Updates


Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice for Parents or Carers

Thursday 17th February 2022

Dear parents/carers,

the Flintshire Strategic Regional Command Group has announced that ALL educational establishments in North Wales should close tomorrow (Friday 18th February 2022) to protect the safety of pupils and staff because of the significant risk to life, as a result of extreme weather conditions.

Schools have been told by Flintshire that there is no expectation to provide live lessons. Students are encouraged to continue with their private study and also use resources available on Google Classroom.

We regret that the half term will close in this manner and the campus will re-open to students on Monday 28th February.

 

Monday 17th January 2022

We have been asked by Flintshire County Council to promote the completion of the following survey related to COVID 19 vaccinations among children. Survey below.
See accompanying attachment for further details: http://ow.ly/YacS50Hw0LG

 

Friday 7th January 2022

Wednesday 15th December 2021

Thursday 11th November 2021

Dear Parent/ Carer

The new Curriculum for Wales is scheduled to begin in 2022. It will initially start in Year 7 and then will be rolled out year on year for a further 4 years.  The Curriculum for Wales defines the purposes deemed most important in delivering a broad and balanced education. We, therefore, wish to align our school vision accordingly and have now reviewed our existing Mission Statement and Code of Conduct to reflect these national priorities.

After due consultation with the entire staff team, school council and student body in PSE sessions,  we now recommend our renewed vision and values statement to you.

We have selected a group of students and staff to create and design new branding, which will help to ensure that our Vision and Values are both seen and used daily by the whole school community. As parents/carers, I want to communicate to you these changes and explain the necessary rationale behind our decision.

Cofion – Mr C Ellis, Headteacher

 

Monday 1st November 2021

Dear Parent/Carer, I have received the following information https://gov.wales/self-isolation#section-83727 with regard to self-isolation which comes into affect from today.
In summary, the main changes are:-

Fully vaccinated or aged 5 to 17

If someone in your household has symptoms or has tested positive and you are fully vaccinated or aged 5 to 17 you should self-isolate and take a PCR test. If your test is negative, you can stop isolating.

Not fully vaccinated

If someone in your household has tested positive and you are not fully vaccinated you should self-isolate for 10 days. You should take a PCR test on day 2 and day 8. You should self-isolate for 10 days even if your tests are negative.

We appreciate that these changes will further affect individuals and families. We thank you for your support and please keep us informed if your child is absent or isolating from school.

Cofion – Mr C Ellis, Headteacher

 

Thursday 21st October 2021

This week the Welsh Police Forces and Fire Services are launching their annual Halloween and Bonfire Night safety campaign.

They are asking everyone to think about the way they celebrate Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Staying safe and not adding extra pressure to the emergency services is important.

Click here to listen to the safety messages:

https://schoolbeat.cymru/en/partners/halloween/

Wednesday 13th October 2021

Message for Parents/Carers of Year 7 to 9 Students

During their IT lesson next week (w/b Monday 18th October), lower school students will be completing the School Health Research Network (SHRN) survey. Please see the letter linked for more information.

If you have any questions or would like to withdraw your child from the survey, please contact the school by Monday 18th October so alternative arrangements can be made.

 Kind regards,

Miss Ceri Roberts (PSE coordinator) 

Monday 11th October 2021

Message for Parents/Carers of Year 10 Students

Please accept our apology, a previous e-mail on the 4th October stated

During their PSE lesson on Tuesday 12th October, Year 10 students will be completing a School Health Research Network (SHRN) survey.

This survey will now take place on Wednesday 20th October 2021.

Kind regards,

Miss Ceri Roberts (PSE coordinator) 

Thursday 7th October 2021

Qualification Wales have released the linked Letter for Learners containing Information on Exams 2022

Thursday 30th September 2021

Moving into October, Monkhouse, our uniform supplier, will be operating on off-peak opening hours. Below is information on Monkhouse’s Mold store.

Where to find us: 14-16 New Street, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1NZ

Telephone Number: 01352 756 636

E-Mail Address: mold@monkhouse.com

Castell Alun High School Orders Page

 

Thursday 23rd September 2021

CAHS Open Evening 2021 Letter 

Thursday 16th September 2021

Below is updated information with regards to COVID

  • The TTP teams will be responsible for contacting each positive case and collecting information about their close contacts both within and outside the school.
  • TTP’s role is to identify which individuals meet the definition of close contact and who, if anyone, would be required to self-isolate.
  • The majority of learners in the class/year group are unlikely to be identified as close contacts.
  • PCR tests will be offered to anyone who is identified as a close- contact – these are not mandatory. If a child does not have symptoms and has not been advised to stay home/self-isolate by TTP then they can attend the school. 

Wednesday 8th September 2021

Message to Parents/Carers of Year 11 students:

Year 11 have been given another set of LFD tests for the next few weeks. We ask students to follow the usual procedures and test every Wednesday and Sunday. Thank you.

Monday 6th September 2021

PE Kit – No Changing Facilities


It was great to see a full school today and students making full use of the new building. Unfortunately, as mentioned in my previous communications, building and demolition work continues for most of this term, which means that the PE changing rooms are currently out of action.
 
Consequently, students will need to come to school dressed in their kit on days where PE is on the timetable. Students should wear the correct kit and if necessary, wear uniform over the top, e.g. school jumper can be worn over the PE top to keep students warm, and not a hoody.
 
Hopefully sometime during the first term the changing rooms will re-open, and we will update you with progress.

Thursday 2nd September 2021

New Term Letter (02/09/21)

Sunday 11th July 2021

Update for Parents/Carers of students in Year 7 in isolation since Friday

The student has now received a positive PCR result and your child will now need to isolate for 10 days.
We will confirm dates with Track, Trace and Protect (TTP) but we presume the last day of isolation will be Sunday 18th July.
Thank you.

Friday 2nd July 2021

Message for Parents/Carers of Year 9 and 12 students:

We welcome back Year 9 students on Tuesday 6th July.  Any students that have been contacted directly via TTP with later dates must adhere to these dates.


Message for Parents/Carers of Students in Year 8 Self-Isolating following LFT

Following the email sent out yesterday regarding the positive Lateral Flow Test (LFT) in our school, we have today been informed that the PCR test has come back positive. Therefore, you will be receiving a formal isolation letter via e-mail. We can confirm the return to normal activities for those receiving the formal isolation letter is 10th July and the return to school date is 12th July. Thank you.

Wednesday 30th June 2021

Important News on School Uniform Shopping 

As the term draws to a close, we’re already looking ahead to September. Our uniform provider Monkhouse is working hard to make sure that despite the challenges posed by international shipping, Covid and Brexit, our parents will be able to find everything they need.

This is a reminder that the best way to ensure your child has all the uniforms they need in good time for the start of the school year is to shop early if this is possible for you.

Please book your appointment with Monkhouse now, preferably choosing an appointment in July or Early August.

To stay up to date with news on stock and special offers on uniforms and accessories, register for updates from our supplier here.

Thank you for understanding. We know not all parents are able to shop early, but the challenges posed when large numbers of families shop in the last two weeks of August is something we are all keen to avoid. After what has been an interesting school year, please help us to help you to ensure we all return in September raring to go!

Tuesday 29th June 2021

An update on the current COVID situation within the school.:

http://ow.ly/t1FJ50FkKv7

Deadline for EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Application – 30 June

We would appreciate your help in reminding parents and young people that if they are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, they and their family members should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Eligible children are required to have an application in their own right because no child of any age is covered by a parent’s application to the EUSS. There’s more information on this on GOV.UK with additional guidance in this EUSS leaflet.

There is free support and help available through a number of organisations in Wales. You can find more details here  EU Citizens Immigration (eusswales.com).  All the providers offer language support and can also be contacted directly by telephone.

Citizens Advice 0330 3309 059

Newfield’s Law 0292 169 0049

Settled 0330 223 5336

TGP Cymru 0808 802 0025

Newport Mind 07552121563  / 07918619238 / 07976462481

Monday 28th June 2021

Monday 28th June 2021: We have had confirmation of a positive Covid case for a Year 12 student. As a result all we ask that all Year 12 students do not attend school today. Blended online learning will resume for all Year 12 students from today until further notice. We will contact you tomorrow with further updates. Thank you for your understanding.

Sunday 27th June 2021

Sunday 27th June 2021: We have had confirmation of a positive Covid case for a Year 9 student. As a result all we ask that all Year 9 students do not attend school tomorrow. Blended online learning will resume for all Year 9 students from tomorrow until further notice. We will contact you tomorrow with further updates. Thank you for your understanding.

Thursday 24th June 2021

In the event of 119 NOT responding to wider symptoms we ask staff and parents to insist that the PCR test should be provided and tell them that you have been informed by your Local Authority that all adults and children with wider symptoms must be provided with a PCR test.

If they refuse school staff or parents should ask for the name of their manager and Email so as an LA we can address this case by case as it is vital that PCR tests are provided with current cases rising quickly.

Wider Symptoms

PHW have now confirmed a wider range of symptoms that are possibly related to Covid-19. These include:

Feeling unusually tired

General ‘flu-like aches and pains (myalgia)

Sore throat and/or hoarseness

Shortness of breath or wheezing

Persistent headache

Runny or blocked nose

Feeling sick (nausea), vomiting or diarrhoea

If one or more of the wider symptoms BUT NOT ONE OF THE THREE MAIN SYMPTOMS is present, then a PCR test should be booked.

Friday 18th June 2021

School Transport Letter for Parents/Carers of Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11: http://ow.ly/FOWG50FdnER

(If you do not live in Flintshire please contact the relevant County Council transport department. At the bottom of the section Application Process there is a link to APPLY ONLINE. Thank you.)

Wednesday 23rd June 2021

CAHS CDG Letter (23/06/21)

Wednesday 16th June 2021

Parents/Carers – please see the linked letter from Flintshire County Council TTP team with regards to lateral flow tests: http://ow.ly/MexV50Fbr5v

Monday 14th June 2021

WJEC Learner Consultation

“Consultation on proposed 2022 adaptation for learners, parents and carers now live
We understand that learners have experienced a great deal of disruption to teaching and learning throughout 2020 and 2021. We are therefore consulting on proposed adaptations to the GCSE, AS and A level exams and NEA in 2022. The consultation is open to learners, parents and carers and can be accessed via the following link: https://www.wjec.co.uk/articles/learner-survey-proposed-changes-to-gcse-and-as-a-level-assessments-in-2022/

Please note, these proposals only apply to learners in Wales who are following our Qualifications Wales approved GCSE, AS and A level qualifications.”

Wednesday 5th May 2021

School Gateway – Cashless Catering 

We are aware that currently there are technical issues with the above.  The App is displaying incorrect amounts on a student’s account.

No student will be denied access to canteen facilities but will be limited to their usual daily spend.

This is a nationwide problem.  The Gateway Suppliers are actively working to resolve the issue and they have given us their reassurance that no extra monies are being withdrawn from personal bank accounts.

Tuesday 4th May 2021

New Broadband Package Available Soon

BT have announced the launch of a new broadband tariff – BT Home Essentials  – and this will take place in June this year and may assist some families.

BT Home Essentials is a separate and improved social tariff compared to BT’s initial version, BT Basic. Home Essentials provides an average of 36 Mbps download speeds and 700 minutes of calls for £15 a month, around half the price of a standard BT fibre and calls package. Alternatively, eligible customers can also opt for average speeds of 67 Mbps and unlimited calls for £20 per month.


Tuesday 16th March 2021

Year 11 Assessments up to Easter 2021

Friday 12th March 2021

LFT Testing Information for Parents

Friday 5th March 2021

CAHS Letter regarding March Return

Thursday 4th March 2021

Following the announcement by Kirsty Williams yesterday, we would like to inform you that we are presently working with Flintshire Education Authority to determine the reopening arrangements for our different year groups during the coming few weeks before Easter. We will hopefully be finalising these details this evening and will update you as soon as possible.

Tuesday 9th February 2021

Letter for Learners (09/02/21)

Friday 29th January 2021

UPDATED: CAHS Risk Assessment

Friday 8th January 2021

Headteacher Letter to Parents/Carers (08/01/2021)


UPDATE: CAHS Risk Assessment 2021


FYI, the following information can be used to access Google Classroom via an XBOX or PlayStation console:

Friday 18th December 2020

Headteacher Letter to Parents/Carers (18/12/2020)

 

 

Wednesday 16th December 2020

Coronavirus Letter (16-12-2020)


Following the Welsh Government announcement this afternoon, please find linked below a letter to all students in Years 11, 12 and 13 about internal and external assessment arrangements from the Minister for Education. We await further clarification on a number of points and hope to be able to provide subsequent information to all in January.

Ministers Letter to Students – Assessments (16-12-2020)

 

 

Tuesday 15th December 2020

Let’s look after each other the right way this Christmas

Wednesday 9th December 2020

IMPORTANT: School Update Letter (09/12/2020)


IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YEAR 11 STUDENTS

Following a subsequent call from TTP all Year 11 students are now required to self-isolate until the end of Monday 14th December. This is most regrettable, however the safety of all members of our community remains our top priority.

Remote blended learning will begin tomorrow for Year 11 and students should follow their standard curriculum from home until the close of this term. Please remind Year 11 students that they have important mock examinations in early January.

Their teachers will explain more about these in lessons next week.

Thursday 12th November 2020

UPDATE: CAHS Risk Assessment (12/11/2020)

Wednesday 10th November 2020

Examinations Summer 2021 Letter (10/11/2020)

Wednesday 4th November 2020

UPDATE: CAHS Risk Assessment (04/11/2020)

Thursday 22nd October 2020

Letter from the Headteacher (22/10/2020)

Friday 16th October 2020

COVID Update (16/10/2020)

Wednesday 14th October 2020

We have been asked to share the following information with all families, should it be necessary for a member of your household to self-isolate – please click here.

Tuesday 13th October 2020

UPDATE: CAHS Risk Assessment (13/10/2020)

Sunday 11th October 2020

COVID Update for Years 8 and 9 (11/10/2020)


With regret we must inform you that all students on the Wrexham (paid) bus must self-isolate due the confirmation of a positive Covid case. We have only received this information from TTP this evening and apologise for the disruption it will undoubtedly cause families. We will confirm your return date to school as soon as we are able, but work will be provided by Google Classroom as best we can in the meantime, although teaching staff will not be aware of this until tomorrow morning in some cases.

Friday 11th September 2020

Update Letter to Parents (11/09/2020)

Thursday 10th September 2020

Updated: Risk Assessment (10th September 2020)

Tuesday 8th September 2020

When and How to Get Your Child Tested

Please find below links to new pieces of film footage from Heather Payne, Paediatrician – “When and How to Get Your Child Tested”

When?

When should you have a Covid-19 test for your child – https://youtu.be/TTDbNz-1F3c

How?

How to get a Covid-19 test for your child – https://youtu.be/TSwrlt1TIkY

Thursday 27th August 2020

Face Masks

Following the latest national announcement, we recommend that all Castell Alun students wear a face mask when on school transport, on the corridors and in communal areas during break and lunchtime upon their return to school. We would ask parents / carers to provide a mask for your children and encourage them to keep the mask safely in their bag when it is not required. This is not mandatory, but we feel it will help further mitigate the risk of any potential spread of the virus.
Thanks for your understanding

Thursday 20th August 2020

BTEC Results

Congratulations to all Year 11 students receiving GCSE results today.  We are so proud of you all!

You may have seen in the news that late yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 19 Aug 2020) schools were made aware that Pearson (the Exam Board who oversees BTEC qualifications) has taken the decision to re-grade their BTEC qualifications.

Pearson have written to schools and colleges to inform them of this decision and will provide more information about the publication of BTEC results shortly. An update will be provided on our website when it becomes available, and final BTEC results for Sport, Business and Performing Arts will be issued as soon as we get them via email.


Reissuing AS and A-Level Grades

You will today be receiving your updated A or AS level grades which will be the highest grade out of the CAG and calculated grade.

You may have seen in the news that late yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 19 Aug 2020) schools were made aware that Pearson (the Exam Board who oversees BTEC qualifications) has taken the decision to re-grade their BTEC qualifications.Pearson have written to schools and colleges to inform them of this decision and will provide more information about the publication of BTEC results shortly. An update will be provided on our website when it becomes available, and final BTEC results for Sport, Business and Performing Arts will be issued as soon as we get them via email.

Wednesday 19th August 2020

UPDATED: Results Days CAG and Final Grade Information (19/08/2020)

Qualifications Wales/WJEC have also produced information packs and frequently asked questions that explain how grades have been awarded this year and the standardisation process. Please use the links below to access these:

https://qualificationswales.org/english/results-2020/results-day-faqs/

https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/summer-results-2020-everything-you-need-to-know/latest-updates/

 


Free School Meals Update September 2020:

As not all year groups will be returning to school within the first two weeks of the autumn term, you will continue to receive the free school meal award via a secure direct payment for your child(ren) for the period 1st September 2020 to 11th September 2020. Due to this your child(ren) will not receive a free school meal on the days they attend school during this time, therefore you will need to provide your child(ren) with a packed lunch or money to purchase a lunch using the school’s preferred payment method.

Year 12 pupils: If your child(ren) is returning to year 12 and you are eligible to free school meals, you will need to reapply on line via Flintshire County Councils web site.

Tuesday 7th July 2020

 Letter for all Year 13 students which explains the procedure used for Centre Assessed Grades, Appeals and Results Day


Will all Castell Alun students please note that they are no longer permitted to be at Hope Quarry/Park in the Past unless they have an adult over 18 accompanying them, and that the police have informed us that this venue is now ticketed entry only.

Return of Books/ Lockers:

Please could all students in Years 11 and 13 return their school text books and other school resources on Monday July 20th between the hours of 9.00 and 3.00. Please put the books in a bag clearly labelled with the students name on it and year group. Please enter the school building via the Eluned Parry School Hall, entering by the side doors and exiting via the Gym corridor.

Year 13 students will be able to return their Locker Keys at the same time and then they will be reimbursed.

Many Thanks for your co-operation.

Monday 22nd June 2020

FCC Letter to Parents and Carers (22/06/2020)

This letter is from Flintshire Local Authority.

Please note, it does not change any of the plans which we have already provided for parents / carers of Castell Alun students.


School Uniform Information (22/06/2020)

School ties and Technology aprons will be available to purchase from Forresters too for this year, as we are unable to put the usual starter pack together.  Calculator and sketchbooks will be available to purchase from school in September.

Friday 19th June 2020

School Reopening Letter (19/06/2020)

Tuesday 9th June 2020

School Reopening – Bus Use Survey

(For Parents/Carers of students with bus passes only. Please complete by no later than midday on Friday 12th June 2020)

Monday 8th June 2020

School Reopening Survey for Parents/Carers of Students in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12

(Please complete by no later than midday on Wednesday 10th June 2020)

Monday 1st June 2020

NSPCC Advice and Support

Thursday 14th May 2020

Sustrans Outside In

Tuesday 21st April 2020

Sixth Form Letter (21/04/2020)

Monday 30th March 2020

Google Classroom Letter (30/03/2020)

Wednesday 25th March 2020

Castell Alun High School Update (25/03/2020)

 

Tuesday 24th March 2020

Google Classroom Update (24/03/2020)

 

Sunday 22nd March 2020

Covid-19 FCC Statement (22/03/2020)

Friday 20th March 2020

Covid-19 Update Letter (20/03/2020)

Friday 13th March 2020

Overseas Trips Letter (13/03/2020)

Tuesday 10th March 2020

Coronavirus Letter (10/03/2020)