Winter is Coming
Welcome to the School Blog. It seems autumn has officially ended, and winter is on its way. We’re thrilled that the work on our school campus is nearly complete. Our long-awaited all-weather pitch will soon be available, and we hope some parking issues will also be resolved. Thank you to all students, parents/carers, and staff for your patience during these improvements.
Festive Preparations
Although some may still be in denial, the festive period is nearly upon us. We can’t help with your shopping needs, but we can assist with festive decorations. Our Welsh Baccalaureate Year 10 students are producing various Christmas decorations, available for purchase in school over the coming weeks. Additionally, our CAFA committee is raising funds by selling Christmas trees and handmade festive wreaths. Despite many challenges, CAFA members have secured great rates with a local Christmas tree retailer. To place your order, please email cafa@castellalun.com. Remember, all orders must be submitted by Friday, 3rd December, for pick-up on Saturday, 11th December. A huge thank you to Geoff at Ty Draw Farm for donating a Christmas tree for our reception area. We’ll post pictures next week!
Supporting the Community
We remain mindful of those who have fallen upon hard times. Our Sixth Form Charity Committee and Year 11 Enterprise Group are facilitating a collection of items to help local homeless people in partnership with the charity Share (https://shareaid.co.uk/). Please watch this short video for further details: Charity Collection Video.
We would greatly appreciate any donations. Due to COVID restrictions, please send items with your child to pass to their Group Tutor, as we cannot accept items at the school reception. Our final collection date is 13th December. We gratefully accept donations of toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, water bottles, shower gel, soap, socks, moisturiser, hats, and gloves. Thank you for your kindness.
Year 8 Drama Projects
After a disrupted previous year, our Year 8 English classes have been busy devising and rehearsing drama pieces for their oracy assessments. Having studied Bram Stoker’s ‘Frankenstein,’ students created their own scripts for the creation scene where Dr. Victor Frankenstein brings his monster to life. They had great fun, developing their group work, scriptwriting, and oracy skills. Here is one example of the fantastic drama pieces created by Year 8: Drama Project Video.
Celebrating Achievements
Congratulations to Izzy (Year 12), who recently competed in the STARS equestrian competition at Aintree and won the Rising Star Award for the Working Hunter Class. Many dream of jumping at Aintree, and Izzy excelled.
Virtual Parents’ Evenings
Yesterday evening, we held a successful virtual Year 12 Parents’ Evening. Thank you to everyone who made the event possible. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week, Year 7 parents/carers have the opportunity for virtual meetings with relevant group tutors. This is one way we develop our partnership with families to get the best for and from each student.
Upcoming Events
Year 7 students are eagerly anticipating the panto visit on Thursday, 2nd December, a highlight of the year for many. On the same morning, they will attend ‘Crucial Crew’ sessions designed to teach them how to stay safe in dangerous situations.
As part of our Welsh Baccalaureate provision for Year 10, we will invite local ‘Dragons’ into school to meet groups of students as they develop their entrepreneurial skills for this national qualification. Thank you to the local business partners supporting this venture.
As advent begins, don’t forget to have those calendars ready! Have a lovely weekend. See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
