12th September 2008
Dear Parents
I've now been told that the canteen will be operating as normal from Monday. The damage caused by the rain last week made it impossible for us to use the building. The children have been wonderful and adjusted very quickly to having lunch in class. They were careful not to make a mess and Mr. Winston and the cleaners have commented on how good the children have been. Thanks must go to the Breakfast staff who have worked very hard to keep the Club going in the mornings. Thank you too for your co-operation this week.
Several adults, including advisers and qualified inspectors, have visited the school since term began and all have commented on the standard of the children's behaviour and appearance. This is a great source of pride both to the school and to the Local Authority. It is made possible by adherence to established school rules and we thank all parents who have supported us in these matters. The school rules are quite clear and perhaps it is useful to remind everyone that the rules pertaining to dress and appearance are as follows:
With the exception of wrist watches, no jewellery should be worn in school. This minimises the risk of accidental injury to pupils, as well as reducing the risk of loss or damage to valuable items.
Earrings are particularly dangerous and cases of substantial injury to children have been reported. Even studs can be pulled or caught in clothing whilst children are playing. Consequently, studs must be covered by plasters before coming to school during the period after piercing. A maximum period of between four and six weeks is allowed for the wearing of studs to prevent holes from closing up again.
Hair sculptures: bleached hair and material braids with beads are not allowed
We are very grateful to all those parents who made every attempt to remove the colour before returning to school. Most organisations, including football teams, have dress codes and the ethos and pride of such organisations are affected adversely when such standards are not maintained. It is a pity that not everyone shares this belief but it remains a commitment of the governors of St. Gwladys Bargoed. It is the combination of a hundred small things that leads to pride in the school and works alongside our commitment to a high standard of education.
It is important to remind you that children are NOT allowed to bring mobile phones to school as we cannot guarantee the safety of such expensive items.
We like to make sure that the children's learning is enhanced by extra-curricular visits. This might involve going to the Library, walking around the area as part of their geography studies and taking part in Forest School activities. Please sign the attached sheet if you are happy to allow your child to participate in such events.
Events scheduled in the diary so far this term are:
September 23rd : Rocket Workshop
October 2nd : Photographer
October 8th : Parent Consultation Evening
October 24th : School closed for teacher training
October 27th-31st : Half Term
November 20th : Infant Department to Blackwood Miners' Institute
'Cinders'
December 10th : Junior Department to the Sherman Theatre to see
The Snow Queen
December 12th : School closed for teacher training
December 19th : End of term
The Christmas concert programme will be sent out separately.
We have a lot of fund raising to do once again this year as we still need so much equipment for the children to enjoy constructive play in the playground. We've achieved a lot already and we are very grateful to the Parents and Friends of the School for their very generous donation which enabled us to have a stage built in the Junior playground. We have a plan for the Nursery yard and we are very keen to get on with it. Children in the Infant Yard and Year 3 children would love to have some new equipment in their areas too – all we need is the money to fund these schemes! So if you feel you can spare some time to help us, please contact Mrs. Murphy.
Best wishes
Kathryn Evans.
