Noticeboard

On behalf of the Welsh Government- COVID-19 Vaccine

Tue 15 Mar 2022

Dear Parent/Guardian,
We are writing to let you know that we can now offer a COVID-19 vaccine to your child.
Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from potential serious illness. This letter
provides information to help you and your child understand more about the vaccine.
In the next few weeks NHS Wales will be contacting parents and guardians of children aged
5 to 11 years to offer vaccinations. For local information, health board vaccination web
pages are listed here: Gov.Wales/covidvaccine.

Most 5 to 11 year old children will be offered two doses of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine, 12
weeks apart. If your child has been identified as at clinical risk, or a household contact of
someone who is immunosuppressed, the interval is 8 weeks.
The UK independent medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has confirmed this vaccine is safe and effective for children of
this age. They have carried out rigorous reviews of safety, quality, and effectiveness of the
COVID-19 vaccine for this age group.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises that two doses of the
vaccine should give your child long-lasting protection against complications of infection. It
could also prime their immune system against future variants.
As the parent / guardian, you will need to consent to them having the vaccine. You'll also
need to go with your child or authorise another care giver to do so, with your written
consent. If your child is unwell with a fever or has had a positive coronavirus test in the 28
days before the appointment, you should delay their vaccination as outlined in the links
below. Please let your health board know.
Vaccinations are given in a safe, child-friendly environment. Experienced and supportive
NHS staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. It may help for younger
children to take a toy, book or device to distract and entertain them, and a snack for
immediately following the procedure.
Nearly 9 in 10 eligible people (age 12+) in Wales have already had both of their primary
doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Please use the resources in the links below to help you and
your child reach a joint decision about taking up this offer.
14/03/2022

These links will take you to accurate and trusted sources containing information on
vaccines. They have facts on safety, effectiveness and potential side effects (which are
usually mild and don’t require treatment). It would be good to involve your child in looking at
some of the child-friendly resources below too:
Public Health Wales https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-
vaccination-information
Public Health Wales information for 5-17 year olds
https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccinationinformation/resources-for-health-and-social-care-professionals/covid-19-guide-5-17-textonly-version-1-english/
Public Health England https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccinationresources-for-children-aged-5-to-11-years
British Society of Immunology https://www.immunology.org/public-information/guidevaccinations-for-covid-19
Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation -
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-childrenaged-5-to-11-years/a-guide-for-parents-of-children-aged-5-to-11-years
Vaccination saves lives. The World Health Organisation estimates that at least 2-3 million
deaths are prevented every year through immunisation. If your child has missed any routine
vaccinations during the pandemic please let your General Practice know. They can arrange
for them to be rescheduled. Visit https://111.wales.nhs.uk/LiveWell/vaccinations/ for more
information.
Yours sincerely,
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales

Talking to children and young people about the war in Ukraine

Wed 09 Mar 2022

A guide for Parents/Carers
As much as we want to protect our children and young people it is likely that they have seen and heard of the events in Ukraine. The words ‘war’ ‘invasion’ and ‘attack’ and the violent and upsetting images being shown in the media are going to be frightening for all children, particularly those who have experienced traumatic pasts.
It is possible that children will be trying to make sense of this information by asking questions. Our own emotions can influence how we respond to these questions sensitively and appropriately.
This document aims to help you consider what information to share and how you can help your child/young person understand what is going on. Links to other helpful resources are also shared.

Take care of yourself
-   Whilst watching or reading the news can help keep us. informed, limiting news intake can help to reduce anxiety.
-   The emotions that you’re feeling can be overwhelming. Remember to take time for things that you enjoy.
-   Talk to someone you trust about your thoughts and feelings.

Listen to your child/young person
When listening
-   Stay honest – if you don’t know the answer, that is OK.
-   Keep it simple - consider the child/young person’s age and stage of development.
-   Normalise all feelings - there are no “bad” or “wrong” emotions.
-   Follow their lead – respond to questions and give them to the space to ask.
-   Be mindful of language- avoid phrases like “calm down” or “stop worrying”.

Consider how to help them feel safe
-   Maintain routine- consistency helps in times of uncertainty. If change is unavoidable, communicate this change in advance and give your child time to adjust.
-   Check social media engagement- the current events are trending across social media platforms and are easily accessible by children and young people.
-   Watch where they are getting their news- Not all the information is accurate or appropriate.
-   Make time for fun- encourage children to take part in activities that help them feel calm e.g., spending time with friends, painting, swimming.

Empower you child/young person
Despite the devastation there is so much help, care and love being demonstrated around the world. Help your child consider these and think about what they can do to help. Examples can be found here.

Helpful Links
Newsround have explained some of the key terms being used to talk about the war in Ukraine. The link can be found here.
Newsround also have a page on their website titled ‘Advice if you are upset by the news’. It shares some tips about what to do if children/young people are feeling upset about what they have seen/heard. This can be found here.
Time for Kids – Shares news for children – it gives you the opportunity to input the child’s age to find the most appropriate material.

Credit and Thanks to:
EDPSY - https://edpsy.org.uk/blog/2022/talking-to-children-and-young-people-about-war-in-ukraine/
Dr MDC - https://www.drmdc.co.uk/
TISUK – www.traumainformedschools.co.uk
Save the Children - How to talk to children about war | Save the Children UK
Barnardo’s Ireland - talking-to-children-about-war.pdf (barnardos.ie)
BPS- Supporting children to manage anxiety over war, conflict and crises | BPS

Dydd Gwyl Dewi - St.David's Day Celebrations 2022

Fri 04 Mar 2022

See our St. David's Day celebrations here.

Just Play Football

Wed 02 Mar 2022

Online courses

Tue 01 Mar 2022

Dear All,
It’s been an anxious year for many adults, children and young people alike. We know many of you are worried about the impact of the pandemic on your children.
BRAND NEW!! Online course ‘Understanding your child’s mental health and wellbeing’ from the Solihull Approach (NHS).
Access for free:
Did you know Public Health Wales have PRE-PAID for every parent and carer in Wales to access a course for parents/carers (access now for life-long access)? FREE (with access code: SWSOL or NWSOL at: www.inourplace.co.uk) for residents in our area. There are courses for parents, carers and grandparents about children from bump to 19+ years.
How do I access for free?
Go to www.inourplace.co.uk and register, and then please use SWSOL if you live in South and Mid Wales and NWSOL if you live in North Wales to get free access to all the online courses (funded for residents): or
If, like many parents, you have already used this code, log into your account here and this course will be ready in your dashboard to start whenever you are ready.
Can I tell my family and friends?
Absolutely! Share the news with family members and other families in the area so that they too can take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.
How long is it?
‘Understanding your child’s mental health and wellbeing’ itself is in 2 parts (2 modules long in total):
1.   Take Part 1….
2.   …then take ‘Understanding your child’ OR ‘Understanding your child with additional needs’ (11 modules each taking 10-15 minutes to complete, benefitting from time to digest in between)….
3.   …then take Part 2.
If you like this…
…you might like the other courses ‘Understanding your teenager’s brain’ (short course) or ‘Understanding your child’s feelings’ (taster course) , or other courses in the series. www.inourplace.co.uk

Spring Newsletter

Thu 17 Feb 2022

Community Governor Vacancy

Wed 16 Feb 2022 Mrs A. James

The school currently has a vacancy for a Community Governor.

If you know of anyone who would like to apply for this position please can you ask them to email head@pontrhonddaprimary.rctcbc.cymru

Community governors are appointed, at a specifically convened meeting, by all (other) members of the governing body and are persons who;

Live or work in the community served by the school.

In the opinion of the governing body are committed to the good government and success of the school

A Community Governor cannot be a member of staff.

I welcome your support in this matter as it is important that all positions are filled on the governing body.

Many thanks,

Mrs A. James

WEAR RED on 4th February in support of Wales and Velindre.

Fri 04 Feb 2022

Velindre’s annual WEAR RED campaign is BACK in time for the Six Nations return in February and we want YOU to join us. #WearRed2022.

Supporting Velindre Cancer Centre has never been easier! Simply Wear Red and donate £1 to Velindre on Friday 4th February.

To donate please click the link below:

https://velindrefundraising.enthuse.com/cp/50d73/fundraiser#!/

Every penny raised from our Wear Red Campaign is invested back into Velindre Cancer Centre to fund a range of services, roles and resources that has a significant impact on the experience and treatment journey of our patients and their families.

Thank You in advance for helping us make a difference!

Pontrhondda Primary School

Uniform Grant Now open to ALL Year Groups

Thu 20 Jan 2022 Mrs A. James

At Pontrhondda Primary we pride ourselves in how we present ourselves. We expect every child to be in uniform because it gives them a sense of belonging and community, it provides the start to a school day and prepares them for the expectation of school rules and routines plus it saves their other clothes and is one less argument to have in the mornings!

From January 2022, every child in receipt of free school meals, or are looked after, is entitled to claim a school uniform grant using the link here.

We also have a selection of preloved uniform, in good condition which is offered to any child who arrives not wearing uniform and is available to be picked up at any time from the foyer.

Letter for Parents and Carers

Fri 17 Dec 2021

Dear Parent/Carer ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE START OF TERM JANUARY 2022 Please be advised that changes are to be made affecting schools, parents, carers and learners across the whole of Wales at the start of the January term. In recognition of the challenges that schools have faced and the current levels of uncertainty regarding the impact of the Omicron variant, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language has written to all schools to provide as much clarity as possible to enable them to plan and prepare for the return in January. The full announcement is available via - https://gov.wales/written-statement-school-and-colleges-operational?arrangements-january-2022 In summary, the first two days of the January term, namely – Tuesday the 4th and Wednesday the 5th January 2022 will be planning days for all schools throughout the whole of Wales. There will be no remote learning provided during these two days. This will allow time for schools to assess staffing capacity and put the necessary measures in place to support the return of all learners. Schools have been asked to make use of the planning days to ensure they have robust plans in place to move to remote learning if required – this could be for individual classes/year groups or possibly for the whole school.

Critical workers and vulnerable learners On site education within school sites will be available on Wednesday 5th January for identified high priority vulnerable learners and for the children of eligible critical workers only. Critical workers Eligible critical workers include: ➢ Blue light workers, including NHS, Police, Ambulance and Fire Service staff;

➢ Social care workers (including care homes); and

➢ Childcare or education staff. Critical worker provision will be available for eligible children of all ages in primary, secondary, special school and pupil referral unit settings.

Please only apply for this provision if you clearly meet eligibility and are scheduled to work and have exhausted all possible childcare avenues. Please can you notify your school via the school’s e-mail address by Monday the 3rd of January if you meet the above high priority vulnerable learner or critical worker criteria and require a place for your child for the 5 th of January. Please await confirmation from the school before sending your child to school. Transport Transport will not be available for the children of critical workers on the 5th of January. For parents/carers of children attending special school / learning support classes who usually receive home to school transport – this will be provided as normal, however, should your child not be attending school on Wednesday 5th January, please let the school know by lunchtime on Tuesday 4th January so that the Transport Unit can plan accordingly. Breakfast club provision Breakfast club will be available in primary schools on the 5th of January for high priority learners and children of critical workers whose attendance has been confirmed by the school. Free school meals All learners who are entitled to free school meals will receive BACS payments for the 4 th and 5th of January. High priority vulnerable learners and children of critical workers who attend school on these days will be provided with lunch at the school. Examinations The local authority and schools readily acknowledge that this is a difficult time for all learners, especially those learners who are preparing for examinations. At present, there is no change to the January 2022 examination timetable. Schools will continue to provide support for all learners to ensure the learning environment is safe and learners’ emotional wellbeing is supported. Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) To ensure that asymptomatic individuals do not unknowingly take the virus into school, and while more is learnt about the Omicron variant, there is a strong expectation that all staff and learners in Year 7 and above continue to take lateral flow tests. The frequency of lateral flow testing has increased and it is now requested that LFTs are undertaken three times per week. Requirements for learners in year 7 and above are summarised as follows:- - Take an LFT three times per week in the week prior to the return to school (Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning) - Take an LFT three times per week on the week that you return to school (including one on the morning that you return to school) - Continue to take LFTs three times per week following the return to school (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning) Face coverings Staff and all secondary school learners should continue to wear face coverings when they return to school in January (unless exempt) – this applies to all communal areas and classrooms where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings must also be worn by all secondary school age learners (unless exempt) on home to school transport. Summary The situation is summarised below:

• The 4th and 5th of January will be planning days for school staff. There will be no remote learning provided during these two days.

• On the 5th of January, schools will only be open to vulnerable learners and children of critical workers whose attendance has been confirmed with the school. Please only apply for this provision if you clearly meet eligibility and are scheduled to work and have exhausted all possible childcare avenues.

• On site provision for these groups of children will be core school hours only (including breakfast club for primary schools).

• Your child’s school will confirm the exact date that your child is to return to school.

• Parents/carers of learners eligible for free school meals will receive a BACS payment for the 4th and 5th of January.

• All secondary school aged learners should take three lateral flow tests in the week prior to returning to school and three lateral flow tests each week following their return to school (including one on the morning they return to school).

• Face coverings continue to be required for secondary school aged learners.

• Schools may operate staggered start and finish times from the start of the new term as an additional mitigation. Your child’s school will advise you accordingly. It is vitally important that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or anyone who is in a household with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case does not attend school at the start of term – all such individuals (aged 5 and above) should book a PCR test. Due to the Omicron variant, this is a fast-evolving situation and there may be a need to issue further updates in the event of any significant developments during the Christmas holiday period. Should there be any changes to the arrangements for the start of term, these will be sent to you at the earliest opportunity. It is appreciated that this pandemic continues to place unprecedented demands on everyone and your support continues to be hugely appreciated.

With thanks and best wishes,

Gaynor Davies

Director of Education and Inclusion Service