Class 1 and 2 visit Father Christmas

The Art Gallery at Gelli Primary

Today we held an art exhibition in our school hall.

Thanks to all the children for contributing their work; to the staff for their patience while the work was being undertaken; to Mrs. Davies, our subject leader for art for organising the event; to Mr. Russell for his ideas, framing the exhibits and displaying them. Thank you parents, grans, grandads and family members for your support. Your attendance made the event very special for the children. I am very proud to say that we have some very talented artists in Gelli. Well done everybody. llongyfarchiadau bawb.

Wales v Canada

It has become a tradition for pupils at Gelli Primary School to visit the Millennium Stadium to watch the autumn international fixture between Wales and Canada. Ten staff members and 42 pupils left Gelli at 5. p.m. We walked through the crowd arm in arm to our seats. We sang Cwm Rhondda and Delilah with the crowd, cheered the Welsh team and even did a Mexican wave when the game was stopped for an injury. We had a great time and represented the school with pride. We got home at about 10.40 p.m. tired but having seen our country win.

Infant department visit Father Christmas

This week the Early years and Key Stage 1 children will make their annual visit to see Father Christmas. This year Santa has come to the Rhondda Heritage Park museum and our Nursery and Reception children will visit him on Thursday 27th with Year 1 and 2 visiting him a day later on Friday 28th. You will already have received a letter from your class teacher giving you details of the itinerary and the cost of the trip. Please will you make sure that payment for the trip is received as soon as possible.

Come to our Art Exhibition on Tuesday 25th November

The pupils and staff are delighted to announce an exhibition of the children’s art to be held in our school gallery on Tuesday 25th November 2008.

The children have produced some stunning art and we know you will be proud when you see their beautiful pictures professionally framed and mounted on display stands.

The Visual Arts play a big part in the life of the school and is an area that every child can enjoy and play a full part in. The Art Curriculum encourages display, so having their art framed and displayed will be a big occasion for them. Someone special to show it to will add a lovely finishing touch for them so make a space in your diary for this special event!
These original framed works of art can be purchased by the artist’s family for £6 each.

If you would like to purchase your child’s picture but cannot come to the exhibition, just send the money in an envelope and we will look after delivery.

The exhibition will not be an annual event, so do come along, bring your camera, bring family and friends and with your help we can make it an occasion to remember for everyone.

I would like to wish a warm welcome to parents, grandparents and other family members to join us to view your children’s work. Nursery and Reception children will be in the hall at 3.00 p.m. Year 1 & 2 children will also be in the hall at 3.10. You are requested to collect your children from the hall once you have visited the exhibition. Junior children will join them at 3.15. Refreshments will be available. Please make a big effort to come and see your child’s work and make this exhibition a success.

Armistice day Commemoration

We will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities during the First World war with our children this week. Veterans and members of the British Legion will visit school to discuss their experiences and we will observe the minutes silence at 11.00 a.m. next Tuesday. Children are invited to make a small donation to the poppy appeal if they wish; however, we understand that many of you will have already done so in other ways.

Gelli Primary supports Children in Need

The BBC Children in Need appeal again comes to Gelli again on Friday 14th November. The children will be invited to "defy school rules" and NOT wear school uniform on that day. If they do wear school uniform, they will also be FINED. We invite you to contribute towards a "small change" donation to support those children who are less fortunate than us at this time. We will have our customary talent contest duing the afternoon, so contact Mrs. Johnson or Mrs. O'Gorman for an application form. Details will be circulated by pupil post as usual during this week.

Updates to websites and blogs

The latest newsletter No 9 for the term was distributed via pupil post on Friday 7th November. Details of the Christmas productions and activities were included along with details of our latest Healthy Schools initiatives, including information of our second award. This letter appears on the newsletters page of the school website.

There is also a reminder of the proposed Art exhibition which will be held in the school hall on Tuesday 25th November at 3 p.m.

Visit the Gelli Primary School website for further details.

Gelli Primary receives second Healthy Schools award

On Tuesday 4th November Mrs. Fraser, Mrs. Dyer, Lucy and Dylan visited the annual Healthy Schools Presentation Awards at the ESIS building, Ty Dysgu, Nantgarw. The ceremony celebrates the achievements of schools who are working towards the accreditation and each year schools agree an action plan to meet the criteria for each phase. Last year, our work on the school environment during Focus week, our nutrition and hydration policy and other activities impressed the assessors and we were awarded our second plaque to add to the one achieved in 2007. Dylan and Lucy demonstrated some of the videos we have published on this blog to promote our work here at Gelli. They represented the children in receiving the plaque on behalf of all the children, staff and parents who have worked so hard in achieving this award again this year. We are busy planning another action packed year in our quest for a third plaque. Well done Gelli. llongyfarchiadau.