Dear Parents/Carers,

Much excitement in school today for the 1^st December, which marks the beginning of Advent, and of course for our exciting and fun-filled PTA Christmas Fayre. The weather is perfect for the occasion – cold and crisp!  Thank you all for your generous donations of cakes, toys, chocolate, books and much more.  We look forward to seeing you here later on, and send special thanks to the PTA for organising the event and to all who are helping.

To our families who are celebrating Hanukkah between the 7^th and the 15^th of December we send warm wishes for an enjoyable celebration.  There is a video of the story Hanukkah Bear on the school website (Children > Lakeside Videos > Assembly videos > Hanukkah Story) or via this link https://lakeside-primary-school-cardiff.primarysite.media/media/hanukkah-story

Congratulations to the Lakeside football team.  In their first football match, which was against Llysfaen Primary School, they won 4-2!  The team were given a big cheer in assembly today.  Thank you to Mrs Vanstone and Mr Carey for organising this.

Good luck to all the players in next Monday’s Chess competition and a big thank you to the volunteers who give up their time to run this extremely popular club.

Best wishes to the Lakeside Choir at the CF Music Education Christmas Concert on Tuesday 5th December.  If any families would like to attend the concert, it takes place at Whitchurch High School, Lower site, in the Dutch Barn (take the Power League entrance off Manor Way).  It starts at 6.30pm and is expected to finish before 8.30pm.  No tickets, just a donation at the door.

Morrisons donations

Thanks to Mr Carey’s sister, who works at Morrisons on Newport Road, for arranging donations of items for the Christmas Fayre, including selection boxes, cakes and other treats.  Much appreciated!

Parent-governor ballot

Thank you very much to those of you who have returned your ballot papers for the parent-governor election.  You have until Friday 8^th December at 12pm to return your papers.  Thank you.

Christmas Jumper Day Friday 8^th December

Lakeside are celebrating Christmas Jumper Day by inviting pupils and staff to wear Christmas jumpers to school, and collecting donations for the Save the Children charity.  We understand that Father Christmas (aka Mrs Johns) will be paying us a visit on the gate!

Lost Property

Please see the lost property page of the web site if your child has mislaid something:  https://www.lakesideprimaryschool.co.uk/lost-property-eiddo-coll/  It would help us greatly if children’s property was labelled with their name, especially school uniform, so that we can reunite owners with their clothing or other items.  Many thanks.

Year Group Christmas Sharing sessions reminder

Day / Date – 9.30am starts, Big Hall	Year group
Monday 11th December	Nursery AM Nursery PM (2.15pm)
Tuesday 12th December	Reception
Wednesday 13th December	Year 1
Thursday 14th December	Year 2
Friday 15th December	Year 3
Tuesday 19th December	Year 4
Wednesday 20th December	Year 6
Thursday 21st December	Year 5

Wishing you a pleasant weekend.

Best wishes,

Rachel Mitchell, Headteacher

Upcoming events / Term dates

December

• Monday 11^th December – Nursery Christmas Sharing Sessions 9.30am & 2.15pm
• Tuesday 12^th December – Reception Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Wednesday 13^th December – Year 1 Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Thursday 14^th December – Year 2 Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Friday 15^th December – Year 3 Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Monday 18^th December – School Choir visiting Penylan Care Home 2pm
• Monday 18^th December – Christmas Donkeys visit Nursery
• Tuesday 19^th December – Year 4 Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Wednesday 20^th December – Year 6 Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Thursday 21^st December – Year 5 Christmas Sharing Session 9.30am
• Friday 22^nd December – Pantomime
• Friday 22^nd December – Break up for Christmas

January 2024

• Monday 8^th January – return to school
• Friday 19^th January – Inset Day
• Monday 29^th January – PTA AGM 3.30pm – KS2 Staffroom

Term dates

2023-2024 academic year

Break up for Christmas	Friday 22nd December
Christmas Break		Monday 25th December, 2023	Friday 5th January, 2024
Return to school	Monday 8th January, 2024
INSET DAY	Friday 19th January
Break up for Half Term	Friday 9th February, 2024
Spring Half Term	Monday 12th February, 2024	Friday 16th February, 2024
Break up for Easter	Friday 22nd March, 2024
Easter Break		Monday 25th March, 2024	Friday 5th April, 2024
Return to school	Monday 8th April, 2024
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY	Monday 6th May, 2024
Break up for Half Term	Friday 24th May
Summer Half Term		Monday 27th May, 2024	Friday 31st May, 2024
Last day of term	Monday 22nd July, 2024