Plastic Free Day – Thank you to everyone who joined in with Plastic Free Day, a lot of children had reusable water bottles and plastic free lunches, we even had the milk delivered in glass bottles, which was nostalgic for some members of staff, and a complete novelty for the children! The Eco club were interviewed by Bay TV about the initiative, and we will let you know when you can see it.
School Photographer is with us next week on Wednesday for Class & Team photos, please can all children wear school uniform or school colours. Y6’s can wear their leavers hoodies.
Y5/6 Swimming Sessions – Please note that these have changed from a Thursday morning to a Wednesday afternoon.
What’s on next Week ?
Monday – Eco Club
Wednesday – School Photographer
Wednesday – Choir, Y4 to Y6 for existing members of the choir.
Thursday – Football
What’s Coming Up?
Fri 24th May – Y5/6 River Trip. Please pay voluntary contributions of £3.00 on sQuid
Monday 3rd June – Inset Day
Wed 5th June – Eid – Please let the school office know if you will not be attending school due to religious observance.
Mad Science After School Club, in a change to the advertised dates, these will now start on Tuesday 11th June, and finish on 16th July.
Wed 12th June – Rags to Riches appeal, collection of clean used clothing.
Top up- Please remember to top up on sQuid for fruit, school dinners, Early Bird Club, and as always we welcome voluntary donations to our Activity Fund. Please contact the school office if you need to register or have problems with sQuid.
Nursery September 2019 – We are starting to prepare for September, so if you have younger siblings or friends with children who are due to start, please make sure you have applied, please contact the school office if you need to check.
Mad Science were in this week for an assembly, and will be starting their After School Club after Half Term. Please see the flyers that have been sent home for more information.
What’s on next week ?
Monday – Bank Holiday – No School
From Tuesday – National Tests for Y2 to Y6
Wednesday – Plastic Free Day, please join us in trying to cut down on single use plastics, and use reusable alternatives instead.
Wednesday – Curriculum Forum for Parents at 5pm
Thursday – Y5/6E Swiming at Bishop Gore
Friday – Y1/2L Class Assembly
What’s coming up?
Wed 15th May – School Photographer for Class & Team Photos
Fri 24th May LFPM Class Assembly
Mon 27th May to Fri 31st May – Half Term
Monday 3rd June – INSET DAY 4 – School closed for staff training
We were overwhelmed by the positive and helpful feedback we received in our recent parental questionnaire. So many of you took the time to thank the staff for their hard work and commitment. We recognise that there is always room for improvement and the following areas have been identified for further consideration:
Homework
Visits and events
Can we take the opportunity to say thank you for this but also thank you for your continuing and relied-upon support.
Book Fair –
The Scholastic Book Fair, run in March, raised £261.81p for the school to spend on books. This is a brilliant result! Huge thanks to all our Friends of Brynmill Primary School helpers, and to everyone who supported the book fair.
Marathon –
Good luck to Mr Davies who will running the London Marathon again, and raising funds for our school. If you would like to show your support there is a fundraising page here, or you can pay on sQuid, or by cash to the school office.
This Week –
Some members of our Eco Club went to an Eco-Brick workshop in the National Waterfront Museum, they were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject of plastics and it’s effect on the environment.
After Easter –
Please remember to top up for School Dinners, Fruit, Early Bird Club, and Activity Fund. Please remember we only take online payments now. Please contact the school office if you need a hand setting up your sQuid Account.
After School Activities – Monday – Eco Club (until 4pm), Thursday Football.
The Events section of the Website has been updated for the Summer Term, please take a look.
National Tests for Year 2 to Year 6
Date / Test
Numeracy Reasoning
Reading English
7 May/Mai
Yr/Bl 3
am
Yr/Bl 6
am
8 May/Mai
Yr/Bl 2
am
Yr/Bl 4
am
Yr/Bl 5
am
9 May/Mai
Yr/Bl 2
am
Yr/Bl 3
am
10 May/Mai
Yr/Bl 4
am
13 May/Mai
Yr/Bl 5
am
Yr/Bl 6
am
14 May/Mai
MOP UP
MOP UP
The Numeracy Procedural Test are online and will be done in small groups throughout the month of May. Click here for more information on the Personalised Assessments.
We hope you all have a lovely break, and we will see you on Monday 29th April for the start of the Summer Term.
Y5/6 Residential – the children have just arrived back after a very busy week of activities at St Madoc, they were all very happy, but very very tired!
On Wednesday children are invited to wear their Onesies or Pyjamas to help raise awareness for Autism.
On Thursday Mrs Roach’s Reception and morning Nursery class will be holding their Class Assembly – All welcome to come and watch.
No After School Activities next week.
Friday – Last day of term ( normal finish time), Foundation Phase Children– Nursery to Y2 are invited to bring in their Easter Bonnets for the Parade which will start about 9.00ish and last about 20 minutes. Parents are invited to stay and watch. If the weather is fine it will take place in the front yard, and if not it will be in the main hall. KS2 children – Y3 to Y6 are invited to decorate a hard boiled egg for the chance to win an Easter Egg. There is no theme this year, so they can let their imagination/creativity run wild!
Easter Holidays – We are on holiday from Monday 15th April to Friday 26th April, and we start back on Monday 29th April.
Coming Up
Y3/4J Class Assembly – Friday 3rd May
Y1/2L Class Assembly – Friday 10th May
National Tests – for Year 2 to Year 6 – Tuesday 7th May to Tuesday 14th May
Many of you will know that I raised money last year for FBP to help the school. Many do not realise the full impact of continuing cuts to education budgets. This means that it is increasingly challenging to meet the needs of all our children.
Last year the money was used to purchase additional items such as Maths equipment and electronic devices that benefit and enhance the children’s experiences. At this time, budgets barely cover the costs of staffing and Brynmill School, like many others, rely on goodwill of staff and fundraising to pay for additional resources that help children gain access to creative and innovative experiences. I also made sure that the school made a charitable donation to Unicef, a cause linked closely with our school Ethos promoting the Rights of the Child.
This year the children themselves are considering ways they can raise money for electronic and audio equipment to enhance their Performing Arts abilities on stage. This will not only make our school performances more engaging but also give pupils greater confidence acting and performing in front of an audience. I would like to help them reach their goal. I also pledge a donation to charity, which this year will be based on a cause the children will choose from using Pupil Voice.
Last year, I ran my first London Marathon. Words fail me how hard the last 10 miles were in the 27 degree heat and coping with a last minute injury sustained while playing football with the children on the residential trip! This year I am vowing to beat my best time and complete it in under 3 hours 30 minutes. I have been training since December and I know that the thought of raising money that will secure improvements to children’s opportunities in my school will keep me going to the finish line.
Please follow the link below to donate. Thank you.
On Monday our Eco club did a litter pick on Swansea Beach, and collected a sack full of wet wipes, cotton bud sticks, cans, bottles, and micro plastics.
On Wednesday Y5 went to a Welsh Gig in the Grange Primary School, and enjoyed a variety of pop songs and show tunes that had been translated into Welsh.
Also on Wednesday we had two Pupil Voice Workshops, and received some very positive feedback from the parents who attended.
Thursday we had our Maths Day, and the Foundation Phase children found a giant footprint in their classrooms, and had to use maths skills to work out who they belonged to. KS2 children found out that a valuable artifact had been stolen, we had a visit from PC Paul, and a crime scene in the photocopying room, children used their maths skills to work out the height of the suspect.
Next week – there are no After School Activities
Monday to Friday – Y5/6 Residential trip to Llanmadoc
Friday – Miss Maliphant’s Reception and Morning Nursery Assembly
Thurs 11th April – Mrs Roach’s Reception and Morning Nursery Assembly
Fri 12th April – Last Day of Term,
Fri 12th April – Foundation Phase – Easter Bonnet Parade, children are invited to make an Easter Bonnet at home, and bring it in on the day, Parents are invited to stay and watch the parade, which starts at 9.00am approx and lasts for 10-15minutes.
Fi 12th April – KS2 – Decorate an egg competition. Children are invited to decorate a hard boiled egg, there is no theme this year, so let your imagination run wild!
Easter Holidays – Mon 15th April – to Friday 26th April.
We have a few competitions taking place at the moment.
My Amazing Dairy – a creative writing competition for children in Years 1 & 2, with prizes for the winning pupil and the winning school. Closing date 12th April 2109.
The Incredible Diary of … – a creative writing competition for children in Years 3 – 6, with prizes for the winning pupil and the winning school. Closing Date 12th April 2019.
Easter Egg Design Competition – for all ages. The winning school will receive £100 and the winning designer an Eater Egg. Closing Date 5th April.
If any of our creative pupils would like to enter any of the competitions, please contact the school office for templates.
Red Nose Day, thank you to everyone who has supported Comic Relief today. We are still counting the money, and will let you know soon how much we have raised. Thank you to our Enterprise Troopers for organising the events.
Our Rags to Riches Collection raised £195.00 for the school, and they will be back in June.
Year 5/6 watched a performance of Abbie Ayre and the shed of Science, which will was about Air Quality and Sustainable Travel.
Thank you to two of our parents who came into talk to the pupils as art of Science Week. Mrs Clulee talked about making textiles out of banana leaves, and Dr Baker talked about turning steel into cars. Diolch.
Attendance – Llongyfarchiadau to LFPR with 97% and to Y3/4J with 100% attendance this week.
Y6 – The leavers party will be held on Saturday 20th July at Tycoch Sports Hall starting at 1.45pm. Please could anyone with children in Year 6 and interested in attending join the Facebook group Brynmill Year 6 Leavers group or speak to Mason’s mum Sian Harvey or Blake’s mum Zoe Melville for all additional information. The leavers hoodies have now been ordered.
Monday & Tuesday – Parent’s Evenings for Reception to Year 6 pupils, please contact your child’s class teacher if you would like to make an appointment.
Monday & Tuesday – Book Fair – PTA book fair on Monday & Tuesday after school.
Wednesday – Cross Country
Thursday – Dr Bike – Y5/6 children are invited to bring their bikes into school on Thursday for free maintenance checks.
Thursday – Football
Friday – Y1/2B Class Assembly – All welcome
Friday – Science Exhibition – Parents invited to join us between 2.00pm and 3.00pm
What’s coming up?
Eco Club Beach Litterpick – Monday 25th March
Pupil Voice Exhibition 2.30pm & 5.30pm – Wed 27th March
Y5 Welsh Gig – Wed 27th March – £2.50 contribution towards transport please.
Y5/6E Class Assembly – Fri 29th March
Monday 1st April to Friday 5th April – Y5/6 Residential
Foundation Phase – Easter Bonnet Parade – Fri 12th April, KS2 Easter Egg Competition
I am excited to report that our Cross Country team completed their final qualifying match on Monday. Conditions were a little wetter this time, but I was so proud of how they competed and showed resilience in fighting all the way to the finish line.
As a result, Lili (2nd in Race 1) and Blake ( 3 wins out of 3) had already qualified for the Area Final courtesy of their individual performances. But thanks to their hard work as a TEAM, I am pleased to say that both the Boys and the Girls Teams have qualified for the Area final on 29th March. Not bad in our first year of training!
Congratulations and Well done Team Brynmill!
A link to photos kindly taken by Mrs Sullivan can be followed here, I’ve checked permissions.
Last week we welcomed Emma Cownie, a local Artist who came to visit Y5/6 as part of Welsh Week.
Emma was very impressed by our children, and took the time to email the school to let us know.
Dear Miss Simons,
I was invited to come and talk to your Y5 pupils this morning by Mrs Lewis. I am writing to you to say how much I enjoyed visiting your bright and friendly school.
I was really impressed by the enthusiasm and excellent behavior shown by your pupils. They asked lots of really thoughtful and interesting questions. I hope that I have inspired a few future artists.
The pupils were a real credit to you and your school. Please also pass on my thank to all the staff who attended the chat, including Mrs Lewis who I didn’t have a chance to speak to before I left,
Best wishes,
Emma Cownie
The children really enjoyed her talk, and even had a go at replicating one of her pieces of art.
Wow, what a busy week, with lots of activities to celebrate our Welsh Week.
On Tuesday we had our St David’s Day Concert with various classes performing, and the Chairing of the Bard ceremony, Llongyfarchiadau Alexia! This was repeated on Wednesday for the parents to watch, and we would like to thank you for your support, we had a queue stretching all the way to the shelter, and hurriedly had to organise extra chairs for you all.
The winners of last years flag competition saw their designs incorporated into one design which is proudly flying from our flagpole.
We had lots of entries for the Welsh Week Competition, which will be judged next week, so still time for any late entries.
Mrs Bruce-Lloyd who is one of our Parent Governors came into Y1/2 and cooked Welsh Cakes for the three classes and staff, they were delicious. (Culinary skills are not a requirement for being a Parent Governor, but are an added bonus 🙂 )
Nursery & Reception practised their Welsh Folk Dancing Skills, Y3/4 had a Twmpath, and Year 5/6 had a visit by local artist Emma Cownie,
Some our Eco Warriors were interviewed by The Wave and met Jamie who presents the afternoon show. They were excellent ambassadors for the school, and will also feature in their Women of Steel promotional voice clips which will be aired at a later date.
Next week we will be supporting Comic Relief, children (and staff) are invited to dress up as their favourite hero, and donate £1.00 to the Charity. There will also be a talent show in the afternoon, and games stalls, so if the children would like to bring in an extra £1.00 to play the games they are more than welcome.
Attendance – Congratulations to LFPR with 97.4%, and to Y5/6M with 99.3% attendance this week. Da iawn!
Fruit – Just a little reminder that if you would like your child to have fruit this half term, please pay £6.00 on sQuid.
Y5/6 Residential Trip. Any outstanding amount must be paid by the 15th March.
Children late for school – We have a number of parents/pupils who are frequently late and arrive after school started. This causes disruption to the office staff, the class teacher, the class, and any assemblies/concerts or school trips, and can be a cause of anxiety for the child. School starts at 8.50am, and children should either be in the Free Breakfast Club, or in the yard by 8.40am ready for the start of school. Please remember that Foundation Phase Children (Nursery to Y2) should be accompanied by a parent whilst they are in the yard before school starts. If your child arrives after the register has closed they will be classified as having unauthorised absence. If their attendance drops to under 90% you may be liable to a penalty notice.
After School Clubs next Week –
Monday – Cross County Competition, please see Dojo for more information
Wednesday – Cross Country
Thursday – Football Club
Pupil Voice -On Tuesday 26th March Wednesday 27th March we will be having some a Pupil Voice Event, where parents and governors are invited to come in and have an update on what the various Pupil Voice Groups have been doing, and what they have got planned. The event will be at 2.30pm and again at 5.30pm. There will be presentations from the
Change of address – Just a reminder if you move house, please bring in proof of your new address to the school office. Thank you
Nursery & Reception – the children had a rainbow day today, where the children either dressed up in clothes with rainbows on them or in one of the colours of the rainbow, to celebrate the end of their topic on the weather. They looked very colourful 🙂
Packed Lunches – If you child has a yoghurt for lunch, please remember to give them a teaspoon to eat it with. If any of our teaspoons have come home with your child, please can we have them back. Thank you
KS2 Pencil cases – Over half term, please can you restock your child’s pencil case with pens, pencils, pink & green highlighters, eraser, sharpener and a gluestick. Thank you
Rags 2 Riches – We are again collecting old clothes for the Rags 2 Riches scheme which raises money for the school, collection bags are being sent home today, please fill and return to the school from Friday 8th March, ready for the collection on Tuesday 12th March. Thank you.
Personalised Assessments – Welsh government are introducing new online personalised assessments for all learners from Year 2 to Year 6 over time. This year, the current paper based assessment for procedural will be replaced. During the next half term pupils in these year groups will have to opportunity to try out and become more familiar with the new personalised assessments. A copy of FAQs and an animated short introduction to personalised assessments is available. Please click on the following link.
St David’s Day Competition -Foundation Phase Children are asked to draw or make a model of a castle. KS2 children can either draw or make a model of a lovespoon, or design a £5.00 note depicting a famous Welsh person. Please can we have entries in by Monday 4th March. Diolch!
We are going cashless! In line with other schools, and following on from the success of going cashless for school dinners, we are rolling this out for trips and offers. We will implement this from Monday 4th March. Please contact the school office if you need any help with registering, or have any other queries. Thank you.
Whats on after half term?
Monday – Deadline for the St David’s Day Competition.
Tuesday 5th March – St David’s Day Concert for School – please can children wear Welsh Costume, Welsh Rugby/Football top, or a red T Shirt/jumper on both Tuesday 5th & Wednesday 6th March.
Wednesday 6th March – St David’s Day Concert for Parents – Classes taking part = Y3/4J, LFPR ( Reception & AM Nursery), Y1/2B, Y1/2H, Y5/6D, Y5/6E.
Thursday – Football
We hope you all have a lovely half term break, and see you on Monday 4th March.
Year 6 Leavers – A couple of mums have kindly offered to organise the hoodies for the Y6 leavers, they are available in a variety of sizes and colours, and cost £13.70 for child sizes and £18.20 for adult sizes. If you would like one, you can order and pay on sQuid. Please return the form that requests your consent to include your child’s name incorporated into the design for the hoodie and for the Leavers Mug.
What’s on next week?
Monday – Cross Country Competition
Wednesday – Cross Country
Thursday – Football
Friday – Y5/6M Class Assembly
Friday – Installment for Y5/6 Residential (please ensure you have paid at least £140.00 by this point). The remaining £20.00 is due by the end of March.
Half Term Holiday- Monday 25th February to Friday 1st March
Tues 5th March – St David’s Day Concert for School (please can children wear Welsh Costume, Welsh Rugby Top, or a red tshirt or Jumper)
Wed 6th March – St David’s Day Concert for Parents please can children wear Welsh Costume, Welsh Rugby Top, or a red tshirt or Jumper) Classes taking part are Y3/4J, Y1/2L, LFPR, Y1/2B, Y5/6D, Y5/6E
Senedd Visit – Representatives from the school went to the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff this week. They reported back to the rest of the school today, and explained what they had learnt. Please keep an eye on our Pupil Voice pages on the website for more information.
Please see below for an extract from a local authority communication sent to schools
The School Run: Briefing Note
Whether you’re a parent or driver, it’s important that you take extra care on the roads and encourage your children to do the same. With that in mind, here are a few simple tips to make the morning and evening commute that little bit safer.
Using the car
Check that your child is correctly restrained. If you’re planning to carry any extra children make sure that you have the age-appropriate child seat. Please see RoSPA’s dedicated website childcarseats.org.uk for more advice.
Choose a safe place to drop your child off near to the school. Aim for somewhere you won’t cause congestion and danger to those walking or cycling to school.
Talk to your children about road safety on your way to school, stress the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
Walking to school
If you are planning to let your child walk to school on their own for the first time, talk to them about the route they will use and the dangers they may encounter. Watch your child so that you can judge whether they have the ability to cross roads safely on their route to school.
Children learn by watching adults. If walking your child to school, talk to them about how they can keep themselves safe and always try to set a good example when crossing the road
For drivers:
Be extra observant and keep a watchful eye for children walking and cycling to school, they might be distracted and excited.
Reduce your speed where you see lots of children, especially near to schools. If you are driving at 30mph and a child runs out, your stopping distance will be at least 23 metres.
Rushing causes accidents – give yourself more time for your journey and never be tempted to speed!
Parking enforcement can help to tackle problem parking in Swansea. The launch of a parking enforcement camera car in Swansea has been hailed a success in changing motorists parking habits. The Council launched the camera enforcement car in 2015 in a bid to tackle parking issues outside schools and in bus stops. Civil Enforcement Officers (CEO’s) may issue Penalty Charge Notices for numerous offences which contravene to parking restrictions for on and off street parking. The current penalty charge is either £70 for high rate contraventions, or £50 for low rate contraventions. This is reduced by 50% if the penalty is paid within 14 days, or increased by 50% if the penalty is outstanding after the 28 day payment period.
Do not:
park on yellow lines
cause an obstruction
park on bus stop or clearways even to drop people off
park on zig zag lines
park or wait in taxi ranks. Tow away zones apply to all taxi ranks.
