RB, 1MC/MR, 1ER/TH, 2NC, 2NS)
Friday 7th June PM - Little Stars Sports Day
Thursday 13th June AM - Sports Day for Middle School (2/3CS, 3SM, 3/4LC/BMJ, 4CD, 4JM, Stargazers 1 & Middle School) & Upper School (5LA, 5EM, 5/6RH, 6AW, 6LR, Stargazers 2 )

Family Learning Workshops:

Thursday 11th April - Parent/Carers of 1ER/TH
Thursday 18th April - Parent/Carers of 1MC/MR
Thursday 25th April - Parent/Carers of R/1RB
Thursday 2nd May - Parent/Carers of RHH
Thursday 9th May - Parent/Carers of RGP
Thursday 16th May - Parent/Carers of Nursery YELLOW Caterpillars
Thursday 23rd May - Parent/Carers of Nursery RED Caterpillars

Remaining Inset Days:

Monday 8th April
Monday 22nd July

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 Raymond, Mrs H. Middleton, Mrs K. Maund or Mrs Brennan (Designated Safeguarding Leads).
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/

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
School contact email: contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk
Phone: 01656 815730
For a copy of our privacy notice and all GDPR related policies, please visit https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/gdpr/

For regular updates

please check Class Dojo

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