Today we held our whole school Remembrance Assembly and were joined by a number of members of our Governing Body and Father Paul from Hope Church. The occasion was reflective and thought provoking and the respect shown by all members of the student population was impeccable. Although many of the key messages did not make easy listening, that which was communicated was profound and caused us all to be very thankful for the freedom that we enjoy in Wales. Diolch yn fawr to our Governing Body, Father Paul and Lottie, Euan, Natasha and Eleanor (all Sixth Form) for their composed, poignant readings and to Miss Anna John, for the Last Post.
We are proud to announce that there is a new Castell Alun Careers website. The website is designed to be a starting point for both students and parents when thinking about students’ future aspirations. It can be accessed via the school website under the ‘student’ or ‘parent’ tab. Alternatively, access is available via the following link: https://sites.google.com/castellalunmail.com/cwre/home. We would also point out the ‘employers’ section off our website links up to a Google Form through which you may register your interest to support the school with the delivery of career and work-related experiences.
On Wednesday 18th October, our Performing Arts’ Club performed ‘The Last Resort’. Students across all years worked diligently both on and off stage to put this show together. Indeed, the performance was essentially entirely in the hands of our students, which means that they developed valuable planning and preparation skills along with honing their musical, technical and acting talents. The play was set in a typical British seaside resort, where families, pensioners and random characters visited the shore of ‘The Last Resort at Ferryton on Sea’. Diolch yn fawr for the entertainment and fun which each of you brought and please do not stop showcasing your skills in such ways as this.
As you know we love to celebrate the successes of our students, whether individually or collectively, and this week we have two remarkable stories for you. Sasha (Year 10) is a regular in the Wales U15s Girls’ Football Team and has been made captain of the side. Sasha will lead the time out against Norway this weekend. This is a tremendous honour, indeed something to which all footballers would aspire! Many congratulations Sasha, we are very proud of you and will watch your career develop with great interest.
Annabel (Sixth Form) has reached a new pinnacle in her golfing journey! This week she has signed to the University of South Florida to study and play golf. Those of you who are golf enthusiasts will probably know that the US College golf scene is an incredibly big deal! It is not uncommon for tens of thousands of people to follow the progress of college golfers on a regular basis and now the entire Castell Alun population will be added to that number also. Amazing job Annabel – all those hours, weeks, months and years of practice have paid off and there is a lesson in that to each of us!
Both Sasha and Annabel have been working hard in their sports for many years. The same is certainly true of many other students, who also aim to hit the dizzy heights of these two girls. Ffion (Year 10) will represent Wales Netball U15 National Academy Squad this season and Ruby (also Year 10) has been successful in gaining a place in the equivalent U17 National Squad.
It’s great to be able to tell you about a success in table tennis too this week. William (Year 7) has just picked up a Silver Medal in the U11 category and also a Bronze in the U13 Merthyr Junior Open. Winning in your own age group is impressive but taking a medal against older students and more experienced players is quite something else! Ardderchog William!
Two of our Year 7 girls are making a name for themselves on the football field also. Hatty played for Connahs Quay Nomads U12s against Liverpool FCW in a match which was drawn 2-2 and Hatty scored a goal and had an assist, which gives you some indication of her importance to the team. Hatty also plays in the Flintshire Girls’ U13s side. Also, a great big shout out to Ella (Year 7), who played for Crewe Alexandra in goal recently, winning both of her games and only conceding one goal. Amazing job Ella – da iawn!
Later today our very own Oscar (Year 10) will represent school in a high-profile ski race in Llandudno. Oscar already counts a number of victories to his name and we wish him all the very best for today’s race.
Moving from individuals to teams, well done to the Year 10 lads’ football team, who qualified for the next round of the Flintshire Cup before half term, despite the rain! Our Year 9 boys’ team have also advanced to the next round of the Welsh Schools’ FA Cup. Fantastic news lads! Furthermore, Year 10 boys have also had great success on the rugby field when they beat Mold Alun in the final of the RGC North East Wales Cup. There were a number of very impressive performances and these lads genuinely understand what it means to play your role in the team!
On Tuesday next week CAFA will hold their AGM at 6.30pm at Castell Alun. All interested parties are most welcome to attend and support the work of our wonderful school friends’ association.
A couple of further highlights for next week…. we look forward to welcoming parents/carers of Year 13 students to the Parents’ Evening on Thursday 16th November, starting at 4pm. Year 13 students have been busy making appointments with their teachers. Then on the Friday (17th November) we will join the rest of the country in our support of Children in Need. Throughout the day students will be involved in quizzes, games and a walk around school (for Years 7 to 9), with cakes and other goodies on sale at break and lunchtime as ever! Although it is in some ways sad that this charity needs to exist, we will all do our utmost to support their incredibly valuable cause. Please be so good as to make contributions to improve the lives of children via the School Gateway.
Have a lovely weekend/Cael penwythnos hyfryd.