WHAT'S NEW AT PENYGAWSI?

• Sports Day Update

  Tue 09 Jun 2026

  Unfortunately, the weather forecast over the next 24 - 48 hours remains very unpredictable. The field is currently wet and would be unsafe for the children to run on, or even sit on between races, and rain is expected throughout the day tomorrow.

  As a result, we have made the difficult decision to cancel once again. We are very sorry, as we know this is not the news that children or parents wanted to hear, but unfortunately the weather is beyond our control.

  To try and avoid further disappointment, we have reviewed the calendar and identified one final date: Wednesday 8th July (same times). This will, of course, be weather permitting – so we will all be hoping for the right balance of sunshine (not too hot… typical British weather!).

  Please note that if we are unable to go ahead on this date, we will not be able to rearrange again. However, if the weather improves during the final week, teachers will ensure that children still have the opportunity to take part in some fun sporting activities within their classes.

  Thank you for your continued understanding and support - we truly appreciate it and will keep you updated.

  Mrs Black

• CANCELLED - Sports Day

  Tue 02 Jun 2026

  Dear Parents/Carers,

  Unfortunately, we are unable to go ahead with tomorrow’s Sports Day. The field is currently very wet, and with further rain forecast for today and early tomorrow morning, conditions are not suitable.

  This decision has been made with health and safety as our priority. The ground is too wet for safe participation, and there is nowhere suitable for the children to sit.

  We will now rearrange Sports Day for Wednesday 10th June, using the same times, weather permitting. However, if we are unable to hold it on this date, we will organise an ad hoc Sports Day for the children only (without spectators) once the field is dry and conditions allow.

  We are very sorry for any disappointment this may cause. We know that Sports Day is one of the highlights of the year for pupils, staff and parents alike. Unfortunately, the weather is beyond our control, and we must ensure the safety of all involved.

  Thank you for your understanding.

  Kind regards,

  Mrs Black

• Summer Fayre

  Sun 31 May 2026

  Please see below key information about our Summer Fayre, which will take place on Friday 12th June at 3:30pm. We hope you are able to join us for what promises to be an enjoyable afternoon!

  

• Welcome Back – Start of the Final Half Term

  Sun 31 May 2026

  I hope you all had a wonderful half term and were able to enjoy the beautiful weather we were blessed with!

  As we return to school tomorrow for the final half term of the academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of attendance and punctuality. Being in school every day and arriving on time plays a vital role in children’s learning, helping them to build strong routines, maintain progress, and feel confident and settled in their class. Even small amounts of missed learning can quickly add up, particularly in this busy final term.

  The last half term is always a packed and exciting one. Sports Day is currently planned for Wednesday 3rd June, and in typical fashion, the forecast is now predicting rain - you really couldn’t write it!

  Please keep an eye on your MCAS app, as we will provide an update on Tuesday with the latest information about whether Sports Day will go ahead, based on a closer look at the weather forecast.

  We look forward to welcoming all pupils back to school tomorrow, ready for the gates to open at 8:50am.

  Thank you for your continued support.

  Mrs Black

• Pipyn - Health Happy Families

  Mon 13 Apr 2026

  We are thrilled to be hosting our first PIPYN workshop for families starting 15/04/2026.

  Sign up via is link to join in with some hands on free fun with your child/ children.

   

  https://forms.office.com/e/ZjD6cqBjRr

   

  Please select TBC Wednesday afternoon if our school is not named on the form.

  Sessions will run from 2pm starting Wednesday 15th April and will run for 5 weeks.

   

  More information can we seen here - 

  https://ctmuhb.nhs.wales/services/public-health-dietitians/pipyn/

   

  We look forward to seeing you 

  

• Mini Police Project

  Thu 26 Mar 2026

  We have recently developed a strong relationship with our local PCSOs, and we are delighted that they have offered to run the Mini Police project at Penygawsi after Easter. The programme will be available for eight pupils in Year 4 or Year 5.

  If your child is interested in a future career in the police force or in the prison service, this could be a fantastic opportunity for them. If you would like your child to take part, please click the link below and complete the form together by Monday 13th of April.

  If we receive more than eight applications, we will read through all the manifestos and select the eight that we feel are the strongest.

   

  Mini Police Project – Fill in form

   

  What is the Mini Police?

  The Mini Police is a volunteer engagement scheme for children aged 8–11. It provides a fun and educational way for pupils to build positive relationships with the police from an early age, while also encouraging them to take an active role in their community.

   

  Activities and Learning

  Police officers and PCSOs visit schools throughout the summer term, to deliver sessions on topics such as online safety, healthy relationships, and community awareness. 

   

   

• Updated Pick-Up Procedures for the End of the School Day

  Wed 04 Mar 2026

  Following a review of how pupils are released at the end of the school day, particularly those with siblings, we have made some changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children. We have taken into account the size of the areas pupils are leaving from and the number of families collecting at the same time.

  From Monday 9th March, the following procedures will be in place:

  Foundation Phase & Downstairs Classes

  Pupils in any downstairs classroom will now be collected directly from their classroom doors.

  Key Stage 2

  All Key Stage 2 pupils will be released from, and collected on, the Key Stage 2 yard.

  Example for families with siblings

  If you have a child in Miss Morris’ class and another in Miss Tuckwood’s class:

  • Enter through the Foundation Phase gate.
  • Walk through the Foundation Phase yard and around the side of the building to the back.
  • Collect your younger child (e.g., Miss Morris’ class) first, directly from the classroom door.
  • Then walk across the Key Stage 2 yard to collect older siblings.

  Please make sure the youngest child is collected first.

  These changes have been made to prioritise pupil safety and to help ease congestion at the end of the day.

  A map showing the correct routes and classroom doors for downstairs classes has been attached for your reference.

  Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.

  

• Spring 2

  Sun 22 Feb 2026

  We hope you all had a wonderful half‑term break, and we are excited to welcome you back to school tomorrow for what promises to be a busy and enjoyable half term. We will begin with Welsh Week in the lead‑up to our Eisteddfod to celebrate St David’s Day, followed by World Book Day and our new event, Prynhawn Teulu Eisteddfod.

   

  On Thursday 26th of February, the photographer will be in school to take St David’s Day photos. Pupils are invited to wear traditional Welsh costumes or a Welsh top. Please note that school trousers or skirts must be worn with Welsh tops—own clothes should not be worn.

   

  Later in the term, we will also be holding our Parent Progress Meetings. Appointment slots will be available to book on MCAS soon.

• PCSO Visit

  Mon 09 Feb 2026

  On Friday 13th February, our local PCSOs will be visiting Penygawsi to introduce themselves to our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. This visit will give them the chance to explain their role, answer questions, and begin building positive relationships with the children in our community.

  They will also be sharing important messages about staying safe, understanding who to turn to for help, and how they work with schools to support the wellbeing of young people.

  We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the PCSOs and hope to welcome them back for future events and activities here at Penygawsi Primary School.

• Community Safety Update

  Wed 04 Feb 2026

  Dear Parents and Carers,

   

  Following recent conversations with South Wales Police, I wanted to share some important information to ensure everyone is aware that the police are monitoring reports of suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Penygawsi estate. 

   

  As many of our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils walk to and from school independently, we felt it was important to make you aware of the situation so that you can decide whether you still feel confident allowing your child to walk unaccompanied at this time.

   

  The police have requested that if you witness any suspicious activity, you contact 101 and report it immediately. The more concerns that are reported, the more action can be taken.

   

  South Wales Police have also recommended that families sign up to South Wales Listens if they would like to stay informed.  South Wales Listens is a community messaging service run by South Wales Police that provides local updates, safety information, incident alerts, and advice directly to residents. By signing up, you can receive timely information about what is happening in the local area and how the police are responding.  If you would like to join South Wales Listens, please complete the Microsoft Form by clicking on the link below, by no later than midday Thursday 12th of February. We will then share your details with our local police officers, who will add you to the system.

  https://forms.office.com/e/6CpmfSd41C

   

  In the meantime, you may notice an increased presence of PCSOs and police officers around the school. They are working closely with the school and local residents to ensure the safety of our children and the wider community.

   

  I am also working with our local PCSOs to arrange a date for them to visit the school. This will give them an opportunity to introduce themselves to the children, explain their role, and talk about how pupils can seek help if they ever feel unsafe when out and about.

   

  Thank you for your continued support in helping us keep all members of our school community safe.

   

  Kind regards,
  Mrs Black
  Acting Headteacher