News Update – Friday 21st February ’25

Reception Walk to Ridgeway

As part of their learning linked to the Mabinogion, Reception enjoyed a walk to the Ridgeway. In school they have been reading the story of Branwen so while they were at the Ridgeway they sketched what they thought Bran the giant would look like; he is rumoured to be buried on the top of Twmbarlwm. Many thanks to our parent and grandparent helpers who came with us on the walk, we couldn’t do it without you! 

Newport Grand Council

This week two of our Senedd members, Violet and Holly, visited Ysgol Gwent Is Coed to attend the Spring Term Grand Council Event. They were given an opportunity to ask questions to the leader of the council about issues affecting schools in Newport. There were also 3 workshops which included discussing sports clubs in our community with Newport Live, learning a language with GEMs and discussing ways we could improve attendance. The girls were fantastic and really enjoyed being able to discuss their views and opinions with other children and have their voices heard by people who can make a difference at Newport City Council.

Sporting Success

On Wednesday some of our Y6 children took part in the Newport Live Girls Football Festival at Newport International Sports Village (NISV). The girls won 3 games, drew 2 and lost 1. They played really well and showed great enthusiasm and resilience in cold conditions. Da iawn!

This week some of the Y5/6 children took part in a Rugby Tournament, also at NISV. The boys played brilliantly, coming second overall! The team won every match but were beaten by Charles Williams in the last few minutes of the final game. A great effort! Da iawn!

Achievements Outside of School

We are also really proud of two of our Year 6 children, Holly and Ellie, who recently competed in the South East Wales Regional Swimming Championships. Both girls won medals at the competition which is a fantastic achievement! Llongyfarchiadau!

Also, Miss Summers and I had the pleasure of going to watch Eva (Year 6) playing mini Elsa in the Rougemont performance of Frozen. It was a brilliant production and Eva really was amazing! Llongyfarchiadau!

PTA Film Night

This week the children Year 3 to Year 6 enjoyed a Film Night with their friends! Thank you everyone who helped out and supported this event. We couldn’t do it without you! All money raised is used to benefit the children in school. We appreciated this additional, much needed funding. Thank you!

Next PTA Meeting – Tuesday 29th April 6pm. Please come along and get involved. We will need plenty of help to make the Summer Fayre a success!

INSET Day

In school today, the staff have been engaged in professional learning opportunities. All Teaching Assistants have completed Emergency First Aid training to ensure everyone remains fully informed and able to use first aid within school. Class teachers have spent time engaging with research and curriculum design methodology which will support the development of our Enquiry Curriculum, placing greater emphasis on purpose-led learning and the application of learning within authentic and relevant contexts.

St. David’s Day Eisteddfod

This week in school we have been celebrating our Welsh culture and heritage. In school the children have been engaging in a variety of activities and competitions. The school has been filled with music, drama, artwork, poetry and songs! We are looking forward to seeing all of your Eisteddfod competition entries from home! Please return these on the first Monday back after half term. Pob lwc pawb! We will hold our whole school Eisteddfod to celebrate St. David’s Day on Tuesday 4th March and the school hall will be open from 3pm Wednesday 5th March if you would like to come and view the children’s wonderful Eisteddfod entries.

World Book Day

Just a reminder that we will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 7th March. We would love to see the children dressed as their favourite book character, bringing the book their character is from into school to share with their peers in the class.

Attendance

A HUGE well done to Year 4 for achieving the highest attendance so far this academic year with 97.2%, exceeding our 96% target. Fantastic!

Our whole school attendance for this academic year is currently 95.3%, slightly below our target of 96%. We are hopeful that attendance over the rest of this term and next term will increase as we leave the winter months and the cold and flu season and move further into Spring and Summer.

We are concerned that a number of children are persistently late in the mornings and are missing out on valuable learning time. Doors open for children to filter in from 8.50am. It is vital that all children are in school and in classes by 9am so they are ready to learn. Thank you for supporting us in this.

School Meals

Please book school meals for after half term by this Saturday 22nd February. Meals served Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th March will be different to the menu due to deliveries following the holiday. Please see email sent 20th February ’25.

Welsh Phrase of the Week

‘Diolch byth!’ – ‘Thank goodness!’

Upcoming Dates

24.2.25 to 28.2.25 – Half-term break

3.3.25 – Return home Eisteddfod entries

4.3.25 – Whole School Eisteddfod

4.3.25 – 6.3.25 – Y4 Parental Consultations

5.3.25 – Eisteddfod competition entries on display in school hall from 3pm

6.3.25 – World Book Day

Please access the diary dates on our school calendar.

Thank you for all your support again so far this term. We value the partnership we have between home and school. It is vital if children are to flourish and to reach their full potential.

Enjoy the half-term break!

Yours sincerely, 

Mrs J. Munslow

Headteacher