Friday 17th February 2023


 

P’nawn da,

The half term now draws to a close and we will probably all agree that the weather has been kinder to us than perhaps is often the case at this time of year. As the days gradually lengthen, we look forward to a well-earned break for students and staff alike.

Yesterday evening we held our Year 9 Parents’ Evening, with advice and guidance provided for all students on options and possibilities for next academic year. Our gratitude goes to all who attended and we value our partnership with each family greatly as we seek to serve our student body and provide them with the very best education possible. If parents / carers, or indeed Year 9 students themselves, have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school at your earliest convenience, whereupon we will endeavour to assist as soon as we possibly can.

Our thanks go to Lily (Year7), Harry (Year 8) and James (Year 9), who read so beautifully this morning in our Lower School Assembly on the theme of World Book Day. We have a variety of plans to celebrate this occasion at the start of next half term. We were also treated to a great musical item by some members of our Year 10 GCSE Music group. Elissa, Matilda and Cora performed Day Tripper, to the delight of all students and staff assembled.

Today our Year 11 PE students are undertaking their mock practical examination moderation in preparation for the ‘real thing’, which is currently scheduled for Friday 24th March. We are now indeed in the final stages of preparations for public examinations and seek to find the important balance between encouraging and supporting our exam class students in their need for a rigorous revision schedule, whilst also ensuring that all students know the value of personal wellbeing and taking time to relax and pursue other interests.

Upon our return to school on Monday 27th February, Year 10 students will sit their school examinations. Due to the busy schedule planned for that week, we will celebrate St. David’s Day in all kinds of ways and over a few days, culminating with a whole school assembly on Wednesday 8th March. We should be in a position to tell you more about this in our next School Blog.sch

Also that week, further industrial action has been signalled by the NEU teaching union. In excess of 60 members of our staff are members of this union and, presuming the strike goes ahead as currently planned, this will again have a profound impact on our ability to open the school safely to students. With a heavy heart, we would ask you to refer to the Headteacher’s communication about school closure, which will be emailed to all families today.

On Friday 3rd March around 40 of our Year 7 students will spend the day at Glan Llyn, the outdoor education centre. There is great excitement amongst those going on this trip and we look forward to hearing about their experiences and sharing photos of their time with you.

Finally for today, some of you will be aware that we are now advertising for an Assistant Headteacher, to begin September 2023. Mr Kevin Davies (Asst. Head and Head of Sixth Form) has signalled his intention to retire at the end of the current academic year. Mr Davies has served the school with great distinction for 41years and his name is one which transcends generations and attracts the very highest accolades amongst all who count themselves part of the Castell Alun family.

We hope you all have an enjoyable week and thank you for your ongoing support of our school.
Rydym yn gobeithio y cewch chi wythnos bleserus a diolch am eich cefnogaeth parhaol.