Midway Through Winter
Welcome to the School Blog. We are now past the midway point of winter, and to date, the weather has been quite kind. For this, we are really grateful, especially as we near the conclusion of our building works.
COVID Guidelines and Student Compliance
We continue to follow all Welsh Government guidelines regarding COVID and are incredibly proud of our students. They have shown respect and care for each other by wearing masks in all areas of the school and following all guidance without question in nearly all cases. While the worst of Omicron appears to be over, we must remain cautious in how we proceed, which we will continue to do.
A New Year and New Term
It’s great to talk about students’ successes! Tyler (Year 9) has now qualified to compete at the Welsh National Swimming Championships and a Commonwealth qualifying event. His times and personal bests in all disciplines are constantly improving, and he seems destined to represent our nation in major future championships.
Millie (Year 9) has just taken a stunning third place in the Women’s British Motocross Championships. She is proving to many that they should follow their passions and not submit to traditional stereotypes. Millie, we are so proud of you – you are a real role model!
School Sports Achievements
Our school teams continue to build on previous successes. The Year 10 lads’ football team recently beat Hawarden in the Welsh Schools Cup. The team now progresses to the last 16 rounds for the whole of Wales. Hard luck to our Year 9 team, who fought a tough match but got knocked out in the last round of the regional section of the cup.
In Cross Country, we were represented in the North East Wales round by Juliette, Imogen, Penelope, Amelia (all Year 7), Milo, Owain (Year 9), and Seren (Year 11). Well done, everyone! We now hope that some of these students will be asked to represent North Wales in the Welsh Schools Final in the coming months.
Extra-Curricular Activities
We have impressive numbers in attendance at our extra-curricular events, despite the trials and tribulations of COVID. We are keen to encourage the passions and harness the strengths of all students in all areas. You can see our current extra-curricular timetable here.
Virtual Year 10 Parents’ Evening
A big thank you to all parents/carers who made our virtual Year 10 Parents’ Evening such a positive event on Thursday. Although guidance may change soon, our Sixth Form Open Evening scheduled for Thursday 27th January will be a virtual event. A wealth of relevant information will be available to all prospective Sixth Form students on our website from 27th January onwards. We encourage everyone in Year 11, both at Castell Alun and in neighbouring schools, to take a really good look. Our Sixth Form Prospectus is also available on the website along with many relevant videos of a specific subject and whole-school nature. However, we are keen to meet these students and their families in person to demonstrate the reasons behind Castell Alun Sixth Form’s fine reputation across North Wales.
Year 11 Mock Examinations
Our current Year 11 students are now in the final stages of preparations for their mock examinations. They deserve the greatest credit for the way they have dealt with and continue to deal with national uncertainties regarding the summer examination series. We want to encourage each one of them to give their best to these trial examinations, but also to remember that examinations are one portion of a bigger picture in life. Our desire is that everyone reaches their potential while maintaining a healthy perspective and work-life balance.
School Library
Our school library is open to all students, and we are in the process of refreshing stock. Please encourage your children to visit and have a good look at what is available. Over lockdown periods, some students have rediscovered the joy of reading, and we would love this to continue!
CAFA’s Support and Fundraising
Our friends at CAFA continue to serve our school in wonderfully supportive ways. With cheerful hearts, all members of the CAFA team have sought to raise funds for Castell Alun in new and creative ways during the pandemic. Please see the attached leaflet to get involved in a Virtual Valentine Day Balloon Race. Click here for further information. Thank you so much to everyone at CAFA!
Community Messaging Alert Service
North Wales Police have asked us to raise awareness of their free community messaging alert service. Registering for this service will enable you to receive current information on local crime, crime prevention advice, engagement events, appeals, and policing activity in this area. Please see the attached leaflet.
Have a nice weekend. See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
