Gwersyllt CP

Well there we go, the end of the final day of 2018/19 at Gwersyllt CP… a very unusual year in many ways but also a very fruitful one.

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been many examples of the types of activities that make Gwersyllt CP a wonderful, varied and exciting place to be.

Year 1/2 visited the Jambori last week and came back humming many a tune. This follows quickly on from the Juniors trip to the Eisteddfod and demonstrates the importance the school places on understanding its Welsh heritage and cuture.

Last week we ha the Y6 Leavers service and celebration. The Year 6s did themselves proud- as they have so often this year- put on a great show and a very moving final song (accompanied with video) and the celebrations afterwards were, as always, hugely entertaining.

By some miracle, the following Monday gave us the weather and the opportunity to complete the sponsored obstacle course. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the school are absolutely staggered by the money that was raised. We will be purchasing the defibrillator next September (and we have enough for the accompanying training too). Thank you to everyone for being so generous with your donations. Especially in light of the cause it is going towards, it could truly make a difference.

A big thank you to Mrs Moore’s and Mrs Barclays class for helping to run the event through out the day.

 

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On Tuesday morning, the School Council visited the new build to place the time capsule into the ground of the extension. Many facts, videos, memories and photos have been placed into here and I hope one day they get dug up with hope and awe. The same that the school council showed when they planted it. It was great to be joined by the Governors and the local media as well.

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We ended Thursday with a fair few goodbyes to pupils and staff, and an organised visit by the PTA of an ice cream van for all the pupils. Diolch to the PTA for everything this year and a we wish everyone a lovely break.

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See you next year for the next step on the journey.

Lots happening this week, so I will dive straight in. Monday started of in typically pacy fashion with a trip to Manchester for the Year 5 and 6 pupils. Partially funded by the money earnt doing the Taj Mahal project, the upper Juniors had a blast at the Chill Factore.  I am absolutely including the staff in this. They arrived back about 4.30pm ready for a good nights sleep before Tuesday- More on which next.

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Believe it or not, Tuesday was another trip. Years 3-6 left as soon as possible after registration to make their merry way to Llangollen and enjoy the annual Eisteddfod. Arriving in good time, the groups had a quick look around before making their way into the tent for the service. We were treated to drumming from Ghana, singing from China and a variety of more local performances. After which, it was a quick lunch and an hour or so to spend some money (you will be surprised to know they did this with gusto). There was some magic tricks and circus tricks thrown into the mix as well. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

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Wednesday, had the teddy bears picnic and a sports day event for some of next years newer arrivals. It went smoothly and I am sure there will soon be photos up on the Early Years page.

The final big event of the week was KS2 sports day. My first experience of this and a great one it was too. Thank you to all who attended, the pupils participated admirably and the staff organised it well. Another thumbs up! Somewhat amazingly, given the weather recently, the sun stayed out to. Please have a look at the photos which were kindly taken for us. Diolch!

 

I will keep it brief today as I will be uploading many pictures on Monday regarding the Summer Fair tomorrow. However, there has been plenty happening this week to touch upon.

Mrs McHugh and the Early Years staff hosted the Nursery information evening this Wednesday. It was fantastic to see such a huge turnout to the night and I am sure everyone went away a little clearer about how things will proceed from next September.

We had a week of transition, most of the pupils have now had a taste of their new class and their new teachers. The Year 6’s spent a longer amount of time up at their various High schools experiencing what life will be like after primary school. I look forward to hearing how great life after primary school will be.

We had a special visit on Friday in Foundation Phase (Year 2/3) from Mrs Walkers daughter. She has been hosting workshops in the Story house in Chester, so we were very fortunate to use her expertise with the pupils.

As I have said, I will update this log in a few more days after the Summer fair- I look forward to seeing you there.

And finally, well done to the PTA, school staff and all other helpers in the community for a fantastic summer fair on the school field this Saturday. It was well attended, a joy to be at (despite how soggy some of us got) and raised a lot of money to the school. A huge Thank you again to all that took part or attended and we will let you know the final amount shortly.

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The end of a busy week, with many different events and activities taking place. Much to discuss.

First, we eventually managed to squeeze a successful sports day in. I have mentioned in the Newsletter how impressed I was with the event. Hopefully now we can look forward to further good weather and the KS2 sports day.

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That wasn’t the only sporting event to take part this week. The school also took part with Year 6 in a touch rugby competition and Queensway athletics. Both sets of pupils acquitted themselves fantastically.

We also invited in Alex to give a sample of Taekwondo skills. With a little help from Tyler in Year 6.

Finally, it was also a sad week for the school as Mr Brooker finished his last week here. He has been a fantastic role model for the pupils since he arrived at Gwersyllt CP and we wish him all the best of luck. The pupils created many things to show their gratitude and the collection from the parents was extremely generous and greatly recieved.

Diolch

 

It is a shame that, due to the weather, I don’t find myself sitting down and typing about all activities that were planned for this week. I am sure that many schools across Wales and England will find themselves in a similar position.

We find ourselves in the position of, fingers crossed, having 2 sports days next week. We will attempt KS2 sports day at 1.15pm on Monday whereas the Infant sports day will, hopefully, go ahead as scheduled on the Wednesday. A quick glimpse at the weather shows that next week is anyone’s guess. We can but hope.

During the brief time I have been at Gwersyllt CP I have been struck by how generous the community surrounding the school is, both with donations and their time. Yet again, the PTA have put a lot of time and energy into collecting money for the school. The latest initiative (collecting Dragon Bags) raised almost £200 for the school this week. Thank you to all those that brought the bags in for helping the school and, most importantly, the pupils.

Another thank you to the parents who gave up their time to come to the meeting about the new building on Thursday. I hope they went away with a slightly clearer idea of what we can expect come September and the school really values and appreciates the suggestions given for moving forward into an exciting future.

We have been blown away by the overwhelming response towards the obstacle course and the kindest shown. We will ensure that, when the weather allows, we send out a letter to all about when this will take place.

And finally, during my rounds through the buildings this week I couldn’t help but hear some laughter and activity down the corridors. It was nice to finally see the Welsh vlogging group in action. They were creating videos using ipads, I cant wait to see the end results.

Welcome back after the week away for the pupils for the final half term of the year.

Before I discuss a few things that have happened this week and will be happening next week. Could I please draw your attention to the following leaflets below. Please do read them, you may know someone who can take advantage of the opportunity..

And also the following flyer below (click link)

FoL flier

The mixed weather this week has provided a few opportunities for sports day practice and the reintroduction of the daily mile. The daily mile in particular seems to make a huge impact in the fitness of the school- with many pupils already smashing the records they set at the start. Let us hope that the weather holds up for the following week with sports days and sponsored events commencing. Even if it looks like below it will suffice.

Just a quick reminder whilst I’m on the topic, that KS2 sports day is planned for Wednesday afternoon (weather dependent). A decision will be made as early as possible on the day, but rest assured we will all have our fingers and toes crossed for suitable weather.

The sponsored obstacle course (in order to bring money in for a defibrillator to be located in the new building- a noble cause I’m sure you will agree) will, hopefully, take place through out Friday. Remember your child must have a signed sponsor form and appropriate clothing in order to take part.

This term will have many sporting events with Cricket, Rugby and Netball competitions to name but a few.

Speaking of sport out Year 6 play leaders went out to represent the school on Thursday with Mr Brooker. They have done a great job this year and have been a fantastic example to those who will take over next year. In the next couple of weeks the Year 5’s will work alongside them to learn the skills they will need for next year.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Welcome to the end of a short but busy half term.

There has been plenty happening this week with much being planned for the half term ahead.

If you had happened past the school  at certain times, you may have noticed trials for sports days taking place, daily mails occurring and, at one point, a large group of year 5 and 6 pupils serenading the community with Beatles songs (ob-la di ob -la da being a firm favourite). This was all part of the 60’s theme the pupils have been investigating. We are very fortunate to have Mr Jones available as such a talented musician.

Mr McAteer took three pupils to Glyndwr to look at STEM activities. Having the privilege of picking them up at the end of the day, it was clear that they had fully enjoyed themselves and were buzzing with ideas and energy.

Several of our older pupils also made another visit to Pendine to help with the community there. On this occasion they were painting and, with the help of Mrs Barcley, did themselves and the school proud.

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Some classes in FP also took part in a Pirate day. The pupils looked fantastic and took part in many activities. It gave the teachers an opportunity to make some of them walk the plank- a life long ambition on behalf of the teachers I am sure.

I hope every one has a great week and we will see you all in June.

 

Finally the paper testing is over (I specify this because there are still a few computer based procedural tests to carry out). Well done to the pupils for completing these in the most sensible and calm of manners.

The new building continues to progress. Staff are visiting next week, Many meetings are taking place, including, but not solely, meetings about furniture and fancy new AV systems. The AV system in particular is going to have a huge impact on our performances in school and I look forward to seeing the pupils use the lighting and sound systems to show off the drama, dance and performances.

The building on the outside is also taking shape and you will have noticed that the fencing and outside cladding is nearing completion.

Year 1 also had a visit, much like Year 2 (and class 1 will be visiting shortly). They asked many probing questions that kept Stephen the site manager on his toes.

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When the site is complete we will ensure we have a couple of open days to allow parents and particularly our Year 6 pupils in to have a look around.

Finally we had a very special guest in to award the school prizes for the winner if the ACE logo competition. This was judged by many. A big well done to our winner and our runner up. See their work below.

 

What a miserable week (weather wise, I wasn’t referring to the testing)! Fortunately, next week has forecast much improved weather and hopefully the opportunity to go and enjoy our lovely school field.

Unfortunately, this week has been dominated by the testing but these will soon be over and we can return to relative normalcy. As I said in the newsletter, the pupils have worked hard and have done themselves proud.

Despite this, there have been a few more things that have been going on in school. Some of the Year 5/6 pupils have taken it open themselves to see to the school grounds. They are shifting a few of the stones in the area near the breakfast club entrance and plants have been purchased (A huge thank you to those involved) and will soon be added to brighten up the area. We wont want to leave come July.

Also Year 1 have managed to organise, and go on, a visit to see the new build. Many questions were asked (I think Steve the site manger feels interrogated when the pupils approach him). There will be some photos to follow.

Have a great weekend and fingers crossed for some good weather

An extremely brief blog this week to get use started – just to say welcome back to all and I hope you had a great break. I have been working away from the school for the past few days and only returned to Gwersyllt CP this Friday morning. It has been great to get back and see everybody and wonderful to see examples of the great work the pupils created in Keys stage 2 celebration assembly this morning.

In the afternoon I managed to pop around to meet regarding the new building, check everything was up to speed and, hopefully, ensure that we will be ready for the start of Sept 2019.

Looking forward to the new building we will hopefully be hosting a parents meeting to discuss the vision of the school. Please look out for letters in the next couple of weeks to give you a bit more information.

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend.