Letter from Mr. Thomas.
I am writing to you at the end of another challenging term. Once again pupils, staff and parents have risen to the challenges that we have faced with great resilience and positivity; together we have achieved so much and are able to reflect on some remarkable things that have been achieved within our school. We have been able to take pupils on trips, continued to develop the school outside area, continued to create an exciting curriculum and undertaken activities and learning that have enthralled pupils. During the last week of term, we had the pleasure of inviting Governors safely into school to look at pupils’ work and for pupils to share their learning experiences. The pupils were so enthusiastic and proud of what they had been learning and achieved. Hopefully in the New Year, when the situation starts to improve, we will once again be able to share this work, as well as resume activities that allow full engagement. I hope that our regular newsletters, new school website, Seesaw messages and Twitter posts have kept you all up to date with school life.
Finally, I’d like to wish you all a wonderful and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.
Mr. Gareth L. Thomas
Amazing News!
Parent, Guardian and Community Consultation
In November 2021 we applied to be a pilot school for Active Education: Extending the School Day and I am pleased to announce that we have been successful in this endeavour. We are the only school in Pembrokeshire selected to develop this project. The pilot provides us with a significant amount of money to develop an extra-curricular programme for our pupils, beginning in January (all activities will be free). You may have been made aware in the news that the Welsh Government is exploring opportunities to ensure that schools are at the heart of the community by providing additional moneys for such activities. The success of this project will be used to direct Welsh Government’s use of money to support young people in improving their physical and mental health. We are the only school in Pembrokeshire that has been selected for this pilot.
Why is this a great opportunity?
We know that childhood is changing at a faster rate than ever before and participation in physical activity and the arts has declined amongst young people. We also know that many children spend far too much time on screens, becoming obsessed with video games and online videos. It is important that we recognise and understand that these activities can be detrimental for our children. Sport and the Arts provide pupils with opportunities to broaden their horizons and develop new interests and skills. The new Curriculum for Wales is all about pupils achieving the four core purposes and becoming: ambitious, capable learners; enterprising and creative individuals; ethical, informed citizens and healthy, creative contributors. We believe that the activities with which we will be able to provide pupils by extending the school day will have a strong impact on pupil development in these areas.
Although the consultation includes options around creative arts, initially we will only be providing P.E. opportunities. When we receive more money from the Arts Council of Wales we will be able to improve our offer to include creative clubs.
#ActiveJohnston
Please let us know your views...
On Monday, I will be available at the end of the school day if any parents would like to discuss any elements of this grant.
Celebration of Learning
Check out our short video highlighting some of our pupil's beautiful work this term!
Governors' Annual Report to Parents
Well Done Frankie!
Frankie has been picked to attend Swansea City Football Club's elite squad, which he attends at Landore training ground every Monday evening. Last week he was asked to play for the Swansea Academy U8s and he did extremely well!
Well done Frankie! We love hearing about achievements outside school!
We have achieved our Green Flag: 6th Platinum Renewal!
We have been awarded our 6th Green Flag in a row. This is a fantastic achievement for pupils and they should be proud of this work.
Talk with Me
‘Talk with Me’ is the Welsh Government’s latest campaign, designed to support parents with any obstacles or questions they may have when helping their children learn to talk. This support is delivered through a range of helpful, expert-led, accessible, tools, tips and resources, so parents can feel confident they are helping to give their child the best start in life. Each week we will share a different resource.
Concern about Pupils' Wellbeing
In this digital age, it is of paramount importance that we protect pupils from accessing information and content which they might find upsetting. It has come to our attention that some pupils have been talking about an online programme called Squid Games. Squid Games is rated as a 15 and the content is both upsetting and inappropriate for pupils.
The internet and digital devices have made our lives easier, however, digital devices and online content do pose a significant threat to childhood, which is changing at a faster rate than ever before. On our website we have a number of digital parenting guides, but here is a summary of support:
- Children shouldn't access the internet away from adults who are able to support and monitor activity.
- Children shouldn't have unlimited access to websites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.
- Children should have screen time limits. Excessive video gaming can reduce attention span and become addictive.
- It can be good for bedrooms to be screen free and pupils should avoid playing on devices before bed as this can inhibit the quality of sleep.
- Encouraging physical activity and hobbies not only supports pupils to improve their physical fitness, it also improves mental wellbeing.
Rev. Marcus Visit - December 21st
We all enjoyed a special Christmas Service in our bubbles with Rev. Marcus today. What a lovely way for pupils to end the term!
Don't forget to support us in Tesco Haverfordwest
We are currently in the Tesco Haverfordwest Community Grants vote. Don't forget to support us with your blue disc, as we have an opportunity to win £1500 for the school!