Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of another busy term, I wanted to thank you for your continued support.

It was great to see so many of you at the recent Parents’ Evening. We hope you found the meetings with your child’s teacher helpful and informative. We really value these opportunities to work together and share the progress your child is making.

We were also really proud to support Children in Need through our non-uniform day – thank you for your generosity. I was also persuaded (forced!) by members of our Pupil Parliament to have wet sponges thrown at me after school! It was a bit chaotic (we’ll learn from that if we do it again) I genuinely couldn’t believe how many people were keen to line up and take aim at me! Most importantly, we were so pleased to raise a fantastic amount for Comic Relief and the important causes they support.

I’d love to invite you to join me for an informal open chat on Wednesday 15th April at 4:00pm in the junior hall. It will be a chance for me to share some updates about what’s happening in school, but more importantly to hear your views and answer any questions you may have.

Just a quick reminder that children in Years 2 to 6 will be taking the Online Adaptive Assessments in June – there’s more information about this further down in the newsletter.

We’ve also included a range of Newport City Council Easter events to help keep children entertained over the break, along with some “eat out” offers for families – definitely worth a look!

Do take some time to read through the year group blog posts below to see all the brilliant things the children have been up to. And don’t forget to check the “Dates for your Diary” section and pop any important dates into your calendar. There are few more dates to come but we thought it would be helpful to share the dates already booked.

Wishing you all a lovely, restful Easter break.

Best wishes,
Mr Mansfield
Headteacher

Attendance at School

New Chartwells Dinner Menu

Chartwells have provided us with their new dinner menu for the Summer Term. Please click the button below to view it.

Eisteddfod

We had a wonderful school Eisteddfod at the beginning of this half-term, which was live streamed for parents to enjoy from home. We hold a School Eisteddfod to celebrate Welsh culture and language, giving children the opportunity to express themselves creatively through music, poetry, art and performance while developing confidence and a sense of belonging. Our four houses competed in a wide range of competitions, including singing, handwriting, poetry recitation, art, musical performances and story and poetry writing. It was fantastic to see so many pupils sharing their talents and celebrating Welsh culture. Our youngest learners in Nursery and the Infants also took part in a joyful ‘Mini Eisteddfod’ after lunch, with their own competitions and plenty of dancing.

A huge congratulations to all of our pupils for their enthusiasm and effort—and especially to our winning house, Llywelyn with 865 points! Final scores were: Glyndwr – 723, Caradog – 757, Hywel Dda – 716, and Llywelyn – 865.

Congratulations to Olly, who was crowned ‘Baard’ of the Eisteddfod for his fantastic poem about being proud to live in Wales.

Watch the Junior Eisteddfod here:

Department of Cymraeg Pictures

One of the actions of our Department of Welsh Language and Culture was to celebrate Wales around our school. They researched famous Welsh places, got some of our great pupil artists to paint them and have put them on canvases around our school corridors. You can see some of the artwork here – can you guess where they are?

Learning with the Lords

We were very lucky to take part in an exciting video call with Lord Norton as part of the Learning with the Lords programme. Our Pupil Parliament Department Chairs, Vice Chairs and Secretaries represented the school brilliantly and asked some fantastic questions. Read more.

World Book Day & Library Cabin Opening

This half-term, we also celebrated World Book Day in style, with children and staff dressing up as their favourite book characters. It was wonderful to see such creativity and enthusiasm across the school! During the afternoon, teachers swapped classes to share a story with a different group of children, helping to spread a love of reading right across the school.

Later that day, we were delighted to welcome our Governors and the Deputy Leader of Newport Council to officially open our brand-new library cabin. This has been a real team effort – staff and pupils have worked incredibly hard to build the shelves and carefully catalogue all of the books. We are excited to say that children will soon be able to start borrowing books and enjoying this fantastic new space.

Easter Assemblies

We had two great Easter Assemblies on the last day of term. The junior assembly was led by Revered Catherine Lewis from St Julian’s Methodist Church. She brought lots of Easter related foods – Easter Eggs, Hot Cross Buns, Simnel Cake – and talked about the symbolism of each and the story of Easter. We announced the winners of our Egg Decoration Competition and presented the winners from each class with a chocolate Egg.

In the Infant assembly, each year group took part in an Easter Bonnet parade, showing off their decorated Easter bonnets. The Easter bunny also made an appearance.
Thank you so much to all the families who worked hard to decorate an egg or Easter bonnet! We were so impressed with the creativity!

You can see some of the egg decoration winners below…

Comic Relief – Red Nose Day

For Red Nose Day, pupils donated money to come to school in their own clothes, and we raised just over £316. The Pupil Parliament also managed to convince Mr Mansfield to have wet sponges thrown at him after school – at 50p a throw – which raised a further £165! All of the money raised will go towards supporting the fantastic causes of Comic Relief.

PTA Easter Egg Hunt

Sports Updates

Heddlu Bach Visit Police Station

Our Heddlu Bach (Mini Police) pupils enjoyed a fantastic visit to Newport Police Station, where they were given a guided tour by the Newport East Neighbourhood Team, Police Inspector Giles and local PCSOs. The children explored different areas of the station, including the custody suite, and gained a deeper understanding of policing in our community. It was a fantastic experience that inspired and educated our young officers about the vital role they play in promoting safety and responsibility.

Wishing Mrs McDonnell Happy Maternity Leave

Parent Workshops

Thank you to everyone who has attended our Parent Literacy and Numeracy workshops. We hope you found them useful.

Online Assessments

Online Personalised Assessments are statutory assessments for learners in Wales from Year 2 to Year 9, designed to support progress in reading and numeracy. At St Julian’s Primary School, children from Year 2 to Year 6 will complete these assessments on our Chromebooks during June, as we do each year. The assessments are adaptive, meaning the questions adjust in difficulty based on each child’s responses, helping to build a personalised picture of their skills and understanding. They are not tests that children can pass or fail; instead, they provide valuable information about strengths and areas for development. Following the assessments, parents can access an Individual Learner Report via the Hwb platform, which outlines their child’s progress over time and offers guidance on how to support their learning at home.

Microsoft Reading Coach

In Wales, all children have access to the Welsh Government’s Hwb platform. Hwb is a secure online learning environment that provides every learner with free access to a wide range of high-quality digital tools to support their learning both in school and at home. Through Hwb, pupils can use tools such as Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint for creating and presenting work, as well as J2e and Google Workspace for Education for a variety of creative and learning activities.

One of the tools we have been using more recently in school is Microsoft Reading Coach. This is an engaging, AI-powered tool designed to support children in developing their reading fluency and confidence. It listens to children as they read aloud, offers helpful feedback, and provides personalised practice to help improve accuracy, pace and expression. You can find out more about this tool here: https://coach.microsoft.com/en-gb.

Parents and children should already have their Hwb login details; however, if you need these again, you can request them via our website using the following link: https://www.stjuliansprimary.com/request-for-user-account-details/

New Fence

You may have noticed that a new fence has been installed along the edge of the Foundation Phase top playground. This will enable us to make better use of the space and further enhance our outdoor learning opportunities, while also ensuring children are kept safe as they take part in these activities.

Pupil Parliament Groups

Our Pupil Parliament Groups from Year 4-Year 6 have been working hard on their action plans for this year. You can see their action plans and updates here.

Keep your child safe online

Keeping children safe online is more important than ever, and a few simple steps can make a big difference. Talk regularly with your child about how they use the internet, including social media, and remind them not to share personal information or talk to people they don’t know. With the rise of AI, help children understand that not everything they see online is real or trustworthy, and encourage them to question content and ask an adult if they are unsure. Setting clear boundaries around screen time can also support healthy habits—agree on limits, keep devices out of bedrooms at night, and make time for offline activities. Finally, use parental controls where appropriate and encourage open conversations so children feel comfortable coming to you if something doesn’t seem right.

SJPS Hosts Newport Headteachers

We were delighted to welcome around 30 headteachers from across the city this half-term. Our Head Pupils and Heddlu Bach did a fantastic job of greeting them and showing them into the hall, where they spent the day working on a new peer-review model to help school leaders collaborate more closely and support improvement across all schools. Many of the visiting headteachers commented on how polite, confident and welcoming our children were – we were incredibly proud of them.

Extra Curricular Clubs and Activities

We are incredibly grateful to our staff who give up their own time to run our wide range of after-school extra-curricular activities – we are proud to offer more clubs than many schools. Clubs will resume in the second week after Easter, with Mr Jones contacting parents at the beginning of the first week with registration details.

Easter Phrases in Welsh

Summer Term Dates

There are still a few additional dates to be added but we hope that early notice of these dates will be helpful for parents.

• Monday 13.04.26 – Training day
• Tuesday 14.04.26 and Wednesday 15.04.26 and Thursday 16.04.26 – Vision and growth in Reception
• Wednesday 15.04.26 – Year 4 – Cricket Wales – cricket sessions
• Thursday 16.04.26 – SJPS v Marshfield football match
• Thursday 16.04.26 – Year 4 – Cook with Wales
• Friday 17.04.26 – Year 4 and 5 – Cook with Wales
• Monday 20.04.26 – Year 3 – EA language workshops
• Monday 20.04.26 – Hedyn Healthy dragons TAG festival – Y5/6 TAG rugby team
• Monday 20.04.26 – Year 2 Dinomania experience
• Monday 20.04.26 – Year 6 – Cook with Wales
• Tuesday 21.04.26 – Year 5 – Chartwell’s food waste workshop
• Thursday 23.04.26 – Reception – Hearing retests
• Friday 24.04.26 – Nursery Colour Day (see further information on Dojo)
• Monday 27.04.26 – Reception – Noah’s Ark Farm visiting school
• Friday 01.05.26 – Nursery – Little Kicker’s workshop
• Friday 01.05.26 – Year 2 – Sports Day 1:30pm
• Tuesday 05.05.26 – Year 2 – Visit to Cardiff Museum
• Thursday 07.05.26 – Year 4 – Dwr Cymru workshops
• Friday 08.05.26 – Nursery – Sports Day 9:30am and 1:15pm
• Monday 11.05.26 – Whole school Cultural celebration day
• Tuesday 12.05.26 – TAG rugby festival – Y5/6 TAG rugby team
• Tuesday 12.05.26 – Reception – Sports Day 1:30pm
• Wednesday 13.05.26 – Year 6 visit – New Theatre
• Thursday 14.05.26 – Colorfoto Y6 group and individual photographs
• Friday 15.05.26 – Year 5 – Learn with the Lords online call
• Friday 15.05.26 – Nursery Stay and Play – parents invited (more information to follow)
• Monday 18.05.26 and Tuesday 19.05.26 – Year 3 & 4 – RVE workshops
• Wednesday 20.05.26 – Year 1 Sports Day 1:30pm
• Thursday 21.05.26 – Year 2 – Fonmon Castle visit
• Friday 22.05.26 – Whole school Number day
• Tuesday 02.06.26 – Healthy living day
• Thursday 04.06.26 – Year 5 – Water efficiency workshops
• Friday 05.06.26 – Year 3 Sports Day 1:15pm
• Monday 08.06.26 – Friday 19.06.26 – Year 2 – 6 National Adaptive Assessments
• Monday 08.06.26 – Year 2 – RVE workshops
• Tuesday 09.06.26 – Year 4 visit to Cilfynydd
• Wednesday 10.06.26 – Year 4 visit to Cilfynydd
• Friday 12.06.26 – Year 4 Sports Day 1:15pm
• Friday 12.06.26 – Year 6 – Career’s Day
• Thursday 14.05.26 – Year 1 – Trashion show FACE event 2:15pm – parents invited
• Monday 15.06.26 – Year 5 Sports Day 1:15pm
• Monday 16.06.25 – Swimming gala
• Friday 19.06.26 – Year 6 Sports Day 1:15pm
• Monday 22.06.26 – Reception – RVE workshops
• Wednesday 24.06.26 – Creative Festival – parents invited
• Monday 29.06.26 – New Reception parent meeting
• Tuesday 30.06.26 – Football tournament – school football team
• Thursday 02.07.26 – Transition evening for Y6 parents to St. Julian’s School
• Friday 03.07.26 – Moving up day for all pupils
• Monday 06.07.26 – New Nursery parent meeting
• Tuesday 07.07.26 and Wednesday 08.07.26 – Year 6 Summer concert
• Friday 10.07.26 – Year 2 FACE chocolate bar launch – parents invited from 2:15pm
• Friday 10.07.26 – Sunday 12.07.26 – Year 6 Residential trip to Llangrannog
• Tuesday 14.07.26 – Year 5 – School of rock FACE event – parents invited (more information to follow)
• Wednesday 15.07.26 – Year 6 Graduation – Parents Invited
• Friday 17.07.26 – Training Day
• Monday 20.07.26 – Training Day

PTA School Equipment for Sale

The PTA are selling school-branded equipment. You can purchase them on ParentPay or from the school office.

Online Suggestion Box

Thanks to those of you who submitted suggestions to improve our school in the last couple of newsletters! The suggestions we received so far are:

• Host a family BBQ ✅
• Open up the school field in the summer break to let children meet up with each other to play. (We’re looking into this one. Obviously, we would need staff available and willing but will keep you posted if we can make something work!)
• Let younger children join in the colour run on the last day ✅
• Get more play equipment on junior yard for older children ✅
• Hold a 3d printing workshop for kids and parents – (coming soon)
• Repair the benches outside the infant main entrance ✅

If you have any ideas on what we need to work on or improve as a school, please do let us know! If we adopt your idea, we’ll buy you a box of chocolates! You can use this link.

School Essentials Grant Information

The school essentials grant, funded by the Welsh government funds free school meals and equipment for children with families on low incomes.

All primary school pupils in Newport receive free school meals through the universal free school meals.

If your child is in primary school and receiving universal free school meals and you have a low household income (set out in the eligibility criteria below), you should still complete an application form for free school meals.

You may be entitled to further support and your school may also receive additional funding.

To receive free school meals support, you have to apply for the school essentials grant.

The grant helps families on low incomes with:

• school uniform (including coats and shoes)
• school sports kit
• uniform for activities such as, scouts, guides, cadets, sports and performing arts
• school equipment (school bags and stationery)
• laptops or tablets
• equipment for out of school trips such as outdoor learning (waterproofs)

Click the button below to apply, or email/visit the school office if you want someone to help you apply.

Online Office

Don’t forget that you can access our online office whenever you need, with searchable information, absence reporting forms and lots of other information too!

Helping Hands

Visit our Help at Home page for general ideas and tips for helping children with their learning at home.

Your child can access the online lessons we’ve created with key information linked to the learning themes in our school curriculum.

Contact our Family Support Worker for support with a range of things.

Browse our online parenting leaflets or visit the Welsh Government’s Parenting-Give-It-Time resources.

Easter Kids Eat Free or for £1

Easter “Kids Eat Free” (or £1) – Newport & Nearby
• Zizzi (Friars Walk, Newport) – Kids eat FREE (3-course Bambini meal) with an adult main. Valid Sun–Fri during Easter (sign-up required).
• The New Inn (Hungry Horse, Newport) – Kids eat for £1 with an adult main. Weekdays during Easter holidays.
• Blaina Wharf (Marston’s, Newport) – Kids eat for £1 with an adult main during Easter holidays.
• The Stone House (Sizzling Pubs, Newport) – Kids eat for £1 with an adult main from 12pm during the holidays.
• Man of Gwent (Greene King, Newport) – Kids eat FREE (main + dessert) with an adult main, Monday–Friday.

Nearby (Cardiff – short drive)
• Frankie & Benny’s – Kids eat FREE with an adult main during Easter holidays.
• Bella Italia – Kids eat FREE Sunday–Thursday with an adult main.

UK-wide chains (check local branches)
• Pizza Hut – Free kids’ buffet with a minimum adult spend.
• Chiquito – Kids eat FREE with an adult main (selected dates over Easter).
• YO! Sushi – Kids eat FREE (Mon–Fri) with £10 adult spend.
• TGI Fridays – Kids eat FREE with an adult main (app required).

Cafés & budget options
• Morrisons Café – Kids eat FREE with a £5 adult spend.
• Asda Café – Kids meals for £1 all day.
• Sainsbury’s Café – Kids meals for £1 with adult purchase.

Easter Activities for Families

Newport Council have provided us with this flyer to share lots of events taking place over Easter. Below are some other events we’ve found to share with you.

• Utterly Revolting Science Show – 9th April – The Riverfront Link
• Tredegar House – Time Travelling Easter Trail
  Enjoy a family-friendly Easter trail with clues, activities and a chocolate egg reward.
  https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/tredegar-house/events/c6773adb-1fd4-4247-9b89-3d2366c76d67
• Newport Live – Easter Holiday Activities
  A wide range of activities including swimming, sports camps and arts & crafts sessions.
  https://www.newportlive.co.uk/en/sports-wellbeing/childrens-activities/holiday-activities/
• Newport City Council – School Holiday Fun
  Free and low-cost activities across the city including play sessions, sports and youth events.
  https://www.newport.gov.uk/our-city/see-and-do/school-holiday-fun
• Caerphilly Castle – Easter Activities
  Enjoy trails, crafts, storytelling and family fun in a fantastic castle setting.
  https://cardiffmummysays.com/cardiff/80-family-friendly-events-and-activities-in-and-near-cardiff-for-the-easter-holidays-2026/
• Visit Wales – Easter Activities Guide
  A collection of family-friendly Easter events and ideas across Wales.
  https://www.visitwales.com/inspire-me/holidays/exciting-easter-activities-children-and-families-wales
• Caerphilly Leisure – Easter Programme
  Sports, play sessions and activities for children and families across the local area.
  https://www.caerphillyleisurelifestyle.co.uk/en/easter-fun-starts-here-with-activities-across-caerphilly/

Free Welsh Course for Parents

TV Opportunity

Apply here: https://eu.castitreach.com/ag/southshore/homefortheweekend/welcome.html 

Email: [email protected]

The school is sharing this opportunity for information purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsing the television programme or its organisers. Any decision to apply or participate is entirely at the discretion of parents/carers, who are responsible for making their own enquiries and ensuring the opportunity is appropriate for their child.

ALN Coffee Morning

Class Dojo – Main Communication Platform

We want to remind all parents and carers that Class Dojo is our main communication tool for sharing important school updates and class news. Through the app, you can receive whole school announcements, as well as specific updates from your child’s class teacher. Make sure that you can see both the Whole School Story Feed as well as your child’s classroom feeds. It’s a great way to stay informed about events, learning activities, and key reminders. We also use the online calendar which notifies parents of upcoming events. You can control the notification settings in the app to increase the number of reminders or reduce them. Please note that we don’t use the private messaging feature of the App, so don’t message us using that as we won’t see it.

If you haven’t already, please make sure you have the app and are connected to your child’s class.

Updates from Each Year Group