Headteacher’s Blog

I hope you have all had a restful and enjoyable half term break. It has been another busy and successful period at Llangan, and I am delighted to share some of our recent highlights and important dates for the weeks ahead.

We looking forward to welcoming all back to school tomorrow as usual!

Dance-a-thon Success

Before half term, our children danced their socks off at our all-day Silent Disco Dance-a-thon — and what a day it was. From 9:00am through to 3:30pm, the music never stopped. Each year group took their turn on the dance floor and our fantastic Year 6 pupils stepped up brilliantly to ensure the dancing continued seamlessly, even through lunchtime.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our families, friends and wider community, we raised an outstanding £2,144.33. This far exceeded our original £500 target. Every penny will go towards our PTA Playground Project, helping us to continue improving play opportunities for our children.

My sincere thanks go to our PTA, staff and everyone who sponsored, donated and supported the event. It was Team Llangan at its very best. Diolch yn fawr iawn bawb.

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Next Week

• Monday – School returns as normal.

• Tuesday – Year 4/5 trip to Aston Martin Factory in St Athan's.

• Wednesday – Eisteddfod Young Performer auditions.

• Thursday – Governors’ Meeting at 5:30pm in the Year 5 classroom.

• Friday – Parent Forum Meeting 9 am- Staff Room.

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St David’s Day Eisteddfod – Monday 2 March

We are very much looking forward to our St David’s Day Eisteddfod Assembly, which will take place on Monday 2 March from 10:00am to 11:30am.

Tickets cost £3.50 each. If you would like to attend and have not yet secured a ticket, please purchase one by midday on Monday 23 February. Initially, one ticket per family will be available to ensure as many families as possible can attend. Any remaining tickets will be released on a first come, first served basis during the afternoon of Monday 23 February.

Families are warmly invited to join us for refreshments, including homemade Welsh cakes, in the school dinner hall from 9:30am. Please note that we are unable to provide early access to the school hall, as children will be rehearsing beforehand.

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Eisteddfod Competitions – Home Tasks

Children are invited to complete Eisteddfod tasks at home. Entries are due by Wednesday 25 February to allow time for judging. Pupils may complete as many tasks as they wish, with every entry earning a house point.

1. Video – Highlights of Wales
Create a video showcasing what Wales has to offer. Videos can be shared via Seesaw or Google Classroom.

2. Model Making

• Nursery to Year 2: Create a Welsh dragon mask using craft materials and be ready to explain what the dragon represents in Welsh history.

• Years 3 to 6: Create a model of a Welsh landmark.

3. Traditional Welsh Baking
With support from home, bake a traditional Welsh dish such as Welsh cakes or bara brith and bring it into school to be judged. Children may also choose to write a step-by-step recipe.

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Young Performers Auditions

Auditions for Years 3–6 will take place on Wednesday 25 February. Pupils wishing to sing, play an instrument, recite poetry or dance should prepare in advance and inform Mrs Antoniou of their intention to audition.

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Year 6 Bard Competition

Year 6 pupils are invited to enter the Bard Poetry Competition. Poems should be original, inspired by Wales and full of powerful imagery that evokes pride and inspiration.

Entries must:

• Be submitted anonymously using a ffugenw (pen name).

• Not include the pupil’s real name.

• Be entirely the pupil’s own work (AI use is not permitted).

• Be typed, printed and handed to Mrs Antoniou by Wednesday 25 February.

Most importantly, pupils should enjoy the creative process and take pride in their writing.

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Parent Forum

Our next Parent Forum will take place on Friday 27 February at 9:00am in the staffroom. All are welcome.

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Looking Ahead

World Book Day – Thursday 5 March
We look forward to celebrating the joy of reading. Pupils may come to school either in pyjamas or cosy clothes, ready to enjoy a good book, or dressed as their favourite book character. Further details will follow after half term.

Year 6 Residential Parents’ Meeting
A meeting to support families in preparing for the Llangrannog residential will take place on Thursday 5 March from 3:30pm to 4:00pm.

Science Week
More information will be shared shortly about the exciting activities planned.

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Highlights from the Week Before Half Term

The final week before half term was full of enriching experiences.

We began with Children’s Mental Health Week, led by Miss Spiller and our Wellbeing Warriors, focusing on the importance of belonging and ensuring our school remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

Our Digital Champions, alongside Mr Howles, delivered a thoughtful Safer Internet Day assembly, reminding us all about online safety, respectful behaviour and what to do if something online does not feel right. Thank you also to families for supporting a near full attendance at Parents’ Evening.

On Wednesday, we proudly hosted the second cluster MAT writing workshop, focusing on editing and peer feedback. The quality of discussion was exceptional. Our thanks go to local author Mr Gareth Thomas for his continued expertise and support.

Year 6 enjoyed a fantastic Technocamps workshop, coding with micro:bits and programming remote control cars, combining creativity, teamwork and problem solving.

Dosbarth Pili-Pala were delighted to welcome Helen from Puppet Play, who inspired the children through storytelling, puppet design and performance. It was a joyful and creative session that sparked great curiosity and imagination.

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As always, thank you for your continued support. Llangan is a very special place because of the strength of our community working together for our children.

Mr Griffiths