Dear Parent/Carer,
The children and staff are really enjoying our whole school project this term. It’s called ‘Cynefin’ which is a Welsh word meaning the place where we feel we belong, where the people and landscape around us are familiar and the sights and sounds are reassuringly recognisable.

This means that we are doing lots of thinking about our local area, about Newport and about our place in Wales and the wider world. The term has started so well with all the lovely activities that classes are doing as part of this ‘Cynefin’ work. There is a real buzz in school at the moment!

Year 3/4 pupils started their ‘Cynefin’ work last Friday with a lovely ‘Over To You’ day in which they shared with others what made them special and designed lots of lovely activities for other children to do. It was really lovely to join this session in the afternoon and be taught by some of the children! 😊

This Week
Today Year Two pupils had their Immersion Day, where they were doing lots of thinking about where they belong and what is special about them.

We were also joined today by Gwent Dragons who are working with class 3/4 MP this term.

On Thursday, we have the first of our Family Learning sessions with Mrs Couch. It is aimed at reception children and is called Reception Reading at Home. It will run from 9.00-10.30am and as always, you will get the chance to work with your child towards the end of the session. Refreshments will also be available. If you’re a Nursery parent and are curious about this session, you would also be welcome to join.

Questionnaire
Thank you very much if you have completed our Behaviour for Learning questionnaire.

I’ve extended it for another four days until Thursday, just in case you didn’t get the chance to complete it last week. It should only take less than five minutes to complete and your opinions are very helpful to us.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bHSD42MGxkBOnR-kRjdTVwjpAGy45UJnAaj_eCXQMUo/edit

The meeting planned for parents has been moved to Thursday 19th January at 2.30pm because I’ve been asked to attend a meeting out of school on Friday 20th; the original date. It would be really helpful to share your thoughts about behaviour and other aspects of school, so if you are able to come, that would be great.

Refreshments will be available.

Stow Hill Pantry
This will be open again on Thursday from 3.15-4.00pm in the Family Room near the Nursery entrance.

Please bring your first token with you.

If you would like to access the pantry, please contact the school for token.

Huge thanks to the parents who have volunteered to help with organizing food on a Wednesday. I’ll contact you tomorrow. I really appreciate your willingness to help.

Spare Uniform
We have many items of good quality uniform that has been donated by parents. If you would like any spare items for your child (useful if items get lost) please contact your child’s class teacher.

Dates
The Diary Dates accompany this newsletter and a paper copy will also be sent home on Tuesday.
The class Theme Plans were also shared with you today.
Monday 30th January – INSET Day (Nursery and School closed)
Friday 17th February – Break up for half term
Monday 27th February – Return after half term (Apologies for the wrong date late week)
Friday 10th March – Cluster INSET Day (Nursery and School closed)
Friday 31st March – Break up for Easter

Very kind regards,
H L Vaughan
Headteacher