St Mary's Catholic Primary Ysgol Gynradd Santes Fair Weekly Newsletter- CYLchlythyr wythnosol -10TH May 2024 (Issue 29)

Croeso to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!

Let us Pray- Gweddiwn

The month of May is specially dedicated to Mary, Jesus' mother and our Heavenly mother. During this month, we are asked to think about Mary, say special prayers to Mary, have May altars, sing hymns to Mary, have May processions with statues of Mary-all to tell Mary how much we love her – and to ask her to help us to stay close to her son Jesus and to try to live as Jesus shows us.

Feast of the Ascension Whole School Mass (Solemnity)

Yesterday we joined together for Mass in school to celebrate the solemn Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. Fr Nicholas and Deacon Michael were the celebrants and children from Years 4, 5 and 6 led the readings, prayers, offertory and served on the altar.

Well done and thank you to everyone who took part- it was a beautiful service.

Important Announcement- Sad news for us at St Mary's!

It is with great sadness that we announce that Mrs Ruth Williams (Additional Needs and Well-being Coordinator- ALNCo) will be leaving us at the end of the summer term. Mrs Williams has worked in St Mary's since 2014 and during this time she has transformed the support we offer for children with additional learning needs and their families. Mrs Williams is a highly respected member of the school family who will be sorely missed by us all.

As you are now aware, Mr O'Toole will be retiring from his position as Assistant Headteacher and Year 6 teacher after 34 years of dedicated service at the end of this academic year. Mr O'Toole is a very well- thought of and highly respected teacher and member of the senior leadership team, and will leave a huge gap in our school family and the St Mary's community. We are all going to really miss him- St Mary's won't be quite the same without him!!

From September 2024, for the period of one school year, the governors have decided to implement an interim leadership structure giving them time to carefully consider any permanent changes to take our wonderful school into the future.

The Interim Leadership Structure is as follows:-

On Wednesday night, the governors appointed Mrs Robertson and Mrs Gillett to the Interim Phase Lead positions. We wish them both many congratulations and every blessing when they take up their new positions in September. We have every confidence that they will both do a wonderful job! Llongyfarchiadau! As you are aware, Mrs Wilkinson is the REVE Lead & Student Mentor, Miss S Davies is the Pupil Voice Coordinator (Eco) and Mrs G Davies is the Senior TA. At present, we have not yet filled the vacant position of ALNCo for September. We will keep you posted.

Updated Safeguarding Arrangements- Drop off and Collection Time

We are making some minor changes to the gate and entrance arrangements from today FRIDAY 10th MAY 2024.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience, however we are constantly reviewing arrangements to ensure safeguarding procedures are as robust as possible.

Please see changes below:-

Year 4 ALYN- Morning arrangements- Children to come into school via the MAIN ENTRANCE rather than through the dining room door. Mrs Trawally is on duty at the main door from 08:45. After school collection point remains the same.

From today- Friday 10th May- THE BUS GATE (via STEPS) WILL BE CLOSED to all parents/ carers and will be used by BUS CHILDREN ONLY.

Parents/ carers dropping off or collecting children from the Early Years, Years 1, 2 and 4 who usually leave via the Bus Gate, should leave the site via the DRIVE GATE only.

Please share this information with those who drop off or collect your child.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding. It is always very much appreciated.

This year, we will be holding our annual school sports day events on 14th and 16th May. All sports days will be held on Belle Vue Park except the Early Years' Sports day which will be held on the Nursery playground. Unfortunately, due to site health and safety reasons, there will be NO PARKING on the school yard. In the event of bad weather, school will inform parents via email and Seesaw if the events need to be postponed. Thank you.

TUESDAY 14TH MAY- EARLY YEARS-PUFFINS, PARROTS AND PENGUINS' SPORTS DAY- 10AM (RESERVE DAY- Tuesday 21st MAY 10AM) (NURSERY PLAYGROUND)

TUESDAY 14TH MAY- YEARS 1 & 2- WRENS, ROBINS & OWLS SPORTS DAY 13:30 (RESERVE DAY- Tuesday 21st MAY 13:30) (BELLEVUE PARK)

THURSDAY 16TH MAY- YEARS 3 & 4- CLYWEDOG, CONWY & ALYN- 10AM (RESERVE DAY- Monday 20th MAY 10AM) (BELLEVUE PARK)

THURSDAY 16TH MAY- YEARS 5 & 6- DYFI, GWENFRO, DYFRDWY & GWAUN 13:30 (RESERVE DAY- Monday 20th MAY 13:30) (BELLEVUE PARK)

PE Kits

Please ensure that your child wears the correct PE kit for school PE sessions/ Sports days and events. Please see above- burgundy t-shirt (does not need to have school name on) and blue sports shorts (do not need school name on). Children should also wear black PE pumps or trainers.

A number of children are starting to wear fitted cycling shorts, very short fitted lycra shorts, fashion shorts and t-shirts, football shirts and converse style pumps for PE. All of these items ARE NOT school PE kit and should not be worn. Thank you for your support to maintain our very high standards of dress code. Diolch yn fawr.

First Holy Communion Notice- Cathedral Parish

Message from the catechists:-

A reminder to all children from the cathedral parish who are making their first Holy Communion this year that there is a meeting tomorrow 11th May at 10am and everyone must attend please. Many thanks.

Attendance Matters

Please note school starts 08:55 and finishes at 15:15.

St Mary's Attendance Race 2023-24

Please remember, children should not worry about having to stay off school if they are poorly. Children should only attend school if they are fit and well enough to do so. Routine appointments, holidays during term-time, days off for birthdays however, are not valid reasons to stay off school.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding with this very important matter.

Foundation Phase winners this week are:- Palodau with 96.9%

Dosbarth Palodau-96.9% Dosbarth Parotiaid-86% Dosbarth Pengwiniaid-91.6%, Dosbarth Robin Goch- 88.4%, Dosbarth Tulluanod-91.6%. Dosbarth Dryw- 88.4%

Key Stage 2 winners this week are:- Gwenfro with 97.2%

Dosbarth Clywedog-92.3% , Dosbarth Conwy-91%, Dosbarth Alyn-93.8%, Dosbarth Dyfi-96.4%, Dosbarth Gwenfro-97.2%, Dosbarth Dyfrdwy-91.8%, Dosbarth Gwaun-93.9%

WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TARGET - 96%

WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE- 92.2%- an increase on last week-good news!

Please help us achieve our target next week!!

School Dinner orders

Please ensure that school dinners are pre-ordered at home. Teachers should not be ordering meals in school, as previously advised by WCBC. Thank you

Patrwm Yr Wythnos

The Criw Cymraeg’s ‘Patrwm yr Wythnos’ (Phrase of the week) this week is: Dwi'n ffrind i ti- I'm your friend

Link to video

Makaton Sign of the Week

This week's sign is Jesus

Click on the Link

Class Assemblies 2023-24

Today was Dosbarth Gwenfro's assembly all about the Swinging 60s! They shared their learning and took us through some of the highlights of the decade including the music, dance and school life. The children performed confidently and had so much to share with us all! Da iawn pawb. Parents will be wowed this afternoon! What a super class!

Please see the list of class assembly dates for the school year ahead below:-

Penblwydd Hapus i ti!

Happy birthday wishes to ...

Foundation Phase children-Yemi, Lily

Key Stage 2 children- Isabella

Early Years- Emily went to see the monkeys and Finley went to see Bluey. Isabella went to Conwy, Sam went to the beach and met some family friends, Ashani went to London with her mum, Nancie-Mae's two front teeth have finally come out, Willow went to Comic Con in Liverpool and can now ride her bike without stabilisers Emily saw Zofia at Erddig and Maria is going to gymnastics. Yemi is going bowling for his birthday, Noah and nelly went to see Bluey in Llandudno, Loura has lost a tooth and the tooth fairy brought her some money, Lucja and Patrycja are going to play tennis and Olivia went to the beach with Akia and Loura. Owen started Squirrels this week.

Years 1 and 2- Tommy has lost his two front teeth and had a visit from the tooth fairy, Hania has moved to Wave 6, Hannah is going to Poland next week. Neave went to Welshpool on holiday, Lily Rose is going to London, Daniel is going to Nikelodeonland and Lucja and Jan are going to Spain. Finn is going to a hotel for his grandma's birthday and Dorian is going to Poland in 5 days.

Years 3 and 4-Vanessa M has been to Swansea to see her sister swim for Wxm Swimming club, Paulina and Benj have been to Conwy, Olivia has been to a big family party, Rene and Dylan have been to the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, Akain went to Bodnant Gardens, Rene has a medal for swimming 60 lengths for Cancer Research, Szymon went to Chester fair and Andy has a footie trial for Connah's Quay. Thomas is going camping soon, Lea went to York, Grace went to the cinema, Isabella has birthday money to spend, Pati has a dance competition, Dylan went to the caravan and Gabriel D went to Liverpool. Zuzanna is going to the Titanic museum, Ariana is going to a gymnastics competition, Madison now dances in the line in Morris dancing, Sophie went to Pola's house on the weekend, Sophie is taking part in a gymnastics competition, Mitchell went to Arthur's house at the weekend, Tony is going away to the caravan this weekend and Serah is going to Chester Zoo on the weekend.

Year 5- It's Sophia's sister's birthday this week, Alexandra moved up to Wave 3, Iris has moved up to Wave 4, Ella has a new dog caled Boston, Diego has football trials in Connah's Quay and Sophie had a wonderful Eurovision party!

Year 6-Anna did 100 lengths in a swim-a-thon.

Tocyn Enfys Winners are:-

Martim, Nicolas, Liliana and Amelia K

Staff Training (INSET days 2023-24)

Friday 1st September 2023

Friday 27th October 2023

Friday 22nd December 2023

Monday 8th January 2024

Monday 8th April 2024

Monday 3rd June 2024

Local Support for Families

At this difficult time of austerity, please see some information about local services that are available to provide support to families in need.

Please contact school if you find yourself in a difficult situation and need some help/ support to signpost you to an appropriate service. Your requests will be handled in confidence and with sensitivity. Diolch. Mrs Acton.

HOW TO GET HELP

If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow. THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IS TO GET A FOODBANK VOUCHER.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.

1. GET IN TOUCH WITH US.

If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. ARRANGE A VISIT TO THE REFERRAL AGENCY.

They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.

If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 2082138 (freephone) to speak to a trained and independent Citizens Advice agent (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm). Please note this number is for people who do not have enough money for food – if you are a local organisation or charity that works with people who might need the food bank, please contact us directly.

Alternatively, please call 0300 330 1178 to speak to Wrexham’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau, who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.

3. BRING YOUR FOODBANK VOUCHER TO YOUR NEAREST FOODBANK CENTRE.

You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.

If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.

Yellow and blue (YaB group ltd) is a social enterprise non profit project. Underpinning community projects including positive pathways, food provision and social isolation beating events and activities. With a digital vision within the community - we aim to support vulnerable groups whilst creating a vibrant, supportive and uplifting experience. Creating moments, chances and smiles when people need it most.

Please get in touch by emailing:- info@yellowandblue.org

Pupil Development Grant

The Welsh Government funded Pupil Development Grant is available to help towards the costs of a child’s school uniform and equipment, for those on a low income. Any child eligible for free school meals in the year groups listed below are eligible. However, those receiving free school meals due to transitional protection arrangement would not be eligible.

Depending on the school year your child will be entering in September 2021 you could receive a grant of £125 or £200. Link

Anyone eligible for free school meals and in the following year groups will qualify for the grant: Entering reception class in primary school, Entering school years 1 to 11, In a special school, special needs resource base or pupil referral unit and are aged 4 to 15.For any looked after children of compulsory school age who are not receiving free school meals, please email uniformgrant@wrexham.gov.uk for an application form.

Welsh Courses for Parents

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer in school?

Here at St Mary’s we are very keen to involve parents, grandparents and family members in the life of the school. We are always looking for volunteers to help out a wide range of activities such as school trips and walking the children to sporting events. We are also very happy to invite volunteers to share special skills, interests or experiences to enhance the children’s opportunities or provision e.g. gardening, sewing, sharing job skills/ experiences etc.

If you would like to be involved in any volunteer work for the school, please click on the link and complete and return the forms attached.https://stmarys-wxm.co.uk/about-us/forms/volunteer-form-2/

Please note:- All volunteers will be subject to DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. Thank you

Many thanks.

Welsh Government Announcement

Physical punishment of children is now illegal in Wales. Children have the same protection from assault as adults. This is to protect children and their rights. To find out more visit: http://gov.wales/EndPhysicalPunishment

Support the Friends of St Mary’s

to raise much needed funds for the benefit of all our children Friends of St. Mary’s School are now registered with easyfundraising, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 4,000 shops and sites will donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself!

These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.

Do it today- Sign up by clicking on the link below

Please encourage your family and friends to do the same.

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