24 Ebrill 2026
It has been another action-packed week here at school, with plenty to celebrate both inside and outside the classroom. A particular highlight was welcoming our Year 10 parents and carers to Parents’ Evening last night. It was a valuable opportunity to discuss progress, celebrate successes and strengthen the partnership between home and school in supporting our learners.
This week’s blog reflects the wide range of experiences and achievements across our school community, from a whole-school assembly led by Year 11 focusing on managing stress and celebrating success, to a fantastic Year 9 visit to Coleg Cambria. We also shine a light on the incredible work of our Castell Alun Friends Association (CAFA), whose continued support makes a real difference to students’ opportunities and experiences.
As always, there is so much to be proud of, and we hope you enjoy reading about the many successes from across the school this week.
Managing Stress and Celebrating Success
Our whole school recently came together for a powerful and thoughtful assembly led by Mr Ellis and Year 11, reinforcing how much we value these moments as a school community. The focus of the assembly was stress, which is something we all experience at different times, whether during exams, before a performance, or in everyday life.
The assembly explored how stress can actually be a positive force, helping us stay alert, focused and ready to perform at our best when managed effectively. We also heard about simple but effective strategies for handling these moments, such as controlled breathing and staying calm under pressure.
Jack, Carys, Seren and Lauren confidently led the reading and did a fantastic job engaging the audience. We also took the opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of our girls’ and boys’ football teams, who have both reached the semi-finals of the Welsh Cup.
This is a remarkable accomplishment considering there are 275 secondary schools in Wales. We wish our girls the very best of luck in the final.
Year 9 Visit to Coleg Cambria
A group of six Year 9 students recently enjoyed a fantastic visit to Coleg Cambria, where they were given an insight into college life and the wide range of opportunities available.
The visit began with a fun team-building activity, where students worked together to put up a gazebo before using camping stoves to make hot drinks and even try their hand at making s’mores. This provided a great opportunity to build confidence and teamwork skills.
While enjoying their treats, students also had the chance to chat informally with a college tutor and ask questions about courses and college life.
Following this, the group took part in a guided tour of the college’s impressive facilities. They explored areas including the foundation learning provision linked to the Jobs Growth Wales programme, as well as sports facilities, performing arts spaces, and health and social care areas, which included a realistic hospital setting and nursery environment.
All students thoroughly enjoyed the visit and represented the school exceptionally well with exemplary behaviour throughout.
CAFA: Making a Real Difference
One of the great strengths of our school community is the commitment and generosity shown by our parents and carers. A fantastic example of this is CAFA, our parents’ association, which continues to raise significant funds that directly enhance students’ experiences and opportunities in school.
Over the past 12–18 months, CAFA has made an enormous contribution, funding a wide range of resources, equipment and opportunities that benefit students right across the school.
During this academic year alone, CAFA has funded:
3D Printer Kit – £1,537.97
Reception Garden Project – £11.99
Reading Exam Pens – £959.99
Wind Tunnel Software – £412
Jigsaw (Wellbeing) Subscription – £1,156.25
Smartboard Mounting Brackets – £1,241
Minibus Training for Two Staff Members – £1,634
In the previous 12 months, CAFA also supported:
Football Kits – £596.05
Glan Llyn Trip (subsidising student costs) – £600
UCAS Fair Transport – £741
English Department Trip – £100
Additional 3D Printer – £1,215.32
Netball Kits – £306.85
Water Bottles for Students – £84.97
These contributions support learning in the classroom, enrichment beyond it, student wellbeing, sporting opportunities, careers guidance, and access to trips that students might otherwise miss out on. Quite simply, CAFA’s work makes a real and lasting difference.
How You Can Help
CAFA raises funds through a range of activities and events across the year and also runs four ongoing initiatives: the CAFA Lottery, Easyfundraising, Match Funding, and Cash for Coins.
Further details about events and each of these initiatives can be found by clicking this link CAFA.
Fresh thinking and new faces are always welcome — especially if you have new ideas and would like to help make CAFA even more successful. Please contact cafa@castellalun.com if you would like more information.
Celebrating Student Talent at Theatr Clwyd
It was fantastic to see our students representing the school at the Theatr Clwyd Senior Music Ensembles on Monday evening.
Students performed as part of a range of ensembles, including the Senior Wind Band, Senior Guitar Ensemble, and the Rock and Pop Band, showcasing the breadth of musical talent across the school.
The standard of performance on the night was outstanding. Our students demonstrated not only impressive musical ability but also real professionalism and a clear enjoyment of performing, which was a credit to the school.
We are also excited that some of these students will be returning to Theatr Clwyd on May 3rd to perform as part of the theatre’s 50th birthday celebrations — an exciting opportunity to be involved in such a special event.
A wonderful evening celebrating talent, dedication and a love of music.
Lost Property Gallery
Here are photos of this week’s lost property. Students should speak to their group tutor to arrange collection during registration or at another suitable time during the school day. At the end of each half term, any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
In Closing
As always, thank you for your continued support of our school community. It is a pleasure to share the many successes, achievements and opportunities that our students experience each week.
We look forward to the weeks ahead as we continue to support all learners through upcoming challenges and celebrations, ensuring everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Diolch yn fawr am eich cefnogaeth barhaus – have a wonderful weekend.
Safeguarding
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Officers: Mr Ellis, Mrs Davies or Mr Stewart. You can reach them via the School Office or by using our Contact Form.
