ysgol maesincla
TRANSCRIPT
YSGOL MAESINCLA CAERNARFON
GWYNEDD LL55 1DF
01286 673787
Dear Parents,
I am glad of this opportunity to provide you with information about Ysgol
Maesincla.
In this handbook, we offer you relevant information about life and work
at Ysgol Maesincla and attempt to answer some of the questions you may
have about the school.
What then has Ysgol Maesincla to offer your children?
Bilingual education within a Welsh environment.
An opportunity to receive education of the highest possible standard.
A homely school, where the staff know the pupils well and treat everyone like
an individual.
Teaching groups which are geared to answer your children’s needs.
A school keen to establish and develop a close relationship with
parents.
A school that provides pupil with many opportunities to develop,
outside the classroom.
I hope that you find this handbook useful. If you have any further
questions I would be happy to arrange for you to visit the school to
discuss them further.
Yours sincerely
Owain L Roberts
Headteacher
YSGOL GYNRADD: Ysgol Gynradd Maesincla
FFÔN/TEL: (01286) 673787
EMAIL : [email protected]
HEADTEACHER: Owain L Roberts
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS: Rev. R Donaldson
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL: Voluntary Controlled Primary School
This is a Church in Wales voluntary controlled school. It is day, bilingual, co-
educational school.
GOVERNING BODY CONSTITUTION
Ysgol Maesincla
TOWN COUNCIL
Mr Hywel Roberts
TEACHERS
Manon Gwynedd
GWYNEDD EDUCATION AUTHORITY
Cllr Tudor Owen
Cllr Tecwyn Thomas
Cllr Huw Edwards
FOUNDATION
Rev Roger Donaldson (Chairperson)
Mr Dewi Williams (vice-chairperson)
Mr John Pritchard
Miss Dawn Lynne Jones
PARENTS
Mrs Esyllt Roberts
Mrs Elin Denham
Miss Laura Lane
Miss Annette Roberts
ANCILARY STAFF
Mrs Cheryl Whitehead
HEADTEACHER
Mr Owain L Roberts
CLERK
Eleri Ann Jones
THE WORK OF THE GOVERNING BODY
The governors have special responsibilities. They must work together for the benefit of the school and for the benefit of your child’s education. They meet twice each term –
i) to respond to the head teacher’s report,
ii) to discuss and formulate policies/decisions (eg, school budget, school development plan.)
The Governing Body prepare an annual report for the parents. Each family is entitled to receive a copy of this report, or otherwise it can be seen on the school website. You as parents are entitled to call a special meeting to discuss any appropriate matters with the Governing Body including as a response to the annual report.
TEACHING STAFF – SEPTEMBER 2014/15
Nursery Class
Miss Catrin Parry
Mrs Cheryl Whitehead
Miss Ffion Haf Jones
Cath
Reception/Year 1 Reception/Year 1 Reception/Year 1
Miss Anna Hughes Mrs Manon Edwards Mrs Christine Williams
Lynne Jones Jen Mrs Karen Hughes
Natalie Ann Bethan Tracy
Mrs Teressa Thomas Mrs Karen Owen Mrs Ffion Jones
Year 2 Year 2
Mrs Ellen Jones Miss Awen Jones
Mrs Nicola Vinney Mrs Angela Lawson
Miss Claire Williams Lizzy
Year 3/4 Year 3/4 Year 3/4
Mr Gareth Edwards Mrs Helen Morgan Mrs Ffion Lovgreen
Miss Ffion Williams Miss Rhian Davies Mr Andrew Walton
Mr Ben Bolton Miss Michelle Jones
Hafan Bach (Yrs3/4) Hafan (Yrs5/6)
Mrs Manon Gwynedd Mrs Iola Peters
Mrs Gwenan Owen Mrs Dilys Jones
Mr Sion Owen Mrs Ceril Jones
Year 5/6 Year 5/6
Mr Dylan Wyn Evans Mrs Nia Wyn Dukes
Miss Sioned Davies Mrs Brenda Williams
Additional Teaching Staff
Mrs Catrin Williams
OFFICE STAFF
Mrs Lynda Roddick-Evans
Mrs Pat Fellows
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Representatives on the School Council are elected by Key Stage 2 pupils at the
beginning of every school year. Every pupil also has an opportunity to be a member
of the Class Council which suggest ideas to be discussed by the School Council
through their representative. The School Council meet at least once every half term to
discuss matters of interest to the whole school. The following officials are elected
from Year 6 representatives –
Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Energy and Recycling Officer
2 x Road Safety Officer
ARRANGEMENTS AT THE SCHOOL
The pupils are taught from Nursery through to Year 6 – 3 to 11 years old.
ADMISSIONS POLICY
The school admits children to the nursery class on a half-time basis in September
following their 3rd
birthday. They transfer full-time to the reception class in the
following September when they are 4 years old.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The school aims to provide opportunities for all our pupils regardless of their social
background and academic ability. Boys and girls receive equal opportunities. We
endeavour to promote positive attitudes to race and religion.
THE SCHOOL DAY
The school day commences with a morning service either as a school, department,
unit or class. On Friday mornings the classes, in turn, present a school service and the
rector makes every effort to be present.
On Monday morning the children are rewarded and praised for good work or effort
during the week. The children are provided with an opportunity to display any work,
which they hold in esteem, or display any award that they have gained. It is the
school’s strong belief that good effort by every child in whatever field should be
respected and praised.
The following sessions are held during the day: -
Infants Juniors
Morning Session 9:00 – 12:00 9:00 – 12:15
Afternoon Session 1:00 – 3:00 1:00 – 3:15
We wish to remind parents that supervision by school staff does not begin until
8:50 a.m. Unless the children intend visiting the ‘Breakfast Club’ we ask that
children do not arrive on school grounds until 8:40 a.m.
THE LINGUISTIC SITUATION
Ysgol Maesincla is a natural Welsh school and both the staff and pupils are working
hard to maintain the school’s Welsh ethos and atmosphere. None of you, whose
children are part of a bilingual situation for the first time, should feel threatened or
that you do not belong. Perhaps you do not speak Welsh (although many parents
decide to learn the language) but we hope you will respect the linguistic environment
that exists here - an environment that enriches so much in every sense the children’s
learning experiences. We respect your right to use the language you choose, and
consequently, all correspondence sent out from the school will be bilingual.
During the 2013/14 school year ‘The Gwynedd Schools Language Charter’ was
launched aiming to place the Welsh language at the heart of the natural day to day
running of each and every school in the County. The school has recently won the
bronze prize and is currently working to achieve the silver prize by the end of the
2014/15 school year.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR FETCHING CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL
It is a sad reflection of the world in which we live that we, as teachers, have to be
extremely careful when releasing children from school into the care of people who
would not normally fetch them. We cannot over-emphasise the need for parents to
inform us of any changes in the usual arrangements for fetching the children from
school. If for any reason, parents who normally fetch their children are held up, it is
important that we are informed. When families break up and a parent is given custody
of the children, it is important that we are informed of other arrangements so as to
avoid an uncomfortable situation.
The children cannot be released early from school unless a parent or guardian fetches
the children from school or the school receives and official letter from a parent.
FREE BREAKFAST CLUB
The school offers a free breakfast club to the children between 8.30 – 8.50. The
breakfast includes cereal, toast and orange or apple juice.
THE CURRICULUM
“Children are not vessels to be filled -
But lamps to be lit ....” Anonymous
The school’s function is to develop and encourage each child’s development as an
individual and as a member of society. As an individual, his physical, mental and
moral development should be encouraged and provide him with an opportunity to
develop as much as possible. The child is also a member of society and must be ready
to play a role within the society of which he is a part.
To this end, the school curriculum will provide each child with an opportunity to
develop basic skills, speaking, reading, writing, listening, mathematics skills, skills
that provide an opportunity to study and interpret the environment as well as
developing a healthy and helpful social attitude, provide varied experiences and
enjoyable opportunities.
It is a statutory obligation within the requirements of the National Curriculum that
every child studies aspects of linguistics, mathematics, science, technology,
humanities (history and geography), the expressive arts, religious education and
physical education. This is realised at this school through theme work that includes
all the aspects listed above whilst simultaneously making the work pleasurable and
purposeful for the children.
We use a combination of formal and informal methods that depend on the nature of
the work. Basically, we aim to provide a child-centred education (i.e. where a child is
encouraged to develop investigative skills, to think logically, to solve problems and
interpret results as well as being able to clearly express ideas).
This does not imply that we ignore the need for the more disciplined teaching
methods. We recognise that particular aspects of the work should be taught formally,
so that a firm foundation may be laid.
Our broad aim is to strike a balance between both methods that enables us to provide
the children with the best possible education.
We constantly strive for our school to prepare a broad based curriculum which
will promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of
every child.
Parents can see copies of the National Curriculum Key Stage 2-4, Foundation Phase
Framework, The Skills Framework and the new Literacy and Numeracy Frameworks,
by visiting the Welsh National Assembly website.
The Foundation Phase Framework (3-7 years old) comprises of:
Personal and Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity
Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
Mathematical Development
Welsh Language Development
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
Physical Development
Creative Development.
The National Curriculum for Key Stage 2 pupils (7-11 years old) comprises of:
Language (Welsh/English) }
Mathematics } CORE SUBJECTS
Science }
Technology }
History }
Geography }
Religious Education } FOUNDATION SUBJECTS
Music }
Physical Education }
Art/Craft }
Information Technology }
PSHE
SKILLS
By providing for the children in both The Foundation Phase and in Key Stage 2
our priority first and foremost is to ensure the development of literacy and
numeracy skills as outlined in the Literacy and Numeracy Frameworks, and
secondly, the development of ICT and Thinking Skills as comprised in The
National Skills Framework.
We aim for excellence of quality and depth in all activities and experiences. The
children are not governed by a strict timetabled day. We do value self-discipline and,
if we had a school motto, it would surely be ….
“OUR VERY BEST …ALWAYS!”
THE FOUNDATION PHASE
The Foundation Stage introduces a new approach to delivering a curriculum and
continuum of learning for 3 – 7 year olds and has been designed to give children the
best possible start and opportunities to learn and develop. It builds on what children
can do and what they bring to the learning environment.
KEY STAGE 2
The most recent Curriculum for Key Stage 2 children (7-11 years old) was published
in 2008 with the progression from the Foundation Phase in mind. The Curriculum is
organised into subjects and the clear instruction is to develop the children’s skills
through the range of experiences. The Skills Framework was published to work
alongside the Key Stage 2 Curriculum and the Foundation Phase Framework further
emphasising the vision of this new style of provision to prioritise the development of
the children’s skills.
LANGUAGE
In accordance with Gwynedd Education Authority’s Language Policy, equal status is
given to the teaching of Welsh and English at this school. Our fixed aim is to try and
ensure that all pupils are wholly fluent in both languages by the end of his/her time in
the primary sector.
The school satisfies the requirements of the Language Literacy and Communication
aspect of the Foundation Phase and the subject requirements of the Welsh and English
National Curriculum at Key Stage 2. The recent launch of the National Literacy
Framework ensures an increased focus on the development of literacy skills across all
aspects of the Curriculum.
When a child who is described as a latecomer is admitted to the school i.e. a child
who does not speak Welsh at all, then they are offered a term’s crash course here at
Maesincla School. The child will then be a part of a small learning group and will be
taught by specialists in teaching Welsh as a second language. During the term spent
at the centre, the children follow the usual school curriculum as well as learning the
Welsh language.
MATHEMATICS
The school satisfies the subject requirements of the Mathematics Curriculum at Key
Stage 2 and Mathematical Skills in the Foundation Phase. Our provision has been
further enriched by the recent launch of the Numeracy Framework with the school
therefore looking for opportunities to apply numeracy skills across other areas and
subjects. Our syllabus and work schemes are based on the statutory requirements of
the Welsh Government and we recognise the value of taking work from various
commercial materials to supplement and support the work. National Curriculum
requirements in this field require much emphasis on practical work, in particular
investigative mathematics. What has becomes increasingly apparent by following this
approach, the children gain much greater pleasure from the subject, and thus gain a
much better understanding of it. Emphasis is put on useful and practical applications
of mathematics and on gaining enjoyment from it within natural situations.
This does not imply that we do not recognise the value of old methods such as
learning times tables and repeating processes. Without these, the children will not
make much progress with their work. We do also stress the importance of presenting
their work in a clear, detailed and organised manner, as well as developing a sense of
personal pride in being able to be determined, to work hard and to give their all
whatever the context.
SCIENCE
Science work often takes the form of a broader study or a class project. Through
science work, the child is expected to undertake observation and detailing skills,
attempt to interpret their comments and carry out experiments to evaluate their
hypothesis. There will be detailed preparation work so as to ensure that work
presented within classroom themes meet the Curriculum requirements for Science in
Key Stage 2 and Knowledge and Understanding of the World in the Foundation
Phase.
TECHNOLOGY
Following the introduction of the Numeracy Framework, this field has assumed much greater
prominence within all primary schools
Much of the technology work will utilise domestic rubbish - such as old washing up liquid
bottles, yoghurt cartons and similar objects. The children will also have an opportunity to use
objects such as construction sets, electric motors and computer-controlled devices. Rooms
have been purposefully adapted on the school’s upper floor for this work as well as a junior
cookery section. This work will be performed as part of a theme dealing with various aspects
of the curriculum.
THE HUMANITIES (HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY) AND
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The Humanities are again presented as part of theme work and here our aims are to develop
children who will become complete members of their communities and into adults who will
make positive contributions towards the future of their community and, simultaneously,
develop respect towards the various values and societies that are to be found in the world.
Through geographical studies, an attempt is made to present a framework of information on
location and places and on important features of the Earth’s physical systems and man’s effect
on his environment. Our aim when presenting history to the children is to create in them an
awareness of the past and a particular lifestyle. We try to develop in them an awareness of
time, progression, change and chronology so that they realise how the past has forged the
society and the world of which they are part and also how to gain a perspective of the present
- its values, habits and links. As in all aspects of the Curriculum, we aim to take full
advantage of opportunities to develop numeracy and literacy in accordance with the
requirements of the new Frameworks whilst introducing these subjects.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
The school is a church in Wales School established by a Trust Deed and maintained by the
Local Education Authority. It reflects the Dual System, a partnership between the Church and
Central and Local Government, which makes up the maintained System of Education in this
country. The school is designated as a Voluntary Controlled School. Its connection with the
Church in Wales is as follows: -
Firstly, the Church in Wales has two representatives on the Board of Governors. These
representatives have the support and guidance of the Diocesan Council for Education and its
Schools Committee. These later bodies collaborate closely with the National Society which
has always been responsible for Church Schools and the development of education in all its
aspects within them, devoting special attention to the essential contribution of Christian
Education to the development of the child.
Secondly, Religious Education according to the Agreed Syllabus is presented in the school
but also children can be instructed in accordance with the Church in Wales’ own syllabus.
The school co-operates with the Parish Church when Christian Festivals are observed. It
maintains official contact with the Church in Wales through the appointed Diocesan Visitors.
Suitable arrangements can be made for children whose parents object to them receiving
religious instruction or attending religious services.
MUSIC
We strongly believe that there is value in performing music step by step, rather than
providing a series of lessons where the children do nothing more than participate in
“community singing” although this aspect is also accommodated. We believe that
each child has some musical ability and that is why we aim to provide each child at
the school with lively, enriching experiences within this field. There will be an
opportunity to develop musical skills and concepts through experiencing performance,
listening and composing.
PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION
Our task in this part of the Curriculum is to deal with our children’s development to
enable them to become part of society, rather than being merely concerned with their
academic development. As the concept of a traditional family life becomes
increasingly unstable, with licentiousness becoming more prevalent amongst younger
children and stories in the media about the variety of dangers in our communities, it is
more important than ever that our children receive adequate preparation for life. We
feel it essential that this is done thoroughly, but it is just as important to ensure that
children do not “grow up” too quickly. It is our belief that Health Education is an
important aspect of this part of the Curriculum. There is not much point in sharpening
a child’s understanding without emphasising the importance of a healthy body as a
vehicle for that understanding.
SEX EDUCATION
In accordance with the legislation, the school has a sex education policy with the
following aims: -
“The subject is dealt with as part of a broader personal education programme, which
will include physical development and developing social attitudes, both as a family
unit and within a broader context.
We consider it our role to explain to the children how to come to terms with their own
physical and emotional development, rather than accelerating the maturing process.
We will encourage parents to play a key role in this curricular field, by providing
formal support through co-operating with the area’s Health Visitor, and informal
support through giving advice when that is required.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
When presenting this subject that is statutory for each child at the school, an attempt
is made to plan a learning programme that leads to energetic, purposeful and regular
experiences that enables each child to experience enjoyment and success.
Extensive use is made of the Playing fields where they are introduced to various
sports skills during the school year. The school is fortunate in possessing a suitable
hall and equipment thus enabling every child to be introduced in gymnastics. A series
of swimming lessons are being arranged at Caernarfon Swimming Pool, and we ask
kindly for a donation to be contributed towards the transport costs.
The children are expected to change to suitable clothing during their lessons – a T-
shirt and shorts or a tracksuit in Winter (junior department)
THE “HIDDEN CURRICULUM”
Apart from the individual expertise of the teaching staff, this is the factor that is
mainly responsible for giving to each school its singular and unique character. The
part of the Curriculum that follows cannot be placed under headings - the philosophy
that lies behind the learning and staff stimuli, as well as the consideration given within
the school’s policies to the nature of the society which it serves, gives the school its
particular stamp.
Here at Ysgol Maesincla, we try to do several things that are not part of the formal
curriculum; things which we consider to be important in life. We believe that we are
here to provide a greater service than solely academic aims (although the pressure on
school time renders this increasingly more difficult). We believe that each child
should be able to identify himself with his school - and should be able to do so, not
only through his school uniform, but also through the school’s attitude towards the
wide world outside. To this end, we try and develop links with the community, with
other schools within the catchment’s area, the elderly and disabled.
We are extremely aware that our children are having to face a great deal of
uncertainty in today’s world even sometimes in their young lives and consequently we
feel that it is crucial that we teach our children to think for themselves and that we
provide them with a safe, protective and homely environment.
The children should also be made aware of their “Welshness” (if they are Welsh). If
they are not Welsh, they should be made aware of what Welsh society and Welsh
culture has to offer them in terms of enriching their experiences. In aiming to achieve
these objectives, this school attempts to create an environment that reflects a pride in
its community, in Caernarfon and in Wales.
CHILDREN WHO HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS
At this school as in every other, there may be children who have special needs. This
does not necessarily imply that these children are not able children, or that they have a
permanent problem. Several factors may affect a child’s educational development,
and it is important for parents to inform us of anything that could affect their
children’s educational development. Recent legislation has formalised guidelines and
it is important that parents are aware of them.
Our school policy requires us to inform parents of all developments (or lack of
development) that we observe in their children, working patterns and behaviour. If
we feel there is a problem, then we will immediately inform the parents of that
particular child. By now, the law insists that parents be involved at every stage of any
educational problem, in both diagnosis and treatment. This is common sense, but it
should be emphasised that the same common sense will be required when parents are
aware of something outside the school, which they believe hinders their child’s
development.
If a problem becomes apparent, the school will arrange a meeting with the parents of
the particular child, the classroom teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator and in some
cases the Deputy Head teacher or Head teacher. This will be a wholly informal
meeting, and it is in the wake of that discussion that we will decide whether or not
specialist support is required. In consultation with the class teacher, parents, pupil
and the school’s Special Needs Co-ordinator a plan of work is draw out for the
individual child to help overcome his/her difficulties. If such a programme is not
successful the special needs co-ordinator will then refer the matter to the Educational
Psychologist who will further assess the child’s needs and advice on any external
support that may be available.
Under such circumstances, we must depend on close co-operation with parents.
DISABLED PUPILS
It is the aim of the school to provide equal opportunities for all children, and, although
the school is not designated for disabled pupils, we would endeavour to undergo any
necessary alterations to facilitate accessibility for all pupils according to their
individual needs.
WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK?
The school has drawn out a formal whole school Homework Policy and plan as
follows: -
POLICY ON HOMEWORK
Definition: Homework refers to any work or activities that pupils are required to
accomplish outside school hours - either on their own or with their parents or guardian
or at the After School Club.
Aim: To establish amongst all pupils and parents an understanding and support as to
the importance of homework.
Objectives:
To ensure consistency throughout the school from the nursery class to Y6.
To set as an objective, individual independence and responsibility towards work.
To ensure that the individual requirements of each pupil are taken into account.
To ensure that parents/guardian as well as the children, have a clear understanding
of that which is expected of them.
To improve the children’s learning opportunities.
Provide opportunities for parents and pupils to work in partnership and gain
enjoyment from doing so.
Encourage children to develop strategies for the future.
In year 6, prepare the children for when they will be transferring to the secondary
school.
METHOD OF IMPLEMENTATION
One of the most important parental contributions to the development of the children
here at Ysgol Maesincla, and the main direction of our homework arrangements
revolve around encouraging a variety of reading experiences and developing reading
skills. A reading plan with instructions for parents has been prepared and we ask you
kindly for your co-operation. Reading a variety of topics and discussing the content
and any related ideas is an important part of our work, and your contribution will be
extremely valuable in further enhancing this experience. As well as reading at home,
class teachers will ask children to complete some further tasks. The form the
homework takes may vary considerably depending on the age and ability of the
children, as can be seen from the following examples:
learning through using educational toys and simple games.
learn times tables
learn spellings
learn facts about numbers
discover information
prepare a presentation for morning assembly or an oral presentation.
hold scientific investigations and experiments
draw sketches, drawings and carry out experimental work.
collect information for future work
investigate subjects
read in order to prepare for field of study
design and draw models
draft and copy work
learn vocabulary and phrases
written task
practice skills learnt in the classroom
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We have a school uniform at Ysgol Maesincla and the children are encouraged to
wear it. We feel that it helps to promote the school’s image, both within the school
itself and on school trips. The school’s official uniform is a Blue Polo shirt, a navy
blue sweatshirt containing the school logo, a grey or navy blue skirt or trousers.
The sweatshirts containing the logo are available at Orchid Fashions Caernarfon.
The children are expected to wear special clothes for Physical Education. The best
clothes for P.E. are a T-shirt and short trousers. They should select footwear wisely -
pumps or training shoes. In winter on the field, we recommend that the children wear
a warm jogging suit. As the children will be changing within the school, it is
extremely important that the child’s name be marked on all clothes. This includes
vests, trousers, shirts etc. just as much as coats and anoraks.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Children learn a lot from Educational visits, they enrich their personal experiences.
We have a varied programme of educational visits that are linked to different
curriculum areas. We ask parents for voluntary contribution towards such activities.
Any parent who has difficulty making payments are welcome to contact the
Headteacher. We will do everything we can to help.
We take year 6 children to Cardiff every year and year 5 to Rhyd-ddu. This is an
excellent opportunity for the children to experience open-air activities.
The school hopes to ensure parental co-operation and support in all the additional
activities that are arranged. The school provides various activities that are available to
all pupils who are in the Headteacher’s opinion mature and willing to participate in
them.
The school cannot accept responsibility for supervising children at the end of the
club/associations sessions above, and parents/guardians are requested to ensure that
arrangements are made to take their children home.
SCHOOL DINNER
School dinner costs £10.00 a week or £2.00 a day. Dinner money should be paid
beforehand weekly on Monday morning. Parents may pay by cheque, if they so
wish, making cheques payable to ‘Gwynedd Council’ and crossing them. A happy
relationship exists between the children and the kitchen staff, and the children are
looked after extremely well. If your child has any eating problems, will you kindly let
us know when he/she starts at the school. If a problem arises during the following
years, please inform the school as soon as possible.
If you do not want your child to take dinner at school, this is not a problem as several
pupils bring their own food packs to school. All the children eat under dining-room
supervision. If the child brings a food pack to school, try and ensure that they do not
have any breakable items, in particular objects for holding drinks. Children are not
allowed to bring drink cans to school. The school makes effort to satisfy the county
requirement for being a ‘Healthy School’, and we therefore ask you to prepare a
healthy lunchbox for your child. Crisps and chocolate bars are not allowed in the
lunch box.
Don’t forget that some children have a right to receive free dinners in particular
circumstances. All applications are considered in the strictest confidence. If you
would like more information, please contact the Headteacher.
SCHOOL DINNER PAYMENTS
I would like to remind you that you should pay WEEKLY for school dinners (money
in the envelope with the child’s name on the envelope). Friday afternoon IS NOT at
all convenient to settle, because we need to balance our books by the end of the week.
You are welcome to pay monthly if you wish, but these payments MUST be received
beforehand.
DINNER TIME ARRANGEMENTS
There are two dinner sittings at the school, first the Foundation Phase children
followed by the Key Stage 2 children. Those children who bring their own food eat it
in the dining room with the children who take school dinner.
If the child wishes to change from taking dinner to sandwiches/or vice-versa a
fortnight’s notice is required. You cannot chop and change from dinners to
lunchbox from day to day.
HOW CAN I ASSIST IN PROMOTING MY CHILD’S
EDUCATION?
This is the question teachers like to hear parents ask more often! There are several
things that you can do - here are some suggestions: -
1. Show your child that you are interested by asking him/her questions on what
he/she did in school on that day. Don’t be disheartened if he/she turns to discuss
other things initially! Many children go home to forget about school and the last
thing they want with their tea is to analyse the work done during the day, and thus
try and pick your time and identify those occasions when they wish to discuss the
school. Remember that the interest you show in them is more likely to get them to
show interest in themselves.
2. Feed them on a diet of good books and books and more books - even when they are
infants, children should be nurtured to appreciate books - not only as sources of
information, but in order to discover in them good, interesting and colourful
stories, and later on examples of craftwork in terms of designing and binding. Try
and get your child to get into the habit of using the local library and looking after
books. Do not be content with merely listening to your child reading, but also read
with him/her; discuss the book you are sharing, and teach him/her to be critical of
books. Don’t condemn the comics or any educational IT resources. So much of
your child’s success at school depends on the ability and the desire to read, so it’s
important to take full advantage of every opportunity.
3. Remember that discipline, including self-discipline, is essential and that it cannot
be ensured on its own at school. We find maintaining discipline increasingly
difficult as the years go by, and it is becoming more and more evident that we
cannot do this on our own. We urge you to support us in our attitude towards
discipline, and in the methods that we adopt to maintain it at the school.
4. SPEAK to your children! Undoubtedly, parents in general tend to spend less time
talking to their children than in the old days. Children have less developed
listening skills than they once had (another skill which cannot be taught by the
school on its own). The world around them excites them less (unless it is seen on a
screen) and it appears that they are less able to hold an organised discussion.
These are all basic skills, but it is essential that every child masters them.
5. Take an interest in education and educational subjects. Notice items in the media,
and most importantly attend school meetings where you will be informed face to
face how we educate your children. Never be afraid of enquiring about the
methods and resources we use at school, or about ways you could assist your child
yourself at home.
HOME/SCHOOL LINKS
This is an ‘open’ school, i.e. we make effort to welcome parents at any reasonable time.
It’s important that parents understand that teaching staff cannot discuss pupils work at
length unless prior arrangements have been made with the Headteacher.
In addition to paying individual visits to the school, parents also have two formal
opportunities to discuss their child’s work with the teachers. In the first parent
evening during the year, the Home/School contract is signed by the parent, child and
school, to ensure that we all work together in partnership from the start.
In addition to these Open Evenings, workshops for parents are occasionally held in
order to demonstrate new methods in aspects of the curriculum.
For security reasons, we ask any visitor to the school during the school day, to report
to the main office in the front of the school.
We hold an annual Thanksgiving Service at St. Mary’s Church and a Christmas
service or concert at the school hall. We compete at the Urdd Eisteddfod and
contribute to local concerts, including celebrating St David’s Day.
We also participate in football and netball competitions, at the Area and Urdd Sports
and at the Swimming Gala, to new but a few of the opportunities made available to
the children.
We strongly urge you to join in these activities as well as fund-raising activities that
are organized by the school. It is important that parents recognize the value of a frank
and open relationship between them and their school. Such a partnership is crucial if
we are to successfully achieve our aim; it is dependent on good links and co-operation
between the home and the school at all times.
The truth the whole truth!!!
In every relationship, there are times when there is conflict or uncertainty, and this is
also true of links between the school and the home. As in every relationship, the best
way of solving this is for both sides to have a frank discussion. Parents may hear
whispers near the school gate or over a cup of coffee or in the shops. The school
cannot be responsible for gossip! We do our utmost, with very limited resources, both
financial and in terms of people to notify you about everything at all times, about
every development that could affect your child’s education. Should you hear
something outside the school of which you are unsure as to its validity, please contact
the Head teacher to obtain the official version.
Similarly, some children report all kinds of extremely personal details concerning
their families to the teachers. Our policy is to ignore such gossip, but should there be
a change in the circumstances of that particular home, that could affect your child’s
academic performance or his/her behaviour at school, please notify the head teacher
as soon as possible. We assure you that such information will be handled wisely and
kept wholly confidential.
SCHOOL PATTERN OF ATTENDANCE
There are two kinds of absence:
Authorised Absence - an absence where permission is given by the parents and the
school e.g. a child has been ill, and parents have sent the school a letter of
explanation.
“Unauthorised Absence” - an absence where a school has not received a satisfactory
explanation for the absence.
These are the school’s figures for the 2013 Autumn term and the 2014 Spring Term.
The school distribute a booklet offering more information about attendance and
punctuality including some information slips to send back to school.
AUTUMN TERM 2013
CYFNOD
SYLFAEN
CYFNOD
ALLWEDDOL 2
% attendance 91.2% 94.0%
% of authorised absences 6.3% 4.1%
% of unauthorised absences 2.5% 1.9%
SPRING TERM 2014
CYFNOD
SYLFAEN
CYFNOD
ALLWEDDOL 2
% attendance 90.4% 92.1%
% of authorised absences 7.2% 5.3%
% of unauthorised absences 2.4% 2.5%
The school and the county target is 95%
We will be launching ‘Ysgol Maesincla’s Punctuality and Attendance Project’
during the Autumn term aiming to get nearer this challenging target.
EARLY YEARS EDUCATION
HOME / SCHOOL
Ysgol Maesincla is anxious to build up close social and educational links with you the
parents so that family and school can work together for the benefit of the child. To
this purpose the Deputy Head teacher is the ‘Registered Person’ at the Cylch Meithrin
in ‘Plas Pawb’ and our Nursery teacher has a close working relationship with their
staff. This provision has undoubtedly made it easier for the children to make a smooth
transition from home to school.
The activities organised at the Cylch Meithin resemble those of a Nursery Class.
Our main aims and purposes for developing this important relationship are:
To ease the transition from home to school for both parents and child.
To give each child opportunities from socialisation, language input and
enrichment experiences, at this critical stage of development.
To ensure that we have as full as possible an understanding of the needs of every
child in our care, as soon as possible.
The Cylch Meithrin, which is run by Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin is held on the ‘Plas
Pawb’ site and provides Nursery Education for children from 2 years old. Mudiad
Ysgolion Meithrin is a voluntary organisation; therefore there is a fee for the sessions.
After the children have finished the Nursery session in school your child has the
option of going to the Cylch Meithrin with a lunch box until 2:50pm. There is a
specific fee for this arrangement. This means that your child can have nursery
education all day. It is very important for you to put your names down early in order
to benefit from this arrangement.
SAFETY OF CHILDREN ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
For safety reasons, everyone who visits the school during the day, come in through
the main entrance to RECEPTION.
If you come by car, please park on the yard on your left hand side when coming down
the drive before school starts, and when collecting your child at home time.
Children should respect the school health and safety rules at all times.
Fire arrangements are present in every classroom, and fire drills are held every three
months.
Any personal property is the responsibility of the child. Please make sure your
CHILD’S NAME IS CLEAR ON EVERY ITEM OF CLOTHING, BAG OR PURSE
for identification purposes.
No valuables should be left in the cloakroom, but should immediately be transfered to
the care of the designated teacher.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
No pupil is allowed to leave the school grounds during school hours unless given
official permission to do so.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Ysgol Maesincla’s Governing Body is responsible for developing and revising the
school’s policies. Following a meeting of the Governing Body, policies are distributed
to all members ready to be revised amended and then adopted at the next meeting.
The school has a racism policy. You can request a copy of any of the school’s policies
by contacting the Head teacher.
MEDICAL
Parents are expected to notify the school of any medial or clinical condition that could
affect a child.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
The LEA in accordance with the requirements of the Secretary of State, under Section
23 of the 1980 Reform Act, has established a procedure to consider complaints on
how school governors and the LEA act in relation to the school curriculum and other
related matters. This procedure is outlined in a document in Welsh and English that is
available at the school. A copy is provided free of charge, as and when required, to
any parent wishing to lodge a complaint under these arrangements, and the Authority
may provide a copy in a language other than Welsh and English if required. It is
however, emphasised, that many complaints may be dealt with quickly and effectively
through informal consideration based on discussions with the Headteacher. This is
the first reasonable step to take, and the Governing Body expects that in exceptional
cases, this step will have been implemented before the complaint is formally lodged.
The school should be contacted to make an appointment to discuss any complaint with
the Headteacher: 01286 673787.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
2014-2015
TERM:
Autumn 2014 1 September 2014 – 19 December 2014
Spring 2015 5 January 2015 – 27 March 2015
Summer 2015 13 April 2015 – 20 July 2015
Pupils will return to school on Wednesday 3rd
September 2014.
HOLIDAYS:
27 – 31 October 2014 (Half Term)
22 December 2014 – 2 January 2015 (Christmas Holidays)
16 – 20 February 2015 (Half Term)
30 March 2015 – 10 April 2015 (Easter Holidays)
4 May 2015 (May Day)
25-29 May 2015 (Half Term)
21 July – 31 August 2015 (Summer Holidays)
Schools will re-open on Tuesday 1st of September 2015 for staff and on Wednesday
2nd
September 2015 for pupils.
Number of days in each month that schools will be open.
SEPTEMBER 2014 22
OCTOBER 2014 18
NOVEMBER 2014 20
DECEMBER 2014 15
JANUARY 2015 20
FEBRUARY 2015 15
MARCH 2015 20
APRIL 2015 14
MAY 2015 15
JUNE 2015 22
JULY 2015 14
195
1st
September 2014 – Day under School Control
2nd
September 2014 – Day under School Control
3 further training days
This brings the total number of school days for pupils to 190
Schools that close for election purposes will be open for those number of days at the
end of the Summer Term.