St Mary's & St Patrick's RC Primary Newsletter March 2023

Dewi Sant

Dewi (David) was brought up at Hen Fynyw near Aberaeron by his mother Non. Together, they founded a convent at Llanon, a nearby town. He was educated at the monastery of Hen Fynwy and his teacher was Saint Paulinus. He performed several miracles in his life including restoring Paulinus’ sight by placing two hands on his eyes.

One of his many achievements was opening 12 monasteries. The largest monastery was in Mynyw, West Wales. He devoted the majority of his life to strict monkhood. When following monastic rules, monks had to:

pull the plough themselves without draught animals;

drink only water and eat only bread with salt and herbs;

spend their evenings in prayer, reading or writing;

participate in crafts and trades; beekeeping was very important;

keep themselves fed as well as looking after the poor.

No personal possessions were allowed - even saying ‘my book’ was regarded an offence.

Saint David lived a simple life.

Legend has it that he performed many miracles. His most famous miracle took place when he was preaching in the middle of a large crowd in the village of Llanddewi Brefi. The spot of ground where he stood is said to have risen so that he was standing on a hill and everyone had a better chance of hearing him.

A white dove, which became his emblem, was seen sitting on his shoulder.

Saint David died on March 1st, 589, at Mynyw. It is believed that he was over one hundred years old when he died! He was buried in a shrine in the 6th Century Cathedral in Mynyw, which is in ruins nowadays.

In 1120, the Pope announced that David was a saint and soon after, he was named the Patron Saint of Wales. March 1st is an important festival in Wales and is also celebrated across the world.

Contact details

Please can you make us aware of any changes to your address or telephone numbers. Any allergies, medical issues or anything else that will help us support your child's needs.

Handle with Care

This is a message that can be sent to the text service or Class Dojo to tell us that your child needs a gentle approach today. You do not have to tell us any more than 'Handle with care'. We will know that your child will need extra time, patience or help.

School Day

A huge diolch yn fawr to the majority of parents and carers who support our drop off and pick up times.

Please can you help your child to make the best of their school day. There are too many late arrivals and this has a negative impact on your child's learning and attitude for the rest of the day. Our school open our doors at 8.45am and children can come into class to get themselves ready and settle in before the day begins at 8.55am. Being on time or early is a skill in life and sets us up for the day ahead. Imagine being a child walking into a classroom where everyone else is engaged in their learning and the day has already began. This does have a negative effect on children and can place them in the wrong mindset for the rest of the day.

Also collecting your children early has an negative impact on your child's learning too. I appreciate that there are appointments and times when there is no option but to collect children early, however, we must work together to ensure that these are limited and cannot be helped. Children are often in the middle of a task that they really do not want to leave.

Your support in these matters would be very much appreciated.

Reminder of arrangements

• Breakfast Club – the main gate to the yard will become the entry point – 8.15am until 8.30am. After 8.30am unfortunately we cannot permit children to breakfast club, as BCBC policy.

• Mr Ballenger will be on the gate to ensure the children come in safely.

• All classes will come through the main gate on the yard – Doors will be open from 8.45am for children to come in to class, ready to begin their day

• The Church steps remain closed for Health and Safety reasons.

These doors will still be manned by staff and we are continuing with spraying of hands as a form of hygiene.

This will be the same for pick-up – Nursery pick up time is 3pm. Reception to Year 6 – 3.15pm

Please can I remind you of the importance of taking care when driving to school. We are on a very tricky site and the safety of our children must be paramount. It is your responsibility as parents and carers to ensure your child is safely through the school gates. Please do not drop them off and allow them to run to the gates. Can I also ask you to be very mindful of parking and try not to park in the Church grounds.

Jesuit Pupil Profile - Eloquent & Truthful

Dear Father,

We pray our school will be filled with love

We pray our learning will be full of truth

We pray our playground will be full of joy

We pray our friendships will be full of forgiveness

We pray our teachers will be full of wisdom

We pray our community will be full of hope

May we run with your love

Build on your truth

Play with your joy

Share your forgiveness

Rest in your wisdom

Every day

Amen

Thank you again for your continued support and care for our whole team. If there is anything you would like to discuss, please get in touch. I am available on Class Dojo, email - head@stmstpcs.bridgend.cymru or ring Reception for an appointment.

God Bless you Always. Mrs Kelly-Fisher