Newsletter 2.7.24
Gate Update - your support is appreciated
Thank you for your support and patience yesterday whilst the gate was closed. It needs a new part but it is now safe and open. The current problem is that the automatic closing mechanism needs to be replaced and this may take some time. The gate is slow to close and not automatically connecting to the magnet. If you come during the school day and are buzzed in we'd really appreciate it if you could help by ensuring the magnets make contact as you leave so that the gate is secure.
Whilst the automatic gate is great for enhancing site security, the more parts things have the more likely they are to go wrong!
One other problem we have is the automatic door to the office. It does open slowly but please do not pull the handle to speed it up (or to open it when it's closing). This contributes to the mechanism failing. There is a sign on the door but people don't notice.
Financial Pressures
In recent months my newsletters have referred to the difficulties that we and other schools are experiencing. In addition to cuts caused by austerity, there has been a dip in the birth rate which is reflected in lower numbers coming into Nursery. The cost of living crisis has also led to parents being unable to contribute in full to fruit and school trips / buses. Therefore throughout this newsletter I am making clear the external funding sources we are drawing upon and the impact the situation is having on our plans going forward. It isn't all doom and gloom though: there are still positives to share with you!
Premises update
Over the summer there will be works going ahead, with the major one being repairs to the retaining wall at the front of the school which is very old! A gas pipe was rerouted over half term in preparation. The problems have been caused by a lack of drainage in the corner at the bottom of the lane and also the railings that were installed within the last 10 years pulling on the pillars. To be clear, the damage has not been caused by our carpark or current drains. This work will all be funded by the Local Authority.
The school's building budget this year will be used to:
- refurbish a classroom (there is one room left without lowered ceilings and modern lighting),
- replace the carpet in Nursery / Reception and
- to fund the installation of the shelter outside Dosbarth Oren (this was installed a few weeks ago and means that all Foundation Phase classes finally have some shelter in their outdoor areas to support full implementation of Curriculum for Wales).
- Mr Evans will also be doing some decorating.
Grounds
We are also seeking to update the Forest Schools Area this financial year. Much of this will be grant funded and the PTFA are keen to support. More news to follow once the funding is secured!
We occasionally get complaints from our neighbours about our trees in Pontllanfraith. Please be assured that our trees are maintained and inspected. The LA conducts tree surveys, carried out by an arboricultural officer, and the school ensures that all work recommended is completed. Given the size of our land, and the number of trees we have, this is a substantial financial commitment and this is why we are reluctant to plant more.
Transport for school trips
Our budget for supporting transport costs has already been used. We had 11 families unable to contribute to the cost of transport to swimming this year. This means that going forward we may need to fundraise before a trip to cover costs if parents indicate that they cannot contribute. In the very worst case scenario, trips may need to be cancelled. We are mindful of costs before planning trips and some ideas for trips this term were rejected because of cost.
At the last parent forum the possibility of parents helping to transport children to activities such as sports tournaments was discussed. Since then a communication has gone out to all schools from the LA strongly advising that we do not do this.
Having said the above about paying for buses, we have an opportunity to fundraise!
July 9th The Circus is coming to Pontllanfraith!
Dosbarth Glas have been taking part in a Young Promoters Project funded by the Arts Council for Wales. If the weather is fine, please join us on the field for a special performance from Circus Raj £3 for adults and £2 for children (if it's raining it will be for Dosbarth Glas only unfortunately as it's a one off date and the hall capacity is limited). Given this, entry will be cash on the gate rather than ticket sales in advance. Dosbarth Glas are also planning refreshments and a small raffle. Please click here to see a short video they have made about the event.
Puppet Show tomorrow
Tomorrow Years 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 will be treated to a puppet show about the Rain Forest and Dosbarth Glas will have a special workshop (as it links to their topic for this term). The show is again externally funded, and suitable for children aged 5+. Unfortunately we do not have the capacity in the hall for all classes to attend and given I have been told that there is a sad bit, this is why we will only include children from Year 2 up. More information here: https://www.puppetsoup.com/puppet-theatre-show-minha-casa-tua-casa
Next Year
A reminder that we do not announce classes for next year until very late because of our pupil numbers. This is not disorganisation on our part. We have met and set classes but any late admissions would mean us having to redo the lists which could be even more distressing for children.
Children will find out their new classes, visit them & meet their new teacher on Friday 12th July.
The structure for next year will be:
Dosbarth Coch - Early Years (Reception & Nursery) - Mrs Reeve
Dosbarth Oren - Year 1/2 - Miss Williams
Dosbarth Melyn - Year 2/3 - Miss Ferguson / Mrs Evans
Dosbarth Gwyrdd - Year 3/4 - Miss Wills
Dosbarth Glas - Year 4/5 - Miss Rooke / Mrs Evans
Dosbarth Porffor - Year 5/6 - Mr Davies
You will notice that because of the fall in numbers for Nursery & Reception both cohorts will be overseen by Mrs Reeve with additional teaching assistants in support. Mrs Evans will be working 3 days a week alongside Miss Ferguson and Miss Rooke who both work 4 days a week.
Parents of children in the current Nursery & Rising 3s are invited to join us at 3:45pm on Monday 15th July for an opportunity to ask questions. Information will be sent out in advance of this meeting.
You will also notice that Miss Davies is not listed. She will be leaving us at the end of term. She has secured a position with a school in Cardiff and I'm sure you'll join us all in wishing her well!
Whilst we hate to disappoint anyone when organising mixed aged classes, regrettably it does happen. Further information about mixed aged classes and our policy for the organisation of mixed aged classes is linked here.
When setting the budget, with the Governing Body, for 2024/25 it was identified that we cannot afford to continue the current structure where we have internal cover for most professional learning and monitoring activities. Therefore there will be more occasions next year when the school will call on supply teachers to release staff. Similarly we will not be able to fund Gateway Rugby and Cardiff City next year.
Finally a reminder that the last day of term for mainstream classes is Thursday 18th July.
We have INSET days booked for the first 2 days of term in September. Mainstream classes start back Wednesday 4th September.
Trinity Fields INSET days can differ - they will communicate all relevant information to parents of children on their school role in Dosbarth Enfys.