SCHOOL NEWS FOR THE SUMMER TERM 2010
The School opened for the Summer Term on Tuesday April 20th after a beautiful two week Easter break. Eight new pupils started in the Reception Class – Nicole Hernandez, Amelia Davies, Gwenllian Allen, Kodie Elward, Wayne Rees, Connor Evans, Iestyn Davies and Finley Davies. There are 130 pupils on the school register.
Due to the volcanic ash from the volcano in Iceland, the ban on aeroplane flights over the British Isles meant that Mrs. Delyth Thomas, Gwenllian and Dafydd were unable to return home from their holiday in Spain.
A photographer from FINESSE visited the school on Wednesday April 21st to take photographs. The proofs will be ready within a few weeks for distribution.
Swimming lessons have started each Tuesday afternoon for years 5 and 6. They are held at Carmarthen Leisure Centre each Tuesday afternoon.
A team of Year 6 pupils represented the school at the Mynydd Mawr Schools SWIMMING GALA held on Friday April 30th at Carmarthen Leisure Centre. The children enjoyed the experience.
Two new pupils were welcomed to the school on Wednesday, May 5th. Marc Grove and his sister Megan Nicholson have moved to the village from Swansea. Marc is in Year 5 and Megan in Year 2. The school roll now has 132 pupils.
The Gwendraeth Valley Schools Football Tournament for Girls was held at Tumble Park on Wednesday May 5th. The event was organised by Mr. Steven Hewitt, a mamber of the school staff. The event was won for the second year in succession by Tumble A. In the successful team were Whitney Hardy, Ffion Griffiths, Sasha Smith, Olivia Murphy, Jasmine Hopkins, Chloe Evans and Llinos Rees. They were undefeated in their games. Tumble B also took part in the event. They included Chelsie Walters, Alex Evans, Angharad Williams, Hannah Evans, Megan Samuel, Chloe Totterdale, Bethany Flear, Gwenllian Thomas and Sophie Staley. Their record was one draw and three defeats, but they enjoyed the experience.
The Boys Soccer tournament scheduled for Thursday May 6th was rained off and will be rearranged.
Congratulations to two of the pupils on their successes at the Mynyddygarreg Eisteddfod on Friday May 7th. Ffion Griffiths was successful in the Year 5 and 6 Solo and also in the Under 12 Individual Disco Dancing competition. Chelsie Walters came third in the same Disco Dancing competition and third as well in the Year 5 and 6 Recitation.
The children in the Reception class competed in the Nursery and Reception Sports organised by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth as part of the Gwendraeth Festival of activities. The event took place at Pontyberem Park on Monday May 10th. The children enjoyed the experience, the majority of them running in sports for the first time.
On Saturday, May 15th the Girls 7 a side Football Team competed at Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s National Finals at Blaendolau playing fields, Aberystwyth. This was the third year in succession for the team to reach the finals and the best year for results. In the group games, Tumble School came out on top remaining unbeaten without conceding a single goal. He team managed to defeat Penygloddfa School, Dolgellau School and Ysgol Bro Banw with a drawn game against Ysgol Bro Eirwg. In the semi-final, the team narrowly lost 1-0 against Oystermouth School from Swansea.
Squad members were Olivia Murphy, Chloe Evans, Alison Davies, Jasmine Hopkins, Whitney Hardy, Ffion Griffiths, Llinos Rees and Sasha Smith. The team were coached by Mr. Steven Hewitt.
Despite the disappointment, the team can be proud of their performances.
Some of the junior children received Tennis coaching at Ysgol Maes yr Yrfa on Monday May 17th from Mari-Ann Jones a member of the Dragon Sports team. They will now play in a tennis competition to be held at Llanelli.
On Thursday, May 20th some pupils in Years 4 and 5 took part in the Mynydd Mawr Rugby ID event held at Pontyberem School. The aim for the coaches of the district was to take a look at the talent available for next year’s Mynydd Mawr squad. The children thoroughly enjoyed the experience winning three out of their four games.
On Friday May 21st, a team of players represented the school at a Dragon Sports Tennis Festival held at Llanelli Tennis Club courts. This was a new venture following quickly from a similar event held locally at Maes yr Yrfa. The children thoroughly enjoyed the tournament with each team member playing a singles match. Team members included Daniel Conibeer, Steffan Williams, Iestyn Jones, Alex Jones, Hawys Davies, Sasha Smith, Llinos Rees, Whitney Hardy, Elis Williams, Rhydian Davies, Rhys Sutton, Rhys Cokeley, Ffion Griffiths, Olivia Murphy and Bethany Flear.
Monday May 24th – two new pupils have started at the school having moved to the area from Carway. Samuel Williams is in the Reception class and Lydia Muir is in Year 3. The number on roll now has increased to 134 pupils.
Two pupils from Ysgol Y Gwendraeth, Natalie Lloyd and Amy Jones are spending a week at the school as part of their work experience – Monday May 24th – Friday May 28th.
On Tuesday May 25th and Wednesday May 26th, Mr. Eifion Collins from XL WALES undertook Science and Design Technology discovery workshops with every class of pupils at the school. The children had exciting opportunities to work on various challenges, using K’NEX construction resources to devise solutions to the challenge set for them. Challenges set included devising a lift for the coal miners to bring coal up from the bottom of the mine shaft; designing a lighthouse; a mouse trap and a machine that could move a heavy load. The reception children really enjoyed making flowers of all shapes and sizes from K’NEX. The visit from XL WALES is one of the most popular with the whole age range of pupils – it’s exciting and captures pupils’ imagination and interest.
On Tuesday June 1st, some of the children competed at the Urdd National Eisteddfod, held at Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion. Chelsie Walters represented West Myrddin in the Individual Disco Dancing event with the Group competing in the Disco Dancing Group event for pupils in Year 6 and under. Despite putting on excellent performances in the preliminaries, they did not prove any success this time. Members of the group were Chelsie Walters, Hawys Davies, Gwenllian Thomas, Jasmine Hopkins, Megan Samuel and Ffion Griffiths. The opportunity to perform at National level was however a worthwhile experience and one the children enjoyed. The dancers were prepared by Miss Hazel Harries and Miss Laura Holly.
On Monday June 7th a good representative of pupils from Years 5 and 6 performed at the Llanelli Junior Prom Concert held at the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli. They were part of the large Carmarthenshire Junior Brass Band, incorporating players from Junior schools across the county. The children enjoyed the experience.
On Tuesday June 8th a good representative of pupils from Years 5 and 6 performed at the Carmarthen Junior Prom Concert held at the Selwyn Samuel Centre in Llanelli. They were part of the Cerddorfa Arall made up of Recorders and Harps. The performance was once again of high standard.
On Friday, June 11th a representative from the Welsh Bird of Prey Centre visited the school to give presentations to both the Infant and Junior children. He brought along a number of interesting and varied birds of prey to assist him with his presentation. The highlight of course was the opportunity for some of the children to hold the largest of the birds – the Eurasian Eagle Owl. The children learnt many interesting facts about birds of prey and enjoyed the interesting sessions.
A number of Year 6 pupils were part of the PROM IN THE PARK event held at the Botanic Garden, Llanrthney on Saturday June 12th. The event was organised by Carmarthenshire’s Music service. The children sang in the Dinefwr-Gwendraeth Schools Choir, one of three choirs to perform in the open air. The other two choirs represented Llanelli and Carmarthen Schools. The final items were performed by one massed choir. The standard of singing was high and an excellent and appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the event. Representing the school were Chelsie Walters, Hawys Davies, Alex Evans, Shauna Lee, Corey Evans, Owain Williams, Sam Cavill, Steffan Williams and Ifan Samuel.
On Tuesday, June 15th, pupils from the school performed at the launch of the local Luncheon Club under the stewardship of Llannon Community Council. Cuts in funding threatened the future of the club until the local council took over its arrangements. The school choir, instrumentalists and disco dancers provided some entertainment for the launch. This was highly appreciated by those present.
On Thursday June 17th, the School Nurse Mrs. Delyth Stockwell gave an interesting presentation to the children in Year 6 on ‘Growing Up and Body Changes.’
During the afternoon of Thursday June 17th, the pupils in Years 5 and 6 visited Pontyberem School to undertake singing workshops under the guidance of Elin Llwyd. All Gwendraeth Valley schools are involved in the CanSing project and this was the first session. Whilst half the children were involved with the singing the other half had opportunities to partake in athletic activities on the school field.
Scott, a soccer coach from EVOLVE SPORT spent the day at the school on Friday June 18th. The event was organised to coincide with the World Cup. Each class had opportunities to receive soccer skills coaching and to play mini soccer games. The event proved really worthwhile with the children thoroughly enjoying the experience. The weather was great so we could make full use of the school field.
On Saturday, June 19th two teams from the school competed in a football tournament organised by Bancffosfelen AFC at Pontyberem School field. The Girls Under 11 team managed to win all the group games apart from one drawn match. In a closely contested final, they lost narrowly 1-0 to Johnston from Pembrokeshire. They can be extremely proud of their performances especially as they were playing against club teams, not other schools. Squad members were Olivia Murphy, Jasmine Hopkins, Alison Davies, Ffion Griffiths, Sasha Smith, Whitney Hardy, Chloe Evans, Lydia Muir and Llinos Rees. The boys unfortunately lost their matches in a tough group but gave their all. Their squad included Steffan Williams, Alex Jones, Iestyn Jones, Elis Williams, Rhydian Davies, Jack Griffiths, Patrick Walters, Ifan Samuel, Daniel Conibeer and Lewis Moore. All the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The teams were coached by Mr. Steven Hewitt.
On Monday June 21st half the pupils in Year 6 had the opportunity to partake in Cycling Proficiency training under the guidance of Mrs. Tracey Lewis from the Road Safety Department. The other half will be trained later on in the term. The children had a marvellous day on their bicycles and all of them managed to pass the assessment.
It proved a very successful day for the school at the Mynydd Mawr School Sports held on Thursday June 24th at Pontyberem School. The team managed to win the Mansel Lloyd Shield for achieving the highest marks in all competitions. The Infant Boys also managed to win the Sheila Thomas Cup for the highest marks for boys under 7 years. The senior girls had a day to remember and won the June Morgan Shield for being the highest placed girls’ team. They won the Straight Relay and Hoop Relay and came second in the Spoke Wheel Relay. Team members included Llinos Rees, Ffion Griffiths, Chloe Totterdale, Sasha Smith, Sophie Staley and Whitney Hardy. There were several exceptional performances in the straight races – Iestyn Gwilliam (1st – Yr.1), Osian Evans (2nd – Yr. 2), Kieran Jones (2nd – Yr 3), Ffion Griffiths (1st – Yr. 5), Elis Williams (3rd –Yr 6), Llinos Rees (1st – Yr.6), Ffion Griffiths (1st – Open Race), Llinos Rees (2nd – Open Race).
On Friday, June 25th all the Juniors went on educational visits. Years 3 and 4 visited Manor House Wildlife Park near Tenby with the children in Years 5 and 6 visiting Bristol Zoo. With the added bonus of fine weather, the two groups had a day to remember and had some memorable experiences.
Mrs. Sheila O’Neill from Tracey and Sheila’s hairdressing salon was invited into school on Monday June 28th so that we could show our appreciation for their generous donation towards the school. They have used the Lottery’s Bonus Ball in the salon to collect money for good causes. A cheque for £500 was presented to the school.
Years 3 and 4 enjoyed an entertaining Concert given by Carmarthenshire Music Service peripatetic teaching staff at Ysgol Y Gwendraeth’s Hall on Tuesday June 29th.
The children in the Infants and Juniors were treated to Fire Safety awareness workshops under the guidance of Mrs. Elinor Goldsmith, Fire Safety Liaison Officer on Thursday July 1st. The children were given important safety messages and also had the opportunity to learn about the life and work of a fireman.
The Infants has a very exciting and enjoyable educational visit to FOLLY FARM on Friday July 2nd. On the same day the Juniors travelled to Pontyberem Hall for Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch’s production of BECA. The performance was based on the Rebecca Riots in the 19th Century. The feedback from pupils to the show was very positive.
The SCHOOL SPORTS were held on the school field on the afternoon of Thursday July 8th. There was a good turn out of parents and friends and the afternoon turned out to be a success. It was the turn of the GREEN TEAM to win the HILARY DAVIES CUP for the team with the highest marks overall in the events.
P.C. Ernest Gronow, Schools Liaison Officer with Dyfed Powys Police visited the school on Friday morning, July 9th to undertake workshops with three classes. The visit proved popular and gave the children valuable opportunities to be aware of important issues such as Behaviour and Internet Safety.
The Girls 7 a side Football Team can be extremely proud of their achievements at Carmarthen Town FC’s Primary Schools Soccer Competition held at Richmond Park on Saturday July 10th. They were Joint Cup Winners along with Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant, Llanelli. They managed to win all three group matches, defeating Llangunnor, Johnstown and Nantgaredig Schools. It went down to a penalty shoot-out win in the semi final against Ffairfach before meeting Dewi Sant in the final. Extra time and a nail-biting penalty shoot out could not separate the teams so the organisers and coaches agreed to allow joint winners. It would have been cruel on both teams to lose out after a very closely fought match. Squad members were Olivia Murphy, Jasmine Hopkins, Llinos Rees, Angharad Williams, Lydia Muir, Sasha Smith, Alison Davies, Chloe Evans and Ffion Griffiths. The player of the tournament award was presented to Sasha Smith, the leading goal scorer. The team was coached by Mr. Steven Hewitt.
Some of the pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 entertained the residents of Bryntawel and Darren Las on Monday July 12th at the complex. The feedback on the performances given by the children was very positive. It is always a pleasure to visit Bryntawel where the welcome is always warm.
On Tuesday July 13th, the pupils in Mrs. Lloyd’s class took part in the ‘Sharing Concert’ held at Ysgol Pontyberem. This was the culmination of their Music project based on the Carnival of the Animals. Three schools were involved in the project – Bancffosfelen, Pontyberem and Tumble. The children in their groups performed their own musical compositions based on the various animals. Each school had the opportunity to perform in front of each other and for their parents, friends and guests. The feedback to the concert was that it was excellent with the three schools performing work of a very good standard. Mrs. Anwen Lloyd and Mrs Nia Lewis were responsible for preparing the children.
In the afternoon, all the children from Years 2 – 6 visited Pontyberem Hall for SINFONIA CYMRU’s performance of The Carnival of the Animals by the composer Saint-Saens. While the music was being played, pictures of the various animals were displayed on the large screen at the back of the stage. The afternoon proved really worthwhile and enjoyable.
On Wednesday and Thursday July 14th and 15th, GROUP 2 in Year 6 undertook their CYCLING PROFICIENCY under the guidance of Mrs. Tracey Lewis from the Road Safety Department. It was heartening to learn that each participant managed to pass their assessment.
On Friday July 16th, the LEAVERS SERVICE was held at the School Hall. There was a good turn out of Parents and Friends in attendance with the children performing a variety of musical items. Year 6, who are soon leaving for Secondary School presented through a script their reminiscences of life at the school from their time in Reception class through to the present day. It proved to be a very enjoyable occasion and a good send off for the pupils.
On Monday July 19th, two representatives from SKILLS 100% undertook Rugby and Soccer Skills sessions with the pupils in the Juniors. The children enjoyed the experience.
The last day of term was on Tuesday July 20th. For two members of staff, it was their last day at Tumble school. Mrs. Susan Evans-Jenkins is transferring to a new post at Furnace School in Llanelli and Mrs. Nia Lewis is taking up a full time post at Ysgol Gymraeg Gwenllian, Cydweli.
22 Year pupils left for the Secondary Schools..as follows
Maes yr Yrfa – Ifan Samuel, Daniel Conibeer, Iestyn Jones, Steffan Williams, Cameron Phillips, Shauna Lee, Hawys Davies, Chelsie Walters, Chloe Evans, Alex Evans and Jasmine Hopkins.
Ysgol Y Gwendraeth – Nicholas Totterdale, Scott Bundfuss, Corey Evans, Kalum Todd, Sam Cavill, Nia Davies, Llinos Rees, Sasha Smith, Abigail Morris and Luke Thomas.
Tregib – Owain Williams.
Daniel Thomas, Year 1 is moving to live in Porthyrhyd and will be transferring to Llanddarog school in September.
