News from MCS

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 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd 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 3^rd September, and all other students back on Wednesday 4^th 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

With his U12 football team in the Forest of Dean, Year 7 student Fred Smith has won the League, won a Tournament and been runners-up twice.

His saves in the penalty shoot out led his team to lift the tournament trophy.

This season they have scored 72 goals and Fred and his defence have only conceded 12 goals all season. He was also the Coach's Player of the Year.

A spectacular year, well done Fred.

Congratulations to Sixth Form student Carmel Greaves who achieved distinction in grade 8 Musical Theatre.

Over the past two weeks, students and staff at Monmouth Comprehensive School have been collecting donations for the Monmouth and District Food Bank. In these difficult times of rising costs for everyone, the Food Bank has seen donations fall whilst demand increases just before the school holidays.

The collection was a fantastic effort across the school, with the total donation weighing in at 127.8kgs. Well done and thank you to all those who donated, in particular 8AL, 7NP and 7CS (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd highest donations by a tutor group).

It is hoped that we can make this collection by Monmouth Comprehensive School for the local Food Bank an annual event at the end of the academic year.

Over the last term, Year 8 students Hollie Hennessey and Maya Thomas have been making, and with the help of a small group of friends, selling crocheted animals.

They would like to thank all the staff and students who have supported their efforts.

They made a total of £450 which they have donated to Cancer Research UK.

Well done girls.

A quick update on the students from 1st Usk Scouts, who took part in a sponsored Abseil recently (Jacob Jayne, Darcy Bull, Harry Phelps, Joshua Horsley, James Lawrence-Preston, Thomas Bendon, Finley Pearce, Theo Harrison, Dilwyn Howells, Oliver Young, Ben Burnard, Robin Fanning, Rhys Seager and Bertie Wood).

They are raising money for Pancreatic Cancer. Sadly, their group has been directly affected by a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis and the Scouts want to raise funds to help the cause.   Thank you to everyone who donated.
 

The recent performances and achievements in our school's Performing and Expressive Arts program have been nothing short of extraordinary. From captivating musicals to prestigious festival performances, our students have showcased their immense talent, dedication, and teamwork, earning accolades and standing ovations along the way.

Lower School Triumph: "Guys and Dolls Jr

Our Lower School's production of "Guys and Dolls Jr." was a phenomenal success, drawing sell-out crowds and receiving standing ovations at each performance. The show highlighted the incredible teamwork and talent of our young cast and crew, who brought this classic musical to life with energy and precision. The dedication of every student involved was evident in the seamless execution of the performance, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and impressed.

National Festival of Music for Youth: A Showcase of Excellence

The highlight of our year was undoubtedly the performance of the "Les Misérables" cast of 2024 at the National Festival of Music for Youth. Our students delivered a powerful rendition that resonated with both the audience and the judges. Adding to the excitement, our adjudicator was a West End musical director currently working on the international tour of "Les Misérables," whose feedback was both encouraging and inspiring.

In addition to the "Les Misérables" performance, our students also shone in the Gwent Percussion Ensemble and Harp Ensemble. Their performances were met with high praise, reflecting the hard work and talent of our young musicians.

Pride in Our Students

We are immensely proud of all our students for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talents. Their achievements in the performing and expressive arts are a testament to their commitment and passion. These successes not only highlight their individual skills but also the collaborative spirit that is fostered within our school community.

As we reflect on these accomplishments, we look forward to the future with great excitement and anticipation, confident that our students will continue to reach new heights in their artistic endeavours.