'Remembering Bonnie'

On Thursday, July 2nd we will be holding a whole school fundraising day to remember and celebrate the kindness that Bonnie Mcginn brought to school.  Along with her friends, Bonnie formed a charity group called 'Allsorts' at school and was very committed to raising money towards Cancer Research UK. Having been in touch with Bonnie's family, they would be honoured if we raised money for the same cause in memory of Bonnie! Details of the fundraising events and sponsor forms will be sent out during the first week after half-term! 

Dates for the diary

Some other dates to remember for whole school events (class and year group activities will be sent via Seesaw):

Friday 19th June - Sports Day  We look forward to building on last year's success and making this a whole school community day to remember. Let's hope for sunshine!

Friday 26th June - INSET DAY

Next event:

Thursday, July 2nd - Summer Fair (after school) A huge thanks to our amazing PTA for all their efforts in putting this event together. 

Sporting Success

This half-term has seen some memorable sporting achievements, with our rugby team going undefeated at the Gower Festival and our cross-country team showing huge personal improvements in the latest NGP cluster race. Gwaith Wych pawb!

Our latest attendance review with our Education Welfare Officer has highlighted both significant progress and some concerns regarding individual attendance. We will be contacting some families after half-term to discuss any support we can offer to raise attendance. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate in making contact. Punctuality has also been raised by our Education Welfare Officer with concerns around the amount of learning lost due to regular lateness. Please can you support us by making every effort to get your child to school by 8.50. Diolch!

Remember this is ‘OUR SCHOOL’ and, as always, if you have any queries or concerns, don’t hesitate in making contact!

Have a great half-term! 

Mr Jamie Evans

Headteacher

Top of the pile, as always, are our awesome pupils! You keep dazzling us each day. The way that you have represented our school values this year has made us all extremely proud! We hope each one of you is very proud of yourselves. Have an amazing summer. We can't wait to see you all in your new classes in September ready to learn and laugh together! 

To our departing Year 6 pupils. Thanks for making us so proud over your time at Waunarlwydd! Make sure that you enjoy your summer and then head to Gowerton with big smiles on your faces. We have no doubt that you will be huge successes! Dream big and go for it! Don't forget to come and see us to let us know how you are getting on!

A very special thankyou has to go to Mrs Sue Howells! After 37 years at Waunarlwydd Primary School, despite many attempts to keep her, Mrs Howells is heading for a very well-earned retirement! Countless children have had the privilege of Mrs Howells' support. Indeed, I am sure there are many, many adults in the village and further afield that would still remember the positive impact that Mrs Howells had on their time in school. In several different roles over the years, Mrs Howells has always had a unique approach to supporting children, with her kindness and sense of humour a constant. Above all, she has always put the needs of the children first! You will be missed Mrs H, but we have no doubt that you will be a regular visitor! Diolch yn Fawr Iawn!

To our incredible staff, a huge thanks for all your effort and hard work throughout the year. You continually strive to provide the children with the very best learning experiences and we are very lucky to have such a dedicated team at Waunarlwydd. Enjoy a well-deserved summer break with your families! We also wish Mr Price all the very best as he starts his new role at Crwys Primary following a term's maternity cover. We welcome Miss Maggs onto the team for September.

To our parents, families and the wider community. Massive thanks for all your support this year! This is 'OUR' school and we genuinely appreciate your support and feedback. We hope that you feel that your voice is valued as we work together to give our children the opportunities they deserve. On that note, a big thanks to those that have already completed the end-of-year feedback. If you can spare 5 minutes to complete the form below it would be much appreciated:

End of year parental feedback

To our amazing PTA:

Finally, to our governing body – Thanks for your ongoing support throughout the year and for providing support and challenge regarding school improvement. 

Reminder

Just a reminder that Monday 1st September and Tuesday 2nd September are INSET DAYS. Pupils will return following the summer break on Wednesday 3rd September.

Remember, this is 'OUR SCHOOL' and, as always, if you have any queries, concerns or ideas, don’t hesitate in making contact!

Have a wonderful Summer, everyone! 

Diolch pawb!

Mr Jamie Evans

Headteacher

Also, from mid-March, Squid will cease trading and the school will be using iPayImpact for collection of payments for trips and Breakfast Club (we will always accept cash). You will receive a registration letter next week, and we ask that you register as soon as you are able.

Please bear with us as we integrate these new systems and if you have any queries, please let us know.

A huge thanks to those parents that completed the parent questionnaires before Christmas. Our highest turnout yet! We have collated the results and will be using them to support our plans for school improvement. Your voice really does matter! Whilst it is always amazing to pass on positive comments to staff and identify strengths we can build on, it is of equal importance that we listen to your thoughts and ideas for improvement. We will be putting together a 'you said, we did' overview throughout the term! Diolch pawb!

Parent Workshops

Following parental feedback, we have begun to tailor our parental workshops. We appreciate that this is short notice, but we will be holding the following 2 workshops in the coming weeks. If there is a demand to repeat them, we will. You will also find below details of 3 free, government-funded Neurodiversity workshops which may be of interest.

We can now confirm that our final INSET DAYS of the school year will take place on:

Monday June 2nd

Friday July 4th 

Monday July 21st

Our amazing PTA continues to go from strength to strength. Using PTA funds, we are currently awaiting a significant delivery of outdoor equipment for all classes to enhance their learning and play outdoors. Exciting events are being planned for 2025, including the first 'PTA give back' event. The 'Mad Hatters' tea party' will take place alongside World Book Day on Thursday 6th March. Also, a reminder that the 'PTA UV Disco' will take place on Thursday 20th February! 

Our PTA are always looking for new members. This doesn't need to involve any great time commitment, just a willingness to support as and when you can. If you would like to know how you can help, contact the school, Lara Sturgess or Claire Burnes. 

Diolch Pawb!

Expression of Interest - After School Club (Childcare)

Following parental feedback, we are looking into the possibility of restarting after-school childcare provision. This would be provided by local nursery staff but held on school premises. The feasibility of this provision will rely on sufficient numbers to make it financially viable for the nursery. The estimated cost would be £9 per day per child (15.20 to 17.15). This would include a drink and a snack. Please complete the form if you wish to express an interest:

Expression of Interest - After School Club (Childcare) Form

Remember, this is 'OUR SCHOOL' and, as always, if you have any queries, concerns or ideas, don’t hesitate in making contact!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Diolch pawb!

Mr Jamie Evans

Headteacher

We will be aiming to transfer all our communication from text message to Seesaw by the end of this term. We will trial this approach first. If you haven't already registered with Seesaw, please can you do so as soon as possible. If you require any support at all with this process, don't hesitate in making contact. We are here to help, either over the phone or in person. Many thanks for your support!

Attendance

While there has been lots to celebrate with improved attendance from many children, there have been some concerns raised by the Education Welfare Officer (EWO). There will be a full attendance review next week. Following this, you may be contacted by our EWO to offer support with your child's attendance. If you have concerns or require support in regard to attendance, don't hesitate to get in touch! We are here to help!

Remember, this is 'OUR SCHOOL' and, as always, if you have any queries, concerns or ideas, don’t hesitate in making contact!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Diolch pawb!

Mr Jamie Evans

Headteacher

It's been a wonderful week at Waunarlwydd Primary School with lots of learning and laughing together. We celebrated 'Shwmae Day' in style on Tuesday with the school being filled with Welsh colours, activities and songs. The day also saw the children thoroughly enjoy their 'Size of Wales' workshops. Gwaith Wych pawb! It was a pleasure yesterday to attend Year 6's assembly. I hope all the family members present enjoyed and were full of pride. The assembly was based around our value of the month 'KINDNESS' and the children reminded us of the importance we place on this at Waunarlwydd Primary and gave us 5 important rules to live by:

1. Be Open-Minded: Instead of deciding things about others before you know them, be curious and learn about them.​

2. Be Kind: Treat everyone with kindness, no matter how they look or where they are from. We all deserve respect.​

3. Stand Up: If you see someone being treated unfairly, be a friend and help them. We should all support each other.​

4. Include Everyone: Include them in your games and activities. You might make new friends and have lots of fun together.​

5. Learn Together: When we learn about different cultures and ways of life, we realise how amazing our world is.

PTA Monster's Ball

A reminder that the 'Monsters Ball' will take place on Thursday 24th October. You can purchase tickets from the office, a PTA member or by sending cash in an envelope with your child. 

A reminder that on Tuesday (15th Oct) we will be celebrating all things Welsh on 'SHWMAE DAY'. Children and staff (and parents) are invited to wear Welsh colours or costumes ready for a great day. 

A big thanks to the PTA for arranging today's pop-up shop and a reminder that the 'Monsters Ball' will take place on Thursday 24th October. You can purchase tickets from the office, a PTA member or by sending cash in an envelope with your child. 

Toddlers and Nursery 

If you know of any friends or family members with children that are turning 3 this year, please pass on this information:

Have you registered your child for Nursery?

Good news! At Waunarlwydd Primary School we are delighted to be able to offer Nursery places to 3-year olds and Toddler sessions to those turning 3 this academic year!

Please contact the school to register your child.

If you would like to arrange a tour of the school, let us know! Phone : 872431

Email : waunarlwyddprimaryschool@waunarlwydd.swansea.sch.uk

Message from St Barnabus

Remember, as always, if you have any queries, concerns or ideas, don’t hesitate in making contact! Have a wonderful weekend!

Diolch pawb!

Mr Jamie Evans

Headteacher

We've listened to feedback from parents in regard to notice of events and have endeavoured to plan ahead. All our currently planned events for the Autumn term are as follows. We will add any additions as early as possible:

As always, if you have any concerns, questions or ideas, don't hesitate in making contact!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jamie Evans

Headteacher

Information about flu vaccination for children and young people

The flu vaccine for most children is a nasal spray. It will help protect them and the people close to them against flu. It’s easy for you to make sure they get it, all you need to do is complete the consent form.

Flu is serious

Flu spreads easily and people of any age can get flu, but children have the highest rate of infection, and flu can be serious for them. Complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections. Some children get so ill they need to be admitted to hospital. You can read more about flu and possible complications here: phw.nhs.wales/fluvaccine.

Benefits of the nasal spray flu vaccine for children

Flu vaccine helps protect children from flu and also helps stop them spreading it to family and friends. Some children can still get flu after having the vaccine but the infection is usually milder. The vaccine is a simple painless nasal spray, which gives them better protection than a flu injection. Your child will have their maximum protection starting around two weeks after having their vaccine.

Flu vaccines are safe

Since 2013 millions of children in the UK have had the nasal spray flu vaccine and it has been shown to be very safe. The flu vaccine cannot cause flu. Like all medicines, the nasal spray flu vaccine may cause side effects for some children. Common side effects include: a runny or blocked nose, a slight temperature, tiredness, a headache, a reduced appetite or aching muscles for a day or two after the vaccine. You can report any side effects online at: yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app.

There are very few reasons for children to miss out on their flu vaccine

It is perfectly safe for your child to have the flu vaccine if they have a cold or minor illness on the day.

Your child should NOT have the vaccine IF:

• have had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or any part of it;

• are on long-term aspirin (salicylate) treatment;

• have needed intensive care following a severe allergic reaction to eggs or egg products;

• have had oral steroids in the past 14 days;

• have a wheezy chest on the day of the vaccination or in the previous three days;

• have increased the use of their asthma inhaler in the last three days;

• have a condition or treatment that weakens their immune system; or

• are in close contact with someone who has a very weakened immune system and needs to be isolated (for example, after a bone marrow transplant).

If your child cannot have the nasal spray because of one of these reasons, they will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead, and the School Nursing Service will advise you on this please contact 01639 862801 or SBU.schoolnursing@wales.nhs.uk for more information.

The nasal spray vaccine is best for children, and like some other medicines it contains traces of highly purified porcine gelatine. If this is an issue for them, it doesn’t mean your child should miss out, you can request a gelatine-free flu vaccine injection from their GP surgery or for more information contact the School Nursing Service on the contact details above. For a full list of the vaccine ingredients, visit this website: medicines.org.uk/emc/ and enter ‘Fluenz Tetra’ into the search box. For more information about flu visit phw.nhs.wales/fluvaccine