Christmas Concert
Welcome to the School Blog. As many of you will know, we had a wonderful concert in school last night. . We would like to say a big diolch yn fawr to everyone who participated, facilitated, or attended the event.
Mental Health Awareness Assembly
Our main assembly focused on mental health, and we are grateful for the readings by Kai and Holly, our Sixth Form students. We are always keen to raise awareness of mental health issues and to support those who experience such challenges. Mental health difficulties often go unseen but can have a profound effect if kept to oneself.
Sixth Form Introductory Talks
Year 11 students have been attending Sixth Form introductory talks all week, and these will continue until half term. We are fortunate to have a strong and vibrant Sixth Form at Castell Alun.
Update on Industrial Action and Vaccinations.
As you know, the planned industrial action for Tuesday, 14th February, has now been postponed. We are hopeful about the way forward and await the conclusion of a further union ballot in the coming days. We will keep you informed of all further developments. Vaccinations planned for Year 9 students, plus those requiring catch-up immunisations in Years 10 and 11, will take place on this day.
Castell Alun Ski Trip Preparation
The 31st of March sees the long-awaited return of the Castell Alun Ski Trip. In preparation, 38 Year 10 students visited the Chill Factore in Manchester yesterday. The trip allows students to ‘find their feet’ before they hit the snowy slopes of Austria this April. For many, this was the first time they had worn boots and skis, let alone attempted a snow plough! With their first go on the slopes complete, the excitement and anticipation for a week in the Alps are mounting.
Important Notice on Substance Misuse Policy
This week, all parents and carers received communication from us about a situation brought to our attention by local Police. Police discovered a number of vapes with highly questionable content in the locality. To protect our students as thoroughly as possible, we have introduced a change to our Substance Misuse Policy. From Monday, any student found in possession of a vape, or similar product, on school premises during the school day will receive an immediate fixed-term exclusion. Parents or carers of those involved will be requested to collect their child immediately. The vape will be confiscated and passed to the Police. Pastoral sessions and assemblies continue to educate our students on the dangers of vapes. We are very grateful for your continued support on this difficult issue.
Lost Property Reminder
One final mention of lost property—over recent weeks, we have accumulated a large stock of misplaced possessions, now housed in our reception area. We highly recommend that students who have lost something this academic year visit student reception to check if it has been handed in. Please note that any unclaimed items will be donated to local charities over half term.
A New Year and New Term
We have been asked by Flintshire County Council to circulate details of the Winter Fuel Payment available to eligible households. This payment is in addition to the Energy Bill rebate offered by the UK Government and the Winter Fuel Payment usually paid to pensioners. The payment will be available to all eligible households (one payment per household) regardless of how they pay for their fuel, whether by pre-payment meter, direct debit, or quarterly bills. It can be claimed whether using on or off-grid fuel. The scheme will be open to households where an applicant or their partner is in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits at any time between 1 September 2022 and 31 January 2023. For full details of the Winter Fuel Payment Scheme, along with other support available, please visit the Flintshire County Council website at https://flintshire.gov.uk/costofliving.
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
