Safety

A Message sent from the Department of Safety to parents on 29th September. 
Dear Parents and Carers, 
We are the Department of Safety, part of the Gelliswick Pupil Senedd, and we’ve been working hard to help make our school safer for everyone. We’re really proud to tell you that we’ve raised money to help remind everyone to keep our school entrance on Gelliswick Road safe. This is a big step towards dealing with some things that worry us and to make Gelliswick Road a safer for all pupils, families, and staff. 
Some cars are parking on the zig-zag lines and double yellow lines outside the school. This makes it very hard for people to cross safely. Some cars are also driving on the pavement where we walk. There was even a recent near miss, where a very young pupil was nearly hit by a car that was reversing.  We know it can be busy at drop-off and pick-up times, but we kindly ask: 
1. Please don’t park on the zig-zags or yellow lines 
2. Please be patient and careful when driving near school 
3. Please park safely and legally, even if it means walking a little further 
We want everyone to feel safe coming to school. The school is working with the highways team, police, and traffic officers to help fix the problem. 
Thank you for listening and helping us keep the school safe. 
Paige and Jacob D 
Dept. of Safety  

Safeguarding

Odd socks day for anti-bullying week- To mark Odd Socks Day and promote awareness of the importance of celebrating difference, our school took part in a full week of activities focused on kindness, respect, and recognising that everyone is unique and special. Throughout the week, all children and staff proudly wore odd socks, showing that it’s our differences that make us who we are.  Our Pupil Voice Group played a leading role by creating and delivering a special assembly. They developed messages to share with the whole school about valuing individuality, being kind to others, and standing up against bullying. Their assembly encouraged everyone to think about how we celebrate what makes us different and how we can support each other to feel safe and included.  The week was a wonderful celebration of diversity, friendship, and pupil leadership—highlighting that our school is a place where every child can be themselves 

For NSPCC Number Day- our whole school took part in a fun and meaningful celebration to support the NSPCC and promote children’s safety. Pupils and staff came dressed wearing numbers, helping to raise awareness of the important work carried out by the NSPCC and Childline. 

Throughout the day, children learned about the Childline number and why it is such an important resource for any child who feels worried, unsafe, or needs someone to talk to. Classes made eye‑catching posters to help everyone remember the number and to spread the message that support is always available. 

As part of our safeguarding focus, pupils also spent time talking about safe adults—the trusted people in their lives they can go to if they have a concern or feel unsure about something.  

Sustainability (Eco Schools)

Abereiddi class to attend an event on the 18th November with the Hubberston Green Family Routes Project, to plant bulbs on Hubberston Green.  This is an initiative that focuses on expanding the green space on the green as well as improving its access to the surrounding areas.   

The Department of Sustainability have planned an assembly for the week commencing Monday 17th November, asking pupils to donate pre-loved Christmas jumpers in readiness for Christmas Jumper Day on the 12 December.  A Class Dojo message to be sent out the same week relaying this information to parents.  

Eco club to fill and plant the planters at the front of the school.

Welsh Language and Culture

The Department of Welsh Language and Culture organised the school’s annual Eisteddfod, providing a vibrant celebration of Welsh culture, creativity and performance across the whole school. The event included a range of competitions, such as home‑based art entries, individual singing performances and class‑led competitions. 

We were delighted to welcome Mrs Rees, School Governor, who attended the event to support the celebrations and to assist with judging alongside Mrs Prevel and Ms Evans. Their involvement strengthened the partnership between the governing body and the school community, while also adding significance to the judging process for the pupils. 

The Eisteddfod offered learners the opportunity to showcase their talents, express their creativity and engage meaningfully with Welsh cultural traditions. The event continues to play an important role in promoting the school’s values and strengthening stakeholder engagement. 

Social Justice (RRS)

Show Racism the Red Card: Whole school assembly, led by members of the Social Justice Department explored the term ‘Global Majority’ and encouraged the school to replace ‘Ethnic Minority’ for a more politically correct and realistic phrase. Children across the schoolcame dressed in red for the day.  

Posters made and displayed around the school.  

Dignity: Representatives from Global Dignity visited the school and worked with members of the Social Justice Department and staff exploring the term and setting a challenge to spread the message of dignity with the school community. 

Anti-Bullying Week: Social Justice Department created an advert for the school encouraging pupils to wear odd socks for the week, 10-14th November. Worry boxes were asked to be placed in all classes for anyone worried about being bullied. Blue ribbon distributed around all classes, with an anti-bullying slogan to be hung on the railings outside the school. Anti-bullying poster competition, with valid entries displayed in the corridors.

Communication

The Department of Communication has overseen Children In Need day and Safter Internet Day at Gelliswick School. For Children in Need many events were run to raise money for charity. Safer Internet Day focussed on the increased use of AI and how we need to use it effectively and carefully in our lives. 

The department are now developing a set of learning videos and questions around internet safety to use with children of all ages throughout the school. 

Expressive Arts

Following the Senedd Department meetings, the Department of Expressive Arts will be hosting two creative community events in March. 

On Monday 23rd March, the school will hold its whole‑school Spring & Easter Fashion Parade. Pupils will be invited to design and create, recycle or adapt an item of clothing or an accessory to wear on the catwalk. Families will be encouraged to use materials they already have at home to ensure the event remains inclusive and low‑cost. The parade aims to provide an opportunity for learners across the school to express creativity and build confidence. 

On Wednesday 25th March, the school will host a community Easter wreath‑making workshop. The event will offer a creative and sociable opportunity designed to strengthen community engagement and support the school’s wider arts provision. 

Both events are expected to contribute positively to stakeholder engagement by promoting creativity, community participation and enrichment within the school.