Greenhill Primary School
Gallwn Gyda'n Gilydd Together We Can
Welcome
Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
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Two places available as our Parent Governor
Thu 29 Apr 2021Good morning all
Two parent governor places are available on our Governing Body. If interested, please call into the office to collect a form by Friday 7th May.
Thank you
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Teacher training days / Half Term
Tue 27 Apr 2021Good afternoon
We have two teacher training days on:
Friday 28th May and also Monday 7th June.
Half term starts on Monday 31st May - Friday 4th June
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NO SMOKING ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES
Fri 16 Apr 2021Good morning.
We strongly remind all parents and carers that the school grounds (including the turning circle) is a NO SMOKING area!
Thank you -
Well-Being Questionnaire
Tue 13 Apr 2021Good morning, bore da,
We are reviewing well-being in our school and wish to incorporate the views of parents/carers. Over the past year we have faced unprecedented circumstances and wish to reflect upon these times and how we can further support the emotional well-being of our learners. Please help us by sharing your views on the short questionnaire that you will find on the below link. It wont take more than a couple of minutes and we highly value and appreciate your feedback.
Thank you for your continued support.Here at Greenhill Primary School we are reviewing well-being in our school and want to incorporate the views of parents/carers. Over the past year we have faced unprecedented circumstances and wish to reflect upon these times and how we can further support the emotional well-being of your child. The questionnaire is short and we highly value your feedback. Thank you for your continued support.
Here at Greenhill Primary School we are reviewing well-being in our school and want to incorporate the views of parents/carers. Over the past year we have faced unprecedented circumstances and wish to reflect upon these times and how we can further support the emotional well-being of your child. The questionnaire is short and we highly value your feedback. Thank you for your continued support.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEIx7eQNy4eqAnvLMKmAb6eDPOTquhWJwpm6FLHUp-X4LzWw/viewform?usp=sf_link
S Holloway
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Comic Relief 2021
Wed 17 Mar 2021Prynhawn da, as I'm sure you are aware this Friday (19/0321) is Comic Relief day. At Greenhill we will have a non-uniform day and ask that you make a donation to the charity. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we WILL NOT be collecting money in the school. Instead we ask that you donate via the charity's official methods or through another collection that you know of.
Thank you, stay safe,
S Holloway
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Parent's Evening Check-in Phone Calls
Mon 15 Mar 2021March 15th 2021
To parents/guardians of Greenhill pupils
I hope you are all keeping well and that the houses of our junior learners were not too quiet for you today! It has been lovely hearing so many voices in our school today as the sounds of learning filled the building. J
As we look forward to the rest of the school year we would like to check-in with parents and carers to discuss the children and ways forward regarding their learning. The teachers will be contacting you via
SeeSaw to arrange a convenient time for a quick phone call (as with the previous calls, you will be asked to fill in an online form stating your preferences). It is hoped that parents/carers of all the Foundation Phase (Infants) classes will be called this week and the juniors next week.Let’s hope that today is the start of the journey back to normality for us in schools and that the rest of the year passes as we would hope.
If you have any concerns or queries, please get in touch. Thank you for all your support.
Stay safe and well
Stuart Holloway
Deputy Headteacher
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Letter from Ms Jones About Returning to School on 15.03.21
Mon 08 Mar 2021March 8th 2021
To parents/guardians of Greenhill pupils
I hope you are all keeping well. We are very much looking forward to welcoming back our Key Stage Two pupils (Juniors) on Monday March 15th. All the Junior children will return full-time on this date.
We are still taking every step possible to minimise the risk of Covid transmission within school and therefore we will continue to stagger the start and end of the school day, as follows:
Class
Start
Finish
Enfys
8:50
2:50
Melyn
9:20
3:20
Gwyrdd
9:10
3:10
Glas
8:50
2:50
Indigo
9:20
3:20
Fioled
9:10
3:10
Dosbarthiadau Coch, Arian ac Aur (Red, Silver and Gold classes) continue as previously arranged.
We also ask that the children bring as little as possible to school; we are supplying stationery so they do not need to bring in pencil cases. All they need is a water bottle, and a packed lunch, if needed.
School dinners will be provided for all pupils who wish to have a hot meal. Please make sure all dinner money is paid on Mondays. The menu can be found on OurSchoolApp and also our website www.greenhillprm.co.uk. The week of the 15th will be Week 1.
As you are probably aware, the impact of the full return of all children on the spread of the pandemic will be closely monitored. The Welsh Government is keen to stress that every effort should be taken to keep the school, and the wider community, safe. Steps to help with this include:
- Wearing a mask at all times when on school grounds
- Only one adult accompanying your children into school
- Only accompanying your own children to school
- Not allowing your child to mix with other children outside of school.
If you have any concerns or queries, please get in touch.
Thank you for all your support.
Take care
Lisa Jones
Headteacher
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Parent and pupil “practical hints and tips” on the safe use of ICT equipment at home from CCBC
Wed 03 Mar 2021Parent and pupil “practical hints and tips” on the safe use of ICT equipment at home.
This guide offers some simple and practical measures you could introduce within the home to make the learning environment safe, comfortable and ergonomically sound environment that will help pupils concentrate, be productive and avoid aches and pains.
To support you through the process, this guide offers some simple but effective “dos and don’ts” for you to consider.
Online learning ergonomics do’s
- Create a designated area for learning. It’s important to have distinct locations for different activities like eating, sleeping and learning. If possible, also create a “quiet corner” where your child can go to relax away from a live-learning area. This will support their wellbeing and a break away from the learning environment should they need it.
- Encourage the 90-90-90 rule when setting up the learning area/ desk for older children. There should be 90-degree angles at your child’s ankles, knees and hips when they’re sitting at their desk. If the desk is too high, your child’s elbows will be up and out to sides. If it’s too low, your child will slump in their chair or rest their head on their hand. Cushions or other items around the house that can be used to help achieve the correct angles. For example, if their feet don’t reach the floor, use a footstool to support their feet, if they can’t rest their back in the chair while bending their knees at a 90-degree angle, add a cushion behind them. Young children will naturally move around within their seated position or fidget and this should not be discouraged as it helps with concentration and comfort.
- Position your child’s laptop so the screen is at eye level. Laptops can be opened and tilted to help adjust the screen to make it more comfortable for your child to use it. Set up the seating position and the laptop and check the ergonomic layout against the 90-90-90 rule. Make sure there is enough room for writing books, pens and other resources that may be used for the lesson.
- The 20-20-20 Rule. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen, you should spend 20 seconds looking at something else 20 feet away. This gives your eye muscles a break and helps reduce eye strain.
- Allow your child to work in a variety of positions. When live lessons are being undertaken, it is important that your child is seated in a position where that can fully engage in the lesson. Where tasks have been set by the teacher, some level of flexibility in their position could be considered and may include children standing at a countertop/standing desk or sitting on the floor or a beanbag. To help with positive and active movement around the learning area, consider securing paper to the wall for handwriting practice.
- Schedule frequent breaks throughout the day. The opportunity to move will help your child remain focused on their learning and self-regulate if needed. Place a copy of the timetable on the wall and plan the breaks to include toilet breaks, snacks and short periods outside or relaxing away from their learning space. Pupils must actively “leave” a lesson to take comfort breaks and pupils should not take a device with them when taking comfort breaks. Regular exercise is essential through the day as your child will not be walking around the school or outside during break/ lunchtimes.
- Break time reminders. The teacher would have carefully planned the lessons for the day. It is important that reminders are given on break times and it may be useful to set timers to remind you. During break times, reduce any additional screen time.
- Snacks, Hydration and ventilation. To keep children healthy and stimulated, fruit and vegetables are good snacks for in between lessons. It is also important that your child keeps hydrated throughout the day, so a bottle of water should be kept close to their learning space. To maintain alertness and reduce fatigue, it is important that natural air is allowed in the learning area but also maintains thermal temperature. Keep windows slightly ajar to allow air in.
- Some children benefit from a sensory toolbox; keep it near your child’s laptop/ learning space. You can utilize an old shoebox and let your child decorate it. Then fill it with different types of fidgets, mints, paperclips, playdough, and other sensory items they can use when they need to. This also helps them to focus on a different activity if they become anxious.
- Create a morning routine and stick to it. Keeping the same morning schedule of getting dressed, brushing teeth, having breakfast and going to their work area will help home students feel more organized and prepared to take on the day. Keeping the same routine as if children were attending school, helps keeps pupils focused and prepared for the work to come.
Online learning ergonomics don’ts
- Do not put your child’s workspace in a room where there are lots of people or distractions.
- Do not let your child keep snacks in their learning area. It is important to encourage breaks away from the learning space.
- Avoid or limit use of the TV, phone, tablet or any other device during break times. Encourage breaks that are outdoors or away from ICT equipment.
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Letter to parents and carers, 26.02.21
Fri 26 Feb 2021February 26th 2021
To parents/guardians of Greenhill pupils
It has been so lovely to welcome all our Foundation Phase pupils back this week. They have come bounding into school, and seem so happy to be back! Their teachers are very happy to see them as well!
You are probably aware the Education Minister has announced that all Key Stage Two (Juniors) will return on March 15th. We will be in touch with more details nearer the time.
School Dinners
School dinners will resume on Monday March 1st. Please note, this will be for INFANT CHILDREN ONLY. Junior children accessing the on-site provision will still need to be provided with a packed lunch. Junior children in receipt of Free School Meals will continue to receive a delivery from the Local Authority.
St David’s Day
Next Monday is March 1st. It would be lovely if the children dress in Welsh rugby shirts or costumes to celebrate. However, if your child has not got a costume, please don’t worry and certainly don’t feel you have to go shopping for one. We completely understand that things are very different this year.
World Book Day
Next Thursday, March 4th, is World Book Day. Due to the current lockdown situation, I am not going to add to the pressure on parents at the current time by asking you to send your child to school dressed in a costume. Instead, we will make sure the children take part in a range of book-themed activities during the school day.
Smoking Ban
You may be aware that there are new laws being introduced across Wales on 1st March, which build on the smoking ban introduced in 2007. The new laws will cover spaces where children and young people spend their time – such as school grounds and public playgrounds, as well as the outdoor areas of children’s daycare and childminding settings. Hospital grounds will also be part of the new legislation. Therefore, please be mindful that it is against the law to smoke within school grounds; this includes our turning circle.
Finally I’d take this opportunity to thank you for all your support over the past few weeks, and your compliance with our Covid-19 protocols.
I look forward to the whole school returning soon,
Take care.
Lisa Jones
Headteacher
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Letter from Keri Cole 12/02/21
Fri 12 Feb 202112.02.21
Dear Parent/Carer
As you will know, Welsh Government has announced that all pupils in Foundation Phase (3-7years old) will be able to return to school by Friday, 26th February, 2021. I am sure your schools have already been in touch with details of specific dates and times. Arrangements will vary between schools, due to the requirements of individual site risk assessments. This transition week will also mean a possible reduction in the remote learning offer, as staff focus on supporting children to return in the classroom.
Headteachers and school staff will be working very hard to adapt practices and procedures on school site, to further minimise contact between ‘bubbles’ within school. It is now more important than ever that we continue to follow the Public Health Wales guidance, e.g. frequent washing of hands. You will also see school staff wearing face coverings now, as advised.
You can all help too by;
- wearing a face covering at the school gate and on the school site;
- socially distancing;
- only bringing and collecting children to and from school from your own household (unless you are a childminder or part of a support bubble);
- keeping your children at home when they are unwell and taking them for a Covid test if they develop symptoms.
You may also be aware that staff on school sites have been offered the opportunity to participate in twice-weekly testing. This will sometimes mean that classes will be required to self-isolate whilst the test result is confirmed by a formal test.
Catering
Week beginning 22nd February, 2021.
All pupils in school will be required to bring a packed lunch and FSM deliveries will continue.
From 1st March, 2021.
Catering services will resume for all pupils in schools offering foundation phase education. FSM deliveries for all other pupils will continue.
Cont’d ….
Milk and fruit provision will begin as soon as possible for pupils in the foundation phase.
As this return begins, we are all acutely aware of the need to ensure that we do all we can to continue to make the school environment as safe as possible. We all have our part to play.
I am sure that we will work together to achieve a successful return to school. Headteachers and the school community have been working incredibly hard to provide both learning on site for identified groups, and remotely for those at home. They are now also very busy preparing for the wider return.
Finally, thank you for the way in which you have supported your children to engage with their learning and for the many positive comments you have made.
As always, if you have any concerns in regard to your children’s learning, please contact the school in the first instance.
Yours sincerely
Keri Cole
Chief Education Officer, Caerphilly County Borough Council