Dosbarth 8 - Year 6 - Mrs Carly - Order No 188

St David's Day Photographs from the Rhondda Leader

This year’s St David's day pictures will appear in editions of the Rhondda Leader in the coming weeks. Pictures are on sale, a large number of parents contact us each year, wondering where they can purchase the pictures. They are available from - Mrs M Gunton 5 Bryn Terrace, Tylorstown CF43 3AU If you have any questions regarding your St David's day picture's please contact her on 01443 733277. Please send your order along with a cheque, made payable to M Gunton to the above address. Prices are a highly competitive £7.00 for an 8 x 6, colour photograph, presented in an attractive folder. Mrs Gunton informs us that each school will once again retain 10% of the money raised by the school, as a good will gesture. The Order number is required for each photograph. Please be mindful that the school is not responsible for ordering these photographs.

Arrangements for Friday 7th February 2014

There seems to have been some confusion regarding the arrangements for next Friday. It is a non-uniform day in support of nominated charity this term and subsequently pupils will be invited to donate a small amount of money to help this cause. In addition the Rhondda Leader photographer will be in school to take photographs for the St David's Day edition of the paper. If you wish you may either send your child in a red or Welsh costume or in normal clothes that's fine. I felt that it was more appropriate to combine the two occasions so that those pupils not wishing to dress up in Red would not feel left out. The donation for not wearing school uniform, as you know is, a way of publicising and raising awareness of the initiative. We will have a representative from the Book Bus in assembly on Friday to share this with the pupils. I hope this clarifies the situation.

Non uniform day to support the Book Bus initiative in Africa.

On Friday 7^th February we are holding a non-uniform day to raise funds for a journey to Zambia to fund a volunteer on the book bus. The Book Bus was founded by publisher Tom Maschler with the aim of supplying books and making them accessible to children. In 2008 the Book Bus began delivering books to schools in Zambia and working with children to inspire them to read. Five years on and Girlguiding Cymru has opened reading schemes in Zambia, Malawi, Ecuador and India where over 5,000 children now have books that are relevant and accessible to read. Gelli Primary School has been asked to assist with this venture and we look forward to continuing the reading schemes in 2014 with the aim of reaching a further 10,000 children by 2015. School uniform will not be needed to be worn for the children on that day in return for a small donation to the appeal.

Back to School on Wednesday 8th January2014

School will be closed for pupils on  Monday 6th January and Tuesday 7th January 2014. The staff will be engaged in INSERVICE training on these two days.

There will be ONE remaining INSET day on Monday 21st July 2014. 

School reopens after the Christmas and New Year break on WEDNESDAY 8th January 2014.

End of term arrangements for the Junior pupils

The staff have asked me to write to parents to clarify the arrangements for the end of term arrangements.

Monday 16th December

Pupils will be rehearsing at the Chapel during the day. They will return to school at lunchtime and at the end of the school day. There will be no need for any additional arrangements to be made.

Tuesday 17th December

Concert arrangements
Mrs Johnson has suggested that all pupils who are in the choir wear the BLACK CLOTHING required for the performance to school in the morning to avoid changing. As you know we don’t ask parents to buy specific clothing for any school event any black shirt / T shirt will be acceptable, however, we will ask you not to display any prominent logos or words on them.
Those pupils who are wearing white costumes will need to wear school uniform and change for the afternoon. They can wear costumes to and from the Chapel at the evening performance.
Pupils are expected to attend BOTH concerts and should be in the Chapel by 5.40 p.m. for the evening performance at the latest. Pupils will be expected to be collected from the Chapel unless you give prior consent for them to walk home.
We will, unfortunately, be unable to accommodate any babies or toddlers as there will be no room for them to sit on laps during the concert or for any prams, pushchairs and buggies. I would appreciate your co-oporation in this matter.

Wednesday 18th December

School uniform is not needed today. There has been a suggestion that if pupils would like to wear a Christmas Jumper and bring in a small donation to charity the School Council will organise a contest to see which class has the best selection of jumpers. In addition pupils can bring in toys and games to play. Please can we not have expensive electronic games, mobile phones or any electronic device that need connection to the Internet. The school cannot provide this and parents are reminded that the school cannot accept any liability for loss or damage to these items.

Thursday 19th December

Pupils can bring in toys for the morning session as per yesterday’s arrangements. During the afternoon the pupils will be having their class parties and enjoying games and other activities in the hall. Pupils can wear party clothes to school if required.

Friday 20th December 2013, Monday 6th January 2014 and Tuesday 7th January 2014 are Staff In-Service training days and school will be closed for all pupils. School recommences for the Spring term on Wednesday 8th January 2014. The one remaining INSET day is an LA designated day on Monday 21st July 2014.

Please will all parents pay any outstanding balances on dinner money and ensure that all clothing and bags are taken home and not left in the cloakrooms.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in sending in so many cards and presents, it is appreciated. On behalf of the staff and Governors may I wish you a peaceful Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Christmas Dinner 11th December 2013

Mrs Edwards and the Catering Staff will be preparing our special Christmas Dinner on WEDNESDAY 11th DECEMBER this year. If your child would like to participate in this event please will you order and pay for the dinner on the Monday as usual.