22/12/09

Dear Parents,

The recent inspection conducted by Estyn has provided a very positive report for the school and we were very pleased that it has confirmed many of our identified strengths. The pupil’s attitudes and behaviour was excellent throughout, and the positive support from parents via the questionnaire and inspector meeting was greatly appreciated.

Being a pilot school in a new inspection process was an interesting experience, and one which will allow us to provide advice and support for other schools in the coming months. As in all inspections there were a small number of recommendations for improvements. These had been identified previously in our school development plan, and we were already working towards addressing them. The final report will be released in the New Year.

Having given the matter much thought and consideration, I feel that it would be appropriate to defer my secondment to Estyn until these recommendations have been either fully addressed, or are more fully advanced.

Therefore, in January, Mr Llewellyn and Miss Harwood will remain in their present positions.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year and look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday January 5th.

We are still open today business as usual.

Newsletter to Parents

14 December 2009

Dear Parents

Christmas Concert
Christmas Concerts are on Wednesday 16 December at 6 pm & on Thursday 17 December at 1.45 pm and 6 pm. Can children please be in school by 5.45 p.m. to prepare for the evening performances. Can children please wear school uniform, but if they wish to add to the festivities, they may wear Christmas accessories. There will be a raffle following Thursday night’s performance so please could you write your name and contact details on the back of your ticket.

Christmas Parties
These will take place on Monday 21 December. Individual Year groups will organise food and drink and arrangements themselves, details will follow very shortly.

Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd December
Just to remind parents that school is open as normal on these two days. Both days will be non-school uniform and Tuesday will also be a toy day. Please be aware that the school will not be responsible for loss or breakage of toys brought in, so please do not bring valuable toys or games.

Christmas Dinner
This will take place on Wednesday 16th December.

Dinner Monies
Please ensure that all dinner monies are settled before the end of term. Please be aware that details of any outstanding monies will be passed on to the Authority for collection.

Lost Property
The amount of lost property is on the increase. Please encourage your child/children to check lost property for any missing items.

Clubs
There are no clubs next week. The only clubs cancelled this week are Rugby, Welsh Dancing, Show Stoppers and Games for Year 2. Any further changes will be posted on our website under ‘latest news’.

H Roberts

Year 2 Games Club

Dear Parents

I would like to inform you that there will not be any Games club for Year 2 children for the rest of this term, but it will resume on Tuesday 12th January 2010.

Yours sincerely

Mrs R Vaughan
Teacher

Showstoppers

Dear Parents

I would like to inform you that Showstoppers club, which was due to take place today has been cancelled. There will also not be a club next Friday.

Showstoppers will be starting up again on Friday 15th January 2010 at the usual time.

I apologise for the short notice of today's class, but would like to take this opportunity to wish all my performers a very merry Christmas.

Yours sincerely
Mrs C Davies - Teacher

Welsh Dancing

This is just to inform you that Welsh Dancing will not take place until after the Christmas holidays due to a staff meeting and the forthcoming Christmas Carol Concerts.

Welsh Dancing classes will recommence on Thursday 12th January, when I look forward to seeing my dancers again.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Mrs Reed
Teacher

2/12/09
Dear Parents,

School Inspection
Just to remind you that the school will be inspected by Estyn the Welsh Assembly Inspection Service next week. The inspectors will be in school from Monday afternoon until Thursday evening. Please don’t forget the ‘Parents meeting with inspectors’ on Monday evening in the main hall at 4.30 pm.

Sam Wilkins
A big thank you to Sam for all his efforts in replacing/ laying a number of carpets in the Infant areas. His efforts have made a big difference to the learning environments that your children are working in and we are ever so grateful for his support and assistance.

Christmas concerts
Tickets for the Christmas carol concerts are available from the school office from tomorrow. Tickets are £2.00 each and we will need to limit the number to 3 per family in the first instance. Any tickets left over will go on general release on Friday 11th December.
Concerts will take place on
Wednesday 16th December at 6pm
Thursday 17th December at 1.45pm
Thursday 17th December at 6pm
Children in years 1 -6 will be taking part.

If you wish to purchase tickets please return the slip below with the money by Thursday 10th December. All tickets will be entered into the Christmas Prize Draw to be pulled after the Thursday evening concert.

Details of the New Year Pantomime will be provided in January.




I wish for ________ (max 3 per family) tickets for the Carol concert on:
(please circle)
Wednesday 16th December at 6pm
Thursday 17th December at 1.45pm
Thursday 17th December at 6pm
I enclose ___________________ as payment for the tickets.

Signed ____________________________ Parent/guardian of _________________

Class/es _______________________

On Saturday 28th of November
'Showstoppers'
entertained
Christmas shoppers in
Leek's of Llantrisant.
















The children sang a selection of Christmas songs and carols.



Their parents helped with the congregational singing, and really infused the event with Christmas spirit!



We were treated to a premier public performance on the trumpet by one talented member of year 6.













A huge thank you to all parents and children who gave up their Saturday afternoon to support and perform in our first festive activity of the season.

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR YEAR 6 PARENTS REGARDING ADMISSION TO Y PANT

Please can all year 6 parents check that they have sent their child's admission form back to Y Pant.

The deadline was 30th October and we have been informed that a few children still haven't sent their forms off.

PLEASE PHONE TO CHECK IF YOU ARE NOT SURE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OR PERHAPS FAX YOUR FORM THROUGH.

Please phoneJanice Stuckey
Admissions Coordinator
Ty Trevithick
01443744040

Rugby Festival

Dear Parents

We have been informed that the Rugby Festival will not be taking place today. The message we received only stated it would not take place today, so we are unable to confirm if the festival has been cancelled or postponed.

We will inform you of further details as soon as they are received.

H Roberts
Headteacher

Rugby Festival

We have today been informed that the rugby festival which was arranged for tomorrow afternoon, has been postponed to next Wednesday, 25th November due to a water-logged pitch! The arrangements for the 25th will be the same as before.

Newsletter November 09

13 November 2009

Dear Parents

Christmas Concert
Unfortunately due to the timing of our School Inspection we will be unable to offer Infant and Junior Christmas concerts as we normally do. However, I do feel that it is important that we as a school celebrate with you the Christmas festival. Therefore, we will be holding a Christmas Carol Concert on Wednesday 16 December in the evening and Thursday 17 December with one afternoon performance and one evening performance. All Juniors and Years 1 & 2 will take part. I apologise to those parents of children in Nursery and Reception but the time needed to practice with your children is just not available. Tickets will be available closer to the date but please be aware that because of we are combining Infants and Juniors, we will need to limit the number of tickets available per family. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Maths Day
On Friday 20th November we will be holding a special maths day for all children. It is also Children in Need Day so with Maths in mind, children will be asked to not wear their uniforms but come with their number given by their Teacher visible on their person (i.e. written on their forehead, pinned on their front etc) Voluntary contributions of £1 would be appreciated.

Tuck
The fruit tuck shop will be operating again as of Monday 16 November. Please provide your child with 40p if they wish to purchase any fruit items on Monday.

Lost Property
Please do check the lost property box which is in the main hall as we have a number of items that need collection.

Training Day
Just to remind parents that school is having a training day on Friday 4th December so school will be closed to pupils on that day.

School Inspection
The school will be undergoing Inspection on 7 – 10 December. Hopefully you have received your Inspection questionnaires, please ensure these are returned to the school office as soon as possible. There will be a parents’ meeting with the Inspectors on Monday 7 December at 4.30 p.m. in the main hall.


Yours faithfully



H Roberts Headteacher

The School Council

Our School Council is elected by the children, it is made up of pupils from each class, years 2-6. It represents the children's views and gives pupils a strong voice within the school. You can find out about the council's ideas and goals for the year, via their own blog. The children update this blog themselves, well done to all members of the school council for their hard work.
http://pontyclunprischoolcouncil.blogspot.com/

Harvest And Sharing Assembly

Congratulations to the children on the left, they all received merit awards in our sharing assembly for outstanding achievement and attitude over the entire half term.

To celebrate harvest this year, we placed donations on our harvest picture. All monies collected will be given to charity. Thank you so much for your generosity.

ECO WEEK

Last week was our extremely successful Eco Week, click on the photograph to get a taste of the fun activities that raised the children's awareness of the environment and how we can look after it.

28.09.09

Dear Parents

I am writing to inform you that the parents’ information meeting planned for tomorrow will not be taking place as stated in my letter of 10th September.

It has now been scheduled for this coming Thursday, 1st October at 6 p.m.

I apologise for any inconvenience this change may have caused.

Yours faithfully


H Roberts
Headteacher

PTA News - AGM

There will be an AGM meeting with the PTA on Monday, 28th September 2009 at 7.00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the School. All are welcome to attend.

Amendment to Autumn dates

Dear Parents

Apologies for giving the wrong date for the end of the Autumn term.

Perhaps it was wishful thinking but school will be closed on Tuesday at 3.30 p.m. on 22nd December and not Friday, 18th December as stated in the dates for the year.

Yours faithfully



H ROBERTS
HEADTEACHER

Schools Football Fantasy League

http://www.schoolsfl.com/


Dear parent(s),
I wish to inform you that all pupils Year 2 - Year 6, their siblings (whether in the school or not), parents and family members have been invited to take part in an online educational activity called Schools Fantasy League (SFL) that is being integrated into the school. Teachers working with Fantasy League Ltd, the inventors of fantasy football, developed SFL back in 1999 and it has continued to grow ever since. Last season over 80,000 boys and girls, of all ages and abilities, in over 1,700 schools across the UK, took part. Parents are also welcome to get involved.

Entrants select a team of 11 Premier League players that collect points depending on their performances in actual Premier League games. SFL update the points on the schools own personalised league page, providing the perfect environment for pupils, teachers and parents to show off their football management skills!

SFL is seen as a way of improving access to ICT and can support the development of many key skills such as literacy, numeracy, management, budgeting and decision-making. It is a learning tool that is also a lot of fun for everyone taking part in the school.

The activity will be run by Mr. Llewellyn and starts scoring on 17th October 2009.

The SFL website is secure and there are no chat-rooms or forums – only myself and staff at Fantasy League can communicate with entrants. Please feel free to peruse the website at www.schoolsfl.com to see for yourself.

(PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL TEAMS NEED TO BE REGISTERED ONLINE)

The cost for each entrant to participate is £3.50. Please sign and return the slip below together with your entry fee(s) and return to myself by Wednesday 30th September.

Yours sincerely,

Mr. A. Llewellyn

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCHOOLS FANTASY LEAGUE (SFL) ACTIVITY
Please complete the form below and return it with your entry fee(s) to Mrs. Williams in reception by (Wednesday 30th September. You will receive one entry voucher to register your team(s) online, for each entry fee received.

Name of entrant Pupil or parent? Year / tutor group





Please delete one or more of the statements below:
I give permission for my child to take part in SFL and enclose the entry fee
I do not want my child to take part in SFL
I / my partner would also like to take part in SFL and enclose my/our entry fee(s)

Name of Parent / Guardian .........………………………………………………………........

Signature ....……………………………………….... Date ..………......

Dear Parents,
It was a sad last day as we bid farewell to our year 6 children. However we are very proud of their achievements and have high hopes for their future. We wish them every success and look forward to hearing of their exploits and achievements.
It was also sad to say bon voyage to Mrs Roberts. After being with us for so long the school will certainly feel strange without her but we wish her the very best of a long and exciting retirement.



I hope you all have a lovely summer break and look forward to welcoming you back for the new school term on Thursday September 3rd.

Mr Roberts.

Information for schools from the National Public Health Service for Wales


Swine flu is now circulating in many parts of the UK, and more cases are expected in the next few months, with widespread activity in Wales by the time schools return from the summer vacation.

There are a few simple measures you can use to reduce the spread of flu in your school. Everyone can play their part by practicing good hygiene:

Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Making sure children follow this advice.

If people think they may have flu and want to check their symptoms they can call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If they are still concerned they should contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.

Staff or students with flu like illness should stay at home until they are well and have finished any treatment their doctor has prescribed. Where people become ill during the day they should be sent home. Siblings and other household members can continue to attend school while they remain well.

With swine flu circulating within the country, closing a school would not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school. However, where there is high staff absenteeism it may be necessary to close the school or after-school club until there is sufficient staff to safely care for the children.

It is important that any woman who is pregnant and has flu-like symptoms (headache, cough, sore throat and fever) should call NHS Wales Direct on 0845 4647 or call their GP as soon as possible. Pregnant women who are diagnosed with any type of flu may require close monitoring as they are one of the groups who have a higher risk of developing complications. Infection with the flu virus during pregnancy has not been associated with an increased risk to the unborn baby.

Other groups who are at higher risk of complications include:

people with chronic lung disease including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years
people with chronic heart disease
people with chronic kidney disease
people with chronic liver disease
people with chronic neurological disease
people with suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment)
people with diabetes
pregnant women
people aged 65 years and older
children under five years old.

People in these high risk groups should seek medical advice as soon as possible if they become ill with a flu-like illness.

Attached is a letter that you could send out to parents in advance of the school holidays (Appendix A).

The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) has also been asked about the risks to pregnant staff or those staff in “at risk” groups from children who may attend school with flu. At Appendix B is a copy of a risk assessment exercise conducted by the Health Protection Agency, which we would commend to you. The opinion, which we endorse, is that for pregnant staff or staff with other “at risk” conditions, there is no overall excess risk associated with schools compared to the communities in which they live. Clearly, under health and safety legislation, it is for the employer to satisfy themselves that they are managing any risks in the workplace and own their risk assessments.

Your local authority will wish to be advised if the school is being affected by swine flu and the NPHS Health Protection Team would be pleased to assist in outbreak management where this would be helpful or for general advice.

Your regional NPHS Health Protection Team can be contacted on:


Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Vale of Glamorgan call 02920 402478
Appendix A

Draft letter for headteachers to send to parents on own letterhead

Dear Parent,

By the time we return from the summer holiday break, all the evidence suggests that flu will be circulating in our communities and we will expect to see cases in the school.

Please remember that if your child is ill with flu like symptoms you must keep them at home until they are fully recovered. Siblings and other household members who are well can continue to come to school. With swine flu circulating within the community, public health advice states that closing the school will not help to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.

Equally, over the summer, many children will enjoy various activities and holiday clubs. As is usual practice, if they become ill, they should not attend until they are fully recovered.

Symptoms of flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, aching muscles, sneezing, fatigue, runny nose and lack of appetite. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

For most children swine flu is a mild illness. However, if you think you or your child may have flu and want to check the symptoms call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647.

Everyone can play their part in reducing the spread of flu by practicing good hygiene:
Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.Making sure children follow this advice.

END OF YEAR SHOW AND LEAVERS ASSEMBLY

END OF YEAR SHOW 2009

Leavers Assembly 2009

10/07/09
Dear Parents,

Its hard to believe it but the school year is almost at an end and we will shortly be closing for the summer break. I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all those parents, carers, and adults who have helped the school and our pupils at times throughout the year. Your assistance and additional skills and experiences are, and have been, highly valued and appreciated by all of us.

Mr Llewellyn
Congratulations to Mr Llewellyn and his wife Leah on the birth of their first child. Pictures of Jac Lewis Llewellyn are already published on the Year 5 blog!
Congratulations again to Mr Llewellyn on his appointment as Acting Deputy Head of Pontyclun Primary starting in January 2010 as I begin my secondment.

Mrs A Wilkins
As you are aware Mrs Roberts will be leaving the school on Friday after 17 years. Her replacement will be Mrs Alison Wilkins who is presently school clerk at Ynyshir Primary.

End of term
Just to remind parents that school closes for the summer term on Friday July 17th at 3.15pm for infants and 3.30pm for juniors. We wish you all a very happy and enjoyable summer break.

Mrs Holley.
Sadly Mrs Holly will be retiring next Friday as our school crossing patrol lady, after over 30 years of service! We wish her all the very best for her retirement and thank her for all her efforts, come rain or shine, over years.

Dogs
Please remember that dogs are not to be brought into the school at any time. Thank you for your co-operation.

Lost property
The lost property pile has grown to titanic proportions! Please do encourage your child to check the pile for lost items. Any items left at the end of the school year will be recycled.


Pontyclun Primary School Dates for the year 2009/2010

Thursday September 3rd
School opens for children
Monday 5th October– Friday October 9th
Whole school eco week
Friday 18th September
Training Day, school closed for children
Tuesday October 20th / Wednesday October 21st
Parents consultation evening
Tuesday September 29th
Parents information evening – an opportunity for parents to hear the schools self -evaluation report and plans for the year ahead.
Monday 26th October- Friday 30th October
Half term school closed to children
Monday November 2nd
Training Day, school closed for children
Friday December 5th
Training Day, school closed for children
Monday December 7th – Thursday December 10th
School Inspection
Monday 21st December –Friday January 2nd
School closed for Christmas Break
Monday January 4th
Training Day, school closed for children
Tuesday February 2nd / Wednesday February 3rd
Junior pantomime performance
Tuesday 9th / Wednesday 10th February
Parents consultation evening
Monday 15th – Friday 19th February
Half term school closed for children
Friday 26th March
School egg rolling competition
Foundation Phase Easter bonnet parade
Monday 29th March- Friday 10th April
School closed for Easter Break
Tuesday 25th May
Junior sports day
Wednesday 26th May
Infant activity afternoon
Tuesday 8th June
Reserve sports day for Juniors
Wednesday 9th June
Reserve activity afternoon for infants
Friday June 25th
Reports to parents
Thursday July 1st
Reports surgery
Tuesday 6th July Wednesday 7th July
Infants end of year concert
Monday 12th July
Year 6 leavers assembly
Tuesday 13th July/ Wednesday 14th July
Juniors end of year concert.
Monday July 19th
School closed for summer break

Please be aware dates may need to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances but as much notice as possible will be given. Additional events will be added throughout the year and more detailed information regarding the above dates will be provided nearer to the time.

Dragon Sports Award

Last week our school was chosen from the 227 schools in RCT to receive a Dragon Sports Award from the Sports Council For Wales. The award recognises the outstanding commitment that our school has to providing our children with extra curricular activities. Click below to view the presentation of the award.

http://pontyclunprisports.blogspot.com/

PTA RUGBY EVENT

Dear pupils and parents,
please note that due to the wet weather the PTA Rugby Evening tonight has been cancelled.

Infant Sports Day

Dear parent(s),
please follow the link to our sports blog below and click on the Infant Sports Day 2009 image to view memories of a fantastic day.
http://pontyclunprisports.blogspot.com/

SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

On Monday 8th of June we took the school orchestra to perform in the Muni Art Centre in Pontypridd, to view a video of the performance click the link to the year 6 blog.
http://pontyclunpri6.blogspot.com/2009/06/watch-one-of-our-orchestral.html

2/6/094
Dear parents,
Welcome back after the half term break, I hope you all enjoyed the break and are refreshed ready for the last half term of this academic year.
Mrs Roberts
It is with sadness that I have to tell you that Mrs Roberts has decided to retire at the end of the summer term. After 17 years of dedicated service her retirement will leave a huge hole and we will all miss her enormously. I am sure you will join with us in wishing her all the best for her retirement and good luck in whatever adventures the future hold.
Sports Day
Well done to all the children for a fabulous sports day, the behaviour, conduct and supporting attitudes were excellent. Congratulations also to Clun for completing a clean sweep of the boys, girls and mixed relays as well as the overall house cup – a magnificent achievement.
Transition
On Wednesday July 8th your child will be spending the day with their class teacher for next year. This will provide them with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new teacher and classrooms, as well as helping them to understand a little of what the following year will have in store for them.
As part of the process it is also important for parents to have the opportunity to meet, if they wish, the new class teacher. Therefore, we will be holding a meet and greet session in the classrooms so parents can meet their child’s new teacher if they so wish. The session is an informal one and appointments are not necessary. The session will run from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.
Parents will be informed of their child’s new classes in the school report, due out on Friday July 3rd.
School Photographer
The school photographer will be in school on Friday June 12th to take your child’s end of year photos. He will also be available for family sittings from 7.45am –8.30am and from 3.30pm onwards.
Oakwood
Just to remind parents that junior children will need to be in school by 8.05am tomorrow ready for an 8.15 departure. We will be leaving Oakwood at 3.30pm and plan to be back at school at approximately 5.30pm.
Children are required to wear school sweatshirts/ T shirts to assist us in keeping a close watch on your children. Hats and sun-block are also advisable.
Please ensure your child has a packed lunch and a sufficient amount to drink throughout the day. No fizzy drinks or glass bottles please and could spending money be limited to £5.00 per child. Any electrical items i.e. I pods, gameboys etc are not to be taken and if a camera is being taken then a disposable one is recommended. Please be aware teachers will not be taking responsibility for looking after any monies or electrical items.
Thank you for your co-operation in these matters.
Folly Farm
Just to remind parents that year 1/2 children will need to be in school by 8.05am on Tuesday 9th June and Nursery/ Reception on Thursday 11th June ready for an 8.15 departure. We will be leaving Folly Farm at 3.30pm and plan to be back at school at approximately 5.15pm.
Children are required to wear school sweatshirts/ T shirts to assist us in keeping a close watch on your children. Hats and sun-block are also advisable.
Please ensure your child has a packed lunch and a sufficient amount to drink throughout the day. No fizzy drinks or glass bottles please and could spending money be limited to £5.00 per child. Any electrical items i.e. I pods, gameboys etc are not to be taken and if a camera is being taken then a disposable one is recommended.Thank you for your co-operation in these matters.

2/6/094

Dear parents,

Welcome back after the half term break, I hope you all enjoyed the break and are refreshed ready for the last half term of this academic year.

Mrs Roberts
It is with sadness that I have to tell you that Mrs Roberts has decided to retire. After 17 years of dedicated service her retirement will leave a huge hole and we will all miss her enormously. I am sure you will join with us in wishing her all the best for her retirement and good luck in whatever adventures the future hold.

Sports Day
Well done to all the children for a fabulous sports day, the behaviour, conduct and supporting attitudes were excellent. Congratulations also to Clun for completing a clean sweep of the boys, girls and mixed relays as well as the overall house cup – a magnificent achievement. Click below to view some special memories of our Key Stage 2 sports day. (Ks1 to follow)

Sports Day 2009

Transition
On Wednesday July 8th your child will be spending the day with their class teacher for next year. This will provide them with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new teacher and classrooms, as well as helping them to understand a little of what the following year will have in store for them.
As part of the process it is also important for parents to have the opportunity to meet, if they wish, the new class teacher. Therefore, we will be holding a meet and greet session in the classrooms so parents can meet their child’s new teacher if they so wish. The session is an informal one and appointments are not necessary. The session will run from 3.30pm – 4.30pm.Parents will be informed of their child’s new classes in the school report, due out on Friday July 3rd.

Sports Day 2009

Dear parent(s),
Please note that the Junior sports day will be held on Monday 1st June at 1.30pm (first day back after half term), and the infant sports day on Tuesday June 2nd.

N.B Year two pupils will be taking part in the Junior Sports Day this year (June 1st)

Sports Round Up

This football season has been a truly memorable one for Pontyclun Primary School. Click below to read a round up of the recent success, that both the boys and girls have achieved.

http://pontyclunprisports.blogspot.com/

Infant sports afternoon tomorrow is cancelled due to the weather. We will attempt to run the event on Tuesday June 2nd.

Due to the weather forecasts predicting wet weather for tomorrow Monday May 18th, sports day for the Juniors will unfortunately be cancelled. We will attempt to host the event on Monday June 1st starting at approximately 1.20pm. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused parents in relation to work commitments.

Dear parents,
Just to let parents know, the bus has arrived at Llangrannog with all children safe and well and raring to go!!

12/5/09
Dear Parents,

Questionnaire.
Thank you to all those parents who have filled in the questionnaires. If you have not returned your questionnaire please do so by Friday 15th May.
Your opinions are very important to us and will form part of the school development plan next year. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Sports day
Just to remind parents that the Junior Sports Day will take place on Monday 18th May on the school field. We will be starting at approximately 1.20pm and aiming to finish at about 3.20pm.
Drink, a sunhat/cap plus sun screen may also be brought, but please be aware sun screen will need to be applied by the children.
In the event of bad weather the sports day will be postponed until Monday June 1st. Notice of cancellation will be posted on the school blog (www.rctednet.net/pontyclunprimary) by 10.30am on the morning of the event.
The Infants sports day is Tuesday May 19th, in the event of poor weather this will take place on Tuesday June 2nd.

Football
Well done to both the boys and girls football teams who recently have entered both the Urdd all Wales tournament at Aberystwyth and the New Directions Tournament in Cardiff. The boys have played extremely well, tried very hard and we are very proud of their efforts. The girls played magnificently and made the Urdd final only to loose on penalties. They were however successful in the New Directions tournament qualifying for the finals next Wednesday. We wish them every success in their future efforts.

Llangrannog
Good luck to the year 5 pupils who are off to Llangrannog this weekend we hope you have a lovely time and look forward to seeing you all back safe and sound.

Young leaders
A number of children in year 5 will be undergoing a days training on Wednesday May 13th to become playground leaders. This will entail organising and helping to supervise a range of games during playtime and lunchtime. It is a wonderful opportunity for the year 5 children as well as helping to enhance our playtime provision.

Dear parents,

Welcome back for the summer term, I can’t believe we are in the final term already and looking at end of term arrangements. We have a busy term lined up but are all really looking forward to the different and exciting activities planned.
Dates for the term as far as possible are on the back of this letter and will also be posted on the blog.

Infant fort.
The new fort was installed during the Easter break and appears to be a huge success. Big thanks must go to Mrs Monk for securing the funding from Royal Bank of Scotland and helping in the different stages of the project. Also big thanks to the PTA for their assistance with the funding. I am sure you will agree that it’s a fantastic resource for your children and will enhance their playtimes and lunchtimes.

Llangrannog trip.
Can monies for the year 5 residential trip please be settled promptly. Llangrannog will be sending the relevant information regarding activities, clothing lists, dietry and medical requirements very shortly.

Laptop donation.
Thank you to Mrs Standfast who was able to secure the school a band new laptop computer via the Welsh Assembly Government. Such donations are a great help to the school in maintaining and improving the ICT provision we can afford your children.

Lost Property
The lost property box is full to overflowing again. All uncollected items will be disposed off on Friday. Please do encourage your child to check the box for lost or missing items.

Comic Relief
We raised a tremendous £412.00. Well done to everybody!

Dinner Money
Just to remind parents the price of school dinners has risen to £7.75 per week for both infants and juniors. Please be aware price increases are made by Catering Direct and not the school.

Dates for the term.: Summer 2009

Date
Event

5th and 7th May
Parents evenings

18th May
KS2 sports day
Weather permitting, more details closer to the event
19th May
KS1 sports day
Weather permitting, more details closer to the event
22/5
TRAINING DAY
School closed to pupils
8th June
Year 6 CATS testing for Y Pant.
Very important- helps Y Pant sort out their classes for next year.
5th June
Oakwood KS2
Provisional date, awaiting confirmation
9th/11th June
KS1 trip
Provisional dates venue to be confirmed. Details to follow closer to the time.
12 June
School Photographer

17th 18th June
Trips for the house point winners 1st KS2 2nd KS1
Venue to be decided by winners
23rd June
New Parents evening- Nursery- 6pm

3rd July
Reports out

8th July
A.G.M for parents

July 8th
Year 6 to Y Pant- Transition day for all classes. New nursery children visit

9th July
Reports surgery

13th July
Yr 6 Presentation night

14/15 July
CONCERT KS2
Evening performances 6pm start.


Additional dates may be added as the term progresses. We will endeavour to keep to the above dates as far as possible but please be aware that due to changing circumstances it may be necessary to change dates. Notice of changes will be given at the first opportunity.

Football Success

Yesterday was a fantastic sporting day for the children at Pontyclun Primary School. We became the boys and girls, Mid-Glamorgan Football champions for the second consecutive year. We took four strong teams to the University Of Glamorgan Playing Fields and were amazed at the football produced by all teams. The girls Rovers team (opposite) made the semi finals, the United team came out champions after wining the final against Cwmgarw of the Cynon Valley 2-0. The Boys Rovers team (below) were just as impressive with a narrow loss, three draws and one win, they narrowly missed out on the semi finals after coming third in their group. The boys United team were magnificent all day and topped their group before wining the semi final 1-0 and the final against Castellau on penalties. Although nobody likes to win a tournament on penalties all present said that the best teams won both tournaments. We all eagerly look forward to the National Competitions at Aberystwyth, where we will be representing Mid Glamorgan against all of the other regional champions. With such a large amount of children competing the help and support of parents was essential, may I thank both the children for their excellent behaviour and the parents for their support, good luck to both teams in Aberytwyth. Today some of our players created a musical tribute to all four teams - as they are all champions. To see it click movies on the right hand side or click below: http://picasaweb.google.com/PontyclunPrimary/Movies?authkey=Gv1sRgCOm4uNPyua_2qQE&feat=directlink

What a trip!!!

Myself, Mr. Williams, Miss Baker and Mrs. Gardiner were still tired today after being back a whole day from Austria. I hope your children are telling you all about their amazing trip in great detail, we teachers been doing the same all day! Here are some pictures of our fun time skiing - after the Easter holidays I hope to be able to offer all parents a cd of pictures of the best school trip ever!!!! I would personally like to thank the pupils who have been outstanding ambassadors for the school, and a credit to their parents. As we left the hotel the entire staff came out to wave farewell, the bus drivers said that although they usually take secondary schools they would much prefer to take a primary school after this experience. Compliments such as these were thick and fast over the trip and it made all staff members proud to be their teachers. Well done to all the children.

Dear Parents,
Just to let you know the skiers have arrived in Dover and are set to arrive back in school at approx 2.30pm. All are fit and well and have an absolutely fantastic time.
I would like to take this opportunity to firstly say a big thank you to all the teachers who have gone skiing for all their hard work. I must also single out Mr Llewellyn with a special mention and say an additional thank you for organising such a wonderful opportunity and for keeping us up to date through the trip, via the blog.
Secondly can I congratulate the children for being such fine ambassadors for the school. We are really proud of their attitude and behaviour through-out the trip, they have been a credit to us all.

Dear parents,
If your child is in year 6 and not currently skiing then have a look at the year 6 blog to see their exciting project work on 'Rocket Science.'

Would parents please be aware that we will be holding our annual egg rolling competition on Friday 3rd April. Could children please bring in a hard boiled egg ready to roll! Thank you for your co-operation.

Another amazing day on the slopes

All of the children are now shattered and are off to bed after a second fantastic day on the slopes. The children have all improved really well and are looking forward to their final day on the mountain tomorrow. We will be leaving here at around 5pm local time. We are aiming to arrive back at school (library entrance) at around 5pm Thursday. Mr. Roberts will update the blog on Thursday afternoon to give a more accurate time of arrival. The children are all having a great time and have been a pleasure to bring. See you all Thursday.

What a fantastic day

First day of skiing went brilliantly. Plenty of fresh snow awaited us on the slopes. We were split into four ability groups, 3 on the nursery slopes and one experienced group went on the main slopes. All children enjoyed and can't wait for more of the same tomorrow. Tonights activity was swimming at the local leisure centre. A great time was had by all especially swimming in the outside pool.

We have all arrived safely

We have arrived safely at the resort. All of the children are fine and have had some sleep last night on the bus. They are now relaxing before their evening of Tirolean dancing, an early nights sleep for all tonight and a big day on the slopes tomorrow. The snow is very good, and the children are excited to get on the slopes tomorrow. Will update tomorrow evening.

Pontyclun's Got Talent For Comic Relief

This year we decided to hold a talent competition for Comic Relief. The day was a great success and the school raised over £500. The competition was tough with only three acts per class getting through form the group stages. The children all thoroughly enjoyed competing and taking part, here are just a few images of the day.(Click on the thumbnail below to view)

Pontyclun's Got Talent For Comic Relief

Volunteers Needed

A handful of volunteers are needed to help out on the day of the Easter Egg Hunt. Please contact one of the PTA members to let them know if you are available.


EASTER EGG HUNT Tickets now on sale from your class rep for the Easter Egg Hunt. Saturday 28th March 9.30am - 11.30am, £2 per child

Alternatively visit the PTA blog and contact them via email.

SKIING INFORMATION 19TH MARCH

Friday 20th March

Dear parent(s),
Thank you for the feedback regarding the last letter, as a result of the letter I have had one or two queries that I would like to clear up and share with you.

When the children eat their evening meal they will be provided with water free of charge, if they want something else to drink they will be charged.

We will take 10 Euros (total) off each child for the three nights entertainment when we arrive at resort.

Unfortunately, after research I have hit a barrier regarding our taster sessions at Fairwater Ski School. Following discussion with them it was explained that with such a large group we would need 3 separate sessions at Fairwater Ski School to give the children a worthwhile lesson. Due to the close proximity of the Kingswood trip, we are unable to make 3 trips to the centre before we go. Sorry for any inconvenience.

As safety is our main concern we have arranged for all of the children to have safety helmets whilst on the slopes. There is however an additional cost of £5, (which Edwards didn’t include in your final price and have passed onto us), could you please send the money into Mrs. Roberts inside an envelope with your child’s passport (as explained below) by next Monday 23rd march. I can assure you that there will be no further charges.

After consultation with a number of parents and discussion between schools we have decided to allow pupils to take a mobile phone if they wish. We would ask that they be given to the teachers for safekeeping at the beginning of the trip. They will then be handed out on arrival and each evening that your child asks to use the phone to call home. This is an attempt to stop scenarios such as: Children becoming homesick for a short while, calling home and upsetting parents. After 15 minutes pupils feel far better and are enjoying themselves once again, however the parent is still at home worrying.

Pleases note: There is no need for a mobile phone to be taken as there is a pay phone at resort, also updates of the trip will be made via the News blog. www.rctednet.net/pontyclunprimary choose blog then news.

I hope that all of your questions have been answered in the correspondences that I have recently sent out. Enclosed is the final itinerary for the trip and the insurance details. If you have any questions regarding the trip please feel free to send a letter into school, email me at Andrew.m.llewellyn@rctednet.net or of course pop in and have a chat. As many parents have work commitments I have arranged for the main hall to be available between 4.45pm and 5.30pm next Wednesday 25th March. No additional information will be given out at this date but if you do wish to discuss any aspect of the trip with me please feel free to come along to the main hall.


Thank you once again

Mr. Llewellyn


Monday 23 rd March:

· Please could all passports and any medication that you wish us to take for your child be given to the school secretary Mrs. S. Roberts by Monday 23 March, (the Monday before we go). All medication (E.g. Piriton) must have your child’s name clearly marked on the bottle/packet and placed inside a bag/container with your child’s name on it. Instructions on how to administer the medicine and a parents signature must be included to say that we can administer the medicine if required. You can pick them up from the office the day after we get back Friday 3rd April or after the Easter holidays.

Year 6 Return Time

Dear parent(s),
After a very exciting and enjoyable few days away year 6 will return today at approximately 2.15pm. You are welcome to collect your children at any time from then on.

KINGSWOOD - NOTICE FOR PARENTS

All pupils and staff have arrived safely and are already enjoying the activities that have been arranged. Updates on arrival times back at school for Friday will be posted here on Friday afternoon.

Friday 13th March

Just a reminder to all parents that the school is closed on Friday 13th March for staff Inset.

An Interactive Open Evening With The Parents

This week the parents in KS2 came into school to look at the work that we were doing in maths, design technology, ICT, thinking skills, SEN and science. The parents did the activities that the children do on a daily basis, here are just few images from a very successful night.

Skiing Information

Dear parent(s),
As our long awaited ski trip to Austria is fast approaching I would like to update you on arrangements that need to be made prior to our departure. :

If your child needs any medical assistance whilst on the slopes it is a good idea for them to have any medical information that they need on their person. Therefore could I ask all parents to purchase a small see-through plastic bag (E.g. sandwich bag, snap and lock type). In this bag please put the form at the end of this letter which provides the following details:
· your Childs name
· and any medical conditions/allergies,
· contact details of parents
· and the E1 11 card (see below).

Please put this bag into a pocket on your child’s ski suit (not a pocket that will be regularly used, an arm or chest pocket would be ideal). Hopefully, your child shouldn’t need to open the pocket but MUST know which pocket the information is in.
We will be carrying such information about your children with us but this is a further measure of safety.

We have arranged for the children to be provided with evening entertainment for the three nights that they will be staying in Austria.

1st night: Tirolean Dancing / Austrian culture (a fun packed night, children will have great fun playing traditional music and learning traditional dances)

2nd night: Swimming. The pool in Zell Am See has a slide that takes the children outside the building, into the snow, then brings them back inside to splash in the water Swimming costume and towel needed please add this to the list that you were given recently.

3rd night: Bowling (Austrian style).

Children do not have to take part in any of the activities if they do not want to. However the children will be expected to attend the Austrian night. Nights 2 and 3 will require us to leave the hotel, therefore all children will be required to come with us even if they do not wish to swim or bowl. We have managed to get all of these activities for the amazing price of 10 Euros total. This will be need to be paid on the first night that we arrive in Austria and will be collected by the teachers.

It is a good idea to give the children “tatty trainers” to use to get back and forth from the slopes as the snow can damage trainers very easily.

To do now:
· Ensure that your child has an E1 11 card (EHIC CARD), if you have not got one they can be obtained in a few days from the post office.

Two weeks before departure:

· Please could all passports and any medication that you wish us to take for your child be given to the school secretary Mrs. S. Roberts by Monday 23 March, (the Monday before we go). All medication (E.g. Piriton) must have your child’s name clearly marked on the bottle/packet and placed inside a bag/container with your child’s name on it. Instructions on how to administer the medicine and a parents signature must be included to say that we can administer the medicine if required. You can pick them up from the office the day after we get back Friday 3rd April or after the Easter holidays.
· It is a good idea to pack ski socks into hand luggage as we will go for a ski fit as soon as we arrive in resort.
· It is also advisable for the children to wear their ski jackets to travel. This means that the suitcases are lighter and easier to pack.
· Please ensure that you child has a pillow for the bus, a sleeping bag or blanket is also advisable.
· Please ensure that you have all the recommended clothing on the list sent out in the recent pack.
· As you can appreciate we will have a large number of similar sized skis and boots. We will mark each but if your child has a handkerchief, adult sweatband etc that they can tie around their skis this will help us enormously.

One week before departure

· Your child will need a combination of Euros and £ Sterling (See below)

· Check all recent correspondence regarding the tip and ensure that all is packed.

Day of departure :

· Make packed lunch for the journey. We will be leaving on Saturday (late afternoon) and arrive lunch time on the Sunday. We will be stopping at services every 3 to 4 hours both here and in Europe, however a small prepacked selection of food (that doesn’t go off easily) will cut down on costs. Please remember to tell your child how quickly the food is to be eaten (although they will be reminded constantly on the journey).

Costs:

We want to keep the cost as affordable to all parents therefore I would like to run through the costs that the children will come up against over the trip. The weakened pound against the Euro has not helped matters and I hope that the following sounds reasonable. I have negotiated a deal with the bus drivers. They will sell drinks (FOR THE ENTIRE TRIP) E.g Coke, diet coke, water etc at 60p or 1 Euro, (60p is obviously far cheaper) and chocolates / sweets at a similarly cheap price. (European prices can be considerably more).



Day 1

24 hours travelling
British services and ferry (Including packed lunch) £0.00
Money needed for breakfast (and small charge for the use of toilets 50c) in German services 10Euros
Refundable deposit for lift pass 5Euros
Food provided when we arrive at hotel.

Day 2
Breakfast provided
Lunch on slopes and drinks (although drinks can be purchased through bus drivers) 15 Euros.
Dinner provided

Day 3
Breakfast provided
Lunch on slopes and drinks (although drinks can be purchased through bus drivers) 15 Euros.
Dinner provided

Day 4
Breakfast provided
Lunch on slopes and drinks (although drinks can be purchased through bus drivers) 15 Euros.
Dinner provided – leave resort.

Day 5 – Breakfast on ferry £10
Purchase of drinks/chocolate from coach drivers £10
Entertainment package 10 Euros

Total suggested: 85 Euros and £20

I hope that the above gives you an idea of the money required, if you want staff to look after the children’s money and give the children a set amount per day please put the money in a zipped purse / wallet with your child name and clear instructions on daily amounts inside. You can give these to staff on the day of departure or ask the children to give them to us. Alternatively the children can have ownership of their own money. N.B. Children love buying presents for parents / siblings these have not been allowed for in my costing, if you do not wish them to purchase such items please tell them before we depart.

Please do not give your child any more than 100 Euros and £25. The suggested amount of 85 euros and £20 is adequate for the length of time we are away.


Both schools have decided upon a number of rules:
money (max as above)
mobile phones are not allowed
ipods / electronic games – (if you don’t want to lose it don’t take it)
Digital cameras - (if you don’t want to lose it don’t take it) Disposable cameras are a good idea. I will be taking lots of photographs of the children over the course of the trip and will put them on a cd for each parent when we come back if you would like one.

Your child will be able to phone you from the payphone at the hotel. I will post this letter as well as any further correspondence on our school news blog. I will also post confirmation of arrival and a message each evening to say that the children are ok ( excluding the evening that we are travelling back on the bus). Mr. Roberts will post an approximate arrival time on the day of return.

You can access the NEWS blog via our website: www.rctednet.net/pontyclunprimary Choose blogs and then news.

Please note that there are 30 children and 4 staff attending from Pontyclun Primary School. The recommended number of staff by Edwards Coaches is 3, however we have paid for an additional member of staff to attend out of the school budget.

The staff members are myself, Mr. Williams, Miss. Baker and Mrs. Gardiner

Penygauwsi Primary School are taking 14 children and two members of staff.

May I take this opportunity to thank you all for ensuring that your payments are made on time and for your support.

We understand that many of the children may not have spent as long a period of time as this away from home, and you will obviously have questions and concerns. Please can I assure you that your child’s safety and well being is of our utmost concern and that the staff attending are very experienced at organising residential trips away. If you have any questions regarding the trip please feel free to send a letter into school, email me at Andrew.m.llewellyn@rctednet.net or of course pop in and have a chat.

Thank you once again

Mr. Llewellyn

Memories of a fantastic St. David's Day

All of the results of the today's Eisteddfod will be posted early next week. Click below to see some images of a fantastic day.

From Movies

To view all of the photographs click below.

Saint David's Day 2009

Clun Take The House Cup For The Second Consecutive Time

Although being a very close competition, the house cup for the first half of the Spring Term was won again by Clun. Amazingly, the number of house points gained over the six week period beat the previous record, over 5000. All of us at the school are really pleased that the pupils are working so hard to gain house points. Pictured above are the house captains for Clun and the merit award winners for the half term. The merit winners have all shown a fantastic attitude towards all aspects of school life over the past six weeks. Congratulations to all members of Clun and the merit award winners. We wait to see if Clun can keep the cup at the end of this term. Below are a small sample of photographs from Fridays sharing assembly, where each class gave the school and update on what they have been doing lately.