Friday 22nd March 2024
End of Spring Term update
Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope this letter finds you well. As we progress through the academic year, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on some matters concerning our school’s operations and ongoing efforts to enhance the learning experience and environment for our pupils.
The Spring Term ends on Friday 22nd March, and the pupils’ return date for the start of the Summer Term is Monday 8th April. The full list of term times and INSET days can be found here: https://pontcomp.co.uk/term-dates/
We are committed to continually improving our provision for pupils to ensure they receive the highest quality education and support. To this end, we are implementing various initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall school experience for our pupils.
One such initiative is the introduction of a pre-order system designed to reduce queuing times during morning break. Initially, this system will be implemented with Year 7 pupils, with plans to expand it to other year groups after evaluating its effectiveness. The usual system remains in place as an option for Year 7 pupils. Further details on how to use the system will be communicated to Year 7 parents over the Easter holidays.
Additionally, as part of our ongoing efforts to create a safer and more pleasant environment, we previously informed parents about a consultation process regarding the installation of CCTV cameras within the toilet areas. Even though we started the consultation last academic year, pupils fed back to Estyn inspectors (December 2023) on how they viewed the toilet environment being one of the worst aspects of the school. Pupil safeguarding and wellbeing are our top priorities. For more information on the rationale and consultation process, please refer to the previous parental letter, accessible through this link: https://pontcomp.co.uk/2023/10/17/safeguarding-update/
The Governing Body, after careful consideration, have approved the initiative that will now become operational on Monday 8th April. Many thanks to those parents that participated in the consultation and whose views and advice were used to adapt our processes. Our CCTV policy is here: https://pontcomp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CCTV-Policy-min.pdf
In response to an imminent change in legislation, we will be introducing further measures to enhance our waste management systems and recycling within the school. We shall be increasing the number of recycling bins around the school and promoting recycling through assemblies, in lessons and informally throughout the school day.
Many thanks for your on-going support in maintaining the high standards of uniform. We have updated our uniform policy, specifically in relation to jewellery, the policy can be accessed here: https://pontcomp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/School-Uniform-policy-min.pdf
The update is to provide more clarity regarding jewellery and the consequences when jewellery that does not comply with the school’s uniform policy. We are pleased to report that we have secured an additional uniform supplier, J&S Products, who will be supplying the school uniform alongside Bergoni. All uniform items will be identical from each supplier. The uniform can be purchased on the website below:
https://www.theschooluniformshop.com/
Recycled uniform is also available from school, where everything is sold for £1. All uniform is washed before sale and is excellent value. To further support families and our local community, we are delighted to report that our Big Bocs Bwyd opened earlier this week. It operates on a pay-as-you-feel basis, supporting our local community and zero waste goals. Working in partnership with local businesses allows the school to provide a range of food products to help local families. Please see our X account (formerly known as Twitter) for more information.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all parents who have supported our requests earlier this term by ensuring your children bring the correct equipment to school. This collaborative effort has resulted in significant improvements, reducing class disruptions, and allowing more time for focused learning.
I hope our whole school community can take collective pride in recent media articles showcasing the recent positive Estyn inspection found here: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/PontarddulaisEstyn2024
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/swansea-comprehensive-inspectors-say-pupils-28839108
By continuing to work together, we can make a substantial difference to the benefit of all pupils at Pontarddulais. Please contact the school if you have any queries. We look forward to welcoming all pupils back to school after the Easter break.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Gareth Rees
Headteacher
