Croeso to our St Mary's Weekly Newsletter!
Let us Pray- Gweddiwn
Lent 2024
St Patrick's Day Sunday March 17th
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Next Tuesday 19th March, Fr Nicolas has organised for a number of priests to provide the opportunity for our children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in school. This is a wonderful way for us all to say sorry for our wrong-doings and grow closer to God during Lent.
Stations of the Cross
On Thursday 21st March, we will pray the Stations of the Cross together as a whole school community. We look forward to sharing in this very special and thought-provoking opportunity to walk beside Jesus on his way to Calvary.
Parents' Evening March 2024
Diolch to all parents who attended this week's parents' evenings either on-line or in person. We would like to hear your feedback on having the choice about how you could meet your child's teacher/s. Please let us know how you thought it went. This will help us to plan future parents' evenings. Please click on the LINK here
Leader Awards Ceremony- St Mary's Nomination for Primary School of the Year
Yesterday evening, Mrs Jones, Mr O'Toole, Mrs Bennington (Chair of Governors) and I attended the Leader Education Awards ceremony at St David's Park Hotel which was presented by ITV Wales newsreader Andrea Byrne.
As you are aware, some of our amazing parents nominated us and we were shortlisted in the Primary School of the Year category. Being shortlisted for this amazing award is a great honour, particularly as it comes from those who mean the world to us and without whom, we couldn't do what we do.
Sadly on this occasion, we didn't win the overall award, but as I've said on countless occasions, we are an incredible team and are very blessed with outstanding staff, children, parents and governors. Diolch o galon to everyone.
To quote Mrs Sinclair this morning: "We win everyday at St Mary's!"
A few photos of the evening...
Calling all St Mary's Family- present and past...
Can you help us?
After Easter, our whole school topic is 'A twist in time' and we are going to be delving back into our school history books to find our more about the history of our wonderful school here in Wrecsam. If you or any members of your family or friends attended St Mary's or if you know of any past teachers or staff members, please share this information with them. We have shared the link via our social media platforms @stmaryswxm. We look forward to sharing our learning with you all. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Please click on the link to add your memories. Please see our school social media accounts to share. Diolch.
Next week- Thursday 21st March - eyes down 5.30pm (doors open at 5pm)
St Mary's World Book Day Event- Friday 22nd March
We are very conscious of the need to try be aware of the cost of living crisis and its affect on all our St Mary's families. World Book day costumes can be costly and as such, we decided to focus on the REAL meaning of celebrating this special day this year -i.e. nurturing a love of books and literature in all of us.
Therefore, all you need to do this St Mary's World Book day is to wear your PJs and bring along your favourite book to share with your class. For some added fun, the teachers have teamed up to create a little competition to guess who is reading behind the masks- 'The Masked Reader'. Please see link to Masked Reader and answer sheet below.
The Masked Reader 2024
Click on the LINK to listen to each masked reader. Can you guess who is behind the mask? All will be revealed on Friday 22nd March in assembly! Link to answer sheet HERE (Also see below) (Any paper to record answers is also fine!)
Prizes for all those who correctly guess ALL teachers! Return all entries by Thursday 21st March please.
COMPETITION TIME FOR KS 2 CHILDREN
Year 5 STEM Workshop
This week is British Science Week and year 5 enjoyed a super science workshop delivered by Mrs Korczynska (Emilia's mum) and two of her colleagues from IPSEN. The children learned about various famous scientists and the possible jobs they could do when they are older. They looked carefully at bacteria, how medicine is made and even dressed up as real scientists using the correct clothing. The children enjoyed the hands-on experiences and look forward to their next workshop. Thank you to Mrs Sinclair for organising this super treat for the children.
Year 3 Music Workshop
On Wednesday, the Year three children had a great lesson with the Music man learning chords on ukuleles. They even learned how to put the chords to songs. Ardderchog!
Year 3 visit to St Giles Church and YAB
Dosbarth Conwy had an enjoyable morning visiting St Giles church, YandB and Wrexham library. We had met Vicar Jason in church and completed quiz. Our eyes had to be everywhere for the answers!
Next we took food to YandBs food larder and asked Sam (who works there) thought provoking questions. We have been discussing YandB in REVE and discussing their Christian values.
We finished off with a lovely story (read by Rene’s Dad) in Wrexham library. What a super day!
World Down Syndrome Day- Rock Your Socks
Wear odd socks on Thursday 21st March to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us! Please bring £1 to buy a gingerbread sock to support the wonderful work of FrienDS support group in Wrexham. (Please see below)
Easter Holidays - School Closes on Friday 22nd March and reopens to children on Tuesday 9th April. (Mon 8th April is a staff training day)
Attendance Matters
Please note school starts 08:55 and finishes at 15:15.
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:- Pengwiniaid with 98.8%
Dosbarth Palodau-86.2% Dosbarth Parotiaid-91.2% Dosbarth Pengwiniaid-98.8%, Dosbarth Robin Goch- 81.6%, Dosbarth Tulluanod-88.8%. Dosbarth Dryw- 95.7%
Key Stage 2 winners this week are:- Clywedog with 98.3%
Dosbarth Clywedog-98.3% , Dosbarth Conwy-96.1%, Dosbarth Alyn-95.6%, Dosbarth Dyfi-96%, Dosbarth Gwenfro-94.8%, Dosbarth Dyfrdwy-97.9%, Dosbarth Gwaun-94.6%
WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE TARGET - 96%
WHOLE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE- 94%- a slight dip again this week!
Please help us achieve our target next week!!
Patrwm Yr Wythnos
The Criw Cymraeg’s ‘Patrwm yr Wythnos’ (Phrase of the week) this week is: Ga i fenthig...? Can I borrow...?
See VIDEO link
Class Assemblies 2023-24
Dosbarth Dyfi led a super assembly today on the theme of Hope. The children talked about their hopes and dreams and shared their learning about the importance of hope during World War II. The children acted, danced and sung and we all thoroughly enjoyed their assembly. Diolch pawb. We look forward to welcoming parents this afternoon!
Please see the list of class assembly dates for the school year ahead below:-
Early Years- Nathan went to Banana Ben's, Zofia and Maria are going to Patrycja's house, Lennon is going bowling with his friends and nelly is going swimming with her dad.
Years 1 and 2-Fiadh is going to Llandudno on Easter Sunday, Kiki, Joanna B and Lena D are going to Rainbows' sleepover party and Daniel is going to Liverpool. David is going to Portugal and Zaneta is proud of the progress she is making in her swimming class!
Years 3 and 4- Niamh has another swimming gala and Grace has joined Wrexham swimming club. Bianca is going for horse-riding lessoms. Dillan has passed Wave 3, Benj, Rene and Dylan are going to RAF Cosford with Beavers, Dylan has been to Peckforton Castle and Joia has started fencing lessons. Vanessa K has got a new bunny rabbit, Madison had a morris dancing competition and received a medal, trophy and certificate for hard work and determination pre-season.
Year 5- Y 5 Dyfi and Gwenfro can't wait to go to Glan Llyn next week! Sophia is going to Leeds at the weekend and Mark moved up to Wave 7. Matilda is excited for Glan Llyn and Rodrigo's sister is turning 2 on 14th March!
Year 6-Boe has won a dancing trophy at an awards nighty for Annbraize and Bella-Rose has seen her friend Beatriz for the first time in 4 years- an emotional reunion! Bella Rose is alos going to the caravan in Prestatyn this weekend.
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.
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