Weekly Newsletter 6.11.26

School News

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends, It has been lovely to welcome everyone back after the half-term break. The children have settled back into their learning so quickly, and I have already seen so much fantastic work taking place across the school. It is wonderful to see the progress children are making in all areas of their learning.

A little discovery sparked lots of curiosity !

Science and Technology continues to be a real strength this term and is going from strength to strength! Through our Healthy Me and Autumn topics, children have been busy investigating, exploring, experimenting and developing their skills through a range of science and food technology activities. It has also been lovely to see so many children making the most of our outdoor spaces. Our big field has become a wonderful place for autumn discovery! Playtimes have been full of excitement, with children collecting leaves using buckets, baskets and containers. Along the way, they are developing their observation skills, sorting and classifying, comparing, counting, problem-solving, working collaboratively and using their imagination. So much learning happening through play!

Remember, remember the 5th of November!

The children have thoroughly enjoyed exploring Bonfire Night through a range of exciting activities this week. There has been lots of creativity, discussion and learning taking place. As families enjoy any fireworks celebrations over the weekend, please remember to stay safe and follow the Firework Code.

Sporting Success!

A huge well done to our football team, who have represented Derwendeg brilliantly in their recent matches. The children showed great determination, teamwork and sportsmanship, working hard together and supporting one another throughout. We are very proud of you all!

Sporting opportunities continue to grow across the school, with Mr Cooper helping to develop our links with Dragons Rugby and create further opportunities for children to get involved. Dosbarth Gwyrdd are also thoroughly enjoying their Dragons rugby sessions this term.

Community Remembrance Service

A gentle reminder that our Community Remembrance Service will take place this Sunday, 8th November, at 10.45am in our Memorial Garden. The service will then continue in the school hall, where refreshments will be available and some of our children will perform with pupils from Hengoed and Cefn Hengoed Ladies Choir. We would love to see members of our school community join us for this special occasion.

Trips and ParentPay Reminders

We are excited about the educational visits and experiences planned for the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out for letters and emails regarding upcoming trips, and ensure payments and permissions are completed promptly via ParentPay. If you need any support accessing the system, please contact the school office.

Thank you for all your continued support,
Kind regards,
Mr Lloyd, Mrs Lloyd and the Derwendeg team.

Important Dates

Key Dates for 2026-27 – Term Dates

Autumn Term: Tuesday 1 Sept – Friday 18 December 2026
Half Term: Monday 26 Oct – Friday 30 Oct 2026
Spring Term: Monday 4 January – Friday 19 March 2027
Half Term: Monday 8 February – Friday 12 February 2027
Summer Term: Monday 5 April – Tuesday 20 July 2027
Half Term: Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June 2027

Please remember these are the dates of the school year ,but below are the dates for the Insets to reflect when the children are in school.

INSET Dates
Tuesday 1^st September
Friday 5^th February
Friday 2^nd October
Monday 5^th April
Monday 19^th July
Tuesday 20^th July

November
Mon 2^nd Nov – Children return to school
Sunday 8^th November – Community Rembrance Service
Wednesday 11^th November – Year 5/6 Remebrance Service – Dosbarth Porffor.
Friday 13^th November – Children in Need
Friday 13^th November – Anti-bullying Assembly – Dosbarth Glas.
Thursday 19^th November – ALN Coffee afternoon
Mon 23^rd Nov – Snow White Pantomime in School

December
Monday 7^th December – Foundation Phase Nativity
Tuesday 8^th December – Foundation Phase Nativity
Wednesday 9^th December – Christmas Dinner Day
Wednesday 9^th December – KS2 Christmas Show
Thursday 10^th December – KS2 Christmas Show
Friday 11^th December – Dosbarth Coch, Oren & Melyn class trip to Eden Centre
Monday 14^th December – Christmas party week
Friday 18^th December – Break up for Christmas holidays

January

Monday 4^th January – Children return to school
Monday 11^th January – Dosbarth Porffor & Enfys – Police assembly on our Community and helping others
Tuesday 12^th January – Year 6 Period Dignity workshop

February

Tuesday 2^nd February – Reception children Vision and Growth Screening
Friday 5^th February – Inset Day – School closed to children
Friday 5^th February – Break up for half term
Monday 15^th February – Children return to school

March

Tuesday 9^th March – Year 6 Trip – Change the Game workshop
Friday 19^th March – Break up for Easter holidays

April

Monday 5^th April – Inset Day
Tuesday 6^th April – Children return to school
Tuesday 6^th April – Year 6 pupils swimming lessons everyday for 3 weeks

May

Monday 3^rd May – Bank Holiday, school closed
Wednesday 26^th May – Year 5/6 Summit Residential Trip
Friday 28^th May – Break up for half term

June

Sports Days – Dates to be confirmed

July
Friday 16^th July – Break up for Summer Holidays
Monday 19^th & Tuesday 20^th July – Inset Days

School Menu

Click here to see the school menu .

Week beginning Mon 9^th Nov will be Week 2

Attendance Matters
The United Nation Article 28 states ‘every child has the right to have a primary education’. We are linking our attendance performance to this article.

We want our children to have the best possible education to give them the best chance in life. If your children aren’t in school we can’t give them this opportunity and can’t give them the opportunity to ‘be the best they can be.’

School target: 93%
Annual % to date: 91%

Weekly total
(Week ending 23rd Oct): 90%

Dosbarth Oren: 88%
Dosbarth Melyn: 98%
Dosbarth Gwyrdd: 92%
Dosbarth Glas: 95%
Dosbarth Porffor: 89%
Dosbarth Enfys: 89%

It is important all of the children are in school every day to ensure they aren’t missing out on important learning.

Heroes of the Week

Dosbarth Oren: Grayson-Blu G-D & Lucah S
Dosbarth Melyn: Riley T & Evie B
Dosbarth Gwyrdd: Arlie S & Lara D
Dosbarth Glas: Elsie C & Isaac B
Dosbarth Porffor: Hunter M & Jaden M
Dosbarth Enfys: Daniel C & Jouson W