Dear Parent/Carer,

Happy New Year to all of you, even though it’s a very wet one! Thank you for sending children to school in suitable clothing for the time of year. This morning we were treated to a beautiful rainbow that appeared above the school and seemed to end in the Key Stage 2 Hall. It just shows that even on the dullest days, there is always something bright to look at.

It’s been a busy first week back with a visit from some dinosaurs to Reception children on Wednesday to launch their Dangerous Dinosaurs Learning Project. Not only were there dinosaurs in the Hall, but there were some on the roof too, according to the children, though this may have been down to the thunderstorm that took place at exactly the right time.

Year 1 pupils had a fun morning on Friday as they learned to do the Conga dance for a carnival celebration which is the launch of their Rio de Vida Learning Project all about Brazil.

Kitchen back up and running!

Good news. The roof leak in the kitchen has been temporarily repaired so school meal choices and provision will be as normal next week, starting Monday. Thank you for your flexibility this week.

PTA News

Many of you will have spotted new markings in the Nursery outdoor area – a roadway with zebra crossings, parking spaces and a shop, plus a brightly-coloured hopscotch game. Many thanks to the PTA for funding this – the children and staff are delighted with it.

Protecting children from winter illnesses

In response to the current rises in circulation of Covid, flu and scarlet fever illnesses, we have received a link from County to Public Health Wales information about winter illnesses. The main advice is to keep children home from school if they are unwell.

Back to school advice for parents in Wales to help protect against winter illnesses - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)

Pupils bringing medicines to school

If your child has prescription medicine that they need to take during school hours, please can you fill in the appropriate medical form at the school office. Pupils will need to give the medication to their teacher as soon as they arrive in class. The teacher will arrange for it to be put somewhere safe until it needs to be taken. Unfortunately, no other medicines can be brought to school by pupils. If your child needs to take non-prescribed medicine during the school day, such as paracetamol, you are welcome to come into school to administer it yourself.

Lakeside Citizens Handwashing poster competition

The competition has now closed and we are delighted to have received many great entries. The Lakeside Citizens will start judging the competition shortly and the winners will be announced once the judging has been completed.

Pupil Leadership Team School Mascot competition

The closing date for this competition is next Thursday - 19^th January. In today’s assembly, the team shared some of the entries already received, to encourage anyone who hasn’t entered to do so soon. The entries will be judged at the end of next week.

Year 3 swimming

Year 3 Swimming Lessons will take place every day across two weeks, starting on Monday 6^th March and ending Friday 17^th March. The lessons will be at Splash Central. Details of arrangements will be sent to parents closer to the time.

Lost Property

Please find attached some pictures of lost property we have in school at the moment. We would like to reunite the items with their owners, so please have a look and if you recognise anything, send a note in to Mrs Ullah and she will give the item(s) to your child on Thursdays and Fridays.

Wishing you all a pleasant weekend,

Rachel Mitchell, Headteacher

DATES: 2022-2023 academic year

January 2023

Sunday 22^nd January – Chinese New Year

February 2023

Thursday 2^nd February – NSPCC Number Day

Friday 3^rd February – INSET DAY

Tuesday 7^th February – Safer Internet Day

Monday 20^th February to Friday 24^th February – Half Term break

March 2023

Wednesday 1^st March – St David’s Day

Thursday 2^nd March – World Book Day

6^th – 17^th March – Year 3 Swimming Lessons fortnight

10^th-19^th March – British Science Week

Friday 17^th March – Red Nose Day

Wednesday 22^nd March – Ramadan begins (exact dates TBC)

Friday 31^st March – break up for Easter

April 2023

EASTER BREAK

Sunday 9^th April – Easter Day

Monday 17^th April – back to school

Friday 21^st to Saturday 22^nd April – Eid ul-Fitr (exact dates TBC)

May 2023

Monday 1^st May – BANK HOLIDAY

Monday 8^th May – BANK HOLIDAY for Coronation

Monday 29^th May to Friday 2^nd June – Half Term break

June 2023

Monday 5^th June – INSET DAY

July 2023

Monday 24^th July – last day of term