I have added dates to the school Calendar. 

On Wednesday 6th Feb Mrs Lloyd has arranged for a Dr Bike day.  This is an opportunity to bring bikes in so they can have a safety check and any small repairs can be carried out.  
Bikes can be dropped off in the morning by the bike stands.  

As part of the drive by the Welsh Government to tackle Domestic Abuse, Gender Based Violence and Sexual Violence, the Spectrum Project by Hafan Cymru have been given extended funding to raise awareness of Domestic abuse and its issues in all secondary and primary schools in Wales.

The Spectrum Project will be working with our Yr 2 and Yr5/6 classes on the 22nd, 23rd and 29th January.

All Spectrum sessions:
Promote the importance of healthy relationships and raise the awareness of children, young people and adults about the issues of domestic abuse, sexual violence and gender based violence.
Are delivered by qualified and experienced teachers.
Are cross curricular and are designed to promote peer discussion, using a range of techniques.
Use material that are thought provoking but are not designed to be so emotive as to cause distress. The sessions are designed to promote discussion not disclosure.
Conclude with information for young people on where they can access help and support both inside and outside the school.
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If you have any concerns and would like more information on this project please get in touch.

The Friends of Maesglas are meeting on Thursday 17th at 3.30pm.  Please come along, have a cuppa, a chat and find out how you can help support our school.

Dear All,
I have had a number of concerns sent to me about behaviour recently.  I just wanted to point out a few things that you might find interesting.
We aim to create an inclusive school at Maesglas where behaviour is not only managed but changed.  We recognise that we have some complex behaviours in school and we know that increasing punishment and consequence has very little impact.
We aim to have positive relationships with all pupils.  Patient, encouraging and kind staff that are invested in helping. 
We need you to know that we have the long term interest of your children in common.  We want them to be the best they can be.
I am writing to ask for co-operation and understanding in not immediately challenging staff who have seen fit to raise a behavioural concern about your child.   
I don’t want to end in a situation where we have staff preferring not to deal with behaviour of a child for fear of time consuming and unpleasant repercussions. 
We have a deeply caring and nurturing environment in Maesglas.  We are all trying to do what is best for your child.  We do not enjoy telling children off and imposing sanctions.  We do not want to make children unhappy but we know it happens.  We are not in the habit of shaming children.  Just because people don't see or hear conversations it does not mean that they have not happened.
Please can I ask you to not always believe your child’s version of events straight away, consider both sides of the story.  We need to remember that we (parents and me) are not present all the time.  A child that has done something wrong has more at stake than a member of staff simply pointing out and dealing with something.
We will all get things wrong.  That is fine.  That is how we learn.  You have sent your child to Ysgol Maesglas.  Hopefully because you  like the ethos, staff and opportunities provided. 
Can I respectfully ask that if you have an issue with a decision and really think it needs challenging then you contact me.  The staff are merely upholding my expectations and I need them to do this so we can get on with the core priority of educating your children in a safe school environment with healthy and supportive relationships.

We are here to help.  Just ask.​
 
Many thanks  ​

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All after school clubs will be starting from next week.  Please keep a check for consent letters.
French club with Mrs Roberts - Yr 3,4,5 and 6 - Tue dinner time
Mindfulness with Mr Phoniex - Yr 3,4,5 and 6 - Tue 3.15pm - 4.15pm
Netball  with Miss Collins- Yr 3,4,5 and 6 - Tue 3.15pm - 4.15pm
Dragon Sports with Rob - Yr 3 and 4 - Wed 3.15pm - 4.15pm
Cheeky Monkies with Miss Jones- Rec, Yr 1 and 2 - Thur 3pm - 4pm
Choir with Miss Graham and Miss Cross - Yr 3,4,5 and 6 - Thur 3.15pm - 4.15pm

Mrs Woodhouse is free tomorrow between 11.15am and 12 for anyone that wants to come and see her before she leaves on Friday.

​After 4 years as our Family Support Worker Mrs Woodhouse will be leaving us on the 11th January.  I am sure it is going to a difficult week and we will plan opportunities for Parents and Children to say goodbye.  
The governors and staff are extremely grateful for her excellent work and contribution to making Maesglas the very special place it is today.
She has created so many fantastic links and her work is noticed and commented on by everyone who visits the school.
All the governors would want to put on record their deepest thanks to Mrs Woodhouse for her outstanding work and wish her well for the future.