Latest News
Latest News
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Happy New Year!
Sun 03 Jan 2021Well Happy New Year everyone!
I hope that you have had a lovely break.
I thought that I would quickly update you with the fact that I have no further news as yet regarding our return to school.
Therefore, the plan remains the same for now, which is a return to school on Wednesday.
I would imagine that there will be further communication with the Head Teachers and Local Authority tomorrow, and if there are any changes as a result, I will email you and post information on 'Covid 19 Updates' located in News and Events.
We are so looking forward to seeing our families, but for Monday and Tuesday, please access the learning via Google Classroom.
If you have any difficulties, please contact the office.
As ever, take care and stay safe,
Very kind regards,
Caroline Swann
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Message from Will McClean (MCC)
Fri 11 Dec 202011th December 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
I am sure you will be aware of the rapid escalation in the COVID-19 pandemic that we are experiencing across Wales. Monmouthshire is no different and we are experiencing significant increases in the rates of infection in many of our communities. As of today, the seven-day incidence rate across Wales is over 400 per 100,000 and in Monmouthshire, it is c.325; these numbers are having a material impact on our schools. In light of this fact and alongside the Minister for Education’s announcement regarding secondary schools we have reviewed the provision for face-to-face education in our primary schools in the week commencing the 14th December.
Following discussions with school leaders, Monmouthshire’s primary schools will move to a model of blended learning from Wednesday 16th December. Thursday 17th and Friday 18th will be blended learning – this is not an early start to the Christmas holiday. This is not a decision that we have arrived lightly but with an increasing prevalence across the county and a material impact on staffing levels in schools we believe that this step will allow us to reach the end of term safely for all.
We will continue to provide face-to-face provision for our vulnerable learners and we will make provision for childcare for NHS and social care workers. Your schools will be in touch early next week to set out these arrangements.
All of our school staff have worked tirelessly this term to keep our schools safe environments for our children and I am hugely grateful for their efforts.
Will McLean
Chief Officer Children & Young People Monmouthshire
Lead Director for SE Wales
Additional information from Archbishop Rowan Williams Primary School
Blended/home learning will be for one day only as we have a staff training day on
Friday 18th December.
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Key dates for next week
Fri 11 Dec 2020- Monday 14th December 2020 Flu Vaccination
- Monday 14th December 2020 we welcome Year 4 and Year R/1 KB back
- Wednesday 16th December 2020 -School as usual
- Thursday 17th December - Home learning
- Friday 18th December- School closure as staff are on training
Letter from Will McLean (MCC) to follow
Have a wonderful weekend and I shall post the Ambassadors on the Ambassadors page shortly.
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Whole school team effort
Sun 06 Dec 2020Dear Parent, Carers, Families,
As I am sure you are aware, we have had two positive cases of Covid 19 reported to us via Environmental Health, and both Year 4 and Year R/1 Miss Burton are completing their period of self-isolation.
I am now looking at how we can collectively minimise any further cases. This is going to be very challenging, as Environmental Health has confirmed that the Caldicot area is a ‘hot spot’.
We know that from the day of onset of symptoms, the Environmental Health Team count back 2 days, and consider them to be part of the persons infectious period.
I was therefore wondering that as we have just had 2 days apart for the weekend, we could be extra cautious and vigilant for symptoms to maximise the usefulness of the 2 day break. If you think that your child may be unwell, air on the side of caution, and do not send them. Monitor them carefully and send them back as soon as you feel that they are well. If you are concerned at all, contact 119 for further advice.
This may allow us to capitalise on the 2 day break that the weekend has given us and keep any spread to a minimum.
Your children are absolutely welcome at school, and we are not asking you to keep them away unnecessarily, only if they are unwell.
I will try to keep you as informed as I possibly can, and below are some links to further advice,
Kind regards,
Caroline Swann
Symptoms of COVID-19:
- a new or continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss of or change to sense of smell or taste
If your child develops any of these symptoms, even if they are mild, you need to:
- Book a test for them by phoning 119 or through the online portal: https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test
- Inform Archbishop Rowan Williams CiW Primary School that they are unwell with Covid 19 symptoms and that you have requested a test
- Ensure your child self-isolates for 10 days from when their symptoms started
- All other household members isolate for 14 days from when your child developed symptoms
- Do not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital but if you require medical advice, please contact NHS 111 or telephone your GP; if there is a medical emergency, phone 999
To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading, there are things that everyone in your family can do to help. These include:
- washing hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- washing hands as soon as they get home
- covering their mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not their hands) when they cough or sneeze
- putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards
Further information on symptoms and self-isolation can be found here:
https://gov.wales/symptoms-and-self-isolation-contact-tracing
Further information on NHS Wales Test, Trace, Protect can be found here:
https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus
For general information on COVID-19: https://gov.wales/protect-yourself-others-coronavirus
The COVID-19 online symptom checker can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do: https://gov.wales/check-if-you-need-coronavirus-medical-help
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Covid 19 Update
Sat 05 Dec 2020Dear Parents/Carers/Families,
I am sure that you will be feeling concerned regarding the 2 confirmed cases of Covid 19 at our school. I will try to keep you updated quickly and with as much information as possible throughout this time. We now have 2 classes affected: Year R/1 KB and Year 4. All families within these groups have been contacted. No spread has occurred within school that we can see.
We’re working closely with the NHS Test, Trace and Protect (TTP) team based in Monmouthshire County Council to ensure all appropriate measures are in place to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.
The school remains open and it is not necessary for any other child to self-isolate, stay away from school or to be tested, unless advised to by a TTP team or they develop symptoms of Covid-19.
As soon as I get chance I will create a’ Covid 19 Update’ page in ‘News and Events ‘on our website to try and make it a bit easier to find relevant information.
Do take care everyone and we will collectively make every effort possible to minimise spread.
Very kind regards,
Caroline Swann
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A mixed bag.
Fri 04 Dec 2020Well,
It’s been quite a busy news day today.
Firstly, can I apologise to our Ambassadors and our Platinum pupils!
We were unable do have our usual celebrations today because of time constraints, so…
Monday morning… we will do both!... Woo hoo
As you know, we have had our first confirmed case of Covid-19 today. Everyone has pulled together to respond quickly and effectively, Environmental Health have answered all of our queries, ensuring that we have been well informed and thorough, and our families have been very supportive and we are very appreciative of this.
One class has been affected, and because of our ‘bubble’ system, no other staff or pupils outside of this bubble are required to self-isolate. This is testament to the staff following our Risk Assessment Procedure with such diligence and I am very proud of their professionalism and care.
We send our thoughts and prayers to all who are feeling unwell, and wish them a very speedy recovery.
Following on the ‘proud’ theme, I would like to announce that after a thorough assessment, we have retained our platinum Eco-Schools status!
What is truly impressive is that we achieved this status through our sustained and embedded eco ethos.
We were not aware that this assessment was taking place due to the current pandemic, so when asked for evidence, we did not have a portfolio on hand! In response, the teachers pulled together the ‘everyday’ learning experiences taking place across the school to submit as our evidence. Some of the comments from the assessor are below:
‘I have really enjoyed reading about the projects undertaken during lockdown and it is so heartening to know that the pupils have driven the learning in this area and are keen to find out more. It is so important to be able to take this knowledge and interest and turn it into positive actions to make a difference to plastic use, carbon emissions and other issues that they have learnt about.’
‘I am delighted to confirm that you have retained your platinum Eco-Schools status and wish you every success with your projects for the coming year. Maintaining the Eco-Schools Platinum status is a fantastic achievement. The school, staff and pupils, should feel proud of their hard work and commitment.’
Well done ARW staff for listening to and following the interests of the pupils…and well done ARW pupils for being Eco Warriors; being interested in and caring about your world.
Congratulations to you all.
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Ambassadors
Fri 27 Nov 202027.11.2020
Archbishop Rowan Williams CiW Primary School
proudly present to you this week’s Ambassadors:
Charlie Hanley-Hill for working really hard on his phonics, and using what he has learnt to write sentences…good boy!
Elsie Dowan- for being fabulous and working hard to learn her new sounds. She has used what she has learnt to write sentences… well done Elsie
Alis Walbyoff – for always being so kind and helpful to everyone she meets… she is a true ARW girl!
Rueben Smith – for excellent problem solving in his maths and accurate counting. Problem solving needs real learning resilience, so well done Rueben!
Leighton Harris for working incredibly hard on letter formation and fine motor pencil control this week. He really wants to do well and improve, so has been asking to do extra practice every day with the adults in the class. Super hard worker this week!
Harlen Herzog for working incredibly hard on letter formation and fine motor pencil control this week. He really wants to do well and improve, so has been asking to do extra practice every day with the adults in the class. Super hard worker this week!
Lorenzo Matrella-Jones for working incredibly hard on letter formation and fine motor pencil control this week. He really wants to do well and improve, so has been asking to do extra practice every day with the adults in the class. Super hard worker this week!
… for being an ambitious, capable learner when problem solving in maths. He was very enthusiastic!
Evelyn Chiu- for persevering with her learning in a fact families maths task. Well done…this attitude will always help you to be successful!
Poppy Yates for persevering with her learning in a fact families maths task, which has resulted in excellent learning!
Arthur Biddle- for being an ethical and informed by evaluating information about the challenges faced by orang-utans to form his own opinions and views…outstanding!
Felix Haikney- for outstanding research skill where he found very detailed and relevant information. I am most impressed by the fact that he has been reflecting on what he can do next to save the environment, based upon the information that he found. He is an ambassador both in and beyond the school! Excellent!
Harrison Jones- for his Home Learning. Harrison researched the scientific names of dinosaurs, and presented his slides to the class. He had found out additional information and tackled questions from his audience superbly well. He also got up early, at 6am to complete his work and share it with me and the class. Hugely impressive and WHAT a work ethic!!! We are very proud of you Harrison.
Troy Andrews- For an excellent week in school. He has engaged in learning, enjoyed the company of both the adults and his friends and been an absolute pleasure to learn with. Well done Troy!
Jenson Fearn- for showing respect in class, and encouraging his friends to follow suit. Showing maturity and identifying how we should behave appropriately.
Ben Abbott for persevering and wanting to do work to the best of his ability.
Chelsea Pearce for being an independent learner. She had a few problems at accessing her Google classroom at home, so she took it upon herself to ask friends what she should be doing and completed all home learning tasks.
Louis Powell for being an ambitious learner and trying the hot chilli challenges in Maths.
Harrison Thorn for being supportive members of the class, always willing to help and explain the concept to others, when they're struggling.
Thoran Thompson-Snape for being supportive members of the class, always willing to help and explain the concept to others, when they're struggling.
Libby Owen for creating and presenting a superb power point, displaying expertise in her chosen subject along with excellent ICT skills and impressive oracy skills. She really is a capable and ambitious learner. Well Done!
Eva Lawn for creating and presenting a superb power point, displaying expertise in her chosen subject along with excellent ICT skills and impressive oracy skills. She really is a capable and ambitious learner. Well Done!
… for creating and presenting a superb power point, displaying expertise in her chosen subject along with excellent ICT skills and impressive oracy skills. She really is a capable and ambitious learner. Well Done!
Alina Gurner for creating and presenting a superb power point, displaying expertise in her chosen subject along with excellent ICT skills and impressive oracy skills. She really is a capable and ambitious learner. Well Done!
Jonty Booysen for creating and presenting a superb power point, displaying expertise in his chosen subject along with excellent ICT skills and impressive oracy skills. He really is a capable and ambitious learner. Well Done!
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Ambassadors
Fri 20 Nov 202020.11.2020
Archbishop Rowan Williams CiW Primary School
proudly present to you this week’s Ambassadors:
Mason Griffiths for working hard on his phonics both at school and at home.
Erin Banton for working hard on her phonics both at school and at home.
Honey Stainthorp – for an excellent job of trying write a sentence using her new sounds. Fabulous!
Victoria Phelps – For being an ambitious learner and confidently learning all her new sounds…good girl.
Olia Lewis- for being a good citizen. She asked her parents if they could go litter picking at the sea wall. She collected a big bag full of rubbish. We are very proud of how she has turned her learning and thinking into actions and making a difference to our world.
Evan Lake for being an ambitious, capable learner, who always joins in with class discussions. We can only achieve great things by contributing, so well done!
Alexandria-Rose Williams for always following directions, our class charter and being ready to learn. An excellent role model to everyone at school.
Millie Hudson for being a real team player and thinking about the needs of others. She showed her reading group how to read their book as a script. Well done.
Jac Watkins for being an ambitious, capable learner as he always challenges himself in maths lessons. This is an excellent quality to have and allows
Alfie Taylor- For a very hardworking attitude and for refining his 5 and 9’s to make his work perfect. Well done!
Alfie Deakin- for an excellent work ethic and having brilliant listening skills which help him to achieve his best at all times…fantastic!
Arthur Biddle- for showing maturity and great self-awareness by controlling his feelings, even when this may be a tricky thing to do… fantastic personal growth…what a fabulous boy, I am so proud of you.
Ava Howard- for writing fabulous stories. Ava, you are a talented artist and it is wonderful to see you use this creativity in your writing. Well done.
Olivia Wong for reflecting and thinking carefully to compose a fantastic Remembrance Day poem, full of imagery and sensitivity. Well done Olivia.
Caitlin Leigh. – for outstanding research skills and in presenting an excellent account of her family’s involvement during the Second World War. She inspired the whole class with her photographs and detailed information, provoking lots of pertinent questions. She has spurred others on to find out more about their own families. Well done Caitlin.
Lara Williams- for being amazing and completing all work independently! Fabulous!
Polly MacDonald- for being fabulous and completing all work independently! Excellent!
Abigail Ost-for producing a great piece of descriptive writing. Well done Abigail!
Dannika Wilkins-for being ethically informed, writing a beautiful heart felt prayer, showing humility. So thoughtful Dannika.
Euan Farrands- for always working extremely hard during task time and trying his hardest this week, not to shout out during carpet time. Excellent self-control…well done Euan!
Lexie Blacker for her enthusiasm and hard work in Science- an ambitious and capable learner
Eva Lawn for showing kindness and support to other children in the class. Such a healthy, confident learner!
Matthew Miles for concentrating and focusing really hard in his reading sessions. What a good boy!
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Ambassadors
Fri 13 Nov 202013.11.2020
Archbishop Rowan Williams CiW Primary School
proudly present to you this week’s Ambassadors:
Sophia Briggs- for excellent writing, for sitting your letters on the line when we practised and for telling me all about how Flo saved the soldiers!
Ollie Jones for always working hard and being kind. Fantastic…these make our ARW vision come true! Well done Ollie!
George Jeremiah for consistently working hard and showing excellent behaviour.
Harry Woolnough for working so hard to produce a beautiful poppy painting, and for an amazing Firebird!
Lilia Wreford-Bush for helping adults in the class and looking after our classroom... a real team player!
Sum-Yee Lin for working hard on her literacy target... well done.
Theo Reed for focusing and persevering on a maths task. Excellent.
Joshua Gunn for challenging himself in his learning … an excellent quality!
Niamh Rodway for challenging herself in her learning… fabulous attitude!
Phoebe Briggs for challenging herself in her learning… demonstrating a core school value!
Noah Mayo for showing personal courage and strength, taking the ‘harder path’ by choosing to take the lead and share a difficult conversation… what a mature and admirable decision…well done.
Year 6- for all of the children who led a reflective and thoughtful Remembrance Day Service for the school. You certainly are healthy, confident individuals: you had ‘ the confidence to participate in performance,’ and were the leaders of the school. Bendigedig! Very proud to call you ‘ours’!
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Children in Need
Thu 12 Nov 2020For Children in Need, if children would like to participate, we will have a non-uniform day tomorrow.
We are sorry for the short notice, but we do not want families to go to any ‘trouble’ or expense.
Children can wear dressing up clothes, clothes that they love, wear spots, wear yellow…..just wear clothes that make you feel happy, and for some children, this will be their uniform.
- No money to come the school on this occasion. If families want to make a donation, then this can be done directly through the charity home page or through collections at supermarkets etc.