Jump In Days – New Inquiries of Learning

Looking ahead to next week, all classes will be taking part in their Jump In Days, which mark the start of their new learning inquiries (topics). This term, the whole school focus is on Science and Technology, with a strong golden thread of creation, innovation, design and engineering running through all classes. Jump In Days allow pupils to immerse themselves in the big ideas of their new learning and generate curiosity and questions.

We will be sharing an overview of these inquiries with parents next week. Please note that no costumes, dressing up, or additional resources are required from home.

Parent Course – Starting Wednesday Morning

We are pleased to be launching a 10-week parent and child course starting next Wednesday morning at 9:00am, led by Lucy from Cardiff and Vale College. The course focuses on helping children and parents understand emoti

The course is open to children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, alongside their parents, carers or grandparents, and provides a valuable opportunity for families to learn side by side in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Sessions will focus on building confidence, improving communication and developing important social and emotional skills that can be used in everyday life.ons and emotional regulation, working together in a supportive and practical way.

The key message throughout the course is that all emotions are normal and valid, but how we respond to them is what matters. Anxiety and worry are among the most common emotions children experience, and the sessions aim to support both children and parents in developing resilience. The course explores coping strategies, emotional models and theories to help explain why we feel certain emotions and how these influence our behaviour, while also developing empathy and positive ways for parents to support their child when regulation is difficult.

Each session is themed and includes a bonding activity when children join their parents. The aim is to create meaningful and valuable sessions that reflect the realities of day-to-day emotional challenges and practical ways to manage them. Parents will also complete an Agored qualification as part of the course, which is why the sessions are free to both families and the school. Further information, including the course outline, will be shared separately.

Dog-Free School Site Reminder

We would like to remind families that Llangan Primary School is a dog-free site, in line with guidance followed by schools across the UK. This is due to health, safety and safeguarding reasons. While we understand that dogs are part of many families and walking them to school may feel convenient, dogs can pose a risk if they become unsettled or get off the lead.

In addition, some children, particularly our youngest pupils, can feel frightened or anxious around dogs. Recently, there have been occasions where children have felt unable to enter the school site due to dogs present near the gates. We kindly ask that dogs are left at home or in the car and are not brought onto the school site (including the car park). Please also ensure that all family members who collect children are aware of this expectation. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Nut-Free School Reminder

This is also a reminder that we are a nut-free school. We have several pupils and members of staff with severe nut allergies, and exposure can be extremely dangerous. Please ensure that no food containing nuts is brought into school, including in packed lunches. Children are reminded that morning snacks should be fruit or vegetables only. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

PE Days

PE days will remain the same for all year groups, except Year 6, whose PE day will now move to Tuesday. Class teachers are currently teaching PE lessons following staffing changes at the end of last term.

Car Park Safety

Thank you for the continued improvement we have seen in car park safety — it has been much appreciated. We do, however, need to reiterate the importance of following car park rules at all times. Recently, a vehicle parked in the access lane caused blocked entry and a near-miss on the main road, which was understandably upsetting for several families.

Please ensure that all adults who use the car park, including grandparents and other relatives, are aware of and follow the car park rules so that we can keep everyone safe.

Nursery to Year 3 Amazon Wish List

Some parents have asked about ways they can support the school. Our Nursery to Year 3 staff have created an Amazon Wish List of resources that will be used to enhance outdoor learning areas. There is absolutely no obligation, but if you feel able to contribute, any donations would be very gratefully received. Further details will be shared separately.

Punctuality Reminder

Finally, a reminder that the school day starts at 8:55am. Children can enter classrooms from 8:45am as part of our soft start, where they read or complete quiet activities to ensure a calm beginning to the day. Arriving late means children miss the start of their maths lesson and disrupts learning for others, as teachers must stop teaching to update registers and support late arrivals.

We kindly ask everyone to work together to ensure children arrive on time so that learning can begin smoothly each day.

In the News:  More Able Writers Project:

A brilliant and inspiring afternoon was spent with local author Gareth Thomas at the launch of our More Able Writers Project. Pupils from Llangan Primary School, Llansannor CIW Primary School, Rhws Primary School, St David’s CIW Primary School, South Point Primary School and Y Bont Faen Primary School worked collaboratively on a writing brief set by Mr Thomas, creating short stories inspired by nature and their own sense of Cynefin. The children approached the challenge with creativity, thoughtfulness and real enthusiasm, and we are excited to follow their progress over the coming weeks. We are hopeful that the finished collection of writing will be published around Easter. A huge diolch to Mr Gareth Thomas for facilitating such a motivating and memorable afternoon.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership; have a great weekend!