As we come to the end of the Autumn Term, it is an opportunity to say a big thanks to the whole school community for your contributions to 'OUR SCHOOL.' To our amazing and dedicated team of staff, your undoubted commitment to giving the very best opportunities to our children has been relentless! Enjoy your well-earned break! To our parents and families, a big thanks for your ongoing support this term. Waunarlwydd Primary school community is a team. With continued positive communication and by working together, we can ensure the children get what they deserve. To our wonderful PTA, a huge thanks for your efforts this term. It has been great to see the PTA growing in numbers and the future is very bright. To raise well over £1000 at our Christmas Fair was an amazing effort. Finally, and most importantly, a giant thanks to our amazing children. Learning and laughing with you every day is a pleasure, and we can't wait to get going again in the Spring term. Before then, have a magical Christmas!

A couple more fundraising thankyous. We have been able to donate £312 to Children in Need and £63 to Save the Children thanks to your support. 

We've certainly had a very Christmassy end of term. The children thoroughly enjoyed their Christmas parties and discos (Diolch DJ Dan). The Christmas trail was wonderful and especially memorable with a special visitor dressed in red waiting at the end. Our talent shows have been truly memorable with a whole range of skills on show, and I've no doubt that many of our children have futures in the entertainment industry. Watching Mrs Melen travelling around the hall on a unicycle was a unique experience.

Mentioning talent, this is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the incredible week of concerts we enjoyed last week. From our youngest pupils in Nursery to our older pupils in Year 6, everyone can be extremely proud of the shows they put on. While there was clearly some outstanding talent on show, the biggest positive for us was watching the children take to the stage with confidence and giant smiles. The growth in the children, not just in stature, is incredible to see. 

Staffing update

We will be welcoming back Miss Fender from maternity leave following the Christmas break when she will be taking the position of Year 2 teacher, sharing the role with Mrs Thomas. A big thanks to Mrs Crocker for her hard work during the Autumn term.

At the end of January we will be saying goodbye to Mrs Hellier as she heads off into the world of retirement. After 20 years in various roles at Waunarlwydd, I'm sure you'll join me in thanking her for the time and effort she has put into supporting the children of Waunarlwydd over so many years.

The Spring term will also be the final term of teaching for Mrs Mcdonnell. After 37 years in the teaching profession, the last 10 of which have been spent at Waunarlwydd, Mrs Mcdonnell will be heading off into the sunset in April. I'm sure we'll make sure she has a wonderful final term. 

Attendance

We appreciate your support in ensuring your child attends school as regularly as possible. It makes such a difference to their development, both academically and socially. Following the latest review by the local authority (EWO) it is pleasing to note the progress made in many ways. Meetings will be arranged in the Spring term with the EWO for those parents that may be in need of support in regard to attendance. Our attendance for the Autumn term is as follows:

REMINDER - INSET DAY on Monday 5th January.

 See you all on Tuesday, January 6th!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

NADOLIG LLAWEN PAWB!

Mr Jamie Evans

Headteacher