Blog # 13 – w/c 07/12/20

Hi everyone.

Well, we’re another week closer to Christmas and the end of term. We had a further two cases of Covid to deal with in school this week. The first one had very little impact on numbers but the second one took a number of Year 10s out; this is really unfortunate so close to the end of term. However, the government has now advised a reduction in the amount of time anyone needs to isolate as a contact so we will, hopefully, see everyone again for the end of term celebrations that are a feature of all schools at this time of year. I know that Miss McHale has been very busy creating something spectacular that is really not to be missed; the best present you’ll get this Christmas as I understand it.

New Build

Work on the new building continues apace. In addition to a roof and floors, this week sees the framework for the walls going in with clear spaces for windows and doors; we are really beginning to get a feel for what the building will look like once it has been completed. It won’t be long before the building is water-tight and the first fix can then begin on the interior.

Christmas Lunch

It might be a good idea to be hungry on Thursday as Kelly is determined to fill everyone up with a delicious, traditional Christmas lunch.

Whole School Celebration

Under normal circumstances, we would have invited parents and carers into school in October to celebrate with their children at one of the best events in the school calendar; the ‘Whole School Celebration’. This event rewards students for the previous year’s successes and focuses on attainment and a positive attitude to learning.

For obvious reasons, we have not been able to have parents in school since we returned in September so this event did not happen. However, we believe that it is really important that our students still achieve recognition for their efforts so we are creating a virtual celebration. Please keep an eye on the school website, also social media, where students’ work will be acknowledged.

As a result of the interruption to learning during the first half of 2020, the categories that we are rewarding this year are as follows: ‘Independence and Resilience during Lockdown’, and ‘Attitude to Learning’. Students will be awarded with their certificates during the course of the last week of term. Of course, if any award winners are isolating, we will ensure that they receive their certificates as soon as they return. I hope that you enjoy the presentation and please congratulate all of our prize winners for 2020.

8 Orion

Students from the Year 8 Orion climbed Moel Famau this week from Cilcain village as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to outdoor education and balancing the curriculum to meet the needs of all students. The students all showed determination, resilience and teamwork by reaching the top in very challenging and changeable weather conditions. The group took a pretty tough route that was physically and mentally challenging. The staff who accompanied the group on their climb to the top were really tired (because they’re not as young as they used to be), but extremely proud of the group. Well done guys!

Computer Science

This half term during Computer Science lessons, Year 7 have been focusing on their word processing skills by writing a blog on a cause that they feel passionate about. This has varied from animal cruelty and environmental issues to supporting Marcus Rashford’s campaign for free school meals during the holidays. Students have engaged in research, sourced appropriate images, and added their own opinions. As a result of all their efforts, some lovely pieces of work have been produced. Well done to year 7.

Last Day of Term

If you’re anything like me, the last day of term has come around far too soon and, as I am really conscious of all of the learning that students have missed out on this year, I would happily stay for another few days to try to make up some lost ground. However, I’m sure that our students can’t wait for the bell to ring on Friday. It has been a really tough term for everyone and the two-week break will, once again, at least ‘pause’ the ongoing impact of Covid 19.

Students are encouraged to come to school wearing their Christmas jumpers on Friday 18^th. The morning has been planned appropriately and will be Covid-safe. However, there will be an atmosphere of celebration and I can personally guarantee that everyone will enjoy themselves.

There will be a festive brunch for everyone at some point during the morning and school will close for KS3 students (Years 7 & 8) following registration at 11.50am and at 12.00noon for KS4 (Years 7, 8 & 9). Students are due back to school on Monday 4^th January 2021 with a return to full uniform.

One more blog to come on Friday before we all settle down for the Christmas break.

Stay safe!