Latest News
November 2008
Message from the vice-chair of Govenors
It was with great concern that I recently received a letter from Vodaphone indicating that they are in negotiation with the Parish Church of St Giles to install a new radio base station on the church.
Obviously the church is in very close proximity to the school and I am concerned about the health effects this may have on the children. Researchers have found clusters of cancer and other serious illnesses around mobile phone masts which raise concerns over the technology's potential impact on health. Although the health risks are as yet unproven research is ongoing. Scientists believe such a link exists and studies in other European countries suggest a rise in cancers close to masts.
Those living or working nearby are exposed, involuntary, for long periods. Children are more vulnerable than adults as their skulls are thinner and their immune systems less well developed.
In response to the letter, the governing body of St Giles School have written to Vodaphone objecting to the proposals. If anyone would like to add their views on the subject please leave a message in the school office or email info@stgilesschool.co.uk.
Jane Redfern Jones
Vice Chair of Governors
October 2007
Nepalese teacher visits St Giles School
St Giles Primary School has been visited by a teacher from the other side of the world. Mrs Pusppa Singh, headteacher of Kanti Ishwari School in Kathmandu, Nepal, has visited the school as part of the global partnership link between the schools.
This was her first visit to Wales and during her visit she spent time with the children, teaching them about her country's festivals and songs.
NEW CURRICULUM FOR WREXHAM SCHOOLS WELCOMED BY AM
WREXHAM schoolchildren are set to benefit from a new and improved learning experience thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government's new school curriculum. Local AM, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed Welsh Education Minister, Jane Hutt's plans for a distinctive Welsh curriculum.
The revised curriculum for 3-19 year olds will begin in September 2008 and comes after four years of expert, public and local consultation. The new curriculum will; Transform early years education through the Foundation Phase, 3 - 7 year olds will learn from interactive educational play inside and outside the classroom Focus on developing children's key skills in key subjects from the age of seven including communication, numeracy and information technology skills Offer a full range of personal and social education to cover diet, health, sustainable living and active citizenship.
Commenting, Lesley Griffiths said: ''I am delighted that the Welsh Assembly Government are pressing ahead with their programme to transform education for children in Wrexham. ''The Government is committed to meeting the aspirations of our young people and this new curriculum will equip our schoolchildren with the skills they will need later in life. ''This new education plan will transform early years education and will ensure that from the age of seven our children will be equipped with the personal, social and new technology skills they need for the twenty-first century. ''The Foundation phase will move early years education away from a rigid desk and blackboard style of teaching and will help young children to develop their speaking and listening skills. ''This new curriculum is designed to ensure that every child in Wrexham can reach their full potential.''
St Giles School wins award for racial equality
St Giles School has been awarded a certificate of merit for its approach to racial equality.
The school was entered into the schools category for Unique Contribution to Race Equality and Diversity, and as a result received a certificate of merit.
The school was given the honour by the Diversity Awards Wales after being nominated by a local group.
The multicultural school has pupils from wide ranging backgrounds who speak ten different languages including Polish, Portuguese, Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic, Somali, Bangladesh, Philippeno, Telegu and Sinhala.
Headteacher Phil Miller has no idea who nominated the school but says that he is very pleased that the school has been recognised, as the children mix well and are encouraged to accept each other in a way that language, colour and creed are appreciated and understood.
September 2007
Collective Worship to officially open St Giles School. Parents/guardians and children are all invited to the Parish Church of St Giles at 11am on Monday 11 September to take part in the official opening of the school. The service will last approximately 3/4 of an hour.
Parents wishing to attend are asked to sit in the side aisles of the church and leave the centre of the church free for the school children.
Reception children - For safety reasons we are asking reception parents to accompany their child to the service and sit with them or keep them at home for that school session. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Giggles will be open as normal.
July 2007
Careers Wales North East link up with St Giles School Careers Wales North East are working together with St Giles Infant School to provide careers information, advice and guidance for parents and guardians.
With the support of the school, this FREE service will be provided within the schools premises and open to parents, guardians and friends in the local community.
Call in on Thursday 5 July, 6.30pm – 8.30pm and meet careers advisor Linda Kinsey. Remember this help is FREE – you have nothing to lose! Alternatively you can contact Careers Wales North East on FREEPHONE 0800 919 520.
June 2007
Officers have proposed that the two nurseries in Caia and Erddig be closed, transferring the children to an integrated nursery in Both Victoria and St Giles Primary Schools.
The report suggests that pupils from Caia Nursery would attend Hafod y Wern school where nursery provision already exists. One reason given for the recommendation is that the mergers would create a more integrated provision without the need for children to transfer at reception stage to another school. Savings in staff costs and capital gained by selling the nursery buildings were also given as reasons for the move.
According to the report, staff at St Giles and Victoria Primary Schools are in favour of offering nursery provision, and could accommodate pupils with only minor modifications to the buildings. It is believed that it will benefit the children to have one head teacher and governing body to implement policies, and will mean a straight through process which will improve the all round development of the child.
The governing bodies of the schools have said they would like to see a consultation with parents, staff and governors before a decision is made. If a decision is made, the changes would come into effect by September 2008.
February 2007
The merging of two Wrexham schools means that a new primary school will be created in September.
St Giles Voluntary Controlled Infants’ and Junior Schools will be merged to create a single school as approved by Wrexham Council executive board.
Consultation about the amalgamation involved meetings with parents, staff and governors of both schools.
The headteacher, staff and governors at neighbouring schools Erddig Nursery, and Victoria Infant and Junior School were also involved.
The new school will be led and managed by a single headteacher and governing body, and is planned to open on September 1.
A report by Hywen Williams, chief learning and achievement officer, advised that neither the council, as the Local Education Authority, nor the National Assembly for Wales, had received any objections to the proposals, and the Church in Wales Diocesan Authority of St Asaph as joint promoter for the establishment of the new school, had confirmed it was happy for the proposals to be implemented.
January 2007
Wrexham Council’s executive board will meet to discuss the amalgamation of St Giles’ Voluntary Controlled Infant and Junior Schools into a through primary school.
The proposed merger has been subject to consultation and a period of statutory notice. No objections were made to the proposals and a decision will be made by both the Diocesan Board and the Executive Board of the Council.
The amalgamation would provide a more integrated single school, with no transitional change for mainstream pupils.
The school will be managed by one headteacher, as opposed to the current two headteachers. One Governing Body will manage new school affairs. The executive board will meet to discuss the proposals on Tuesday.