Ysgol Gynradd Illtud Sant

A message from the Headteacher 

Dear Families, 

As we approach the end of another busy term at St.Illtyd’s, we want to share with you a snapshot of our learning and experiences.  In January, we welcomed our new Rising Three children and it has been a pleasure to watch them settle and engage in new learning opportunities alongside their peers. 

Our Learning Zones continue to work well and we have observed an increase in engagement and pupil independence as a result.  It is wonderful to hear pupils speak so positively of their learning experiences to staff and visitors.

Looking forward to the term ahead, there will be an emphasis on ‘Cynefin’ and our annual Eisteddfod. “Cynefin” is a Welsh term defined by Curriculum for Wales as 'the place where we feel we belong,  where the people and landscape around us are familiar, and the sights and sounds are reassuringly recognisable. 

We wish you all a restful half term and look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday 3rd March which will be our Eisteddfod celebration and Cynefin themed immersion day. Pupils are invited to wear Welsh themed clothing or colours on this day! 

Warm regards/Cofion cynnes, 

Mrs Matthews 

Acting Headteacher/Pennaeth 

Welcome

We would like to say a huge welcome to Miss Ceri Thomas who will be joining us after half term. Miss Thomas will be our Early Years Teacher and has the responsibility for Teaching and Learning across the school.  

Hi everyone, my name is Miss Thomas and I’m so excited to be joining the St. Illtyd’s family! For the past seventeen years, I’ve worked at a large primary school in Newport, most recently as a teacher in Year 3.

When I’m not in school, I love reading a good book, baking cakes and walking my two energetic dogs.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know the team of staff, and also some of your lovely children who interviewed me and showed me around the school! I can’t wait to settle in and to get to know you all better! I look forward to meeting you! 

Miss Thomas 

Family Consultations 

Family consultations will take place on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th March and we are looking forward to sharing updates on your child's wellbeing, attendance, progress so far and the next steps in their learning. Booking systems will be open on the new school website after half term.  Mrs Banks will be available to talk about all things ALN!

Big Garden Birdwatch 

We have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to once again work with our Biodiversity Officer Rebacca Ward. Rebecca has given learners an insight into the habitats and features of local birds.  Our Biodiversity Lunch Club have thoroughly enjoyed supporting our local birds by making bird feeders and creating an inviting space at the back of the school!

Spotlight on Digital Learning

Lead Miss S Hart

As part of our digital learning, this half term the learners of St Illtyd’s have been focusing on data. The learners in lower school have had opportunities to collect data and create a graph using HWB J2e. The learners in upper school have had the opportunity to learn how to use spreadsheets. I have had the joy of working alongside our new digital leaders from years 2-6. They have made a fantastic start in their role! They have participated in an equipment audit, ensuring that every class and learning zone has access to the correct resources needed to enhance their learning and develop their digital skills and ensure that every class has an ICT station. They already have great ideas and actions in place for the next half term! 

E-Saftety

Learners of St Illtyd’s took part in Safer Internet Day 2025 on 11th February! Learners were made aware of the theme this year “Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online”. The learners took part in activities to deepen their understanding of the importance of staying safe online, how to spot online scams and how to deal with them appropriately. This website has tips for parents and carers to help keep your loved ones safe online! To ensure that our learners are staying safe when online in school, each class has signed an acceptable use agreement that is referred to at the start of every lesson when using ICT. 

Sporting Events

Dragon’s Rugby! 

The learners of year 5 and 6 have been incredibly lucky to continue working with Dragon’s Rugby. They visit our school every two weeks to teach TAG rugby skills. The learners are thoroughly enjoying this opportunity and gaining new skills whilst having fun and keeping fit! The learners will have the opportunity to visit Rodney Parade next term to take part in the TAG rugby festival and represent St Illtyd’s Primary School! 

Year 2 Multi-skills festival! 

Learners of year 2 visited ALC to take part in the Multi-skills festival. They enjoyed the afternoon of learning new and fun skills and meeting other learners from other schools and playing alongside them! They were so well behaved, represented our school and had so much fun! 

Basketball Festival! 

Learners of year 5 and 6 took part in a basketball festival. They spent the morning learning all of the basketball skills before taking part in non-competitive games in the afternoon! As always, our learners were on their best behaviour and represented our school well. These were the first group to try out our new school kit! Look how amazing they look!! 

We look forward to engaging in more sporting events next half term! 

Music and Movement 

Pupils in Nursery, Reception, Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been fortunate to have engaged in Dance sessions with Gina from Mini Movers! From Chocolate Factories to Winter Wonderlands, the dances have been a feast for the senses! Mrs Banks is busy working behind the scenes to secure grant funding from Arts Council Wales for sessions for Years 1 and 2 in the near future! Watch this space!

After School Clubs

Our After School Clubs started back this term with huge success!  It is difficult to say who has had the most fun, the staff or the pupils.  The uptake of these clubs is fantastic and we hope to continue to increase capacity in the next term!

Foundation Phase Clubs - 3.15pm - 4.00pm                  Upper School Clubs - 3.25pm - 4.25pm 

Important Dates for your Diaries