10.12.21

Dates to be aware of: (New dates in bold)

14.12.21 Live Streaming of Christmas Concert available (link live for 72 hours)

16.12.21 Last day of Autumn term for pupils

16.12.21 School Christmas Dinner: must be pre-ordered. See information within the newsletter.

17.12.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

4.1.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

5.1.21 Pupils return to school following the Christmas break.

28.3.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

Retirement Announcements

Last week we officially said goodbye to Mr Martin as he embarks upon his retirement. It was unfortunate timing that he was unable to be in school in the last two weeks prior to this but we know that he has many fond memories of his time at St. Gabriel’s and appreciated the cards from each class.

Next week is the last week before Mrs D Davies begins her well earned retirement – she has been working at St. Gabriel’s for over 21 years and in that time has worked across the whole school. I am sure you will join us, in thanking Mrs Davies for all her hard work and wish her all the best in her next chapter.

Staffing – Year 1

We are pleased to say that Miss Tozer will be staying with us for the Spring term and will be continuing to lead the teaching in Dosbarth (Class) Cas-Gwent. I know she already has lots of exciting learning experiences planned for the pupils in her and Mrs Foster’s care.

Breakfast Club Opportunity

We will have a vacancy for breakfast club support which will start in January. It is advertised on the Newport Council Job Vacancies website. If you are interested or would like to have more information about this role, please do contact the school. The closing date is Monday 13^th December.

Friends of St. Gabriel’s Raffle

Tickets are now on sale through ParentPay for the ‘Friends of St. Gabriel’s’ Christmas Raffle. If you are able to, we would very much appreciate your support. The proceeds of the raffle are used to provide pupils with experiences and purchase resources that directly benefit them.

The deadline for ticket purchase is Monday 13^th December at 4pm. The raffle will be drawn on the 15^th.

Christmas Production

The Christmas production has been filmed and is in the process of being edited to bring the school together virtually! The link to stream goes live on Tuesday 14^th December at 6pm. There will be further information about this on Monday as you need to preregister so the watching process goes smoothly!

Christmas Dinner

Thank you to everyone that booked Christmas Dinner on Thursday 16^th December in advance. Please remember that there are no alternatives to the Christmas dinner meal so if your child is not having Christmas dinner then they need to bring their own packed lunch instead that day.

If your child doesn’t receive Free School Meals, please ensure that you load the £2.15 into their ParentPay account IN ADVANCE of the day to pay for their meal – please load the money into the usual area for dinners: there is nothing specific relating to Christmas Dinner on their ParentPay account.

Latest COVID 19 Guidance from Welsh Government

Reminders and Information from Previous Newsletters:

Planned Training Days

SCHOOL IS CLOSED TO THE PUPILS ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS TO ALLOW STAFF TRAINING TO TAKE PLACE:

Friday 17^th December

Tuesday 4^th January (Note Monday 3^rd January is a Bank Holiday)

Monday 28^th March

School Lottery

The reality of getting closer to holding school based funding raising events in these times is still challenging. However, if you or a family member or even family friends, are looking for a way to support our school, then the St. Gabriel’s School lottery is an easy way to do so! Once it is set up, it can run each month if you choose the direct debit option. There is a prize for the people that are part of our lottery each month and the more people that participate the bigger the prize!

https://www.yourschoollottery.co.uk/lottery/school/st-gabriels-r-c-primary-school

TIMINGS REMINDER:

Thank you for supporting us as we returned to normal school start and end of day procedures as directed by the Welsh Government.

Breakfast club (for those who have places) arrival begins at 8:15. Last entry at 8:35 am.

Gates open for school day between 8:45 and 8:55am. Your child should be through the gate by 8:55am.

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 end the school day at 3:05 pm

Year 3 end the school day at 3:10pm. Pick up on the yard.

Year 4 end the school day at 3:15pm. Pick up on the yard.

Year 5 and Year 6 end the school day at 3:15pm and exit through the hall doors.

Current COVID Guidance to Schools from Welsh Government:

Anyone with symptoms (excluding the under 5s – see above) – a new continuous cough, fever or high temperature or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste – should book a PCR test and 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.

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.