Our whole school assembly today was on the theme of ‘Plastic-how to look after our world’. Our readers, Reuben and Annabel did a splendid job, and our musical item was performed by Darragh. Darragh performed ‘Thinking out loud’ by Ed Sheeran on the keyboard to an incredible standard, especially considering he has only been playing the piano for two years!
Our Lower School Fun Runs took place this week and students in Years 7, 8 and 9 ran around the school field hundreds of times to raise very useful monies for Castell Alun.
We had some very interesting outfits and hairstyles, and we were blessed with wonderful weather for each year group also.
Today our Sixth Form students are dressed in pink in order to mark ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’. Hundreds of pounds will be sent to help the work of this wonderful charity. Lots of staff also displayed various pink garb in their working attire and lots of fun was had by all.
For the last few weeks we have hosted Shona from Dusseldorf for a school experience visit, and we would like to thank Erin (Year 10) and all of her friends, who have made Shona feel so at home at Castell Alun. Lasting friendships have been made, and Shona tells us that she has had a fantastic time and spoken lots of English. Good luck Shona and we hope to see you again soon.
Last weekend a large number of our Year 11 students braved somewhat severe weather conditions to undertake a Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition, and despite nearly being blown and washed away, all involved still said they had a great time and learnt a lot.
Also this week we held our Shwmae Sutmae Day and many congratulations to all students who got stuck-in and made a very special effort to use Welsh both in and out of the classroom, whenever possible.
Students from Years 10 to 13 Drama classes enjoyed an evening at the Theatre on Tuesday. We would like to thank all members of staff and parents who work together to make such events possible on frequent occasions.
There is still time to collect together old clothes, which are in good condition, in order to help raise funds for school, through our CAFA Dragon Bags initiative. These bags will be collected on the 24th October. When you get a moment, please do be so good as to take a look at the CAFA page on our school website to see the great work and fun projects being led by our Castell Alun Friends.
Congratulations to our Sixth Form lads, who narrowly beat Bryn Hyfryd 2-1 this week in a hard-fought match. Our team now progresses onto the national rounds of the Welsh Schools’ Football trophy.
On Saturday 27th October, the Hope Community Library will host another ‘Meet the Author’ session. Marie Anne Cope will be in attendance and will read from her new book. Tickets are available from the Library.
On Tuesday next week Estyn Chief Inspector, Meilyr Rowlands, will be in school in order to discuss a number of examples of excellent practice at Castell Alun as reported by inspectors during their visit last October. We are proud to be a named-school in Estyn’s portfolio of excellent practice reports, which are readily available on line.
And finally, many thanks to all parents/carers of our Year 7 students, who have contributed so generously various produce towards our Harvest Festival Celebration on Thursday next week. There is still time for further groceries to be donated, and I can assure you that all contributions will go directly to those who need it most in the local area.
Have a great weekend.