Headteachers Blog /Blog Prifathro.

If you're looking to discover more about our weekly news at PPS, you've come to the right place!

• End of term Headteacher blog

  Fri 22 Jul 2022 Mrs R-M

  Dear Parents/Guardians,

   

  Thank you
  
  Well, we did it! A massive thank you for all your support again this year . We continue to work together and your kindness and support has been greatly appreciated during unprecedented times - weather emergencies (storms/extreme heat to name a few), the ongoing pandemic and a national shortage of teachers all in a year !  I hope you have enjoyed seeing the wonderful things going on in the school via the termly reports and the return of trips, events and after school clubs this year.

   

  I`d like to thank our amazing staff. Each and every one of them has worked incredibly hard this year and Team Penclawdd is the best!  The staff really do deserve a fabulous summer holiday. 

   

  We say our final farewell to Mrs Thompson, Mr Andrew and Ms Kirk today - we wish them all luck in their new ventures.  Thank you to you all! 

   

  Arrangements for September
  School starts back for pupils on Wednesday 7th September. School uniform requirements and the timings of the day remain the same. All information to school arrangements can be found in the prospectus for 2022 -23 on our website. I urge you to spend some time looking at our website which provides lots of up to date information about the school. There will be a major focus on attendance and punctuality in September, this has been an issue for some pupils and their families during the pandemic and is an area to target next year. A reminder that school starts at 8:50am. 

   

  After school clubs and Breakfast Club
  The staff will meet at the start of term to finalise the clubs that will be running after school. After school activity clubs will start back from the week commencing 26th September.

  Breakfast Club will start back on the first day of term the 7th September. Please contact Mrs Beynon for more info. 

   

  The new curriculum

  From September the new Curriculum for Wales will be mandatory, but for us this means continuing our journey and our curriculum for Penclawdd. Thanks to the parents who completed our curriculum questionnaire.

   

  Year 6 

  We wish this wonderful group of pupils all the best and good luck in Year 7. We will miss them.

  
  INSET days
  INSET days (training days for staff) will take place on :

  • Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th September. School starts back for pupils on the 7th September.
  • 23rd December 

   

  Finally,  I wish you a relaxing Summer holiday and look forward to seeing you all back safely in September.

   

  Mrs R-M x

  

• HT weekly blog

  Mon 18 Jul 2022 Mrs R-M

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  Some members of our Science Sparks and Eco Wombles presented to Governors this week and they were superb. We are very proud of them - see pic below.

   

  Well, the year 6 leavers day/evening on Friday was a HUGE success.  The children and staff had a ball. Making memories for sure ! The water fight was the BEST yet. I`d like to thank all the staff involved, especially Y6 and the staff who kindly gave up their Friday evening to make this a fabulous event. 

   

  The Penclawdd Pennies were presented with certificates of achievement for their roles as bankers. They have been AMAZING. See pic.

   

  EXTREME HEAT forecast by the Met office- Monday 18th/Tuesday 19th July

   

  Uniform 

  Due to the extreme heat predicted on Monday and Tuesday children can wear non school uniform to enable them to wear loose , light -coloured clothing that will keep them as cool as possible

   

  Please make sure your child comes to school with sun cream applied at home (minimum SP50 recommended). Please don`t forget a water bottle (no juice) which can be refilled in school as often as needed as the children will need to keep hydrated.

   

  Indoors will be kept cool ( ALL classes have fans) and well ventilated to keep staff and children as cool as possible

   

  📣Weekly headlines📣

   

  Chicken pox

  Unfortunately chicken pox is currently circulating in one class in school. Please be vigilant regarding symptoms. Pregnant mums who have not had chicken pox are advised to contact their midwife. If a child has chicken pox Public Health Wales advise children are to stay off for 5 days from the onset of the rash AND until ALL blisters have crusted over. 

   

  Summer outdoor disco

   

  On Wednesday we will be having a end of term summer outdoor disco. Please see poster attached.

   

  IMPORTANT DIARY DATES - Please remember to check out our website calendar for key dates this term...

   

  July 18th - Y2 Sharing the Learning - (Ugly Bug Ball/Animation premieres) 

  July 19th - R/1 pop up shop - 3.10pm Foundation Phase yard (CANCELLED  due to the extreme heat - see Seesaw)

  July 19th - Y3/4 pop up shop - 3.10pm KS2 yard (CANCELLED due to the extreme heat - see Seesaw)

  July 20th - end of term summer outdoor disco

  July 20th - 3.30pm-5.30pm Mrs Thompson`s farewell tea party

  July 21st - Y6 Leavers Assembly

  July 22nd - Last day of term  

  December 3rd ( Saturday) - community shopping trip to London 

   

   

  📣Fundraising 📣

   

  Our School Lottery - please support us, if you can. The next drawer is July 23rd .

  Click here for our lotto details.

   

  _{Win a year of fruit and veg home delivery}

  Want to save money on your grocery bills? Well lettuce tell you about our next special prize draw! Whether you're a fresh food fanatic or a fast-food fiend, you'll love this special prize. On 27th August one lucky winner will receive an amazing prize - 12 monthly fruit and veg boxes, delivered straight to their door. That's shallot of fruit and veg! Get your tickets now - it's easy peasy! Please click on the lotto link above.

   

  Staff news - FINAL reminder

  We will be holding a wonderful farewell party for Mrs Thompson on Wednesday July 20th between 3.30pm-5.30pm and I’m sure many parents and friends would like to pop in and wish her well.  Everyone will be welcome.

  We will also be collecting for a special gift , so if you`d like to make a donation, please send the money in to Mrs. Beynon, in the office.

  I am sure you will join with me in wishing Mrs. Thompson great happiness for her retirement. We can`t wait to hear all about her campervan adventures! 

   

  🗞Community 🗞 

   

  `Kids eat for £1 or less`

   

  With the cost of living increasing and the summer holidays edging closer, supermarkets and some restaurants have introduced new offers to help parents. Please see poster below.

   

  Welsh Water scheme  - Are you a family receiving free school meals?

  With the cost of living still increasing, some of our customers may struggle to afford essentials over the summer period. We're here to help with up to £230 off your water bill. Please read the poster below and click this link for eligibility 

   

   

  Reduce, reuse , recycle - Our Eco Wombles

  Dragon recycling : Recycle unwanted clothes and raise funds for our school!

  Dragon Bags is a free fundraising scheme that helps schools across Wales raise funds through textile recycling. Our indoor box is here ( see pic below). Please send in any clean, unwanted clothes in a carrier bag. Thanks to those who have supported us so far,

   

  📣INSET days 2022-2023📣

  Monday 5th September 2022

  Tuesday 6th September 2022

  Friday 23rd December 2022

   

  Thanks for your ongoing support, 

  Mrs R-M x

   

  

• Weekly HT Blog

  Mon 11 Jul 2022 Mrs R-M

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  Y4/5 and Ready, steady, cook ...they had a great week !! They are busy in training to become the next Junior Master Chefs !!  From Hunter Chicken to carrot cake !! They have been AMAZING and I have been blown away by the dishes they have made ! Please see a small selection below.

  We can`t believe there are only 2 weeks left this term! 

  As the beautiful weather is set to continue this week, please make sure your child comes to school suitably dressed (sun hats etc) and with sun cream applied (minimum SP50 recommended). Please don`t forget a water bottle (no juice) which can be refilled in school.

   

  📣Weekly headlines📣

   

  Goodbye to Mr. Andrew and Ms. Kirk

  At the end of term we will be sadly saying farewell to Mr. Andrew in Y6 and Ms. Kirk  in Y3/4 , who have been with us over the past year.  A big thank you to these fab Newly Qualified Teachers, who have worked hard during a very different year in school due to Covid-19. We wish them both the best of luck in their futures in Education. Keep in touch! 

   

  IMPORTANT DIARY DATES - Please remember to check out our website calendar for key dates this term...

   

  July 11th - Y6 4 day transition to Gowerton

  July 12th - R/1 Sharing the learning - 2pm

  July 13th - Penclawdd Pennies Award Assembly for pupils

  July 14th - Nursery Sharing the Learning (Pirate/Beach party)

  July 14th - Y3/4 Sharing the Learning 

  July 14th - N-Y6 Reports (link to Y2-Y6 Personalised Assessment data)  to be shared via your child`s Hwb email

  July 15th - Year 6 Leavers School event - day/evening

  July 18th - Y4/5 pop up shop - 3.10pm KS2 yard

  July 18th - Y2 Sharing the Learning - (Ugly Bug Ball/Animation premieres) 

  July 19th - R/1 pop up shop - 3.10pm Foundation Phase yard

  July 20th - 3.30pm-5.30pm Mrs Thompson`s farewell tea party

  July 21st - Y6 Leavers Assembly

  July 22nd - Last day of term  

   

   

  📣Fundraising 📣

   

  Our School Lottery - please support us, if you can. The next drawer is July 16th .

  Click here for our lotto details.

   

  Class Enterprise

  Our classes are planning pop up shops to raise money for their class gardens .Look out for their posters via SeeSaw.

   

  Y4/5 will be having their pop -up shop Monday July 18th -3.10pm KS2 yard 

  R/1 will be having their pop-up shop at 3.10pm on Tuesday July 19th

   

  Staff news - reminder

  We will be holding a wonderful farewell party for Mrs Thompson on Wednesday July 20th between 3.30pm-5.30pm and I’m sure many parents and friends would like to pop in and wish her well.  Everyone will be welcome.

  We will also be collecting for a special gift , so if you`d like to make a donation, please send the money in to Mrs. Beynon, in the office.

  I am sure you will join with me in wishing Mrs. Thompson great happiness for her retirement. We can`t wait to hear all about her campervan adventures! 

   

  Classes for next year:

   

  Penguins -Nursery/Reception : Mrs Davies

  Sealions - Year 1/2 : Mrs Rees

  Sharks - Year 3/4  : Mr Miller

  Polar Bears -Year 4/5 : Mrs Garcia

  Starfish - Year 6 : Mrs Percival

  PPA - Mrs Williams

   

  🗞Community 🗞 

   

  `Kids eat for £1`

   

  With the cost of living increasing and the summer holidays edging closer, supermarket giant Asda has introduced a new offer to help parents. Over the long holidays children will be able to get a £1 meal in its superstore cafes.

  The retailers announced that, in a bid to keep youngsters fed over summer, they will be able to grab a meal at the instore cafes seven days a week  And there's no minimum adult spend required. The Kids Eat for £1 initiative is available all day, every day from July 25 until September 4 in England and Wales, as long as the Café is open. And dependent on the store, a hot meal or cold meal, or both, will be on offer. See image below for details ! 

   

  *Promotion valid for children under 16 years. Each child is entitled to a meal when they spend £1. Maximum of 1 meal from the kids menu per child, per day. Available in England and Wales between 25/07/2022 – 02/09/2022. Available in Scotland & Northern Ireland between 23/06/2022 – 04/09/2022. Subject to availability.

   

  Penclawdd Pennies  - our community bank 

  Parents and carers are also welcome to join our bank. There is a £1 membership fee. Payments are accepted every Tuesday you can pay by cash/cheque. You just need to complete an application form and each week send your money in. 

  If you would like to join you can download a form from the website or ring Mrs. Beynon so she can get one to you. 

   

  Reduce, reuse , recycle - Our Eco Wombles

  Dragon recycling

  Recycle unwanted clothes and raise funds for our school!

  Dragon Bags is a free fundraising scheme that helps schools across Wales raise funds through textile recycling. Our indoor box is here ( see pic below). Please send in any clean, unwanted clothes in a carrier bag.

   

  📣INSET days 2022-2023📣

  Monday 5th September 2022

  Tuesday 6th September 2022

   

  Thanks for your ongoing support, 

  Mrs R-M x

  

• Headteacher weekly blog

  Tue 05 Jul 2022 Mrs R-M

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  Last week Year 5 had a fun-filled transition day at Gowerton Comprehensive. Y5 and Y6 attended the athletics tournament at Ashleigh Road and they ALL did us proud!! Our School came 3rd overall !!! We also had a few athletes who came 2nd, 3rd etc in individual events!! We are VERY PROUD of them all. See a pic below.

   

  📣Weekly headlines📣

   

  Eco Schools - Green Eco Flag - WE DID IT!!!

   

  Matt Bunt, Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy visited us on Tuesday for our Green flag assessment. Some of our Eco Wombles showed him all the actions that have already been completed and intended actions for the remainder of the school year. The Wombles also gave the Education Officer a tour of the school and grounds. The actions included such things as: Community litter picks, Christmas shoe box appeal, recycling and improving our school grounds by creating class gardens etc  Matt commended the Wombles and awarded us our green flag. He recognised as a school we take environmental issues very seriously and we are ALL working hard to help save the planet for future generations. He commented on the strong pupil voice of the Wombles - "There were many highlights, your wonderful school grounds, brilliant for play, education and wildlife, the development of the courtyard gardens, the community links you have made but it was hard to beat the sheer enthusiasm of the Eco-Wombles, absolutely brilliant". WE ARE SO HAPPY! See pic below.

   

  Nursery 

  Just a reminder to new Nursery parents please remember to complete an application form to secure a place in our Nursery. Visits to meet staff and see the class can easily be arranged please contact Mrs. Beynon or Mrs. Davies. 

  Gower Day Nursery and child minder Aunty Dee provide school runs and after school child care. 

   

  IMPORTANT DIARY DATES - Please remember to check out our website calendar for key dates this term (including your class sharing the learning dates)

   

  July 4th - Y6 cycling ( session 1)

  July 4th - Nursery and Y2 Artist workshops - Screen printing - Sarah Hopkins

  July 5th - Y6 cycling (session 2)

  July 5th - Y2 Class Enterprise stalls at 3.15pm - see Seesaw

  July 6th - Y6 cycling (session 3) 

  July 8th - INSET day

  July 12th - R/1 Sharing the learning - 2pm

  July 13th - Penclawdd Pennies Award Assembly for pupils

  July 14th - Nursery Sharing the Learning (Pirate/Beach party)

  July 14th - Y3/4 Sharing the Learning 

  July 14th - Reports to be shared via your child`s Hwb email

  July 15th - Year 6 Leavers School event - day/evening

  July 18th - Y2 Sharing the Learning - (Ugly Bug Ball/Animation premieres) 

  July 20th - 3.30pm-5.30pm Mrs Thompson`s farewell tea party

  July 21st - Y6 Leavers Assembly

  July 22nd - Last day of term  

   

   

  📣Fundraising 📣

   

  Our School Lottery - please support us, if you can. The next drawer is July 9th .

  Click here for our lotto details.

   

  Class Enterprise

  R-Y6 will be raising money for their class by having a stall at home time. Look out for dates via SeeSaw.

  Year 2 had a fab time selling their garden lanterns and prints this week. Thanks for your support.

   

  Jewellery 

  Please can we remind parents /carers that due to health and safety , jewellery is not allowed to be worn in school, as it can be dangerous. 

  No jewellery other than stud earrings and watches should be worn in school.  

  The school will not accept any responsibility for theft or loss of jewellery.

   

  Staff news - reminder

  We will be holding a wonderful farewell party for Mrs Thompson on Wednesday July 20th between 3.30pm-5.30pm and I’m sure many parents and friends would like to pop in and wish her well.  Everyone will be welcome.

  We will also be collecting for a special gift , so if you`d like to make a donation, please send the money in to Mrs. Beynon, in the office.

  I am sure you will join with me in wishing Mrs. Thompson great happiness for her retirement. We can`t wait to hear all about her campervan adventures! 

   

  Classes for next year

   

  Penguins -Nursery/Reception : Mrs Davies

  Sealions - Year 1/2 : Mrs Rees

  Sharks - Year 3/4  : Mr Miller

  Polar Bears -Year 4/5 : Mrs Garcia

  Starfish - Year 6 : Mrs Percival

  PPA - Mrs Williams

   

  🗞Community 🗞 

   

  Sporting successes 

  We are very proud of these 2 Y6 boys. They have been presented with their caps for representing  @Llwchwr_Schools . Well deserved and we couldn`t be prouder of these 2 @DonksRfc123. See pic below.

   

   

  These 4 boys (see pic  below) again representing Penclawdd were selected for the @Llwchwr_Schools team after two successful trials. WELL DONE to these 4 and well done to all the pupils who went for the trials. The competition was fierce and all our pupils did well.

   

  Swim for free - every weekend for children aged 16 and under

   

  See image below for details ! 

   

   

  Penclawdd Pennies  - our community bank 

  Parents and carers are also welcome to join our bank. There is a £1 membership fee. Payments are accepted every Tuesday you can pay by cash/cheque. You just need to complete an application form and each week send your money in. 

  If you would like to join you can download a form from the website or ring Mrs. Beynon so she can get one to you. 

   

  Reduce, reuse , recycle - Our Eco Wombles

   

  Foreign and old currency

  Collect your surplus foreign and old British money for RNIB and make a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people in the UK.

  If you have any surplus foreign currency from your overseas trips, or any unusable old British currency hiding at the back of the drawer, we’d love to receive it!

  Every box we fill and return could be worth an average of £50 for RNIB.

   

  Dragon recycling

  Recycle unwanted clothes and raise funds for our school!

  Dragon Bags is a free fundraising scheme that helps schools across Wales raise funds through textile recycling. Our indoor box is here ( see pic below). Please send in any clean, unwanted clothes in a carrier bag.

   

  📣Remaining INSET days📣

  Friday July 8th 2022

   

  📣INSET days 2022-2023📣

  Monday 5th September 2022

  Tuesday 6th September 2022

   

  Thanks for your ongoing support, 

  Mrs R-M x