Pnawn da,
We would like to pass our appreciation on to the Gideons, who visited our Year 7 assembly this week. Our friends at the Gideons spoke with real compassion to our students and left us with a number of New Testament Bibles, which include sections to read when we are experiencing specific emotions.
Also visiting school this week was Mr. Mike Gershon, who led sessions for all Year 11 students on developing successful learning and revision strategies. Mike’s words were received with genuine interest and feedback to date indicates that the tips he passed on were of real use to many of our exam class students.
We are very pleased to be able to report that we raised £1007 for Children in Need last week and a further £362 was contributed to the British Legion on Poppy Day. Diolch yn fawr to all families who contributed to either/both causes.
A-level students studying Health and Social Care and also Childcare had the opportunity to find out first-hand about the role of an occupational therapist this week. Two occupational therapists from Flintshire Social Services spoke to our group about the key skills of an OT and possible linked career opportunities. Our students were able to understand how an OT would work with their patients to help them remain independent at home. Year 13 student, India, commented “I am exploring the option of becoming an OT so this was an invaluable experience to understand more about their job and where it can lead to. I didn’t really know much about the role before and how broad it actually is.” We are truly grateful to guests who visit us in order to broaden the educational experience, and indeed, horizons, of our students.
On Tuesday night, Miss Katy Gittins had the honour of collecting Castell Alun’s Licence Certificate for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This means that the school is now directly licenced to run the award and our students can participate at all levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold, without the need of further external assistance. We currently have a large number of students who are working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award. However, if any further students would like to learn more about the scheme, please direct them to Miss Gittins in the Music Department.
As you are aware CAFA are again this year selling Christmas trees and wreaths as part of their ongoing support in raising funds for the school. The trees have proven incredibly popular year on year, due to their quality and price. If you would like to purchase a tree or wreath, whilst also helping support the school, then the deadline for ordering Christmas trees and wreaths is Wednesday 29th November ready (ready for collection on Saturday the 2nd of December!). The attached link will take you straight to the payment page with further details, as will scanning the QR code on the attached posters.
https://castell-alun-friends-association.sumupstore.com/
We are proud to share the successes of all members of the Castell Alun family. Eric (Exams Invigilator), of Buckley Runners, was selected to represent Wales in the British and Irish Masters cross-country event in Glasgow recently. At the close of an impressive performance, Eric was placed 15th in the Men’s Over 60 category and was the third to count for Wales team, resulting in him and the team achieving a silver medal. Da iawn, Eric!
Ardderchog to Oscar (Year 10), who represented us in the School’s ski meeting this week. Oscar put in another great performance and was placed 3rd overall. Incidentally, if there are any other students who are interested in representing us in skiing, the next school race is on 8th December at Llandudno and places can be booked via the following link https://widget.eola.co/1023/activities/skiing-nwsc-nssa-schools-race-series
We very much look forward to welcoming parents/carers of Year 7 students to school on Monday and Tuesday next week, when we hold our initial teacher – parent meeting for our new intake. The sessions are always really valuable and parents/carers find it very reassuring to hear just how well their children are settling in to Castell Alun. Also next week our Year 12 Welsh course students will go on a residential trip to Glan Llyn on Wednesday and all parents/carers of Year 12 students are welcome to join us in school on Thursday from 4pm for our annual Year 12 Parents’ Evening.
Have a lovely weekend!