Welcome back to the new academic year which will hopefully feel a little more normal compared to the last 18 months. It has been so lovely to see the children return after the summer break with such enthusiasm and readiness to learn. We extend a warm Brynmill welcome to all of our new families joining our school community this term.

We continue to follow the safety measures outlined in Welsh Government’s Operation Guidance for Schools and are maintaining vigilance in the context of the rising number of Covid cases in Swansea.

As I understand it, Senior Officials and Public Health Wales will continue to monitor the situation and we are reminded that although restrictions have lifted, voluntary precautions such as social distancing do make a difference. On that note, could we politely ask that once parents/ carers have collected their child/ren, they move away from the fence/ gate. This will not only help with over crowding but it makes it easier for us to see who is next in the queue to collect their child.

Can I take the opportunity to thank parents for their patience and understanding this week whilst we have introduced our new drop off and collection arrangements following the removal of the staggered starts. As a result of our ongoing monitoring of this trial, we have already made some improvements to the way we manage our beginning and end of day procedures.

Changes to contact tracing and self-isolation from this September

As we return to school, there are some new arrangements in place when someone tests positive for COVID-19. These changes have been made possible by the vaccination programme and the significant reduction in numbers being hospitalised and suffering severe illness due to COVID-19 over recent months.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19 using a PCR test, NHS Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) will contact you, using the details provided when the PCR test was ordered. They will ask questions designed to identify recent close contacts of your child, and for contact details – if you know them – of the individual or their parent/guardian. TTP will then get in touch with these close contacts to provide instructions or advice.

Those who are under 18 or fully vaccinated are no longer required to self-isolate if they are identified as close contacts. But they will be contacted to let them know that they’ve been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. They will also be offered two PCR tests and provided with information and advice on how to minimise the risks of onward spread. If your child is identified as a close contact, they can still attend school unless they develop symptoms or are advised otherwise by TTP. Please continue to let us know if your child tests positive.

If a child tests positive, only a minority of their classmates will be identified as close contacts. But if there is a pattern of cases TTP may ask us to update you on the situation and remind you of key steps, including advising you to keep an eye out for new symptoms your child may develop, and to stay away from vulnerable family and friends in the short-term.

We do expect that there will be cases of COVID-19 across our community over the coming weeks, but this does not mean that COVID-19 is spreading within the school. Please continue to be vigilant for symptoms. If you are in any doubt, order a PCR test for your child at www.gov.uk/get‑coronavirus‑test or by calling 119.

Anyone with symptoms – a new continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste – should remain in self-isolation until the test result is known. You can find the latest information on self-isolation arrangements at www.gov.wales/self‑isolation.

We recognise how difficult the past 18 months have been and the sacrifices that all families have had to make. Thank you for everything you have done to support your child and our school.

Cofion/Regards

Miss Simons

Fruit Tuckshop – We are reintroducing our Fruit Tuckshop, where children can enjoy a piece of fresh fruit everyday. This will be available to all classes apart from Rainbows and Super Stars, who are welcome to bring in their own healthy snack.  If you would like to opt in it will start on Monday 20th September, and cost a total of £5.00 for the first half term (5 weeks). Please pay on Squid by Thursday next week, so we can order the correct amount of fruit.

Breakfast Club – If you would like to be added to the Dojo Group for Breakfast Club, so you can access the booking form, please contact Miss Rees. Our Breakfast club runs from 8.00 am until school starts and costs £1.00 per child per day (unless you are entitled to Free School Meals).

ClassDojo – Please ensure you are able to access ClassDojo to have access to important messages from the school or class teacher, if you have lost access or need a joining code, please contact Mrs Morgans.

Contact Forms – A big thank you to everyone who has completed the contact forms, if you haven’t had the opportunity yet, please complete as soon as possible so that we have up to date information. Contact form

New pupils – If you haven’t already provide proof of your child’s date of birth and proof of address, please do so as soon as possible.

Change of address – If you have moved home in the last few months, please provide proof of your new address, such as a Council Tax Bill, Utility Bill, Driving Licence, or Tenancy agreement. Thank you

Dinner Monies – Just a little reminder that school dinners should be paid for in advance, please ensure that you have enough in your sQuid Account ( Dinner Money Purse) to pay for the week’s meals. You are able to set up an auto top up to ensure you never run out of funds. ( If you set up auto top up and you get a new debit card, please log in to your account to update your card details)

Free School Meals – if you think you may be eligible to free School meals, please go to the following link for more information https://swansea.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals 

Birthdays  – We are happy to help your child celebrate their birthday with their classmates. If you would like to send in cake, please make sure it is in the form of  small individual cakes such as fairy cakes or mini rolls etc. Unfortunately we are unable to accept any large cakes which have to be sliced into smaller portions, gift bags or party decorations. Please check with the class teacher before hand as there may be children with dietary requirements in the class to take into account.