Parentmail 4.3.22

Dear Parents/Carers,

It was lovely to see the children again on our return to school after the half Term break and especially wonderful to see them all in their Welsh costumes on St David’s Day.  Marie Curie daffodils were sold on the school gate on the 1^st March and as usual the generosity of Lakeside families was fully in evidence, so much so that we completely ran out of daffodils!  This didn’t stop families donating.  Thank you – again – Lakeside families.

Pupils and staff enjoyed Welsh-themed activities throughout this week.  Each year group looked at a different Welsh artist and the children produced some fantastic artwork.  Flags were made, shields were designed, folk dances were practised and performed, poems written and songs were sung in the hall as each year group in KS2 held their own mini Eisteddfod at today.

Thank you so much to those of you who sent me your Half Term Welsh-themed work.  I thoroughly enjoyed looking at the photos and videos of children cooking with siblings, parents and grandparents.  We had photos of everything from Bara Brith to Won Tons, with lots of different kinds of Welsh cakes, biscuits and cookies in-between.  The children looked as if they were enjoying themselves a great deal and the food all looked delicious. 

Thank you also for encouraging your child(ren) to join in our World Book Day celebration by bringing their favourite book to school to share with their classes.

Ukraine

I’m sure that the thoughts of many of you, like mine, are with the families of Ukraine at the moment.  Donations of money can be sent to various charities, such as:

The Red Cross   https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

Save the Children  https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/where-we-work/europe/ukraine

UNICEF            https://www.unicef.org/emergencies/conflict-ukraine-pose-immediate-threat-children

Please be assured that any in-class conversations about the crisis in Ukraine are being dealt with delicately and sensitively, whilst addressing any of the questions the children may have.

Covid Update

As Wales remains at alert level zero, we are now able to gradually relax some of the protective measures we have in place. Therefore, from Monday 7th March we will no longer require parents / carers or staff to wear face masks on the gate or coming on to the school site. I appreciate how dedicated you have all been to following the guidance around this, and also to Mrs Nia Butler who has been on the gate each day with supplies for anyone who required them.

Parents’ Consultations: 24^th, 28^th, 29^th & 30^th March

As previously, Parents’ Consultations will be via online, ten-minute slots which you can book using SchoolCloud for meetings on Thursday 24^th March and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 28^th-30^th March. Children’s work will be available to view online via SeeSaw or Google Classroom to share with you beforehand. A link to book your time slot will be set out nearer to the time.

After-school Clubs

These restart from Monday 7^th March as follows:

• Choir - Mondays – Years 5 & 6 together
• Football - Tuesdays – Years 5 & 6 together
• Gymnastics - Tuesdays - Year 3 (only pupils who are already going to Gymnastics can join this club currently, as it is full). 
• Coding Club – Tuesdays – Year 4.  Letters have been sent home with Year 4 pupils this week and the club is now full.

Best wishes,

Rachel Mitchell

Headteacher

Upcoming events

March 2022

• Friday 11^th – Sat 19^th March – British Science Week
• Friday 18^th March – Comic Relief Day
• Sunday March 27^th – Mother’s Day
• Monday 28^th March – 8^th April - Year 5 Swimming

April 2022

• Sat 2^nd April – Sun 1^st May – Ramadan (exact dates TBC)
• Thursday 14^th April – Sikh festival of Vaisakhi

May 2022

• Friday 13^th – Monday 16^th May - Year 6 residential trip
• Monday 23^rd May – Class group photos

June 2022

• Mon 13^th – 24^th June – Year 3 Swimming
• Sun 19^th June – Father’s Day
• Fri 24^th – Mon 27^th June – Year 5 residential trip

TERM DATES & INSET DAY/Bank Holidays REMINDER

• Break up for Easter Holiday on Friday 8^th April (return Monday 25^th April)
• Early May Bank Holiday – Monday 2^nd May
• Break up for Summer Half Term on Friday 27^th May
• Bank Holiday Monday 6^th June
• INSET DAY - Tuesday 7^th June
• Return to school for pupils Wednesday 8^th June
• Pupils break up for Summer Holiday on Thursday 21^st July
• INSET DAY – Friday 22^nd July

Monday 5^th and Tuesday 6^th September are INSET DAYS

Pupils return to school on Wednesday 7^th September