Friends of St. Gabriel’s Meeting (AGM)

Calling all parents – old and new! Next Monday evening is our first Friends of St. Gabriel’s meeting of the school year. This is a group of people who work together to raise money through different events that supports the purchase of resources that benefit the children in our school. There is a whole range of ways to be involved with varying levels of commitment. It is called the ‘Friends’ of St Gabriel’s because it doesn’t have to be parents of current pupils as part of the group – grandparents, family friends or anyone who wants to get involved and help support our school is welcome.

This meeting is taking place at 6pm Monday 18^th October via zoom. Here is the link information:

Launch Meeting – Zoom 

or the full link:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73861088650?pwd=aXlGL1VubDFyKzB2ZUR1V2JNaDY5UT09

Meeting ID: 738 6108 8650
Passcode: FOSG

On behalf of the current Friends of St Gabriel’s, we would love to see you (virtually) there!

 

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

 

Harvest Collection

A big thank you for all our harvest food donations. We were overwhelmed by your generosity. The Minnie Vinnie Ministry made a lovely display of all the contributions in our hall so all pupils could see them at their lunch times before they were donated to Newport food bank.

 

Inappropriate Content Awareness

This week we have noted a number of new games starting on the playground e.g. red light / green light which is a stop and go game, that have potential links to inappropriate online content. Please read through this parent information for your awareness: ‘Squid Game’ Trending across Platforms: What Parents Need to Know | National Online Safety

 

 

Latest COVID 19 Update from Welsh Government

New Guidance Around Testing and Isolating

On Tuesday 5th October, Welsh Government released a statement with new guidance on COVID-19 testing for children and young people and for staff working in special schools and colleges. The changes will formally come into effect from Monday 11^th October.

• Where a close contact is established, primary school children will continue to be advised to take a PCR test on Day 2 and Day 8.
• We will no longer recommend that children under 5 years of age take COVID-19 tests without symptoms.
• Where children under 5 have symptoms, we would not routinely recommend tests – unless directed to do so by a doctor or if parents believe a test is absolutely necessary and in the best interests of the child.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation
• You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result. 

 

Fitness Sessions

Last Friday Yrs 2 to 6 had the opportunity to experience Forces Fitness sessions – the weather was with us and great fun was had across a range of activities on the field.

 

Parent Consultations

Our Autumn term Parent Consultations will be taking place during the week beginning 8.11.21. Specific dates and times for your child’s class will be released next week. They will be taking place as phone calls.

 

 

Dates to be aware of:

18.10.21 6pm Virtual Friends of St Gabriel’s meeting – see above in the newsletter for information

HALF TERM WEEK: MONDAY 25^TH TO FRIDAY 29^TH OCTOBER.

4.11.21 Applications open for Reception school places 2022

W/B 8.11.21 – Parent Consultation Appointments

3.12.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

16.12.21 Last day of Autumn term for pupils

17.12.21 School closed to pupils for staff training

 

 

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 3^rd December

Friday 17^th December

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

 

Registration for 1^st Holy Communion 2021-22

Registration for preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Communion in 2022 is now open. This online registration First Holy Communion Registration – All Saints (allsaintsrcnewport.org.uk) is for pupils Year 3 or older, who are baptised Catholics and wish to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time.

Please be aware that registration closes at 5pm on 1.11.21 when the registration link will be taken offline.

 

 

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.