Mid-Term Updates
Welcome to the School Blog. As we reach the mid-point in this half-term, we are pleased to announce that our Sixth Form Open Evening yesterday was a great success. Our student ambassadors excelled, and guests provided extremely positive feedback about the information supplied and the experience they had with us.
A great big “diolch” to everyone who made the event possible and to all those who attended to seek guidance on the best possible routes for their children post-GCSE.
Industrial Action Information
By now, you should have received information on the industrial action scheduled for Wednesday, 1st February. As always, feel free to contact the school if you have any further questions. Students receiving free school meals will have monies paid directly into nominated bank accounts for this day. Hopefully a suitable compromise will be found to prevent further strike action. We will keep you informed of relevant developments.
Christmas Concert Rescheduled
You may recall that our Christmas Concert had to be postponed due to illness. We have now rescheduled this event for Thursday, 9th February, at 7 pm. Tickets are available from the school at a cost of £3. Although the programme has been re-written with less emphasis on festive items, we are confident that everyone who attends will enjoy the occasion.
Overdue Library Books
Please would all parents/carers kindly look around your homes and return any overdue library books, which may be lurking in cupboards or under beds? We have noticed a reduction in numbers on our shelves in the library. It would be very helpful if school books could be returned as soon as possible and before we place our next stock order.
STEM Club Success
In the last School Blog we mentioned that we have had great success with our KS3 STEM club. This week, we are thrilled to announce that Year 7 student, Isabella, has won first prize in a national competition organised by the Aluminium Packing Recycling Organisation (Alupro). The competition launched as part of their ‘Bin-fluencers’ campaign, and Alupro invited students from across the UK to create a vibrant recycling bin design.
The judges considered Isabella’s entry to be ‘highly creative and engaging’. Alongside seeing her artwork emblazoned on a brand-new recycling bin donated to the school, Isabella also takes home an iPad. STEM Club Leader, Mrs Jackson, was thrilled about the win and commented, “Club members were excited that their hard work and passion had been recognised. They are all really proud of Isabella and are already working on new ideas to support future local and national developments.”
Transition Festival
Today, we welcome many of our local primary schools and their sports teams who will participate in a Transition Festival at Castell Alun. This event provides youngsters with a glimpse of life at Castell Alun before they join us. However, we imagine that many are focused primarily on trying to win the netball and football competitions!
Mock Results Day
On Friday, 3rd February, we will hold a mock results day for our Year 11 students. Indeed, this is the first time we have held such an event. Our intent is to simulate results day in August to stimulate students into strong revision techniques and a positive mentality. By showing them how success may feel if they give their best to their studies over the coming months, we hope to inspire them. Results will, of course, be mock results, but it is hoped that the emotions students feel on the day will help them focus on what is important before the main examination period begins.
CAFA Update
CAFA (Castell Alun Friends Association) is a small but enthusiastic group of parents and staff whose aim is to raise funds for the benefit of the students. They would love to welcome some new members to the team. It’s not a full-time job. Whether you’d like to join the meetings, offer your skills or simply send any ideas, they would love to hear from you! Please be so good to email members at cafa@castellalun.com or contact them through their social media accounts.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, 7th February, at Castell Alun. Perhaps it would also be opportune to mention the CAFA lottery once again. Thanks to everyone who already supports the lottery. Castell Alun appreciates that times are currently tough, and that makes any contribution even more greatly appreciated. Tickets bought help raise funds for CAFA, which means that monies, in turn, are placed back into the school. Draws are weekly, and as well as being in the draw to win the local prize. Supporters are also included in a weekly national draw to win £25,000. Anyone can join, and all support is gratefully received. Please follow the link for more details and to sign up.
Success Stories
We have a number of success stories this week. Congratulations to Celyn (Year 10), who has been awarded ‘Male Gymnast of the Year’ at the North Wales Gymnastics awards 2022. Also, his club, Wrexham Gymnastics, was also awarded the Club of the Year. We will follow Celyn’s progress with great interest! On the water, Robyn (Year 9) has been chosen by Canoe Wales as their ‘Paddler of the Year’ at the Canoe Wales Awards 2022. Great job, Robyn, da iawn!
Our congratulations also to Elisha (Year 11), who has won Most Improved Female at the Olympus Gymnastics Club recently. Well done indeed! Finally, we would like to wish the very best of luck to George and Ben in Year 9. They have been selected for the RGC squad to play against Cynon Valley this weekend.
Weekend Wishes
We hope that this weekend will be a little warmer than the last. See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
