Harvest Assembly
On Tuesday this week, we held our Lower School Harvest Assembly. Diolch yn fawr to all the families of Year 7 students who kindly contributed groceries of all kinds, which will now be donated to our local food bank. In these challenging times, many families will undoubtedly appreciate these generous gifts. Di iawn to our readers Tawana, Jasmyn, Jude, and Jasmine (Year 8), who read with confidence and clarity, demonstrating maturity beyond their years.
Year 10 Information Evening
A huge diolch to the parents and students in Year 10 who joined us for a short information evening yesterday. The feedback we received indicated that this was a very valuable experience for all. Please remember that our partnership is an ongoing two-way conversation, and we are always just a phone call or email away to share information or offer assistance as best we can.
Democracy and Action Day
A small group of interested students from Years 9 and 10 had a fantastic morning at the Democracy and Action Day last week at Coleg Cambria in Deeside. Our students had the opportunity to create their own youth manifesto and then engaged in a forum where they asked Jack Sargeant MS and Hannah Blythyn MS questions on issues important to younger generations. It was wonderful to witness the confidence our students displayed as they posed thought-provoking questions to local members of the Senedd.
Fundraising Success
Six of our Year 12 students—Caitlyn, Caitlin, Olivia, Sali, Elinor, and Maddie—have done an outstanding job raising money for the charity Young Minds. In memory of our friend and fellow student Chantelle, over £1,500 was contributed to this important cause. Our students walked well over 200 miles during a two-week period. This includes a 13-mile walk from Alyn Waters to Chester on 1st October, with their final mile completed in school on Monday. Llongyfarchiadau and diolch yn fawr to everyone involved and all those who donated.
Sporting Highlights
A large number of our students have been busy representing Castell Alun in various sports this week. Thirty-five girls from Years 7, 8, and 9 attended Ruthin Rugby Club for a significant event as part of the Welsh Rugby Union Community Girls in Rugby Week. A great time was had by all, and it’s clear that there’s a strong passion among our girls for this sport.
In football news, our Year 7 and 8 girls played against Flint and narrowly lost 5-4 in a highly entertaining game. Di iawn to our Year 10 boys’ football team, who won their match against Argoed High School after a penalty shoot-out and now advance to the next round of the Welsh Cup. The Year 8 boys’ team fought hard but went down 4-3 to Flint in another close match.
Netball continues to thrive, and this week we were excited to host Argoed, Mold Alun, and Connah’s Quay. Our Year 10 netball teams delivered fantastic performances. Well done also to the Year 7, 8, and 9 hockey teams, who put up brilliant performances against Mold Alun this week.
It’s tremendous to report that so many of our students enjoy physical activity. We want to congratulate each and every one of them for the roles they’ve played in our various sports teams.
Upcoming Events
Looking to next week, our Castell Alun Friends Association (CAFA) will host a bingo night on Thursday, 12th October. Doors open at 6.30 pm. Refreshments and a bar will be available, and tickets can be purchased for just £5 for five games. There promises to be a good selection of prizes, but more importantly, the evening will undoubtedly be great fun and offers the chance to do something a bit different for the evening! Please do come and join us—more information is available at this link.
We’re eagerly anticipating Shwmae Sumae Day on Friday, 13th October, when we will celebrate the Welsh language throughout the school. There will be an online live quiz during registration. This will be hosted by the Welsh Department, and we’ll run a siop fferins (tuck shop) at lunchtime. Please note, students will need to siarad Cymraeg in the shop. Welsh language games and activities will be running all day yn Gymraeg, with a special visit from Mr Urdd. Staff will also get involved with a sgwrs a phaned (Welsh chat and cuppa) at break time.
Final Thought
Finally, pob lwc to Isaac (Year 7), who will perform in a week-long production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’ at Theatr Clwyd from 16th to 21st October. Don’t “break a leg,” Isaac… but have the best time! Who knows where this could lead?
It looks like we may finally have a rain-free weekend… here’s hoping!
See you back here soon for the next School Blog!
