News from MCS

Annwyl pawb

As we reach the end of the penultimate week of the academic year, preparations are underway for our Summer Learning activities, which take place during next week. There is a wide range of activity, from sports days to Eisteddford, to activity days both in school and on trips out. I know students and staff alike are looking forward to it all, and also to the summer break that follows. We approach the final lap! I am also very grateful for the continued support of MCS Friends, whithout whose financial contributions many of the activities would not be viable.

Our wonderful lower school production of Guys and Dolls has taken place over the last week, including a special matinee performance to local primary school students. It was, once again, an absolute triumph. As many of you have commented to me when attending, our Performing and Expressive Arts staff team really are exceptional, and give up so much of their own time to support our students in their endeavours. It is also great to see older students supporting the rehearsals and productions in all manner of ways, from props, to tech support, to interval refreshments. Heartfelt thanks to all involved.

All best wishes for a restful weekend ahead.

Cofion cynnes

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Congratulations to Olivia Lawton-Pinnell in Year 8 who has passed her grade 7 piano exam with a high merit.

Olivia also passed her grade 6 piano less than a year ago with distinction. She has worked very hard and her success is well deserved.

Olivia's family are so proud of Olivia’s quiet but determined talent.

Year 12 student, Hermione Woolman, has recently been employed as a support artist for a Welsh language TV show, currently available on S4C via the BBC App, entitled “Y Corridor”. 

Hermione was very shy of telling anyone, but she has recently been “spotted” by Welsh language teachers and Year 10 students! 

Hermione filmed in Cardiff during the Easter half-term and has waited until May for the show to come out on BBC iPlayer. 

Y Coridoor, is a Welsh language drama series in 10 short episodes, about a missing teenager, Willow. 

Last Saturday, three MCS students represented South East Wales at the Welsh Championships in Cardiff.

Macs Perrou competed in the Junior Boys Javelin and came 5^th. Emily Forde competed in the Middle Girls 1500m and came 6^th with a new Personal Best.

Will Chalk competed in the Middle Boys Steeplechase and became Welsh Champion with an amazing 12 second Personal Best! This has secured his place in the Welsh School team for SIAB at the end of July.

Well done to all of the students who competed.

Please note that all students will be required to remove their padlocks and empty their lockers by the end of term on Thursday 18th July.  The last week of term is always exceptionally busy with Summer Learning, but it is important that students ensure that all padlocks are removed and the lockers are emptied.

As we will need to clean the lockers over the summer, ready for the start of term in September, any padlocks left on will be removed and disposed of, along with the contents of the locker.

Please remember, for September, that a padlock with a shackle diameter of 6.3mm (1/4 ‘’) is required to secure any locker.  Please do not use a diameter smaller than this as it will not secure the locker.

Could we also ask that Parentpay accounts are kept topped up to ensure students can continue to use the Food Hall until the end of term.  Thank you.

Next week (Monday 15^th to Thursday 18^th July) we are planning a range of exciting experiences across the school as part of our Summer Learning week.  These activities are designed to offer students different learning experiences to those available within their usual timetable.  The Monmouth Comprehensive School Friends Association is kindly supporting some of the costs of these events.

Year 7 will be visiting the oldest and newest castles in Monmouthshire, becoming expert archers and orienteers and celebrating Welsh culture in their own Eisteddfod. 

Year 8 will be able to test their metal with outward bound activities, including caving, canoeing and climbing and discover the wonders of the beautiful Wye Valley. 

Year 9 will be walking along the Wye to the Biblins, crossing the river before lunch and showing off their talents in their own Eisteddfod.

Year 10 will look forward to their future education and career pathways, visit Swansea university and enjoy a Monmouthshire countryside walk.

Year 12 will be exploring future pathways and looking forward to applying for university, college or apprenticeships. 

All students in Years 7 to 10 will also test their athletic skills and compete for their Form in our annual Sports Days. 

For the most part, students are expected to wear their PE kit for these three days and ensure that they have suitable footwear and outer garments for the activity and weather on the day.  

Information letters may be found on our Letters page by clicking HERE.

If you have not already given your consent etc via Parentpay, could you please do so as soon as possible to ensure our lists are accurate for next week.  Thank you.

On Wednesday, our Sixth Form Head students and Heads of Year Council attended a Youth Conference at County Hall.

They were invited to problem-solve with key decision makers on the top three priorities highlighted in the 2024 annual Make Your Mark Consultation, wherein 2000 young people took part to vote for their main concerns:

• Cost-of-Living (voted number one priority)
• Mental Health
• Transport

Our students provided their input on these important issues in workshops along with students from Caldicot and King Henry. They raised their concerns about the price of food, the regularity of multiple bus routes and ease of access to mental health support in their community.

Our students were keen in their involvement and provided excellent feedback and suggestions to improve the issues raised.

Year 10,11,12 trip to Swansea University

Year 10 students joined our Year 12 Welsh A Level students, and some students who have opted for A Level Welsh in Year 11, on a trip to Swansea University for a ‘Gŵyl o’r Haf’ (Summer Festival), celebrating and promoting the Welsh Language. The day was run by Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and the students were treated to live Welsh music, a talk by Doctor Cymraeg and Ellis Lloyd Jones of Instagram and Tik Tok fame, where they discussed how the Welsh language has helped them in their lives and careers.

The students also had the opportunity to engage with Welsh businesses at their various stalls, where lots of prizes were available to be won. Everyone had a fantastic time! Da iawn pawb!

Bronwen Lewis Visit

We were extremely lucky to have Bronwen Lewis, a Welsh singer/songwriter, join us in school on Monday to perform for Year 10. She talked so passionately about the Welsh language, discussed the journey of her career and sang some popular songs which she has translated into Welsh, as well as the famous ‘Yma o Hyd’ and the Welsh National Anthem.

Staff and students thoroughly enjoyed her performance and many stayed afterwards to talk to her further. We can’t wait to welcome Bronwen back again in the future. It is always fantastic to welcome Welsh speakers into school to show how widespread and contemporary the language is.

Massive congratulations to our Pupil Language Ambassador Team who achieved 2^nd place in the Awards for Best Team run by Routes Into Languages.

Students were praised by the British Council, at a virtual award ceremony, for their commitment, enthusiasm and great ideas in supporting languages across the school. The team are already planning for next year and have the aim of winning the award next year.

Well done to a fantastic team.

I am writing to let you know that the window for the School Essentials Grant opened on 1 July, and to ask for your support to make sure eligible families apply.

I am passionately committed to improving the attainment of all our students. Removing barriers to participating in education, including helping families with the cost of the school day, including school uniform, is so vital, especially in the current climate.

There are excellent initiatives in place to support families, from clothes banks to swap shops in schools. School Essentials Grant is another route of support for families.  Children whose families are on lower incomes and qualify for certain benefits can apply for a grant of:

• £125 per learner
• £200 for learners entering year 7 (to help with increased costs associated with starting secondary school)

Please click HERE to visit the Welsh Government information page.

From September, I’m proud that all state primary schools in Wales will offer a free school meal to children.

Registering as eligible for free school meals with your Local Authority unlocks access to the School Essentials Grant. It also means schools get more funding. With the introduction of free school meals for primary pupils, many parents/carers do not realise that schools will lose out unless they continue to register as eligible.

So, I’d be very grateful if you could spread the word by sharing https://www.gov.wales/get-help-school-costs. Even if they don’t need the grant, registering as eligible will mean schools get additional funding.

Engineering Apprenticeships

Siltbuster Ltd is a market leading water treatment company with a difference. We rapidly deploy our solutions to the infrastructure, industrial and wastewater industries while continuing to partner with many household brands.

Due to continued expansion and growth, we are now looking to take on Trainee workshop fitters which will lead to a full electrical engineering apprenticeship to enable us to have the necessary skills to continue with our current growth.

As part of the engineering team, you will be responsible for the construction, testing and maintenance of machinery and equipment in Monmouth and at client’s premises. With a wide range of technologies, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills that will form the basis of a fulfilled apprenticeship.

Both on the job and formal training will be provided over a 4-year period to HNC level,  therefore candidates will be required to have a minimum of 3 GCSEs of Grade C or above, including Maths, English and one science subject.

Working for Siltbuster Ltd you can look forward to a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Please apply online via our website at Siltbuster.com

Monmouth Pride - Hosted by Wye Valley River Project

Monmouth is set to make history as it hosts its first-ever Pride event on July 20th, 2024. This vibrant celebration promises a day filled with love, acceptance, and community spirit. It is a grassroots initiative driven by local volunteers, businesses, and community members. Our mission is to create a more inclusive and vibrant Monmouth where everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated. Here’s what attendees can look forward to:

Performers Galore:
From drag queens to live bands, our stage will come alive with captivating performances.
Expect music, dance, and queer disco music that celebrate LGBTQIA+ talent and creativity.
Stalls and Vendors:
Explore a colourful array of stalls offering everything from rainbow merchandise to local crafts.
Support LGBTQIA+ businesses and discover unique treasures.
Safe and Inclusive Space:
Monmouth Pride is committed to creating a safe environment for all.
Allies, friends, and families are welcome to join the festivities.
Don’t miss this historic occasion! Join us at Monmouth’s Pride event and be part of a day that celebrates love in all its forms.