Dear Parents/guardians,
I hope the children have enjoyed the first week of the new term in school. I have a lot of names still to learn but it has been lovely to start getting to know pupils and learn more about their interests. Previously, I have always worked in large town schools and I have been struck by how kind, polite and caring pupils are at school. Pupils really are a credit to the community and the caring atmosphere has made me feel welcome this week. I am full of ideas to continue to develop and improve the school but at the moment I believe that it is important that I continue to observe and learn more about the systems and structures which are already established.
One area which I am keen to develop is our outdoor learning work. On Tuesday 17th September we are planning on holding a special day of activities. More information will follow soon!
As ever, if there is anything that I can help with, my email address is Williamsr1688@hwbcymru.net
Kind regards,
Mr Williams.
Curriculum Corner
What are pupils learning about this term?
Dosbarth Dolffin - Progression Step 1 ~ Houses and Homes
Dosbarth Morlo - Progression Step 2 - The Celts.
Dosbarth Ser Mor - Progression Step 3 - The Victorians.
Swimming and Gym/P.E. Session
Every Friday morning pupils in Dosbarth Ser Mor and Dosbarth Morlo will use the sports facilities at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre. Dosbarth Ser Mor will be swimming this half term and should bring their swimming kits each week. Pupils in Dosbarth Morlo should bring/wear sports kit and a water bottle.
If you have any questions, please speak to class teachers at the beginning of the school day.
Information
I thought that it might be useful to share a few reminders and information around timings.
Breakfast Club & School Start
Breakfast club is free for all pupils and begins at 8:00 each day. As long as pupils arrive before 8:20, they receive a free breakfast.
The front gate opens at 8:45 and the bell rings at 8:55 for the beginning of the school day.
After School Club
If you require after school club, please complete an online book form to inform the staff. Club costs £6.00 per night and finishes at 16:45.
Friday and Walking Home
The school day finishes at 13:00 on a Friday. If older pupils are allowed to walk home, please inform the class teacher.
Information from the Music Service
School Development Plan:
During the summer holidays, I have been busy reviewing progress made last year and formulating our new school development plan.
Areas for development this year:
- Further raise standards in teaching and learning. Focus on Retrieval Practice.
- Refine the provision for independent learning across the school to ensure there is appropriate challenge for all pupils
- Develop the use of Welsh throughout the school in order to improve pupils’ skills in speaking Welsh
- Continue to refine our curriculum to ensure the principles of progression support planning, learning and teaching.
- Develop quality outdoor learning and experiences for all pupils to develop into healthy, confident learners.
I will add our school development plan to the school website when I have finished consulting stakeholders.
Attendance
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, school attendance across Wales has been severely impacted. Our attendance last year finished at 93.8%. Our target is 95%.
We are under increasing pressure to improve our attendance. It became apparent last year that attendance on Fridays in some asymmetric schools was significantly lower than attendance Monday to Thursday. We will continue to monitor attendance on Fridays separately with aim of improving this. We are going to be enhancing our attendance rewards and children with attendance over 95% at the end of the autumn term will receive a special treat.
Thank you for your continued support.
Inset days for 2024-2025
- Monday 2nd September 2024 - Focus: Direct Instruction and Teacher Modeling.
- Wednesday 9th October 2024 - Focus: Oracy, independence and continuous and enhanced provision.
- Thursday 21st November - Focus: Cluster Working.
- Friday 10th January - Focus: Welsh Language.
- Monday 23rd June - Cluster Day Two
- Day Six will be taken as twilight sessions.
Headteacher's Coffee Afternoon
On Tuesday 17th September I will hold a headteacher's coffee session at 15:30. The meeting will be held in Mrs. Makepeace's class. This will be an opportunity for an informal chat about anything that parents would like to discuss - be it something that you think we are doing well, something which you think I might have missed, or an area of concern. All parents are welcome.