WHAT'S NEW AT PENYGAWSI?

• Winter Months

  Fri 02 Jan 2026

  I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and I would like to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year.
  
  As we move into the winter months, the weather forecast suggests that conditions may become more changeable and unpredictable over the coming weeks. Should there be any likelihood of snow or ice, and if this results in changes to the school day or a potential closure, we will keep you informed via this website and the MCAS app.
  
  During this time of year, it is also important that all pupils come to school dressed appropriately for the colder weather. Please ensure that children have a warm, waterproof winter coat each day, along with hats, gloves and scarves where needed. Pupils will continue to go outdoors for dry playtimes and outdoor learning wherever possible, and suitable clothing will help ensure they remain warm, comfortable and able to enjoy these experiences safely.
  
  Please ensure that you are registered on MCAS so you can receive the latest updates promptly, and continue to check the 'Latest News' section of the website regularly. I would also encourage all families to familiarise themselves with our Snow and Ice Policy, which outlines the procedures we follow during periods of severe weather.
  
  It is important to note that in certain circumstances we may need to close the school early or cancel breakfast club/after-school clubs. We therefore ask that you are aware of our protocols and have suitable alternative arrangements in place, should these be needed, so that pupils and staff are also able to leave site safely and in good time.
  
  As always, we will do our very best to keep you informed as early as possible. However, to ensure you do not miss any important announcements, please register with MCAS if you have not already done so. Moving forward, we will no longer be using the text messaging service, and all communications will be shared via MCAS and the website.
  
  Finally, a reminder that Monday is an INSET day. We look forward to welcoming all children back to school at 8:50am on Tuesday 6th January.
   

• It Takes a Village

  Fri 05 Dec 2025

  Flu season has started earlier this year, and we’re already seeing more illness in our communities. This puts extra pressure on health and care services. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect your child, your family, and others from flu.

   

  On Monday, 1 December, the Flu Vaccination Toolkit – It Takes a Village went live on the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s social media channels and website. This resource was created in partnership with the Community Working Group for Vaccination and Health Protection, showing the strength of working together across our region.

   

  What can parents do?

  • Book your child’s flu vaccination today through your GP or local pharmacy (if you didn't have it in school)
  • Share the toolkit messages with friends and family to help keep our community safe.

  👉 Access the toolkit here:Toolkit Link

• What an Amazing Day at Penygawsi!

  Fri 05 Dec 2025

   

  Yesterday was truly magical! We started the day with the fantastic panto Elfish Mishmash, which had everyone laughing and singing along. Then, in the afternoon, we kept the festive spirit alive with our Sponsored Elf Run. The buzz around the school was incredible, and it was wonderful to see everyone embracing the Christmas spirit!

   

  A huge thank you to our amazing PTA for funding the panto this year, it was such a treat for the children. We also want to thank everyone who has already sent in their sponsored money. We’ve raised an incredible amount so far!

   

  If you still have any remaining sponsorship money, please send it into school by Monday, 8th December, so we can announce our grand total.

   

  We can’t wait to see you all next week for our Christmas concerts, it’s going to be another week of special celebrations!

• MCAS PARENT APP

  Thu 04 Dec 2025

   

   

  MyChildAtSchool (MCAS) Self Sign Up Guide

   

  Helpful video here - How to Install and Activate the My Child at School (MCAS) App - Parent Guide

  STEP 1: You can access the Parent Login screen in two ways:

  1. Visit www.mychildatschool.com on a web browser to open the Parent Login screen. 2. Download the MyChildAtSchool mobile phone app from the app store.

  STEP 2: On the Parent Login screen, follow these steps:

  o Click on the Sign-Up link in the Parent Login screen.

  o Enter the school’s Postcode – CF72 8PZ or School ID - 16323.

  o Select the school from the list in the dropdown.

  o Click Continue.

  o Enter the email address you have registered with the school (if your email address isn’t recognised, please contact admin@penygawsiprimary.rctcbc.cymru).

  o Click Sign Up.

  Once you’ve completed the Sign-Up process, you will see this message: ‘To complete your registration, we have sent an email to the email address you provided. Please access your email and follow the steps to create your password’.

  STEP 3: You will then receive an email from MyChildAtSchool with a link to a one-time passcode. Follow these steps:

  • Click on the link for the one time passcode.
  • Enter the one time passcode.
  • Click Verify.

  STEP 4: Once the one time passcode has been verified, you will be prompted to enter a password:

  • Enter Password.
  • Confirm Password (by re-entering the same Password).
  • Click Create Password.

  STEP 5: Once you have created a password, you can log into your MCAS account via the app or by  visiting www.mychildatschool.com on a web browser. 

   

   

  You can change or reset your password at any time by clicking on Forgot Password.

   

   

  If you already have the MCAS app

   

  If you have the app already, please click on your child’s name at the top of the app, then click on the log in at the bottom, enter the same email address used, then click on the activate button, enter our school postcode CF72 8PZ or ID number - 16323

   

  Once activated, you can change schools on the drop down in the app by switching accounts.

   

• E-scooters

  Wed 19 Nov 2025

  Dear Parents/Carers,

  It is so nice to see so many children getting active in the morning and travelling to school by walking, riding a bike, or using a scooter. It is lovely to see the bike parking station full with bikes and scooters on a daily basis.

  However, it has been brought to my attention that some children are travelling to school on e-scooters, which are illegal to use on public roads and pavements. Please read the important information below:

  • It is illegal to use privately owned e-scooters on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes, or parks.
  • Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, e-scooters are classified as motor vehicles. This means they would require:
    • Insurance
    • Tax
    • Registration
    • Lights
    • Compliance with construction standards
      Most e-scooters cannot meet these requirements.
  • They can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.

  Riding a private e-scooter in public can result in:

  • A £300 fine
  • 6 penalty points on your driving licence
  • Seizure of the scooter by police

  If your child is travelling to school on a bike or a regular scooter, please ensure they are wearing a helmet for their safety.

  Thank you for your support in keeping our children safe. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

  Kind regards,
  Mrs Black

  Acting Headteacher

• Stay Connected with the My Child at School App

  Mon 06 Oct 2025

  Dear Parents/Carers,

  We’re excited to introduce the My Child at School app — a convenient way to stay informed and engaged with your child’s learning journey.

  This user-friendly app gives you instant access to key information such as attendance records, achievements, timetables, and school updates — all in one place.

  📱 Why download the app?
  • View your child’s timetable, attendance, and progress reports
  • Receive real-time notifications about school news and events
  • Stay updated on homework assignments and deadlines

  Attached is a Parent Guide to help you get started with the app. MCAS Parent Guide

  🔔 Important Reminder:
  If you’ve recently changed your email address, please make sure you’ve completed the Microsoft Form sent out last week. Without up-to-date contact details, you may experience issues accessing the app.

  🗓️ Parents Afternoon/Evening Appointments
  Appointments will go live on the app on Wednesday, 8th October. To ensure you’re ready, please download the app and log in before Wednesday morning.

  If you encounter any issues or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact the main office.

  With the My Child at School app, communication between home and school has never been easier. We encourage all families to download it and stay actively involved in your child’s success.

  Diolch 

  Mrs Black

• FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS PLEASE SEE THE SCHOOL BLOG

  Tue 14 Mar 2023

  For the school blog, click here:

  Ysgol Gynradd Penygawsi Primary School News Blog