Dear Parents/guardians,
As ever, it has been another busy, but successful week in school! I apologise for failing to post the school newsletter last week, unfortunately the app wasn't working properly last Saturday.
Reminder: We have an inset on Wednesday 9th October. Apologies for any inconvenience caused by taking the the day in the middle of the week but it was the only day that the training was available.
Site Renovations
The green mesh is down! As you will have noticed, we have removed the green fence around the school. In November, the children are going to be working with a local artist to create mosaics which we will hang on the fence. I am also working with building maintenance to plant some trees on the yard to improve the environment for pupils.
Headteacher Hot Chocolate
To enhance our celebration assembly, the winners each week will be invited to spend ten minutes and have a hot chocolate with the headteacher. I use the time to talk to pupils and reward them for their hard work.
An alternative will be provided for any children with allergies.
Mobile Phones- Online Safety.
During the summer term. the Local Authority contacted all schools and Governing bodies asking them to review their Mobile Telephone Policy. In recent years, internet enabled mobile devices have caused a significant increase in incidents of online bullying and inappropriate behaviour. Gradually, device usage has become more popular in younger year groups and whereas previously primary schools had very few serious incidents related to devices, this has changed in recent years.
There is broad consensus amongst experts that the use of mobile telephones can be detrimental to child development. At a time where children are particularly anxious and parts of their brains are still developing, mobile telephones can exacerbate concerns and worries that pupils might have. Social Psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, said that the decline of free-play in childhood and the rise of smartphone usage among adolescents are the twin sources of increased mental distress among teenagers.
During the next governing body meeting, I am going to be discussing this guidance with governors at Hook. If you would like to provide your opinion, please click on the click below.
Success @ Arithmetic Intervention
On Monday I spent the evening working with support staff at Johnston and Hook to train them in a new intervention called Success @ Arithmetic. The intervention supports pupils to improve their understanding of key concepts in maths and we are the only two schools in Wales licenced to work with Edge Hill University and use the program. If your child is going to be completing the intervention you will receive a letter to inform you.
Outdoor Learning
On Thursday (last week) pupils in Ser Mor enjoyed a visit to the Cleddau. Classes have also been using our school garden, litter picking and planting daffodils this week.
Rocktober
Mrs Ramsey is organising this years' Roctober event. All profits made will be donated to Hook School.
Sports Fixtures
Lets hope that the lovely autumnal weather holds as we have a few sporting events pencilled in the diary.
- URDD Rugby - 17th October
- Netball - Friday 18th October
- Village Schools Cross-Country - Wednesday 22nd October.
Harvest Festival and Christmas Dates
- Our harvest festival will be held on the morning of 15th October this year.
- Christmas Concerts will be held on: Morning of the 9th December; afternoon of 10th December and after school that day; afternoon of 11th December and after school.
Attendance:
- Attendance reward. Each week, we are going to be setting pupils the challenge of achieving 100% attendance, as a class, for the week. If a class achieves this milestone then we will provide a treat at the fire pit!
As ever, if there is anything that I can help with, my email address is Williamsr1688@hwbcymru.net
Kind regards,
Mr Williams.
Music Information
Pupils from years 2 to year 6 are given the opportunity to have small group music lessons with Mrs Wilkinson every Tuesday afternoon. Dosbarth Morlo and Dosbarth Ser Mor already receive 30 minute class music lessons which have kindly been funded by the FOHS. In addition to this Mrs Wilkinson is able to offer additional small group music instrumental lessons at a cost of £4 per week. If you would like your child to have additional music lessons then please call Mrs Milward to put your child’s name down and make termly payments.
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.