Yesterday, December 16th, Welsh Government announced that schools would be allocated 2 planning days at the start of the Spring Term. This will allow school to plan for any changes to school life in light of the OMICRON variant.

Schools will remain closed to pupils on the first two days of the Spring Term, 4th & 5th January but plan to reopen to all pupils on Thursday 6th.

We will communicate via schoop during the two closure days, please make sure you keep updated.

Please continue to remain vigilant for COVID symptoms and keep up to date with the most recent Welsh Government Guidelines.

You should remain vigilant for new symptoms, and try to avoid contact with vulnerable family and friends in the short-term (e.g. elderly relatives or those who are higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection).

Please DO NOT send your child to school if they have any COVID symptoms;

a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

If your child has any of these symptoms then they must be kept at home and take a PCR test.

Children under 5 are no longer required to have a PCR test unless requested by the GP. We ask that you keep your child home until symptoms subside.

Please also be vigilant for the wider symptoms of COVID. These are: fatigue, myalgia, sore throat, headache, sneezing, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, we strongly recommend that they undertake a PCR test.

If someone in your household has symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus and you are fully vaccinated or aged 5 to 17 you should self-isolate and take a PCR test. If your test is negative you can stop isolating.

Face coverings will now be required while on school site and WILL be statutory if INSIDE the building. Parents are asked to make an appointment if they need to speak to a teacher face to face. The most effective way of communicating with staff is to send an email to LlansannorPS@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk where messgaes can be passed on to the relevant person.

School staff are now strongly advised to wear a face covering while inside the school building in communal areas and inside the classroom.

Current recommendation is that rooms should be 'well-ventilated'. while staff monitor the room temperature and battle between thermal comfort and ventilation please be advised it is colder than usual. Please ensure your child is wearing layers to keep them as warm as possible.

We will continue to have an enhanced cleaning schedule, with frequently touched surfaces being sanitised regularly. Pupils, and staff, will be continuing to wash their hands regularly to reduce the spread of germs.

A thorough risk assessment has been completed and submitted by the LA.

Please can you ensure that you follow the latest government guidelines to reduce transmission.

This week we meet the Early Years team who work with the youngest members of our school.

Mrs Thorne

Mrs Thorne has led our nursery for many years. She has seen nearly all of our children's journey throughout the school and is proud to see them grow into wonderful young people. Outside of school Mrs Thorne enjoys keeping fit by attending the gym but most of all enjoys spending time with her Grand daughter who she spoils rotten!

Mrs Maklakiewicz-Evans

Mrs M, as we affectionately call her, works across the school inspiring us all to spend more time in the outdoors. You will often find Mrs M and her family at the beach no matter what the weather. Do not be surprised to see her in the water no matter how cold it is! Mrs M works in the nursery in the morning session and then with different year groups in the afternoon helping pupils to reach their full potential.

Miss Williams

Miss Williams is our Reception teacher and, even though she spent a lot of time with us last academic year, is enjoying having a class of her own. Miss Williams is very musical and plays in a brass band outside of school. She enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters.

Mrs Petty

We are delighted that Mrs Petty has returned from maternity leave and is teaching in Reception alongside Miss Williams. Mrs Petty splits her week between school (Monday to Wednesday) and being a Mum to her two boys at the end of the week. She spends her time running around after her sons but does enjoy keeping fit when she has the time!

Miss Hurley

Miss Hurley works in our reception class alongside Miss Williams. Miss Hurley is a busy bee who does not enjoy keeping still! You always know when Miss Hurley is around as she has been blessed with a 'big voice'! When not in school Miss Hurley enjoys spending time with her lovely family, especially her son and daughter.

We have been so lucky to have arranged Christmas trips this year after the disappointment of last year.

Nursery visited Wiggleys Farm and met Father Christmas and many animals on the farm.

Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 went to see Father Christmas in Playworks - the Meadows, Cardiff. This is what they thought about it:

On their recommendation, Years 3 & 4 arranged a visit to the same Father Christmas! Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as kind to these classes and so we had very soggy staff, and pupils, on their return. Thankfully it didn't dampen their Christmas spirit! Here are some things they said:

I loved seeing the animals, especially the pigs!

I thought it was very exciting!

Year 5 & 6 went on a cinema trip to see 'Clifford the Big Red Dog.'

They loved watching the film and the whole experience of being at a cinema.

Thank you to the staff who made this happen!

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to us by our local community this Christmas.

Thank you so much to the Liley family for once again sponsoring our wonderful tree. You have brought Christmas cheer to all who pass through the foyer! Diolch!

Thank you also to Llanharry Community Council for our Chocolate Selection Boxes. I am sure the children will enjoy!

INSET Days - Schools will be closed for pupils.

Monday 25th April 2022

Monday 6th June 2022

Dates to note this half term:

December

17th - School closes for Christmas 1:30pm

January

Monday 3rd - Bank Holiday

Tuesday 4th - Planning day - school closed for pupils

Wednesday 5th - Planning day - school closed for pupils

Thursday 6th - School reopens for pupils

Thursday 6th - Ephiphany

Thursday 13th - PTA meeting