15 Tachwedd 2024
In this week’s School Blog we will be highlighting the work our school community does to help those in need. At Castell Alun, we are incredibly proud of our community’s commitment to making a positive difference through charity events and fundraising efforts. Guided by our core values of respect, determination and honesty, our students, staff, and families have come together this term to raise impressive amounts for causes close to our hearts, including the Poppy Appeal and Children in Need. Through these efforts, we demonstrate our respect for others, our determination to bring about change and our honesty in standing by those in need. Thank you to everyone who has contributed—you have made a real impact!
Year 13 Honouring Heroes Together
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our parents, guardians and wider school community for their incredibly generous support of this year’s Poppy Appeal. Your contributions have allowed us to raise an impressive £402 through online donations alone, a sum that will make a meaningful difference in supporting veterans, service members and their families. Every donation, no matter the size, reflects the compassion and respect that are central to our school values, and we are so grateful to have such a dedicated and caring community. Thank you for helping us honour those who have served and continue to serve.
The Power of Languages
On Tuesday 22nd October, Year 10 and Year 11 students of French, German and Spanish took some time out of lesson to attend a talk by David Binns. David is the UK Director of Sanako, a company which creates audio software for call centres, international business offices and translating and interpreting. He learned Finnish as an adult in order to progress in his career and he spoke to our students about how learning an additional language can set you apart as an applicant and enable you to access more opportunities. Students and staff very much enjoyed his presentation and we look forward to welcoming David back to Castell Alun later in the year for talks with Year 9 students.
Going Green
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Keep Wales Tidy for their generous donation of spring bulbs, which have added a splash of future colour and life to our school grounds. This week, some of our enthusiastic Year 11 students took on the task of planting the bulbs, showing great teamwork and care for the environment. Their efforts will be rewarded when the flowers bloom, creating a vibrant landscape for everyone at the school to enjoy in the coming months.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the installation of our brand-new bug hotel, also provided by Keep Wales Tidy. The bug hotel is now set up in a prime spot on the school grounds. It will serve as a safe habitat for various insects and small creatures. This new addition will not only enhance biodiversity within our school environment but also provide a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for students as they observe and understand the importance of insect life in our ecosystem.
Thank you once again to Keep Wales Tidy for supporting our efforts. We aim to make our school grounds more eco-friendly and engaging for students.
Children in Need Day
Our school community came together in a fantastic effort to raise funds for Children in Need! We saw a full day of activities, quizzes, and fun challenges! Here’s a look at the exciting events that took place:
Quiz Challenge: This week, Miss Edwards sent out a fun quiz for each year group to complete. Year 9 tackled their quiz on Thursday due to a special careers assembly with the armed forces on Friday.
Cake Sale: At break time, our Sixth Form charity group organised a popular cake sale. Students came prepared with the correct change, and we’re thrilled with the turnout—it was a sweet success!
Beat the Teacher: During lunchtime, students challenged staff to badminton and table tennis matches in the sports hall. The friendly competition brought out the best in both students and staff. It created a lively and fun atmosphere that everyone enjoyed!
Sponge the Teacher: In one of the day’s most anticipated events, brave staff members volunteered to be “sponged” by students during lunch break. Our Headteacher Mr Ellis was our star volunteer!The backyard was full of laughter and excitement as students lined up for a chance to join in on the fun.
Walk-a-Mile: In the afternoon, our lower school students walked a mile, showing their support and commitment to raising money for Children in Need. Each year group had their dedicated time slot, with teaching staff accompanying them to supervise and cheer them on.
A big thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and contributed to making this Children in Need event such a memorable day. It was heart-warming to see our school values of respect and determination as well as community spirit in action, making a difference for a great cause!
Sporting News
Our U13 girls’ rugby team travelled to Ruthin for the first round of the Welsh Cup. They faced tough competition from teams such as Valkyries, Dinas Bran, and Brynhyfryd. The girls displayed incredible resilience and determination—da iawn genod!
Our U13 girls’ football team also secured another victory. They defeated a strong Rhosnesni High side, and we’re excited to be progressing to the national rounds.
Congratulations to our U16 netball team, who triumphed in the Flintshire round of the Ann Smart Cup. We’re looking forward to the next round, where we’ll face the winners from Wrexham and Flintshire. Llongfarchiadau!
North West Boxing Champion
Joe recently became the North West Boxing Champion! He defeated the Cheshire and Merseyside champion, who is also the current GB champion. This is obviously a significant achievement for Joe on his boxing journey. It marks another major milestone as he continues to make impressive strides in the sport. As shown in the accompanying photo, Joe is fully dedicated to his sporting endeavours! We wish him all the best in his future competitions and wish him continued success.
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at some upcoming events—don’t forget to check the Events Calendar for the full list!
In Closing
As we wrap up this edition of our school blog, we want to take a moment to reflect. We have seen the incredible efforts of our students, staff and community in raising funds for various charity events. Through your generous contributions, hard work, and enthusiasm, we’ve been able to support causes that truly make a difference. From fundraising events to awareness campaigns, every effort counts, and we are proud of the positive impact we’ve made together.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in these charitable endeavours. Your dedication and kindness continue to inspire and strengthen our school community.
Edrychwn ymlaen at fwy o gyfleuon i roi yn ôl a gwneud gwahaniaeth ystyrlon yn y dyfodol.
We look forward to more opportunities to give back and make a meaningful difference in the future.
See you next week for the next School Blog!
Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mr Colin Ellis, Mrs Gail Davies and Mr Craig Stewart. You can reach them via the School Office or by using our Contact Form.
