Ysgol Gellifor School

Dear Parents,

It has been an exciting week here at Ysgol Gellifor with a lots going on! The Infants travelled to Llandyrnog on Thursday for a Space Workshop with Techniquest Glyndwr and we had great success at the Cross Country on Wednesday.

Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 are excited at the prospect of our residential trip to Cardiff and need to be up bright and early on Monday to meet at school at 6am!!

Annwyl Rieni,

Top of Form

Mae wedi bod yn wythnos gyffrous yma yn Ysgol Gellifor gyda llawer yn digwydd! Aeth y babanod i Landyrnog ddydd Iau er mwyn cael Gweithdy Gofod gyda Techniquest Glyndwr, ac fe gawsom lwyddiant mawr yn y Rasus Traws-gwlad ddydd Mercher.
Mae disgyblion Blynyddoedd 4, 5 a 6 yn edrych ymlaen at ein taith breswyl i Gaerdydd ac mae angen iddyn nhw fod wedi codi'n cynnar ddydd Llun i gyfarfod yn yr ysgol am 6 o'r gloch!!

 Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

Space Dome - The children in the infants were very starry eyed on Thursday as they were treated to a Space Dome interactive activity by Techniquest Glyndwr.  They were able to watch the stars and planets as they were sent through outer space to observe and investigate the Solar System.

P.T.A Film Night - On Tuesday 7^th February there will be a Film night held at school to raise money for the P.T.A.   All the children who are not going to Cardiff are invited to join the P.T.A. to watch ‘The Lion King' and there will be hot dogs and treats to buy on the night.  See attached flier.

Cardiff Arrangements - We are off to Cardiff on Monday 6th February and returning on Wednesday 8th February. The children will need a packed lunch for Monday for the journey. A reminder that the children need to be in Ysgol Gellifor by 6.00am prompt. We will be returning at approximately 7pm on Wednesday - please can you ensure I have an up to date mobile phone number and I'll text everyone if there is any delay or alteration to the arrival time.

P.C.Chris - P.C. Chris visited the Juniors on Thursday and Years 3 and 4 were put through their paces on what they should do to prevent bullying and how to deal with a bully.  Years 5 and 6 were taught about anti social behaviour and how they should behave outside of school.  

Craft Centre - All Year 3 pupils and those Junior pupils who are not on the Cardiff trip will be visiting Ruthin Craft Centre for a Clay Workshop on Wednesday morning, 8^th February. The cost is £3 per pupil, payable on Monday morning please.

Half Term - Just a reminder that we break up for the half term holiday on Friday 10^th February and return to school on Monday 20^th February.

Urdd Membership - Please ensure, that if your child is entering any Urdd competition this year, that they have paid their Urdd fees of £6.50. Thank you.

Mistar Urdd's 90^th Birthday -  Last Friday it was Mistar Urdd's 90^th birthday and the school marked the day by wearing red, white and green.  There were Urdd colouring competitions as well as Welsh jambori sessions.  £70 was raised towards the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Cross Country Success! - Although a very cold day on Wednesday the children warmed up enough to achieve high standards in the Vale of Clwyd Cross Country competition.  Well done to all who competed and in particular, to Heidi who received a medal for 1^st place in the Lower Junior race, Tam, Murray and Harriet who all qualified for the final next week.

Urdd Art Competition - There are many categories in the art, craft and design section including drawing, painting, weaving, collage, photography and computer graphics. The theme for this year is Movement, Excitement and Celebration and this can be interpreted literally or in an abstract way. The work will be judged during the third week back after half term, so I'd be grateful to receive all entries by Friday 2^nd of March. I hope the children who wish to take part very much enjoy doing so. See Mrs Weyman or myself for further details if your child is interested in entering.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Congratulations to Megan, Seren, Heidi and Spencer

Achievers  - Congratulations to Ben for his swimming at the Urdd in Cardiff, to Heidi for Show Jumping and Hattie for Gymnastics. Congratulations to the Cross Country Team!

Positive Points - Well done to Harriet.

Dear Parents,

We celebrated the Chinese New Year this week, as you can see, with lots of fun activities. The pupils were also treated to a fantastic Road Safety workshop called ‘Jugglestruck'.

Today we joined in with Mr Urdd's 90^th birthday celebrations with many other schools across Wales.

Annwyl Rieni,

Fe wnaethon ni ddathlu Blwyddyn Newydd y Tsieineaid yr wythnos hon, fel y gwelwch, gyda llawer o weithgareddau llawn hwyl. Cafodd y disgyblion weithdy gwych hefyd o'r enw 'Jugglestruck' am Ddiogelwch ar y Ffyrdd.

Heddiw fe wnaethon ni ymuno â dathliadau pen-blwydd Mr Urdd yn 90 oed gydag ysgolion eraill ledled Cymru.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

Chinese New Year - Everyone was saying ‘Kung Hei Fat Choy' at school on Monday. The children took part in a Chinese New Year celebrations, completed Chinese activities and sampled foods from the Orient. The school was awash with the colour red and thank you to Mr Kellett for cooking a spectacular Chinese lunch. The Infants made dragon masks as it is the Year of the Dragon and Years 3 and 4 made Chinese lanterns and lucky red money envelopes!

Jugglestruck Road Safety Show - Our pupils were awed by a show combining magic, juggling, balloon modelling and... roadsafety!! The importance of The Green Cross Code message ‘Stop, Look, Listen and Think' was delivered to the whole school. This excellent presentation was part of a nationwide campaign by the Road Safety Office to spread awareness of dangers on the road.

Sgwad Sgwennu / Welsh Writing Squad - Megan and Sarah travelled to Ysgol Borthyn to join other pupils from the Ruthin cluster to take part in the first session of the Welsh Writing Squad - Sgwad Sgwennu.

Urdd Membership - If your child is going to take part in the Urdd Eisteddfod this year, and has not already joined please, ensure that the membership fee of £6.50 is paid by Friday 3^rd February. Thank you.

Nursery Dance - Nursery were chasing imaginary balloons around the hall with Miss Adie and Auntie Sara as part of their creative dance lesson.

Urdd Swimming Gala - Good luck to Ben who is competing in the Urdd National Swimming Gala Finals at Cardiff International Pool tomorrow.

Cardiff Residential Trip - Just a reminder to those pupils who are travelling to Cardif to please return the Medical Form, Form C and any outstanding payments by next Monday 30th January. Thank you.

Rec and Yrs 1&2 Techniquest Space Dome - As part of their topic on Space, Reception, Years 1 and 2 will be taken to Llandyrnog Village Hall next Thursday afternoon. Techniquest are bringing a Space Dome and presenting an exciting workshop for the pupils. We are subsidising the event but we do ask for a donation of £3 towards the cost. Thank you.

Cross Country - The Cross Country competition will be taking place at Ysgol Fron Goch at 3.45pm on Wednesday 1st Feb. Mrs Brookes Jones has informed those pupils taking part.

Art Club will be cancelled next Wednesday due to the Cross Country Event.

P.T.A Request - If you have any second hand uniform items that you don't want, please pass it on to Mrs Legg who is busy collecting them for a fundraiser. Thank you.

Achievers - Congratulations to Neisha for show jumping and to Anouska for gymnastics.

Positive Points - Well done to Millie and Ben.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Congratulations to Murray, James, William H. and Deri.

Dear Parents,

It has been another busy week at Ysgol Gellifor. We started with a two day ‘Thinking Skills' event on Monday involving all the pupils and this morning the Junior classes presented a Dance Showcase.

We will soon be starting to prepare the pupils for the Urdd Eisteddfod and I am hopeful that the Urdd competitions will once more be embraced with enthusiasm and excitement.

Annwyl Rieni,

Mae wedi bod yn wythnos brysur arall yn Ysgol Gellifor. Dechreuodd yr wythnos gyda gweithgareddau 'Sgiliau Meddwl' i'r holl ddisgyblion ac y bore yma cyflwynodd y dosbarthiadau iau Arddangosfa Ddawns.
Byddwn yn dechrau paratoi'r disgyblion ar gyfer Eisteddfod yr Urdd cyn bo hir ac rwy'n obeithiol y byddwn unwaith eto yn cystadlu gyda brwdfrydedd a chyffro.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

Thinking Skills Day - The pupils were really challenged this week as they were put through their paces during thinking skills sessions. They had to balance penguins onto a wobbly island as a team and complete a variety of puzzles, one of which had 70,000 different possibilities!  All of the children worked extremely hard and many of the staff were challenged too!  Oh dear!!!

Urdd Eisteddfod 2012 - Preparations have begun in school towards our involvement in this year's Urdd Eisteddfod.  We are eager that all pupils learn the individual recitation for their particular year group as part of their Welsh second language studies and any interested pupils, will be encouraged to compete individually in the Eisteddfod itself. There will be several other competitions for our talented pupils to participate in, which include group recitation, dialogue, cerdd dant, musical instrument and disco dancing.

Dates are as follows;

District Eisteddfod: Ysgol Brynhyfryd - Saturday March 10^th

County Dance Eisteddfod: Ysgol Brynhyfryd - Friday March 16^th

County Eisteddfod: Ysgol Glan Clwyd - Saturday March 24^th

Urdd National Eisteddfod: Caernarfon - W/B June 4th

Wind Band - The Wind Band have been working hard on a number of new pieces over the last two weeks. Mrs Jones is very proud of their hard work!

Criw Celf - Congratulations to the three pupils who attended the first Criw Celf Art Masterclass session at Bodelwyddan Castle on Saturday. They had a great day!

Junior Dance Success! - A big thank you to Miss Tami for all her hard work last term whilst working with the Juniors on their creative dance project. Their performance in assembly today was outstanding!

School Council Meeting - Cllr. Gwilym Evans attended the School Council meeting with the pupils on Thursday afternoon.

Breakfast Club - Thank you to all those who returned the Breakfast Club attendance sheets. We now have 29 pupils registered. If your child is not registered can you please inform Auntie Tracey on Monday so that we can arrange the appropriate staffing ratios.

In the interest of Health and Safety can we please request that you do not drop your child off at Breakfast Club before 8a.m. and that you pay Breakfast Club fees (50p a day or £2 a week) for the week ahead on a Monday morning.

Chinese New Year - Monday 23^rd January is the start of the Chinese New Year and this year is the Year of the Dragon. The children will be taking part in activities to celebrate and learn all about this tradition. The pupils may dress up in traditional Chinese costume or wear red and Mr Kellett will be doing us proud, serving up a Chinese meal. It will be an exciting day for all year groups and we hope that the children learn a lot from this experience.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Congratulations to Morgan, Harriet, William and Mabel. Well done to Emily for performing a solo on the recorder during assembly.

Dear Parents,

The new term is in full swing by now and the children are settling in to their new routine once again. We have a busy few weeks ahead starting with a ‘Thinking Skills' day on Monday involving all the pupils!

It has been drawn to my attention that local pedestrians are becoming concerned about the speed that cars are travelling in and around the village. Please may I ask for your consideration in this matter and may I also ask you to be mindful of where you park your cars. Thank you for your understanding as the health and safety of our pupils is of paramount importance.

Annwyl Rieni,

Mae'r tymor newydd ynei anterth erbyn hyn ac mae'r plant yn bwrw iddi o ddifri gyda'r drefn newydd unwaith eto.

Mae gennym rai wythnosau prysur o'n blaenau gan gychwyn gyda diwrnod 'Sgiliau Meddwl' ddydd Llun yn cynnwys yr holl ddisgyblion!
Rydw i wedi cael ar ddeall bod cerddwyr lleol yn pryderu am gyflymder rhai ceir wrth iddyn nhw deithio o amgylch y pentref. Os gwelwch yn dda ga i ofyn i chi fod yn ofalus yn hynny o beth, a hefyd ga i ofyn i chi gymryd gofal wrth ddewis rhywle i barcio eich car. Diolch am eich dealltwriaeth - mae iechyd a diogelwch ein disgyblion yn hynod o bwysig i ni.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

P.C.Chris - The infants had a visit from P.C. Chris on Thursday and all of them were able to say what they thought was the right and wrong way to behave.  They talked about their own classroom rules and how to behave in the community in which they live. It was so good to know we have children who know right from wrong, Mrs Weyman, Mrs Jones and Miss Adie are very proud!

Scholastic Book Club - Please find attached a Scholastic Book Club brochure. If you wish to place an order please return the order form and full payment to school by next Friday, 20^th January.

Infants Techniquest Event - As the topic in the Infants is ‘Space' Mrs Weyman and Mrs Jones have requested Techniquest to provide a ‘Spacedrome' event in school.  Reception, Year One and Two will be taking part in a space afternoon and learning all about the milky-way through an interactive performance.  We are subsidising the event but we do ask for a donation of £3 towards the cost.  Please put your donation in a clearly marked envelope and placed in the black box to cover the cost of this exciting experience.

Cardiff Trip -  We are off to Cardiff on Monday 6^th February and returning on Wednesday 8^th February. Mr Monteiro, Auntie Sue and I will be accompanying the pupils on this exciting trip to our capital city! Just a reminder that the next payment for the Cardiff trip was due today and the final instalment is due on Friday 27^th January. The total cost for the trip is £110.

Welcome - A warm welcome to the students from Bangor University who are teaching in the Under 7's.  They will be with us until March and we hope they have an enjoyable experience.  Miss Walsh is working with Mrs Jones and Miss Gray with Mrs Weyman.

Thinking Skills Event - Monday 16^th January

On Monday 16^th January all of the children will be taking part in a Thinking Skills Event in Ysgol Bryn Clwyd that we have organised for all of the schools in the Brynhyfryd Cluster. Please note that all of the pupils in the Juniors will be late back from school on this day. The pupils will be arriving back at 3.30 p.m. as they are taking part in the final session of the day. 

Calling all parents!  If you want to take part in this fantastic event with your children you are invited to join us on Tuesday 17^th January in the School Hall at 3.30 p.m.

You will be able to take part with your child in a Happy Puzzle Company afternoon as part of our Thinking Skills Event.  Please see attached a voucher to use for a free Thinkathon book with any purchase over £5.  Please come along and see some of the brilliant games and ideas to aid your children in their learning!   

Achievers - Well done to Ben for gaining two trophies in a karate competition and to Maisie, Heidi and Hattie for gymnastics.

Seren Y Wythnos - Congratulations to Nicholas, Millie, Amy, Charlotte, Hattie and Befan.

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year to you all! I trust you had a peaceful break and enjoyed the festivities over the Holiday. The school has soon got back into the swing of things and I'm sure you all have too.

It has already been extremely busy as we have had eight new children arrive to join our school community.  We have had some success with pupils receiving notification that they will be taking part in an Art Masterclass.  Congratulations to all those who competed for a place and were successful!

Annwyl Rieni,

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd! Gobeithio eich bod wedi cael cyfnod hamddenol dros y gwyliau ac wedi mwynhau'r dathliadau. Rydyn ni wedi dychwelyd i'r hen drefn yn sydyn ac mae'n siwr eich bod chithau hefyd. Mae eisoes wedi bod yn brysur iawn wrth i wyth o blant newydd gyrraedd i ymuno gyda chymuned yr ysgol. Rydym hefyd wedi cael llwyddiant gyda phlant yn clywed y byddant yn cael cymryd rhan mewn dosbarth Meistr Celf. Llongyfarchiadau i bawb wnaeth gystadlu am le ac a oedd yn llwyddiannus!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

New Pupils! - A warm welcome to all of the new children who have joined various classes this week.  Nicholas, Megan, Charlotte, William, Edward, Anna, Sam and Megan look very smart in their new uniforms!

Masterclass Success! - It is with great pride that we acknowledge the achievement of three pupils who have gained a place with Criw Celf, an arts initiative to nurture gifted and talented young artists. Congratulations to Emily, Megan E and Dylan.  Keep 14^th January free in your diaries!

Clubs

Monday        3.10 - 4 p.m.         Dance (Commencing on 23^rd January)

                     12 - 12.30 p.m       French Club (Jolie Ronde Tuition)

Tuesday       3.15 - 4 p.m           Football (Commencing on 17^th January)

                    12.30 - 1 p.m        Recorders

Wednesday  3.15 - 4 p.m          Art Club

Thursday      3.15 - 5.00 p.m    Windband                                                 

Friday          3.15 - 4 p.m          Chess                                        

                     3.15 - 4.15 p.m.   Gymnastics

Cardiff Trip - February 6th-8^th  - As it is only 4 weeks before those children in Yrs 5 and 6 travel to Cardiff for an exciting residential trip, we request that the outstanding payment is sent to school please. The total cost for the 3 day trip and all the activities is £100 per pupil. All those attending have paid a £20 deposit so we would be grateful if a payment

of £40 can be paid by next Friday, 13th January and then the final instalment of £40 by Friday 27th January - weekly instalments can also be made if you prefer.

Under 7s - Just a few reminders to ensure a successful New Year.   Fruit money is payable on a Monday, please ensure it is placed in the pot provided for Miss Adie or Mrs Weyman to collect.  The children in Reception/Year One who are with Mrs Jones will need wellington boots on their pegs in a clearly marked carrier bag.  Thank you

P.E. Timetable

Infants need to keep their P.E kit in a bag on their pegs.

Under 7's           Thursday (Dance)

                        Friday (Gym)

Years 3 and 4    Wednesday (Gym)

                        Friday  (Swimming)

Years 5 and 6    Wednesday (Gym)

                        Friday (P.E.)                   

Themes for this Term!  - The topic in the Infants this term is space and the children have been researching rockets, what they look like and where they travel to.  Anouska is busy designing her rocket on the interactive whiteboard.  Years 3 and 4 are studying the topic of Ancient Egypt. Years 5 and 6 are studying the topic of Water.

Reading, Reading, Reading! - As you are probably aware there is a drive within Wales to raise standards in reading and ensure children enjoy books.  We will be encouraging the Juniors to help with this by reading with the Infants in the morning.  We will also be organising a Reading Club which will involve children swapping books that they have enjoyed with others. More information to follow soon!         

Breakfast Club - Breakfast club numbers are swelling due to its increasing popularity! So that we can ensure staffing ratios are correct we would be grateful if you would complete the attached form indicating which days you require your child / children to attend Breakfast Club.                      

Healthy Schools - As a healthy school you will be aware that we promote healthy eating throughout the day.  We ensure that at break time children are encouraged to bring in fruit to eat and all Infants have fruit provided at a small cost.   Please discourage any unhealthy snacks such as biscuits or crisps unless it is provided purely for their lunch.

Seren Y Wythnos - Congratulations go to Oliver, Morgan, Wiliam H, Edward, Sam and Anna this week.

Dear Parents,

I'd like to send out a very special Christmas message to you all! Thanks to the staff for their hard work and dedication, not only during Christmas, but also throughout a very busy year. There's been a lovely Christmas atmosphere here and a great feeling of community.

I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas with your families and wish everyone a Happy NewYear and hope that 2012 brings good luck and happiness to you all! I look forward to seeing you all again in January when I hope the children will be ready to face the exciting new challenges that the New Year will bring.

Annwyl Rieni,

Hoffwn i yrru neges arbennig i bawb! Diolch i'r staff i gyd am eu gwaith caled gydagweithgareddau'r Nadolig a thrwy gydol y flwyddyn. Mae yna awyrgylch Nadoligaidd hyfryd wedi bod yma a theimlad cymunedol braf. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda I bawb -pob lwc a hapusrwydd i chi yn 2012! Edrychaf ymlaen at weld pawb eto ym mis Ionawr a gobeithio y bydd y plant yn barod am sialensau cyffrous y Flwyddyn Newydd.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

Infant Christmas Concert - The Infants' performance of ‘Christmas with the Aliens' was wonderful and a delight to watch this week. It was greatly appreciated by the audiences and all of the children were little stars - acting and singing so well and looking fantastic in their costumes!

Junior Christmas Concert - The Juniors have worked extremely hard on their performance of ‘The Stars Come Out For Christmas' and we are very proud of them all! My thanks go to both the Infant and Junior staff for all their hard work in preparing the children for the performances and making all the props. A DVD of both performances will be available to purchase in the New Year for £3.

Christmas Carol Service - As is traditional, the final morning of this term was spent in church for our Christmas Carol Service. Following a frantic week of concerts and festive fun some very bleary eyedstaff and Year 6 pupils gave the readings and the wonderful Wind Band accompanied the carol singing. Thank you to all who attended.

Lots of fun at the Panto! - The whole school enjoyed a trip to the pantomime to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Monday. It was lovely to see the children totally immersed in the entertainment and the

staff commented on how well behaved they all were.

Christmas Party - All the pupils had a wonderful time at the Christmas party. They were treated to lots of fun and games and even Santa made an appearance and gave all the children an early Christmas gift. Thank you to all of the P.T.A and Mr and Mrs Legg for all their hard work over this very busy period especially printing all of the cards and calendars and for collecting all the raffle prizes.

Llangynhafal Church Service - I would just like to thank all those who attended the Community Service at Llangynhafal Church last Sunday. It was a beautiful service with a strong sense of community spirit. The children performed extremely well.

BrassTuition - Mrs Jones is requesting that any child wishing to learn to play a brass instrument,following the brass demonstration, should please return their form with a deposit of £20, on the first day of the new term.

Holiday Dates - Just a reminder that the pupils will be returning to school on Wednesday 4th January.

Ysgol Gellifor PTA

Once again a big ‘thank you' to the PTA for organising all the wonderful events over this busy term. Their hard work, dedication and commitment to raising extra funds for the benefit of all the pupils is greatly appreciated.

Seren Yr Wythnos - All the pupils have been awarded ‘Seren yr Wythnos' this week as the staff have been so impressed by their wonderful performances at the Christmas Concerts and their outstanding behaviour at the Panto!

Dear Parents,
The wintry weather arrived this week with a real chill in the air! Christmas is definitely on the way at Ysgol Gellifor as Thursday saw the first of the festivities with our School Governors joining us for Christmas dinner. A wonderful meal was prepared by Mr Kellett for over one hundred members of our school community!
Preparations are gathering momentum for our Christmas concerts and the Christmas Church Service next week!
Annwyl Rieni,
Mae'r tywydd gaeafol wedi cyrraedd yr wythnos yma! Mae'r Nadolig ar y ffordd yn bendant yn Ysgol Gellifor - gwelwyd y cyntaf o'r dathliadau ddydd Iau gyda'n Llywodraethwyr Ysgol yn ymuno â ni ar gyfer cinio Nadolig. Cafodd pryd o fwyd hyfryd ei baratoi gan Mr Kellett i dros gant o aelodau o gymuned yr ysgol!
Mae paratoadau yn casglu momentwm ar gyfer ein cyngherddau Nadolig a'r Gwasanaeth Eglwys Nadolig wythnos nesaf!
Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,
Susan H. Roberts,
Headteacher / Pennaeth

Community Christmas Event - Thank you to everyone from our school community who joined us on Saturday to enjoy our start to the Christmas Festivities! We were treated to wonderful performances from Cor Meibion Bro Glyndwr, Jodie Williams and Hamish Sennett. The children also had the chance to hand deliver their letters to Santa!

A big thank you to Richard Penhaligan for donating his ‘Auction of Promises' bid for the choir to us and to Mrs Dowell for organising everything for us on the day.

Dates for Diaries

Sunday 11^th December                Llangynhafal Community Church Service  6 p.m.

Monday 12^th December               Pantomime Rhyl Pavilion (back approximately 4.30pm)

Tuesday 13^th December              Infants Dress Rehearsal      2 p.m.

                                                Infants Concert                   6 p.m.

Wednesday 14^th December          Junior Dress Rehearsal        1.30 p.m.

                                                Junior Concert                     6.30 p.m.

Thursday 15^th December            Christmas Party                 1 p.m.

Friday  16^th December                 Christmas Church Service    9.15 p.m.

Pupils will be breaking up for Christmas on Friday 16^th December and returning to school on Wednesday 4^th January.

Christmas Tree - It was lovely to see the Christmas Tree decorated by the children in After School Club in time for Christmas dinner.  A big thank you to Harry Taylor's Dad (Stryt Fawr Farm - where Christmas trees are available to purchase now!) for donating the tree.

Congratulations Miss Tami! - We are all very proud of Miss Tami who received the Participation Coach of the Year for Wales award last weekend in Cardiff.

Road Safety Competition Results - Well done to all the children who competed in the Design a Road Safety Poster this term.  There were some wonderful entries and all the children who took part received a pencil today.  

1^st place - Freya Jones

2^nd place - Harriet Hughes

3^rd place - Jordan Jones

Many thanks to our two Road Safety Officers, Megan and Dylan for making this competition a huge success.

PTA -  Please can I remind you to send in your raffle ticket stubbs and payment as soon as possible as the raffle will be drawn on Thursday. More tickets are available from the school.

Please return your pro forma and payment for calendars on Monday so that orders can be processed and sent home with your child by the end of term.

French Club - Just to inform all those who have joined up to attend Madame Lovelle's French lessons that they will be commencing at lunchtimes on Monday 9^th January. Madame Lovelle will be contacting parents in the near future.

Pantomime - Just a reminder that pupils will be attending the ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves' on Monday 12^th December in Rhyl Pavillion Theatre.  They will be travelling by coach or minibus and I anticipate a late finish.  Could you please pick up your child at 4.30 p.m. from the school.  After School Club will run as normal. Please send in any outstanding payment of £7 on Monday morning. Thank you.

Christmas Dinner - Once again, Mr Kellett did us proud on Thursday with a fine Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.  Our thanks to the kitchen staff for all their hard work.

Dinner Money - Could you please send any outstanding dinner money and next week's dinner money on Monday so Auntie Shelley can balance the books for Denbighshire County Council.

Achievers - Congratulations to Sarah and Lauren for Gymnastics, to Maisie, Keri, Neisha and Eva for going up a level in swimming, to Joe for his performance at Twm o'r Nant Theatre, to Anouska for karate and to Ben for his success in swimming.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Well done to Harry, Tam, Liam R. and Liam J.

Positive Points - Congratulations to Emily for achieving gold, Murray for silver and Steffan for bronze.

Dear Parents,

Preparations are gathering momentum for our Christmas concerts as the dates of our final performances approach. The pupils are hopefully all busy learning words for songs or practising their speaking parts!

I hope you will be able to join us for our Community event tomorrow at 5.30pm. To start the festivities we have Bro Glyndwr Male Voice Choir singing for us and the children will have the opportunity to bring their letters to Santa! 

There has been a real buzz around the school this week as the children completed their T.A.S.C activities with great success.  Well done to everyone!

Annwyl Rieni,

Mae paratoadau yn prysuro ar gyfer ein cyngherddau Nadolig fel mae dyddiadau ein perfformiadau terfynol yn agosau. Gobeithio bod y disgyblion yn brysur yn dysgu geiriau'r caneuon neu'n ymarfer eu darnau siarad!
Rwy'n gobeithio y byddwch yn gallu ymuno â ni am ein digwyddiad cymunedol yfory am 5.30pm. I ddechrau'r dathliadau, mae gennym Gôr Meibion Bro Glyndwr yn canu a bydd gan y plant gyfle i ddod â'u llythyrau i Siôn Corn!
Roedd yna deimlad cyffrous o gwmpas yr ysgol yr wythnos hon wrth i'r plant gwblhau eu gweithgareddau TASC gyda llwyddiant mawr. Da iawn i bawb!

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

T.A.S.C Week - This week was T.A.S.C week and there was a general buzz around the school as every child completed a project on a variety of topics. 

Infant T.A.S.C - Our Reception class were extremely busy making the stable where the baby Jesus lay.  Years 1 and 2 were split into two groups, one designing and making a set of tablemats for the Christmas table and another designing and making an advent calendar. 

Junior T.A.S.C - The children in Years 3 and 4 designed and made a Christmas game for the Christmas toy market and Years 5 and 6 have been working on T.A.S.C. activities all based on the theme of Communication.

Family Learning Session - Mrs Weyman was delighted to see so many eager parents, grandparents and children willing to learn something new on Tuesday. There were lots of tips for learning spellings in a fun way and making reading a challenge as well as an introduction to the TASC wheel.  The highlight of the session was, without a doubt, the card war game which I am sure will be used throughout the year to enhance their Maths skills. 

Film Night - On Thursday night the children were treated to popcorn and a lovely Christmassy film to warm their hearts. The film was ‘The Nativity', and there was much chuckling and giggling around the audience throughout the evening.  I hope some of you managed to do a little Christmas shopping that evening too. The P.T.A raised £170 and our thanks go to all who helped out on the night. 

Christmas Reminders

Christmas Dinner - On Thursday 8^th December the children, staff and Governors will be enjoying  Christmas dinner at Ysgol Gellifor.  Please ensure that if your child is staying for dinner on this day but does not usually have lunch on a Thursday, that you send payment of £1.90 in a clearly marked envelope in the black box on Monday morning.

Christmas Cards - Don't forget to place your order for Christmas Cards as soon as possible.

Christmas Pantomime - The pupils will be travelling to the Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl on the afternoon of Monday 12^th. We will return to school at approximately 4.30pm. Please send any outstanding payments, of £7 per pupil, in to school on Monday morning. Thank you.

Christmas Church Services - Ysgol Gellifor's Christmas Service will be held on Friday 16^th December at 9.15am at Llangynhafal Church.

Christmas Holiday Dates - Just a reminder that the pupils will be breaking up for Christmas on Friday 16^th December and returning to school on Wednesday 4^th January.

Christmas Concerts - It is that time of the year again, when all of the staff are starting to look a little frantic and are busy painting scenery or sewing costumes. Once again, the staff would like to thank all the parents who have helped with the task of making and providing costumes.  Please ensure your child's costume is on their peg by Thursday 8^th December or handed to a member of staff if they are an infant. 

Christmas Concert dates are as follows:

Tuesday 13^th December

Infant dress rehearsal   2 p.m.

Infant Performance       6 p.m.  

Wednesday 14^th December 

Junior dress rehearsal    1.30 p.m.

Junior Concert                6.30 p.m.

Achievers - Well done to Neisha for swimming, Heidi for pony riding and to Lauren for gymnastics.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Congratulations to Bella, Harriet and Ceiran.

Breakfast Club Award - Well done to Ben who received a helpfulness award in Breakfast Club.

Dear Parents,

It's that time of year again when everyone is reaching for their winter coat, hat and gloves. It has been yet another busy week here at Ysgol Gellifor with building on the front yard and field and sporting activities such as the Urdd Swimming Gala and an Orienteering Festival. With all the excitement that is growing in the preparation for the Christmas Festivities there is a real buzz around the school!

Annwyl Rieni,

Mae'r amser wedi dod unwaith eto I bawb wisgo eu cotiau, hetiau, sgarff a menig. Mae wedi bod yn wythnos brysur iawn yma yn Ysgol Gellifor, gyda'r adeiladu ar yr iard flaen a maes chwaraeon a gweithgareddau fel y Gala Nofio'r Urdd a'r Wyl Gyfeiriannu. Gyda'r holl gyffro sydd yn tyfu wrth baratoi ar gyfer y Dathliadau'r Nadolig mae yna deimlad braf yn yr ysgol.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

Orienteering in Llangollen -  Pupils in Years 5 & 6 from Ysgol Gellifor and Ysgol Bryn Clwyd had the chance to participate in an Orienteering Festival held at Plas Newydd in Llangollen on Tuesday. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with our pupils demonstrating some excellent skills in orienteering.

Trim Trail! - Thanks to Miss Adie's hard work and our After School Club we have been fortunate, this week to have a trim trail constructed on the field. The workmen have also been busy creating a play area for the younger children at the front of the school. I am sure you will agree that this will be a great asset to both After School Club and the school community. Many thanks to all those involved in After School Club, which is an excellent asset to Ysgol Gellifor, that so many of you make use of and have used in the past.

Urdd Swimming Gala - Although it was a long wait for many of our swimmers this week, they performed extremely well in the Urdd Swimming Gala in Rhyl. It is a highly competitive competition and, although we had many winners in the races, only the fastest in front crawl, back stroke and breast stroke will go through to the National Competition which will be held in Cardiff this year. Well done to all who competed and congratulations to Ben Woodward who will be travelling to Cardiff to represent Denbighshire taking part in the National Finals at the beginning of the New Year.

Family Learning Session - On Tuesday 29th November the children, parents and grandparents of Years 2 and 3 are invited to take part in a Family Learning Session with Mrs Weyman in Class One. The session will start at 3.10pm and finish at 4pm. It will be an opportunity to learn a number of techniques and find out about websites which will enhance the learning experiences of your children at Gellifor. So come along and pick up some homework tips!

PTA - Please see attached leaflet for details about the Christmas Film Night to be held on Thursday 1st December. The Big Christmas Raffle - Raffle ticket books will be sent home with your child on Monday. More than 50 great prizes to be won listed onthe tickets!

Year 2 - Smoothies - There was an abundance of fruit in the Under 7s this week as Year 2 designed and made their own fruit smoothies. There were some delicious recipes and Mrs Weyman was very pleased with all of their ideas.

Years 3&4 Weaving Workshop - This week the children in the lower Juniors had the opportunity to visit Ruthin Craft Centre and take part in a weaving workshop.

Achievers - Congratulations to Lauren and Amy for achieving their ‘to be me' badge in Brownies.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Well done to Sarah, Rufus, Anouska and Eva.

Positive Points - Congratulations to Joshua and Nathan.

Breakfast Club Award - Well done to Heidi.

Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to watch everyone pulling together in aid of Children in Need today. There was certainly a buzz around the school and we were all seeing spots before our eyes. Yet another busy week has passed and a massive well done to all of the cheerleaders who performed in Ruthin on Sunday. A big thanks to Miss Tami who works extremely hard to ensure they can perform with such flair.

Annwyl Rieni,

Roedd yn hyfryd i weld pawb yn tynnu at ei gilydd at achos Plant mewn Angen heddiw. Roedd yna deimlad gwych o amgylch yr ysgol, ac rydym i gyd yn gweld smotiau o flaen ein llygaid. Wythnos brysur arall wedi pasio unwaith eto a da iawn i bob un o'r 'cheerleaders' a berfformiodd yn Rhuthun ar ddydd Sul. Diolch yn fawr i Miss Tami sy'n gweithio'n hynod o galed i sicrhau y gallant berfformio mor dda.

Yours sincerely / Yn gywir,

Susan H. Roberts,

Headteacher / Pennaeth

Raising Standards in Literacy - Over this term, Denbighshire's Chief Executive Dr. Mohammed Mehmet has been visiting our school to listen to children read. Last week he was joined by Karen Evans, Head of School Improvement and Inclusion and Beryl Price, a representative of a charity raising funds for literacy. Some of the children had the opportunity to discuss aspects of literacy with our visitors.

Children in Need - A spotty treat greeted us today as the children and staff dressed in spotty clothes. There were also spotty cakes and a massive £200 was raised for Children in Need. An excellent effort

Spooktacular! - On Sunday our cheerleaders performed in the Ruthin and Denbigh Gymnastics Club  achieved their Level One Cheerleader Award. Well done girls!!

P.T.A News - The P.T.A will be holding a Christmas film night on the Thursday 1st December 5.30 - 7.30. It will cost £3.50 to attend and will include popcorn and a drink. A great time to do some Christmas Shopping.

Pantomime - Just a quick reminder that payments for the Pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves' need to be in. The cost of the trip is £7 which includes an ice lolly in the interval.

Football Festival - Well done to the children who travelled to Ysgol Frongoch this week to play in the Football Festival. A valiant effort!

Urdd Swimming Gala - On Tuesday 22nd November some children will be travelling by minibus to Rhyl High School to take part in the Urdd Swimming Gala. All of the children taking part have been informed and will need their swimming kit and two towels on the day.

Orienteering - The children in Years 5/6 who are not swimming will be taking part in an Orienteering Festival in Llangollen on the same day. I will be transporting them by minibus and they need suitable clothing and footwear for outdoor activities.

Everyone taking part in these two activities will need to bring a packed lunch to school on Tuesday. Thank you.

P.C.Chris Juniors - P.C. Chris visited the school on Thursday to speak to the Juniors about harmful substances. They discussed both drugs and alcohol and the bad affects they can have on the lives of people.

The Harvest Goes on! - Children in Years One and Two were able to see the fruits of their labour in the Eco Garden this week, as it was time to harvest the beetroot.

School Council - The School Council held their own competition to raise money for Children in Need. They had a colouring competition for the Infants and Years 3&4 and a design a Pudsey poster for Years 5&6. They raised £40 for this very worthy cause. The winners of the competition were Neisha, Harriet and Imogen.

Seren Yr Wythnos - Congratulations to Joshua, Byron, Ceiran, Rab and Lucy.

Positive Points - Well done to Morgan, Georgina, Keri, Seren, Alia, Eileigh, Iestyn and Heidi.

Breakfast Club Award - Congratulations to Cai for excellent manners!

Achievers -Well done to all our Cheerleaders and Gymnasts for their success at the Spooktacular Event!