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Harvest Appeal - Foodbank

We have had s fantastic response to our harvest appeal again this year! A huge thank you to all children and parents who have supported the food bank again this year. The school counicl hope to deliver the food this week and see how the foodbank helps people in our community! 

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The Schoolbeat Website

PC Rogers, our very own School Community Police officer, has been in to work with Y1,2, and 3 today. 

In every lesson Pc Rogers has shown children resources, games and activities that children can access on the internet from home and school.
Click on the picture below to visit the site. There is information for Parents also!

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Abercanaid School Mates PTA

Autumn Disco and BBQ

Sunday 11th October, 4pm - 7pm

@ Hills Plymouth Cricket Club

Tickets are now on sale - £1.00 each

Please See - Sarah Pritchard, Louise Flynn, Lynne Brooks or Claire Scrivens

Or follow the School Mates on Facebook - search for Abercanaid School Mates PTA

More Events to follow this year... 
 Bath Shopping Trip 28th November
 Christmas Disco 17th December
Curry and Quiz Night 30th Jan (Adults Only Event)
Valentines Disco Date TBC

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House of Joy - A link with Uganda

Fran Richley (a regular visitor to the school in recent years) came to take assembly with his wife Linda before they head off for an Adventure in Uganda next Thursday. 

Fran and Linda are working with a primary school called House of Joy, and hope to help us make some new international links. 

Children at the school are learning English, and we hope that classes will be able to write to tell us what life is like there - and for our children to write to tell them all about life in Abercanaid.

Fran and Linda will be back in December to give us an update.

In the Summer Term we are hoping to arrange a visit from their Headmaster.

We have already found out that school life at House of Joy is very different to our school and we hope to raise some funds to help the children there. 

Abercanaid School Mates

Present School with New Football Kit

Today Mrs Sarah Pritchard (Chair of Abercanaid School Mates) visited the school with Mr Darran Brooks from Brookmans Electrical Wholesalers, who have sponsored the school's new football kit.  The new kit is fantastic! Children can't wait to put it to good use in our inter-school competitions!

A huge Thank You to Brookmans and The School Mates for making this happen! 

Techniquest Light and Sound kit KS2

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The children in KS2 have thoroughly enjoyed using the Techniquest Light and Sound kit. There are many different types of activities in the kit which has enabled them to explore science practically. There's been lots of discussion about sonar, the human voice box and shadows to name but a few! Please enjoy the photos below:

View all

Get your own

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School Starts Back...

We hope you have all had a great summer break... 
We are looking forward to welcoming children back to school on

Wednesday 2nd September.

School Dinners Prices for 2015/2016

The cost of School Dinners as of Tuesday 1st September will be 
£2.00 per dinner for primary school children.

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Tom Evans - Visits School to Encourage Children on last Day.

This afternoon Tomas Evans, grandson of one of our school governors Councillor Harvey Jones, visited the school to share his story with the juniors children. Tom has overcome incredible debilitating illness throughout his life, and when faced with adversity he has never given up! Tom has just graduated from university and what he shared with our children was inspirational!

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Sports Day... IS ON!!!

Great weather as forecasted. 

Infants 9.30am

Juniors 1.15pm

Hope to see you then! 

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Infant Trip -  Noahs Ark Zoo Farm

Bus is on A470 just passing Castell Coch

ETA - 4:20pm

Please pass on this message to other parents. Thank you!

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Cricket: Glamorgan Final

After winning the Merthyr cricket tournament at Hoover's a couple of weeks ago, we were invited to play in the Glamorgan District Final today at Miskin Manor Cricket Club. 

Unfortunately we didn't make it to the National Final, losing to more experienced cricket teams. The children who took part played some great cricket and gave an excellent account of the school however. Mr Bevan is massively proud of their efforts making it this far! Da iawn! 

London Trip

Hi all. We've just left the M4 and joined the A470. Expecting to be back in Abercanaid at the garages around 10:20pm.

London Trip

Hi all.

Lots of traffic on M4, just leaving the services at Membury. We hope to be back in Abercanaid at around 10:30pm.

Will post again when we get onto the A470.

Matilda Trip

Hi all!! 

We've arrived safely in London and are eagerly waitng, ready to go in to watch Matilda! 

Election 2015

Year 5 children have been working hard this past term, forming political parties, formulating policies campaigning hard to gain votes from pupils and staff at the school. Elections have taken place to day. Turn out was excellent estimated to be at 98.7%.  The candidate of the winning party will gain a place on the school council with immediate effect and will continue throughout next year. 

A HUGE WELL DONE... 

to all of our political parties and their candidates. It has been a well fought campaign...

The results are in... you'll have to watch this slide show if you want to find out the result...

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Dear Parent / Guardian,

Please follow the link to find a letter from the local authority regarding your views about Home School Transport for children with SEN and / or medical needs.   <<<<<Click Here>>>>>

If this is an issue which effects you please respond to them directly.

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News Update... End of Spring Term 2015

Lots of exciting things happened at the end of Spring Term that we wanted to make sure that you know about...

Science Week

Science Week was again a fantastic success throughout the school. There was a focus on the environment and ecology. Children learned how properties of different materials are used for different purposes and how many can be recycled to make new things. How chemical changes take places and can be reversible or irreversible. Children explored how to make things pop, fizz and bang... including making volcanoes! A great week was had by everyone, and children are more aware of our need to protect this amazing planet we live on. Special thanks to Dr Claire Price who visited the school to explore elements of Forensic Science with Year 5.

Eclipse

At the end of  Science week... Children at Abercanaid were treated to an out of this world experience!

The Partial Eclipse of the Sun took place at about 9.30am on the 20th March. The children at Abercanaid know that looking at the sun is very dangerous and so were very excited to be able to watch our very own Abercanaid Eclipse streamed live from an Ipad on the infant yard to an Apple TV in the hall.  It was a great whole school assembly!

Abercanaid School Mates: Disco

Our new Parents Group "Abercanaid School Mates" have held their first fundraising event. An Easter Disco was held on the last Wednesday of term at the Cricket Club in Pentrebach. Tickets sold out very quickly and the event was a huge success. Money raised will be used to provide new football and rugby team kits, also for new yard equipment for playtimes. 

A HUGE THANK YOU - to everyone who helped organise or supported this event!

  

Caerleon

On the last Thrusday of term the Junior Department visited The Roman Ruins and Museum at Caerleon. Children and Staff had a great day exploring the Amphitheatre, Barrack and Roman Baths. They were able to dress up as Romans and experience Roman school life. A fantastic day out, and packed with information for our history topic.

Easter Bonnet Parade

Nursery Children donned their Easter Bonnets for our annual parade around Abercanaid. The standard of bonnets and caps was again very high. Thanks to all parents for working with their children to make their hats!

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CAERLEON TRIP - Thursday 26th March

Children will be dropped off at the garages (on the way in to Abercanaid) 

to help traffic flow...

Our Estimated Time of Arrival is :   4:30pm

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National Testing and Teacher Training Dates

The forthcoming Easter Holiday is one day longer for our pupils than previously arranged due to teacher training commitments.
Term ends Friday March 27th and the children are due back in school on Tuesday 14th April. 

The two further closure dates for your diary are Friday 19th June and Friday 3rd July. 

The National Testing period, when we would hope to have all pupils in school is 

Tuesday 5th May until Tuesday 12th May.

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Red Nose Day... 2015
Today we have had a great "non uniform" day to raise money for Comic Relief...  We will update you on how much we have raised next week.
Class 7 have also been working on  joke book (Below)... to spread the joy! Have a great weekend! 

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UPDATES

Traffic Safety Barrier

As you are aware the Governors have been seriously concerned about the car parking issue within the school grounds and the child safety problems that it has evoked.
As a result of these concerns, as with most Merthyr schools now, a barrier has been installed to prohibit vehicles entering the school grounds.
With effect from 16th March the barrier will be closed every afternoon from 2:45pm to 4pm.
We are sorry to have to take these steps but the safety of our children is the overriding duty of the Governing Body.

Crossing at Pentrebach House.

We have been informed that the Pelican Crossing at Pentrebach House will be closed for a week from Sunday (8^th March). We have been told that someone will be available to help with crossing, however if your children come to school via this route please could you ensure that you make any necessary arrangements for their safety on this very dangerous stretch of road.

Abercanaid School Mates – Disco

Abercanaid School Mates have organised a fundraising DISCO, at Pentrebach  Cricket Club on Wednesday 25^th of March at 6pm, for all children from our school. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Tickets cost £1 and are available from after school from the following parents: Sarah Pritchard, Louise Flynn, Lynne Brooks, Claire Denton-Scrivens,  Allyson Price and Gill Davies.

Eisteddfod 2015

A fantastic day of poetry, art, writing, and song! The standard of all the contributions to

the Eisteddfod was very high again this year! Well done to all of our children who took part.

Well done especially to the Ty Coch who won the competition overall! 

Da iawn!

After School Rugby League

Some of our year 5 and 6 pupils went along to Merthyr FC's ground on Thursday to take part in the Merthyr Schools rugby league. They played two games, winning the first game beating a very tough Ysgol y Graig team 1-0 and they then narrowly lost their second game 7-6 to a strong Ysgol Santes Tydfil team. The team played extremely well - especially considering many hadn't played any rugby since before Christmas! Mr.Bevan was very proud of their performance and how they represented the school.

Snow Procedures

With the onset of snow we would like to remind parents of our school closure procedures.

Our aim is for the school to remain open during snowy periods unless weather conditions make it unsafe for children, parents and/or staff to travel to and from the school. 

If the school is to be closed on any given day this website will be updated immediately. 
Decisions will be made before 7:30am.

School closures will also be updated on the official Merthyr Schools Closures Website here.

Please take extra care when approaching the school either on foot or in cars during icy conditions.

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Joseph

Amazing Technicolor Dreamshow

This week, children in the Junior Department are presenting their production of
Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat."
Rehearsals have gone very well - children are excited about the official premier tonight!
Break a Leg!

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A "Way" in a Manger

Infant Concert 2014

If you click on the slide show you will be taken to a folder where the photos are stored and you will be able to download them from there.

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OUR WHOLE SCHOOL "SMILEY FACE"

Thanks again to the Police Helicopter Service!

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Police Helicopter -Takes "Show and Tell" to New Heights

Children were thrilled today to see the police helicopter land in the school field. The visit had been arranged with PC Stephen (one of our Dads) who works on the helicopter. Children from nursery right through to year 6 were able to get up close to the helicopter and ask the crew questions about the vehicle and their job.

This was a fantastic visit. The children (and staff) were really excited and have gained a valuable insight in to another strand of police work.

On behalf of the whole school a HUGE

THANK YOU

to the crew of the South and East Wales Police Air Support Unit.

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Children In Need 2014

Children in need has been a great success again this year. Huge thanks to class 7 and 8  (and Miss Greening and Mr Bevan) for organising lots of fun activities in the hall to raise funds for this year's appeal. As ALWAYS... a MASSIVE 

THANK YOU!

to parents again, for your support and contributions! We have had a really fun day for a great cause!

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 - Non Uniform Day -
Fundraising for Argentina Children's Home

A huge thank you to all children and staff who came to school last Friday to raise money for a children's home in Argentina. The school managed to raise £412 to send to support the work of the home which curently cares for 26 children who have been hurt or mistreated.

Click here to see our video questions and replies from Argentina

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School Council Deliver our Harvest collection to the Foodbank

Today our School Councillors visited the foodbank in the Gurnos to deliver our harvest collection.
The council helped to weigh, unpack and sort through some of the food we collected. We found out how the foodbank works and how people can receive help. Volunteers asked again that we would pass on our thank to everyone who made a contribution to this appeal! THANK YOU!

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Harvest Assembly

Today in school we had our annual harvest assembly. Children perfromed and songs to give thanks for all of our food.

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Crazy Golf 

Every Monday afternoon this year Class 7 and 8 (Years 5+6) are receiving taster sessions
for a variety of different sports provided through our links with Communities First. So far they have had street dance, WRU Tag Rugby, Squash and this week they have enjoyed crazy golf!  

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Pupil Deprivation Plans 2014/15

As part of the conditions for receiving the Pupil Deprivation Grant each school has to publish
its plans for the coming year on the school website.

Our plans can be found here.

Abercanaid PDG Plans 2014/15

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Foodbank Harvest

Friday 24th October

Our Harvest Celebration is on the last day of this half term. 

As a school we will be remembering again how fortunate we are and being thankful for the good things we have.

Again this year we are partnering with The Trussell Trust Foodbank to meet genuine needs of people in Merthyr who find themsleves in need of emergency support.

This appeal has been hugely successful in previous years and we hope, with your help to repeat our success this year!

The shopping list on the right gives some idea of what the foodbank looks for. The main thing is that food is in date and preferably with a long shelf life.

We are starting our collection on Monday 20th October - please could children bring all donations to Mrs Morgan's Room (PPA Teacher). 

Thanks in advance for your help and support with this appeal.

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***Strike Cancelled***

The Unison Strike for next Tuesday (14th October) has been cancelled. We can now confirm that the school will be open for all children as usual. Thank you.

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Sponsored Walk 2014

Last Friday the school hosted its annual sponsored walk. We will update final figures when all monies are in. THANK YOU as always for your support!

Dolygaer 2014

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Dolygaer - Class 8

Class 8 were fortunate enough to visit Dolygaer Outdoor Activity Centre this week and had an amazing time! The children behaved superbly well and it was great to see them trying new activities and throwing themselves (sometimes literally!) into new experiences! We were able to enjoy orienteering, gorge walking, canoeing, den-building, rock climbing and abseiling through the week; a snapshot of which can be seen in the photos below:

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Science Sleuths - The Mystery of Dragon Castle!

How safe is your food?

Today the Food Standards Agency visited The Infant children to perform The Mystery of Dragon Castle. The play and workshop focused on how to prepare food safely in the kitchen, and how to prevent upset tummies!

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Children Present Patchwork Masterpiece 
to Greenhill Manor

Yesterday children from our after school knitting club visited Greenhill Manor in Pentrebach to present their handiwork to the residents, who were thrilled with their gift. Children have worked with Mrs Marion Price both after school and in Breakfast club to complete this beautiful patchwork quilt. Mrs Price has said that she will be running another knitting club this year... watch this space!

Macmillan Coffee Morning Great Success.

This morning children throughout the school have enjoyed extra breakfast in school in aid of Macmillan Cancer Research. As always thanks to everyone who has supported this fundraising event. Especially the ladies who served the toast and juice!

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Estyn Inspection

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Estyn Report after this summers Inspection is on line today at the Estyn website www.estyn.gov.uk. or download from this direct link Click Here. As you will see this very comprehensive report is very pleasing with all major aspects of the schools provision being judged as Good. The two main areas reviewed are:

The school’s current performance	Good
The school’s prospects for improvement	Good

On behalf of the Governors and Staff of the school I would like to thank you all for your help and support leading up to the Inspection. As you will see from the Report the responses to both the children’s and the parent’s questionnaires and meetings were overwhelmingly supportive of the school. Personally I would like to pay special thanks to our Governors, under the leadership of our Chair Cllr Harvey Jones who have provided the bedrock of support and direction that has led to our Fourth successful Inspection.

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SCHOOL STARTS BACK TUESDAY NEXT WEEK

Hello everyone. Hope you had a great summer holiday!  Just wanted to remind you that there is a teacher training day on Monday. School opens for children on Tuesday 2nd September.

Breakfast club will be open from the first day back.

See you then!

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Reminder - Abercanaid Community School is Closed Tomorrow - Thursday 10th July

Due to industrial action.

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Sports Day... New Date

Unfortunately due to the Unison industrial action planned for 10th of July 

we have to postpone the Infant and Junior Sports Days.

New dates are:

Nursery Sports -Wednesday 9^th July    9.30 to 12 noon

Infant Sports – Monday 14^th July  9.30 to 12 noon

Junior Sports - Monday 14^th July         1.00 to 3 p.m

Apologies for any inconvenience caused, and thank you for your understanding.

The Sun has got his hat on... 

Don't forget to wear yours!

We have been forecast some good weather over the next few weeks. 

Please can we remind all children to bring sunhats to school and parents to apply sunscreen to children

before coming to school so that we can enjoy the summer sun safely!

As always water is available for children to drink throughout the day. 

Children are encouraged to bring water bottles to school to drink through the day

  - but please can we remind everyone that this is to be water not squash or sugary drinks. 

Thank you.

REMINDER: Estyn Inspection 30th June - 3rd July 2014 - Parents Meeting Monday 30th @ 3:45pm

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LONDON TRIP 2014

Last week Year 6 had a fantastic trip to London! Went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at

the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (which was AMAZING!), but we also managed to visit Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade,
Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Wembley and The Science Museum!
Hope you enjoy our pictures!



Class 4 Pond Dipping  - Dare Valley Country Park
Also last week...Class 4 had an excellent time pond dipping in Dare Valley Country Park.
Mini-beasts are awesome!

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Estyn Inspection

The school has been informed that we will receive a whole school Inspection from Estyn

Monday 30th June - Thursday 3rd July 2014.

Information booklets have been sent home with children this evening to outline the inspection process for you and your child.  In the centre of the booklet there is a parent/carer questionnaire.  We would very much appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to share your views of the school with inspectors. 

Forms need to be returned to the school by 11th June. 

Alternatively you can complete the questionnaire on line here:

Estyn Parent Questionnaire

Further to this there will be an opportunity for parents to meet with the inspectors
on Monday 30th June at 3:45pm
in the school hall to share your views.

Many Thanks.

REMINDER: Friday 23rd May 2014 - Closure Day - Staff Training

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NEXT WEEK - National Walk to School Week!

Next week we are encouraging all children at Abercanaid to walk, scoot or ride their bike to school as part of National Walk to School Week. This term we are learning a lot about health and fitness, keeping safe and the environment. Walking to school links in with all of these areas of the school curriculum. 

We understand that some of our children live some distance away from the school, if you are unable to walk all of the way perhaps you could park further away from the school and walk some of the way to enable your children to take part. This week will count towards the schools bid to be recognised as a

"BIKE IT" (Scoot IT, Walk IT)  school.

Junior Children will be using the week to record data to see if we can make a real impact! 

As always... thank you for your support!  

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School Visit to Sennedd

On Wednesday of this week Y6 and members of the school council visit the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff Bay. Children were guests of Mr Huw Lewis (Merthyr AM, and Education Minister) - who gave them a tour of the Senedd and answered all of their questions.  Pupils were pleased also to return the hospitality and Welcome Mr Lewis to the school for a Q+A session this morning. 

We would like to thank Mr Lewis for taking time out of his schedule to give our pupils a real insight in to the workings of the Government of Wales. 

National Tests

This week children in Years 2 to 6 have taken part in National Reading and Numeracy tests.

All the children have work hard to apply the skills that they have been learning this year. Results from these tests will be reported to parents next half term. We will keep you posted.

Year 6 - National Cycle Training

This week children in Year 6 have also received cycle training from Mr Lyndon Bridges and Mr Owen Clay. The scheme is a joint venture between The Fire and Rescue Service and Merthyr Road Safety.

All children who have taken part in the training have achieved Level 1 and most have completed Level 2.

Rain stopped play on Thursday but we are hoping to arrange a date in the next few weeks to allow everyone to complete the course. A huge thank you to Mr Bridges and Mr Clay for their input this week.

School Nurse and Police Visits

The school nurses (Rob Trailor and Gaynor Barkhouse) visited again this week to deliver Stay Healthy Lessons.

Nursery - have had a lesson from Dirty Bertie - Catch it, Bin it, Kill it

Year 1 - have learnt about the importance of  Hygiene

Year 3 - have learnt about Fats and Sugars and the 5 a day Message

Pc Rogers has also worked with Year 4 children on Internet Safety.

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Abercanaid Community School is awarded ICT Mark

Congratulations to Pupils and Staff  at our school, for gaining the Naace ICT Mark for the second time.

Use of ICT continues to play a key role in supporting and extending teaching, learning and communication at our school. 

We are delighted to receive the ICT Mark for the second time, which again acknowledges that ICT is a strength at the school.  

Gwaith Da Pawb!