Annwyl pawb
As we reach the end of the academic year and the summer holidays are upon us, I would like to take a moment to reflect on our year at MCS. A (somewhat related) video version is available here. Once again, the endeavour, work ethic and determination of students shone through in their studies. Examination students also gave it their all, and I wish them all the best for the summer results.
As well as academic progress, excellence abounded in other areas of school life. Our sports teams did us proud, in a wide variety of disciplines, from netball to rugby, from football to rowing. Our students put on two spectacular productions, Les Misérables and Guys and Dolls Jr., which were received rapturously by packed audiences every night. Our Head Students organised Monmouth’s Got Talent superbly well (as well as so much else), and MCS students swept the board with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Our prefect team have contributed a huge amount to school life, for example by running student councils and helping out at events such as open evenings. Our Charity Committee led fundraising efforts throughout the year – altruistic efforts that reflect their care and concern for our local community and beyond. School Council and Year Councils represented wider student views throughout the year, both in school and in the wider community through engagement with the County Council, Welsh Government and others. We held a general election hustings at school, attended by students, staff and parents, and chaired superbly by Head Student Sam North. Our Eco Council worked with the food hall to reduce food waste as well as with the site team to implement new guidelines on waste separation. Multifarious other clubs and groups have also contributed to this rich tapestry of school life, and I am very grateful to students as well as staff for the time, care and dedication that they have shown in their chosen area of focus. It is a real pleasure to see the wide range of interests that flourish here.
We bid farewell to colleagues who are departing for new challenges. In particular, I want to say thank you to two long-serving members of staff: Mr Brown, who has served the school for 31 years in many roles, including as Deputy Headteacher and most recently as Physics teacher, and Mr Williams, who has been at MCS for 27 years, joining as a newly qualified teacher. Many of you will know Mr Williams through his work as Assistant Headteacher for Wellbeing. We are very grateful to both of them for all that they have done to support the education and development of all students at MCS over the years. Furthermore, we say farewell to Ms Buckney, Ms Cackett, Ms Grenyer, Mr Hare, Ms Parkin, Ms Pow, and Ms Webb. Thank you to them all, and we wish them all the best for the future. I shall write again in the first newsletter of next year to introduce new staff to you.
Many congratulations to prize-winners at the School Awards and Sports Awards evenings held this week. These awards, selected by subject staff, are a recognition of the hard work, determination and progress that the winners have shown. Well done, all of you. The full list of winners may be found by clicking on the links below:
Sports Awards Evening 2024
School Awards Evening 2024
May I say thank you also to all parents and carers for your support this year – the partnership between home and school is the foundation for a student’s success at school. Particular thanks to parents and carers who contribute their time and expertise to the excellent work of MCS Friends, which is a vital support for our students, especially in these difficult financial times. For example, many of the activities that students have enjoyed this week in Summer Learning would not be affordable without support from MCS Friends. Diolch, pawb.
I wish you all the very best for the summer; we look forward to welcoming new Year 7 and Year 12 students back on Tuesday 3rd September, and all other students back on Wednesday 4th September. A link to our website calendar may be found below, which may help you to plan for the academic year ahead. The calendar may also be downloaded to your device.
Calendar 24/25
Cofion cynnes,
Hugo Hutchison
Prifathro/Headteacher