17 December, 2024
Letter from the Headteacher (2024-25) 3
'Arrival'
During December, as Christmas draws near, I find myself swept up in a flurry of activity; there are presents to buy, decorations to hang, food to prepare and parties to organise. But since the earliest days of the faith, Christians all over the world have purposefully taken time before Christmas to focus on the meaning of the coming of Jesus into our world as crucial, spiritual preparation.
This is what Advent is about. Advent is a word that comes from Latin meaning the 'arrival' of Christ. God has arrived in our world as a baby, wrapped in swaddling bands, and placed in a manger. He is a Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
In our worship at St Teilo's, we have been thinking about Jesus' 'arrival' by reflecting on the characters of the nativity. Characters such as the formidable Caesar Augustus whose census was an act of greed. Or Elizabeth who, shunned by society, stayed faithful to God. We've thought about the brutality of Herod, whose power and authority was threatened. And the shepherds - a bunch of outcasts - who get a special invitation to Jesus' birthday!
But the character whose story strikes me the most is Mary. An ordinary young woman, no more than a teenager, in a poor, forgotten, occupied corner of a world empire. This is who God chooses to fulfil the promises to Eve and to Isaiah: a virgin who will conceive a son, Immanuel, who will give His life as a ransom for many. Wow! Mary's voice, her questions, her doubts and fears, her actions and her obedience matter. She is a real person - just like you and me - and through humility and faith she participates in God's great plan. And if Mary can then, I suppose, we can too. We simply must trust that, with God, all things are possible.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Annual survey
I have introduced annual surveys for key stakeholder groups. This means that interested people can share their views with the school in a way that shapes our thinking and planning. The first annual survey for parents and carers is available here. Please do take some time to let us know what we are doing well and where you think improvements could be made. If a question does not apply to you or your child, simply leave it blank. The deadline for completion is 12 January 2025.
Protection against flu
Before the winter sets in, there is a final chance for children to receive the nasal spray flu vaccine if they haven't already do so. A walk-in clinic takes place between 2.30-5.00pm on Thursday 19 December 2024 in the Maelfa Wellbeing Hub, Llanedeyrn. Vaccinations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
School transport
School transport is managed by Cardiff Council. There will be a minor change to the R116 service from 7 January 2024 and you will find an update here. I need to remind parents and carers that children must have their bus pass for every journey. If a child does not have their bus pass, they risk being refused travel. Likewise, a small number of young people continue to act dangerously whilst travelling to and from school. Please remind your child of the expectations of the Wales Travel Behaviour Code available here.
I know that some parents and carers have had cause for complaint about school transport services. Whilst the school cannot manage complaints, I am more than happy to advocate for you in my own communication with Cardiff Council. The School Transport Team are incredibly helpful and I know that they take your views seriously. If you would like to provide any feedback about school transport - positive or negative - please do so here. The deadline for completion is 5 January 2025.
Adult behaviour
There is nothing more important to me than maintaining a safe and happy school. Increasingly, a small number of parents and carers are acting with aggression towards staff and children - this is something that I and the Governing Body cannot permit. I appeal to parents and carers to ensure that, in all your interactions with staff (including written communication), you act with civility, calm and reasonableness. The home-school contract sets out the expectations placed on each of us to safeguard the school as a place of learning and formation in which all are free from abuse. The Adult Behaviour Policy outlines the steps which might be taken if adults choose to act in any other manner and is available here.
Helpful reminders
Before the busyness of Christmas begins, a few helpful reminders:
- There is an INSET day on Monday 6 January 2025.
- Students return to school at 8.30am on Tuesday 7 January 2025.
- All student absence must be reported online here.
- Correct uniform must be worn at all times (this includes black shoes). Items can be purchased directly from the school shop. You can read more here.
- ParentPay accounts must be charged at least 24 hours before use. Any child without funds must speak to a member of school staff in the dining hall for support.
- Parents and carers are only permitted to drive onto the school site for morning drop off. There is no afternoon collection on site.
- All updates are sent by SMS text message. Please ensure we hold your correct contact details.
- Key dates (for example parent meetings) can be found here.
- Contact details and answers to frequently asked questions can be found in my previous letter, here.
As always, please do let me know if you've any queries or concerns.
With best wishes for a blessed Christmas,
Mr I Loynd, Headteacher
