Dear Parents and Carers,

🌟 Learning Beyond the Classroom 🌟

Our classes have had an amazing start to the year, and the excitement certainly hasn't been confined to the classroom! Through a range of enriching educational visits, our pupils have been bringing their learning to life, making meaningful connections and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

🏰🐉✨ Dragons, Castles and Discoveries Come to Life! ✨🐉🏰

Our #PencSeaTurtles stepped back in time with an unforgettable visit to the magnificent Caerphilly Castle as part of their topic, "Dragons, Castles and Discoveries."

The children immersed themselves in Welsh history and mythology, learning about the legendary tale of the Red and White Dragons and discovering how the victorious red dragon became the proud symbol featured on our Welsh flag. ❤️🐉🤍

As they explored one of Wales' most iconic castles, pupils climbed towers, investigated ancient walls and imagined what life would have been like for those who once lived and worked within its impressive grounds.

It was a magical day of history, storytelling, enquiry and imagination that brought learning to life and deepened pupils' understanding of Wales' rich heritage and culture.

🌱🐛⛪✨ Exploring the Future of Food in St Davids! ✨⛪🐛🌱

Our #PencStarfish enjoyed a truly inspiring visit to St Davids as part of their topic, "What's on the Menu in 2050?" 🌍🍽️

Their adventure began at Dr Beynon's Bug Farm, where pupils explored innovative ideas around sustainable food production and discovered how insects may help feed future generations. The fascinating workshops challenged children to think critically about food, the environment and the choices we may need to make in the future.

The day continued with a visit to the breathtaking St Davids Cathedral, where pupils explored centuries of Welsh history, culture and heritage. The contrast between cutting-edge scientific thinking and one of Wales' most historic landmarks created wonderful opportunities for discussion and reflection.

Filled with curiosity, creativity and big questions, the visit provided the perfect launchpad for further learning and inspired our pupils to think deeply about the world around them and the future they will help shape.

These visits are wonderful examples of our rich and authentic curriculum, where learning extends far beyond the classroom walls to spark curiosity, inspire ambition and create meaningful, memorable experiences for every child. 💜🌟

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📚✨ Book Fair Success! ✨📚

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported our recent Book Fair - it was a huge success! 💖

Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised funds to spend on brand-new books for our school. Our Education Minister will now chat with pupils to gather their ideas 📖💬 and will make a list to place our first order ! 🎉

Your support helps us continue to enrich our library and inspire a lifelong love of reading across the school. Diolch o galon! ❤️

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📱💚 Do You Follow Us on Social Media? 💚📱

Stay connected with all the latest news, events, and celebrations from Penclawdd Primary School - from classroom highlights and Criw Cymraeg adventures to community kindness and creative learning! 🌟

👉 Tap the link below to find all our social platforms in one place:
🔗 https://linktr.ee/PenclawddPrimarySc

Give us a follow, leave a like, and join our wonderful #PencFamily online! ❤️🏴

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🚗 Important Parking Notice

South Wales Police and the Gower Neighbourhood Policing Team have raised concerns about dangerous and inconsiderate parking outside Penclawdd School. Please do not stop, park, or drop off on the yellow zig-zag ‘School KEEP CLEAR’ lines and avoid blocking driveways or using the bus stop. These restrictions are in place to keep children safe.

While most parents park responsibly, a small minority continue to put safety at risk. Police and Local Authority officers will enforce a zero-tolerance policy, and offenders may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children safe.

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Attendance and Punctuality Matter

At Penclawdd Primary School, we want every child to flourish, achieve their potential and make the most of the wonderful learning opportunities on offer. One of the most important factors in helping children succeed is regular attendance and good punctuality.

Every day matters. Learning builds over time, and when children miss school, they can miss important teaching, discussions, practical activities and social experiences that cannot always be replicated later.

We also ask families to support us by ensuring children arrive on time each day. A calm, punctual start helps children settle quickly, begin learning alongside their peers and develop positive lifelong habits. Arriving late can sometimes leave children feeling unsettled and means they miss valuable learning at the start of the day.

We understand that children will occasionally be absent due to illness, and we appreciate the support families give in ensuring that absences are kept to those occasions when children are genuinely unwell.

🌟 Why Attendance Matters

Many parents/carers are surprised by how quickly occasional absences add up over the course of a school year:

Annual Attendance	Days Missed	Learning Time Lost
100%	0 days	No learning missed
95%	9 days	1 week and 4 days
90%	19 days	3 weeks and 4 days
85%	28 days	5 weeks and 3 days
80%	38 days	7 weeks and 3 days
75%	46 days	9 weeks and 1 day

Even attendance that appears relatively high can result in a significant amount of missed learning over time.

✈️ Holidays During Term Time

We understand that family holidays create lasting memories and that travel costs can sometimes make term-time bookings more appealing. However, schools have a responsibility to promote regular attendance and minimise disruption to children's education.

We continue to receive a significant number of requests for holidays during term time. Whilst we genuinely appreciate the challenges families face, time away from school can impact a child's learning, wellbeing, friendships and participation in important curriculum experiences.

Parents and carers must apply in advance if requesting leave of absence for a family holiday. Applications should be submitted to the school office with a minimum of two weeks' notice.

Please note that schools can only authorise absences beyond statutory limits where there are exceptional circumstances. Where leave is not authorised and a pupil is absent, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.

Parents should also be aware that the Local Authority may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice in cases where unauthorised leave has been taken.

💜 Working Together

We know that every family wants the very best for their child. By working together to promote excellent attendance and punctuality, we can ensure our children benefit from every possible opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Every day counts. Every minute matters. Every child deserves the very best chance to succeed. 🌟

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💜PPS Community 💜

📚Rhythm & Rhyme Time supports early oracy through songs, stories and shared talk for babies & toddlers (0–4). 

✨ Estyn recognises staff at Penclawdd Primary as strong language role models. (Teaching the Curriculum for Wales, 2025)

🌟 Little Voices, Big Smiles! Rhythm & Rhyme Time in Penclawdd Primary School Library! 🌟

Bring your little ones along to sing, read, play and explore in a fun, relaxed session designed for babies, toddlers and their grown-ups.

🎶 Nursery rhymes and songs
📖 Story sharing
🤝 A chance to meet other local families

Perfect for babies and toddlers aged 0-4 years, together with parents and carers. Please click here...

📍 Penclawdd Primary School Library🗓️ Every Thursday
⏰ 11:00am - 11:40am
✨ No booking required. Just come along and join the fun! ✨

We can't wait to welcome you and your little ones for songs, stories, laughter and learning.

❤️We'd love to see you there! 🖤

Fundraising

💜 Support Our School Lottery

One of the easiest ways to support Penclawdd Primary School throughout the year is by joining our School Lottery.

Every ticket purchased helps raise funds that directly benefit our pupils, supporting additional resources, educational experiences, sports, arts and enrichment opportunities that enhance school life.

🎟️ Join here: Click here to support Penclawdd Primary School Lottery

⭐ Next Draw

Saturday 3rd October 2026

🏆 £25,000 Jackpot
🏆 Guaranteed school prize (increases as ticket sales grow)

Thank you for supporting our school community. Every ticket really does make a difference to our children. 💜🌟

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🌟 After School Childcare

We are delighted that our after-school childcare provision continues to be provided by the fantastic Child's Play Team.

Offering a variety of engaging activities in a safe and welcoming environment, the club provides children with opportunities to play, learn and socialise after the school day.

📞 07511 450688
📧 hello@childsplayswansea.co.uk

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Have a great week,

Mrs R-M and staff 
 

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📅 Upcoming Dates for Your Diary

Please see below for key dates and events taking place during the Autumn Term.

Educational visits this term

28th September - Y3 - Wetlands, Llanelli

29th September - Rec/Y1 - Village walk and Cariad Pizza making

7th October - Y4/5 - Harry Potter Studio Tour

14th October - Flu Vaccination for Rec - Y6

21st October - Y3 - 6 - Harvest in Tabernacle ( Parents/Carers can attend ) 

23rd October - Foundation Learning N-Y2 Harvest    ( in school, pupils only ) 

26th - 30th October - half term holidays

8th November - Choir to sing in Penclawdd for Remembrance

13th November - Children in need ( led by our Senedd)

30th November - Theatre visit to the Sherman in Cardiff Y3 - Y6

3rd December - Nursery Nativity (am)

4th December - Sponsored Santa Dash daily mile (fundraising event)

5th December - Community Bath trip (fundraising event)

7th December - after school Christmas Film night  3.15pm - 4.30pm (fundraising event - £5 per child) 

8th December - Nursery to visit Wiggley's Farm in Margam

8th December - Rec - Y2 Christmas performance (pm)

9th December - Rec - Y2 Christmas performance (am)

10th December - Elf day and Christmas Dinner day

11th December - Choir to sing in the community

17th December - Rec - Y2 - Christmas visit to Gower Heritage Centre

18th December - last day of school

4th January 2027 - INSET day