Download the latest newsletter here.
Download the prospectus here.
July 19th / Gorffennaf 19eg - Problems with the DCC Server remain, so the newsletter is yet to be emailed. However, you can now download the final newsletter of the academic year by clicking either the link above or here.
In the meantime, you can download a list of our end of year awards winners here and view a gallery of the presentations by clicking here. Additionally, a gallery of the Leavers' Concert itself can be accessed here.
Also, the Year 6 project on the Vale of Clwyd can be downloaded here.
A new edition of the Parish Press is available and can be downloaded by clicking here.
Dates for the next academic year have now been finalised and can be downloaded by clicking here.
July 18th / Gorffennaf 18fed
Dear Parents,
Tick, tock, tick, tock. The end of term countdown edges nearer to its conclusion and the prospects of six weeks with no lessons is extremely appealing to the children, I'm sure. Looking ahead, as we always must do, I'm sure they will all be firing on all cylinders in September and ready to meet the new challenges and grasp the new opportunities. In the meantime however, I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday.
Annwyl Rieni,
Tic, toc, tic, toc. Daw ddiwedd tymor yn agosach ac yn agosach ac mae cael chwech wythnos heb wersi yn swnio'n ddeiniadol iawn i'r plant. Wrth edrych ymlaen, dwi'n siwr y bydd pawb yn llawn egni ym Mis Medi ac yn barod i wynebu pob sialens a cymryd mantais o bob cyfle o'u blaen. Yn y cyfamser, dymunaf wyliau gwych i bawb.
Bryn D. Jones, Pennaeth/Headteacher
A Final Thank You - Well, here we are at the end of another academic year and I'm sure you are all scratching your heads wondering where the last 12 months have gone. It's been an extremely busy year once again, where both the children and school have achieved much. None of this would have been possible without everyone connected to the school being so committed and determined to do the best for the children here. As parents, I'd like to thank you all for being so supportive of the school's activities, particularly those which have required you to give of your own time. The children, I'm sure, are equally grateful for the efforts made by yourselves. The children have once again been absolutely brilliant, grabbing opportunities offered to them with both hands and shining, flying the flag for the school and making sure that everyone knows that Gellifor are involved. I hope they start again in September with the same enthusiasm. I'm sure you all will echo the gratitude I feel towards my ever hardworking staff, who are constantly willing to go the extra mile and ensure the best for your children. Not many Headteachers are lucky to have so many staff members who are willing to give so much of their own time, being totally committed to making sure that Gellifor's children are given the best opportunities, while also ensuring that they achieve high standards in their school work. I'm sure as parents you feel as lucky as I do. All that is left for me to do, is to wish you and your children a fantastic summer wherever you spend it. I hope that everyone can have a lovely refreshing break and come back in September with new vigour. Have a good one!
Goodbye Year 6 - We say goodbye to our Year 6 posse. With 20 of them leaving, there will be a hole after they depart. They have been a pleasure to teach and have had a really successful year in everything they have tackled. I wish them all well in Brynhyfryd and look forward to hearing how they get on.
A most depressing reminder - The children will return to school on Wednesday, September 3rd, with the Monday and Tuesday allocated for staff training.
Leavers' Blessing - We began the final day of the academic year in the serene surroundings of Llangynhafal Church, where we saw the Year 6 leavers blessed. We were accompanied by school musicians, as we sang a number of hymns and songs and reflected on another year passed. The now traditional slide show of photographs from over the years were a poignant end to the service.
End of year report feedback sheets - If they are yet to be returned, please ensure that these are filled and returned at the beginning of next term.
Carnival - Tomorrow, is our last chance to make a splash for this year (let's hope not too literally!) when as many children and families, as possible are asked to join in the Ruthin Carnival Parade; we gather at the new Council offices at 11.15 in pirate costume and should be the Gaol by noon. Look forward to seeing you all there.
Website Downloads - A number of downloads have been added to the website, including term dates for the next academic year, the latest edition of the Parish Press, the Year 6 Local Area study as well as Year 3 and 4s magazines based on Bodnant Garden. There should be links for all these on the homepage by the end of the weekend.
Breakfast Club - Goodbye Jennifer - The Breakfast Club bade farewell to a member of staff this week as Jennifer Powell ended her service to the school this morning. She has been a great servant over the last couple of years and has been really influential in helping to make our Breakfast Club the success it is. Many thanks Jennifer and good luck - I'm sure we'll still see your face about the place regularly. Shanon and Luke won this week's pool tournament at Breakfast Club
Summer Reading - I am eager for the children to remain focused on the basic skills over the holiday. You will be aware of the library's ‘Team Read' initiative, where children are encouraged to use their library and choose books of their choice.
PTA Thanks - This afternoon, the PTA presented our leavers with gifts, including a t-shirt emblazoned with a picture of all the Year 6 pupils as well as a dictionary. The money the PTA raises is invaluable to us as a school in buying new resources and I'd like to sincerely thank Helena, Hilary, Carolyn, Andrea and Alison for their fantastic efforts this year.
School Uniform from September - Uniform orders were sent home this week. Could I ask for your co-operation in ensuring that a tie is worn by all children from September and that it is accompanied by a white shirt and not a polo shirt.
Julie's Bike Ride - As you know, Julie completed her 220 mile bike ride a couple of weeks ago. She asked for sponsors among the school community and the children have hopefully been collecting names. Could they please collect the money over the holiday and return it to school so that we may pass it on to Julie. Congratulations and thanks for your efforts Julie.
Year 3 and 4 camp - Please remember that this camp takes place at the end of September and the initial payment of £50 is due as soon as we return to school. The final amount will total no more than £110 and will be due before we go.
Music Bills - Unfortunately, there still remain a number of outstanding bills for music tuition, if they remain unpaid at the end of term, can I ask for your co-operation in ensuring payment at the beginning of next term.
Class 2 Science - Class 2 have been observing and measuring the changes in size and position of shadows over time. They have been drawing chalk outlines of each other and seeing how they move. Rumours of mass murder on the school yard this week are totally unfounded.
Gymnastics Awards - The final gymnastics club session last week saw many of the members receive certificates for their aptitude. Congratulations to them all.
Guitar Concert - The hall rocked this week as our guitarists played a series of songs to the rest of the school. The volume was turned up high and the children showed how much they are progressing. Thanks go to Mr. Luke for his work with the children.
July 18th / Gorffennaf 18fed - Unfortunately, the Denbighshire Server was offline on Friday afternoon, so there has been a delay in updating the web site and also in emailing the newsletter. Hopefully, it will only be a short term problem.
July 11th / Gorffennaf 11fed
Dear Parents,
End of year reports are being sent home with the newsletter. I'd be grateful if you could fill the feedback sheet and return it to school next week. You may keep your copy of the report. Junior pupils are also requested to give their opinion on the feedback sheet. If, having read your child's report, you feel that you wish to discuss it further, then please inform us on Monday, so that we may arrange an appointment with your class teacher for after school on Tuesday.
Annwyl Rieni,
Mae adroddiadau diwedd tymor yn cael eu gyrru adref heno. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar pe bai y ffurflen adborth yn cael ei lenwi a'i yrru yn ol i'r ysgol yr wythnos nesaf. Fe gewch gadw yr adroddiad ei hun. Gofynnir i blant yr adran Iau ysgrifennu eu barn ar y ffurflen adborth hefyd. Os, ar ol darllen yr adroddiad, rydych eisiau ei drafod ymhellach, gadewch i mi wybod ar Ddydd Llun fel ein bod yn medru trefnu cyfarfod ar ol ysgol Dydd Mawrth.
Bryn D. Jones - Pennaeth / Headteacher
Llangollen Eisteddfod - The weather stayed fine on Tuesday, as the whole school went to Llangollen Eisteddfod. It was a busy day, with three shows to see and lots of hands-on activities to join in with that extended their awareness of multiculturalism. Thanks to Mrs Weyman and Auntie Jill for driving the mini-buses which enabled us all to go out together. Any outstanding payments must be received in school on Monday - thank you. Click here to see the gallery.
Year 6 Science Visit - As part of the extensive transition arrangements with Brynhyfryd School, the Year 6 pupils were given the opportunity to visit the school for a problem solving Science session. There, they were set a variety of tasks to conquer. After all these visits, the school won't seem a strange place at all in September. Find a gallery of photos by clicking here.
Summer Fayre - Last Friday's Summer Fayre was resounding success, with a great number of varied activities drawing in the crowds and I'd like to show my appreciation that so many parents and children supported this particular event. It showed what fantastic community events we can have when the PTA activities are supported in this way. It seems that we are approaching a total profit approaching £1000 raised from this event. I am extremely grateful to all involved in the PTA for their hard work in organising this event and for all other parents who organised and manned stalls. The PTA are certainly helping the school year end on a high. Click here to see a gallery of our Summer Fayre.
Welsh Quiz - The final of the Welsh Quiz was held this week in Middle Lane Denbigh and our winning group from the Ruthin heat recently went on to defend the title won by the school in 2007. We once again had good news, as were awarded joint first prize after a tie with Ysgol Frongoch. We will share the shield over the next twelve months. Big thanks to Molly who stepped in to fill L'Toni's boots. Well done to them all!
Arts Festival - I hope those who attended the Denbighshire Arts Festival on Monday evening enjoyed the experience and parents were proud to see their children performing on the big stage.
Julie Salmon's Bike Ride - Julie successfully completed her ride last weekend and I'd like to congratulate her for that fantastic effort. I'm sure her legs were extremely tired! As you know, sponsor forms were sent home for the children to fill. Could they be sent in to school by the end of next week please.
Infant Scenery Painting +End of Year Performances - Under the direction of Auntie Jill, the Infants have been helping out in our preparations for the Leavers' Concert 'Perfect Pirates', by mucking in with the scenery painting. Next Friday, you will be given the opportunity to see the leavers' concert and it will start from 1.30pm. Please use the yard for parking. In the morning the church service will be held from 9am. Could all pupils be transported directly to church and could parents help with the transporting of children back to school.
UNISON Strike - All full time classes will remain unaffected by the strike on Wednesday and Thursday next week. However, the Nursery class will be closed on both those days.
Summer League Parish Tournament - The school team in its present incarnation made its last appearance in this tournament, representing the parish of Llangynhafal and went out in style, winning the runner's up spot after some fantastic performances, losing out to an exceptional Llannefydd side. After beating Llandyrnog, Nantglyn and Henllan, a 2-1 semi final win against Caerwys saw the boys through to the final, only to be thwarted by two goals to nil. A particular highlight from the afternoon, was Joe Shone earning a yellow card for taking off his shirt after he scored the winning goal past Chris Evans against Llandyrnog. This year's squad have played superbly and it's a shame the team will no longer play together. I'm sure those who step into the shoes of those moving on, will also excel.
Work Experience - Last week, we were joined by three Brynhyfryd pupils as part of their work experience. We were grateful for their contribution and hope they had a week that was of benefit
Meeting for New Parents - It was nice to meet our new parents for the Nursery class next year. A total of 8 Nursery pupils will be joining us with further new children joining Reception, Years 1, 2, 4 and 6.
Attachments - Please take note of the following attachments sent home with the newsletter.
- Guidance on end of Key Stage levels for Year 2 and 6 parents only.
- Mums in Control magazine.
- Information about the Summer Reading Challenge.
- A flyer for a Summer Disco for Junior children.
- A letter about next year's increases in school meal charges.
Calling all Pirates ..... We are all invited to take part in the Ruthin Carnival on Saturday 18th July. This was great fun last year and we will again be walking across Ruthin as part of the big parade. Molly has been elected as our Carnival Princess, but the rest of us will be wearing our pirate costumes from the show on Friday (yes, all children are expected to dress as pirates for the show next Friday afternoon, in case you have not been warned!) Meeting time to be confirmed but is usually around 11am - please come and join us to make a big splash for Ysgol Gellifor!
Cycling Proficiency - We finally received the certificates for the Year 6 children who followed this course after the Easter holidays and they were presented with them in last week's assembly. Hopefully the advice and training they received will help them become responsible cyclists. Well done to them all.
July 6th / Gorffennaf 6ed
Summer League Parish Tournament - The school team in its present incarnation made its last appearance in this tournament, representing the parish of Llangynhafal and went out in style, winning the runner's up spot after some fantastic performances, losing out to an exceptional Llannefydd side. After beating Llandyrnog, Nantglyn and Henllan, a 2-1 semi final win against Caerwys saw the boys through to the final, only to be thwarted by two goals to nil. A particular highlight from the afternoon, was Joe Shone earning a yellow card for taking off his shirt after he scored the winning goal past Chris Evans against Llandyrnog. This year's squad have played superbly and it's a shame the team will no longer play together. I'm sure those who step into the shoes of those moving on, will also excel.
Summer Fayre - Friday's Summer Fayre was a resounding success, with a great number of varied activities drawing in the crowds and I'd like to show my appreciation that so many parents and children supported this particular event. It showed what fantastic community events we can have when the PTA activities are supported in this way. It seems that we are approaching a total approaching £1000 raised from this event. I am extremely grateful to all involved in the PTA for their hard work in organising this event and for all other parents who organised and manned stalls. The school year is certainly ending on a high, where the PTA is concerned. Click here to see a gallery of our Summer Fayre.
July 4th / Gorffennaf 4ydd
Dear Parents,
There is a distinctly sporty feel to the newsletter this week, with news of the Sports day, the Vale of Clwyd Sports as well as the Urdd Sports. The run up to the end of term also feels like a race and we all wonder whether we can get everything finished in time! Tonight, the Summer Fayre will be held. I hope you can all make it, so that all the PTA members who have worked so hard in organising the event, are rewarded with a big crowd.
Annwyl Rieni,
Mae naws chwareaon i'r cylchlythyr yr wythnos hon, gyda newyddion am fabolgampau yr ysgol, Dyffryn Clwyd a'r Urdd. Mae diwedd tymor yn teimlo fel ras hefyd, wrth i ni ystyried os fydd hi'n bosib cyflawni popeth mewn amser! Heno mae'r ffair haf yn cael ei gynnal. Gobeithio y bydd aelodau y CRhA sydd wedi gweithio mor galed i baratoi y ffair, yn cael eu gwobrwyo gyda tyrfa mawr o bobl.
Bryn D. Jones, Pennaeth / Headteacher
Sports Day - We were extremely lucky with the weather this year and had a fantastic morning, with all the children giving their all for their respective houses. There was a new name on the trophy this year with Famau victorious and the Year 6 Famau members are pictured right holding the Sports Day cup aloft. The fastest infants were Megan and Dylan, the fastest Juniors, Frankie and Joe. By clicking here, you will find plenty of pictures of the event.
Breakfast Club - Over the last fortnight, there will be a pool tournament held at the Breakfast Club. The draw will be made on Monday! Today an array of muffins and pancakes were served to the children, to commemorate American Independence Day.
Vale of Clwyd Sports - Ysgol Gellifor was once again victorious last Friday, winning the Vale of Clwyd sports shield. Both relay squads, Emily, Tom Weyman, Fallon, Ieuan and Oliver all won their respective events, with Georgia and Ben also finishing second. Congratulations to all who represented the school.
Induction Day - All children moved up to their classes for next year and the Nursery spent their first full day at the school. Year 6 had an enjoyable day at Brynhyfryd and the children are looking forward to the move there.
Personal Development - Year 6 were on Thursday visited by Karen Bream, who conducted a session about personal development. Some sniggering was heard from time to time as they discussed the physical and emotional changes ahead of them! They did however enjoy the session, although some said that bits were a bit embarrassing!
North Wales Urdd Sports - The children who qualified from the Urdd event at Denbigh High competed again at Eirias Park in the North Wales event. They all gave a very good account of themselves, with Ieuan 4th in the Javelin, Tom W. and Emily 4th in the long jump. Tom was also 5th in the Javelin with Fallon 7th in the long jump. As you can see, we had some excellent results in a competition spanning the whole of North Wales.
Tesco Voucher Order - Our order was sent off this week and we had enough vouchers to request :
1 Bee Bot (controllable toy), 1 Problem Solver Maze for the Bee Bot, 1 Egg Box Controller, 1 Easi Sing MP3 recorder
Many thanks to everyone for their efforts in collecting vouchers. It really does make a difference being able to order the above equipment.
Sponsored Bike Ride - Good luck to Julie Vickers on her sponsored bike ride this weekend. I hope the children have found the time to find some sponsors for her.
Meithrin Sposored Bike Ride - On Thursday, the yard was populated by the Meithrin children riding their bike in a sponsored bike ride. They had a lot of fun and were so keen, they wanted to go out again later on.
Summer League Football Tournament - Dominic, Jack, Joe, Oliver, Max and Tom will represent Llangynhafal Parish on Saturday in the Summer League Football Tournament. It will be held in Rhewl and we will all meet there at 12.15pm.
Denbighshire Arts Festival - Pupils are asked to meet us at the Theatre by 6.30pm. Pupils are asked to come to the stage door on arrival, but for security reasons, no parents are allowed back stage, unless they are helping. At the end of the performance, pupils will leave by the stage door, where parents should go to pick them up. There is a large car park at the side of the Theatre, where parents should park. Tickets can be pre booked from the box office, but can be purchased on the night. During the afternoon, those performing will travel to Rhyl for a technical rehearsal, but will return to school by 3.45pm.
Llangollen Trip - Children will require a packed lunch for this trip on Tuesday. School uniform is to be worn and they may bring money to spend, but no more than £5. Please send in the £8 contribution on Monday if you have not yet done so.
Welsh Quiz - The final of the Welsh Quiz will be held on Tuesday. I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Isaac, Wednesday, Frankie and Molly the best of luck.
Dragon Sports Festival - Year 3 and 4 - On Wednesday afternoon, Years 3 and 4 will be joined by other Ruthin schools in a Sports Festival held by Ruthin Rotary. Two teams of 10 will take part in this event.
Leavers' Concert and Blessing - The final day of term draws ever nearer and just to confirm, at 9am our Leavers Blessing will be held at Llangynhafal Church, with all parents and relatives invited to share our goodbyes to the 20 departing Year 6 children. At 2pm, our leavers' concert, ‘Perfect Pirates' will take place and I'm sure the hall will be full! You are all once again cordially invited.
End of Year Awards - After the Leavers' Concert the annual awards will be given. If your child won an award last year, could it please be returned to school next week.
Instrumental Lessons - I have been informed that there are still a number of music lesson payments that remain outstanding. Could all bills be cleared please before the end of term, particularly those due from departing Year 6 pupils. Thank you.
Doctor Who - The children are very much looking forward to seeing the last episode of Doctor Who tomorrow!
Heartstart Awards - Year 6 pupils were awarded their Level 3 Heartstart Cerificate in the assembly last week. They really have proved their aptitude in first aid skills in winning this award. Well done to all.
