I hope this newsletter finds you well and that you have had a great week. We have had a fantastic start to the week with a visit from Andrew RT Davies, our regional Member of the Senedd and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives. He came to meet our School Senedd and was impressed by the children's knowledge of the democratic process and their active participation in enacting positive change in our community. The ministers for each Senedd group presented their action plans for the year and engaged in a question and answer session with Mr Davies. The children were thrilled to have a public figure take such a keen interest in their work and they learnt a great deal from his visit. As a special treat, Mr Davies presented two pupils with a prize and certificate for winning his Christmas Card design competition.

On Monday, we also had another outstanding event organised by the PTA - The Great Llangan Bake Off. Pupils from across the school showcased their baking skills by creating cakes and bakes of their choice at home with their family members. The competition was judged by members of Penllyn WI, who had the difficult task of choosing winners in each year group. Due to the overwhelming number of entries, the judges decided to judge based on presentation and quality rather than taste. After school, the PTA held a bake sale, selling the remaining cakes to members of the school community.

I am delighted to announce that the event raised an impressive £290.22 towards the PTA funds. Other PTA events have also raised funds for the school. The recent PTA quiz raised £227.39 and the well-supported Class fundraising Christmas Card and Christmas goods event raised £225.22. The PTA have since launched their Christmas events, which include a Festive Film Night on the 7^th of December, a visit from Father Christmas on the 19^th of December, as well as a raffle and refreshments at our Christmas Productions.  I would also like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the hardworking and dedicated PTA members who give up so much of their free time to support the school and organise such wonderful events for our children.

In the spirit of the upcoming festive season, the PTA has launched their Christmas events, which include a Festive Movie Night on the 7th of December, a visit from Father Christmas on the 19th of December, as well as a raffle and refreshments at our Christmas Productions. These events not only bring joy to our children but also generate much-needed funds for our school. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our PTA.

On Tuesday, children in years 1,2 and 6 had the opportunity to have a master class in bulb planting from Rob our RHS champion from Pheasant Acre Plants located just down the road. Rob and his team have received Gold Medal Awards for their produce at leading RHS and regional flower shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Pheasant Acre donated hundreds of bulbs that children with the help of Mrs Stevens, Rob and a parent planted in our school gardens. We look forward to seeing these bulbs as they flower in spring next year. A huge thank you to the generosity shown by Pheasant Acre for the gift of the bulbs and their time.

As we approach December, I wanted to share with you all the ways in which the school will be celebrating Christmas this year.

Tickets for the Infants Christmas Play and the Junior Carol Concert will go on sale on Monday 27th of November. In order to ensure each family has an equal share of tickets, we will be limiting the sales to 2 tickets per family for each performance. After the 9th of December, any remaining tickets will be open for sale to anyone interested on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets cost £3 per person and can be purchased via Parent Pay. We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and support with the issuing of tickets, as it allows us to adhere to fire safety requirements and ensure every family has equal access to these performances. The revenue generated from ticket sales will cover the costs of the production, with any profit being added to our school funds.

I am pleased to announce that the date for the Llangan Christmas Market has been set for Wednesday 20th December between 2:45 pm and 3:15 pm. This event will be the culmination of the children's Enterprise Challenge for this year, where each class from Reception to Year 6 will set up their own business and produce Christmas crafts to advertise and sell. The children will compete to see who can make the biggest profit, while also learning important entrepreneurial skills linked to the world of work. We invite all parents and carers to come and support their children at this festive event.

In other news, today marks Miss Wilson's last day as she begins her maternity leave. We wish her all the best with the imminent birth of her first child. Her maternity cover will be provided by Mr Harry Thomas, who officially starts on Monday but has already spent four days in the school over the past two weeks, getting to know the children and settling into his role.

Mr Thomas

Miss Wilson would like to pass the message on to Llangan Community:

Dear Parents/Carers, 

I would like to say a huge thank you for all your kind words and well wishes as I say a temporary goodbye and begin maternity leave. I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity I have received from the school community and am extremely grateful. Whilst I am looking forward to the special journey I am about to embark upon, I'll miss seeing your children each day- it's a privilege to teach them. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and I look forward to returning to Llangan in June. 

Diolch o galon

Miss Wilson

Looking ahead to next week, we have our second parents' workshop of the year on Thursday 30th November between 2 pm and 2:30 pm in the school hall. The focus of this workshop will be 'How do we teach phonics and spelling at Llangan?'. We have taken into consideration the feedback received at the Parents' Forum and are working on varying the days of workshops and potentially scheduling them later in the day. However, currently, Thursdays are the only days we have the staffing capacity to release staff to lead these workshops. We understand that not everyone can attend, so we will make the presentations available on our website for parents who are unable to make it.

Llangan Primary School - Parents Workshops (llanganschool.co.uk)

Additionally, on Thursday 30th November, we will be hosting our Jump Out Day from 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm. This event gives the children the opportunity to share all of their learning from their enquiry projects for this term with their family members. Each class will welcome parents and family members at this time, and we encourage you to come and see the amazing work your children have been doing.

In closing, I would like to extend my gratitude to all the parents and carers who continue to support our school community. Your involvement and dedication make a significant difference in the lives of our children. I wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Best wishes,

Mr Griffiths