Dear Parents/Carers,

The first full week back of the Spring term has been a very cold one! Thank you for ensuring that your children are wrapped up in plenty of layers as we try to balance Covid guidelines against cold classrooms. While the forecast is still for cold weather next week, it looks as if the iciness of this week will be gone – let’s hope so! It’s lovely to see the children outside enjoying the sunshine on these lovely winter days.

I’m delighted to be able to report that we have not had to close or partially close any year groups, though some of you will have received warn and inform letters. We appreciate your vigilance in not sending symptomatic children to school and your readiness to act promptly should symptoms develop whilst your child is at school.

School finish time update

Following Mark Drakeford’s announcement today that rules are relaxing for outdoor events, we have decided to dispense with the staggered finish times from Monday 17^th January. Pick-up times for your child/ren will revert to what they were before (i.e. 3.30pm for Key Stage 2; 3.15pm for Nursery and Reception; 3.25pm for Years 1 & 2).

Changes to AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS

• Choir will restart on Monday (17^th) – Year 5 first, in line with Football.

Gymnastics will restart on Tuesday for Year 3 only – there are still some spaces available. If your Year 3 son/daughter would like to sign up for gymnastics this term please visit Clubenrolment.com/Gymnastics4schools to book a place, or email gymnastics4schools@yahoo.com for more info.

• We expect the Education Authority to review their advice on school clubs as Wales moves to alert level zero. We will then, of course, review our after-school club arrangements.

Year 5 Cycling Proficiency

All Year 5 parents/carers should have received letters to return to school by now, regarding Cycling Proficiency.

Class 5V will receive their Cycling Proficiency training from 24^th January and Class 5T will start their training on 31^st January.

Parking in the area around school

We understand that Woolaston Avenue was blocked earlier this week. Residents have asked us to remind those of you who drive your child/ren to school and park in and around this area to be careful not to block driveways and the road when you park. Thank you.

Wishing you all a warm, safe and pleasant weekend.

Best wishes,

Rachel Mitchell

Headteacher

Upcoming events

January 2022

• W/C Monday Jan 24^th – Year 5 Cycling Proficiency
• Weds 26^th & Thurs 27^th – Chinese Dance Workshops – whole school
• Friday 28^th – Sunday 30^th Jan – Big Garden Birdwatch
• Sat Jan 29^th – Friday Feb 4^th – National Storytelling Week

February 2022

• Tuesday 1^st Feb – Chinese New Year
• Friday 4^th Feb – NSPCC Number Day – wear something to school with a number on it
• Tuesday 8^th Feb - Safer Internet Day. This year’s theme: All fun and Games? Exploring respect and relationships online.
• Monday 7^th-18^th Feb – Year 4 Swimming
• Friday 14^th Feb – Valentine’s Day
• Monday 21^st Feb – Saturday March 5^th – Fair Trade Fortnight

March 2022

• Tuesday March 1^st – St David’s Day & Pancake Day
• Thursday March 3^rd – World Book Day
• Sunday March 27^th – Mother’s Day
• Friday 11^th – Sat 19^th March – British Science Week
• Friday 18^th March – comic Relief 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)

June 2022

• Mon 13^th – 24^th June – Year 3 Swimming
• Sun 19^th June – Father’s Day

TERM DATES & INSET DAY/Bank Holidays REMINDER

• INSET DAY - Friday 28^th January
• Break up for Spring Half Term on Friday 18^th Feb (return Monday 28^th Feb)
• 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

Term dates 2022-23

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

Pupils return to school on Wednesday 7^th September