Prynhawn da

It was lovely to see so many parents/carers of Year 7 students at our Parents’ Evening yesterday. We are very fortunate as a school to have such a talented and hard working group of students who will doubtless grow through our school and continue to enrich all around them over the coming years. Diolch yn fawr to everyone for their attendance at this event.

We have a number of visits and success stories to share with you this week. A group of Year 8 Castell Alun students of French, attended a creative workshop with a French graphic artist in Bangor University. The purpose of the day was to discover how the very popular ‘Bande Dessinée’ comic books in France are being used to draw attention to the climate change challenges facing us as global citizens. Students were fascinated to learn about the popularity of these comic books in the French speaking world and they were able to follow the creative process and see the finished books. These beautiful creations use images and words to highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet. Working with other students, the Castell Alun group then produced their own illustrated storyboards, using images and words to highlight their concerns about environmental issues. Our students represented the school in a wonderful way, showing their creativity and willingness to use their French language skills in new ways. We would like to congratulate everyone involved – merci bien everyone.

We were fortunate enough to be able to host an expert trainer from Talk The Talk, who came into school on Wednesday 1st May to work with our Year 9 SEREN students. The ‘Talk About Communication Plus’ workshop was an exciting and engaging master class developing speaking, listening and debating skills within a creative learning environment. The workshop provided numerous speaking opportunities and students were coached and supported throughout the day to deliver a structured group presentation. It was an excellent day and it was great to see our students growing in confidence using their oracy skills throughout the day.

Just a few days ago some members of our Student Council, Henry and Ella of Year 7, Leo and Tulani of Year 8 and Tomos of Year 9, visited County Hall in Mold, to be given a guided tour of the Council Chambers, in order to gain an insight into the workings of local government. Students were welcomed by the Chair of the Council, Councillor Gladys Healey, who is also one of our school governors. Having been welcomed into the Chair’s private chamber, an honour usually reserved for important visiting dignitaries, students were given a brief talk to outline the role of the Chair and the work they carry out. This was followed by a tour of some of the meeting rooms where council business is conducted and the Council Chamber, where students got to learn more about local government and its workings. Students were able to ask questions and were even asked their opinion on whether the school summer holidays should be shortened, with some interesting responses! Castell Alun would like to thank Councillor Healey for her time and for the insight she gave us.

Well done to Aerona, Olivia, Louis, Ben, Dylan and Ael who performed brilliantly, supporting the BT Big Band in their charity concert in Hope Church last weekend. Everybody involved had a fantastic time and the standards of performance were high. We are always proud of our students who give so freely of their own time in order to participate in such events.

And so to individual brilliance….. well done to Sam (Year 7) who, with his Cheshire Phoenix U12 Basketball Team, won the National Regional Conference Playoffs at the Manchester Basketball Centre recently. We are incredibly proud of Sam, who is making quite a name for himself on the basketball court and we are certain that this massive achievement for Sam will not be the last! Llongyfarchiada Sam! Really well done also to Oscar (Year 10), who recently took part in the Schools’ Skiing Competition at Llandudno. Oscar put in a solid performance, and only just missed gaining a further podium place when he came in 4th. However, there is little time to rest for Oscar as his next race is in a matter of days now! Really well done also to Ffion (Year 10) who maintained her standards in the footballing arena and gained another cap for her country last weekend. We are keeping a close eye on your career and are hoping for great things Ffion.

Perhaps this week we can give a special mention to Jan, an ex-student of ours. Jan is currently studying German and Philosophy and has just entered an essay writing competition for ‘AUT Magazine’. Although we are not currently

sure of the result, we can confirm that Jan has been selected as one of the eighteen finalists from around the UK to go to an Austrian Culture Forum in London. Excellent Jan welsh

As mentioned in last week’s blog, on Friday 24th May at 2.15pm we will hold our Leaving Ceremony for Year 13 students. We would ask all guests to be seated by 2pm and this event usually runs for around 2 hours, which means that students in Year 13 will not be able to access the school buses. We are very fortunate to be able to tell you that our guest speaker for the event is our previous Head of Sixth, Mr Kevin Davies. Year 13 students will have their leaving meal at Double Tree Hilton Chester also that evening.

Upon our return after the half-term break we will hold our Year 8 Parents’ Evening on Thursday 6th June, from 4pm. Students will make their bookings next week and a letter will be sent to parents/carers of Year 8 students also.

Our public examinations are now in full swing and this will be the case for approximately four more school weeks. Please remember that we are always here to support all students should they wish to talk, and we wish everyone the very best for these examinations. On Monday 3rd June, Year 12 will return to us after their study leave also.

We hope you have a lovely weekend/Cael Penwythnos hyfryd