Stepaside School have had a busy term being creative with sustainability projects, as well as meeting Wales’ minister for health and social services to talk about ‘Climate Challenge Cymru’.

Stepaside School’s headteacher has thanked the facility’s staff, pupils and parents for a wam welcome since he took up the role. Mr Peter Jones said that in his previous roles, he was based in Pontypridd and Port Talbot but the call West was ‘too big’ to ignore.

“During the Summer holidays, we worked very hard to redecorate and reorganise the school, giving it a modern make-over, ready for the roll out of the new Curriculum for Wales in September,” he remarked.

“We were very fortunate to have a team of volunteers from Valero, who painted 5 classrooms in one day! We very much appreciate Valero giving up their free time to help with our school transformation. We were also very grateful for the donation of paint from Castle Homes.

“We have had lots of positive feedback from pupils, parents and visitors.”

Since, pupils have been very busy with various projects such as enthusiastically learning about Life on Land as part of their Global Goals topic.

Year 5/6 (Cadno) have been very creative with their sustainability projects; making shopping bags out of old clothes and cooking delicious recipes from leftover food.

A highlight of their topic was inviting the Golden Age group to school for a soup and song lunch! They were so impressed that they have invited the school to sing for them at one of their meetings next term.

Year 3/4 (Draenog) have been very busy learning about Rainforests this term and some of the animals found there. They held a fantastic Family Friday event in which parents were able to come into school and build a mini rain forest with their children.

This week Draenog visited Greenhill School to perform at a huge cluster P-Buzz concert. They have really enjoyed the weekly sessions with Mr Wilkinson!

Year 1/2 (Wiwer) have also been learning about Rainforests, and have been researching deforestation and some of the animals that are in danger of extinction. They have also been busy writing letters to the Co-op, urging them to stop using products that contain palm oil.

Nursery and Reception (Pili-Pala) have turned their classroom into a Jungle - and hosted a wonderful Family Friday event in which parents and children played their favourite games together.

“Our ECO Committee have been exceptionally busy this term with projects around the school including planting 90 trees on our school grounds,” continued Mr Jones.

“They have also welcomed MS Eluned Morgan, minister for health and social services, to the school to talk about ‘Climate Challenge Cymru’ and the steps they are taking to encourage families to walk to school and reduce pollution in the surrounding area.

Stepaside School
(Pic supplied)

Mrs Morgan also officially opened a new playgroup at the school called Pufflings Daycare.

The playgroup is independent from the school, but based on site which makes it ideal for parents.

After the Easter holidays, an Under 1s Mother and Baby group which will also meet every Wednesday in the school hall.