Bore da,
We come to the end of a successful and challenging half term and this will be marked today with our Year 13 Leavers’ Ceremony. This is always a high point of the school year but today perhaps even more so. Mr. Kevin Davies (Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form Studies) will conduct his final address at this gathering. After nearly 42 years service to Castell Alun, his beloved Sixth Form students could not resist the temptation to muscle in on today’s proceedings. Mr. Davies found accessing his office somewhat of a challenge this morning and it is fair to say he was totally unprepared for what he found having fought his way in. We very much look forward to seeing families of Year 13 students this afternoon and wish each and every student all the very best for their examinations, the long summer break and what comes next. Year 13 has been a wonderful year group and we are very proud of them all. We are very grateful to Miss Lauren Robinson and Mrs. Diane Jones for the support they have given all Sixth Form students over the course of the year.
Yesterday we broke all records with attendance at the Year 11 Leavers’ Ceremony in the Sports Hall. It was really wonderful to be able to get together in an uninhibited manner once again and the event was celebrated with contributions from Georgia, Bethan, Natasha, Euan and our Year 11 Band – Theo, Nathan, Liam and McKenzie under the watchful eye of Mr. Searson. Mr. Carl Pugh made a welcome return to school as our guest speaker and delivered a message of encouragement and support in his own inimitable style. A special diolch must go to Mrs. Lisa Allen (Student Development Manager Year 11) for all of the work she has undertaken with this year group over the years, and also her predecessor Miss Beth Jones. Grateful thanks also to Mrs. Ceri Williams and Mrs. Sandra Flackett for the countless hours spent behind the scenes assisting in preparations. Mr. Kevin Davies did his usual professional job of leading the ceremony and many other staff also worked together to make the event possible and enjoyable for all. Year 11 students are now at least half way through their examinations and are eager to complete this assessment period and celebrate together on Thursday 29th June at the Year 11 Prom.
Will parents/carers of Year 8 and 9 students please note that, at different points in the year, we ask the parents and carers of each year group to complete a short questionnaire about their child’s experience of school. This is in addition to an annual questionnaire that is sent to all parents and carers at the end of the summer term. We would be very grateful if parents/carers of Year 8 and 9 students could take a few minutes to complete and submit the questionnaire available at the following links by Monday 5th June to help us evaluate our school. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Year 8 https://forms.office.com/e/ertxVrMSY0
Year 9 https://forms.office.com/e/iX8sfv0iqq
Extra-curricular activities have taken a back seat for many students during the busy examination period. However, a couple of weeks ago we celebrated Callum, Rhys, Noah, Jack, Will and Celyn winning the Flintshire League with Hawarden Rangers U15s. This week they have also won the North East Wales Football Association Cup for their age category, winning 4-2 against a very strong Chirk team. This is a huge achievement for all the boys. Great job once again lads!
May we remind all Year 12 students that school recommences for them on Monday 5th June and as a taste of things to come we can also inform you that a staff versus Year 13 BTEC Sports students rounders match this week ended in an ‘honourable’ draw. This is an apt reminder that being part of our school Sixth Form is a lot of fun also!
We would like to thank you for your support over the half term and your willingness to work in partnership with us to get the best for each and every one of our students. Let’s hope we can all enjoy the lovely weather over the coming days.
Mwynhewch y gwyliau.