Annwyl pawb
I had the pleasure of visiting the Monmouth Science Fair once again this year, an annual jamboree where budding scientists from local primary schools present investigations they have carried out. It really was such a high standard, as it is every year – who knew that a potato can power a digital watch, or that toothpaste is excellent at dealing with Ribena stains? I certainly didn’t, but the students did, and they explained their investigations very well indeed. This year the winning team in a very close contest was The 3 Iceketeers from Overmonnow Primary, with Usk in second place, and Raglan third. Congratulations to them, and to all 31 teams from 7 schools that took part for a superb showing. Many thanks also to Dr Wall from Monmouth Prep, who once again organised the event.
We are now on the cusp of the main summer examination season, which starts next week and runs for six weeks. Everyone at school has a very sharp focus on the final preparations, and all members of our school community play a part in ensuring that candidates have the best chance for success. There are, of course, the examination students themselves, who have been well-briefed on revision techniques, study support and other strategies like getting enough sleep and limiting phone use. Members of staff here are doing everything to support in these final preparations, and I am grateful to them for their continued efforts. Parent/carer support is also vital – supporting, encouraging, reminding, reassuring. We also remind all other students at school of their collective responsibilities to act considerately to those that have examinations (which is about half of the school population). Practical aspects such as being quiet in examination areas are really important, and a great example of students treating others in the way that they would like to be treated when it is their turn. To give you some sense of the scale of the operation, over 15,000 examination papers will be sat at MCS in the next six weeks. I wish every candidate the very best of luck in their endeavours.
Very best wishes for the Bank Holiday weekend. I shall refrain from any weather forecasts.
Cofion cynnes,
Hugo Hutchison
Prifathro/Headteacher
Congratulations to Rufus Hiscox (Y8), Tomos Bisson (Y8) and Holly Bisson (Y11), who represented Monmouth Comprehensive in the South East Wales School Ski Championships in Pontypool last weekend. Together they managed a podium finish, winning bronze medals for MCS in the mixed team race. Amazing results for their first school team outing! 
Following last week's newsletter when we reported that Oliver Hall was due to play for Cricket Wales as part of the Under 13s summer playing squad, his team came away from Millfield School with a comfortable victory. Oliver played a key part as the opening bowler, taking 2 wickets in his first over and making a very good catch later in the Millfield innings!
Congratulations to 
The Mathematics Faculty are exploring the possibility of running another trip to Paris from Saturday 22nd – Tuesday 25th February 2025 (during half-term), visiting the city centre as well as Disneyland Paris. 
As we are fast approaching the date when Year 11 and Year 13 students will finish at MCS, could we please ask that if students use a locker at school, they ensure the lock is removed and the locker is clear and clean before leaving on their last day.
