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News from MCS
Newyddion o YGT

17 01 25

Annwyl pawb

Please click here to view my video message this week.  I discuss Estyn, who are coming in for an interim visit next week, and our Sixth Form Open Evening, which took place yesterday, and which was once again very busy indeed. 

We are always really grateful to anyone who sends in information for us to share in this newsletter to the whole school community. Please do send anything you'd like to share to Mrs Baker at wendy.baker@monmouth.schoolsedu.org.uk. 

I'd also like to draw your attention to the fact that we are now taking part in the C-Card Scheme, an NHS-led project about sexual health, along with other secondary schools in Monmouthshire. The scheme is led by wellbeing staff here at school, and allows young people (13+) the opportunity to explore sexual health issues, raise and ask questions, and access free contraception. Assemblies to launch the service will be led for relevant year groups by the school nurse (an in-reach service provided by the NHS).

Cofion cynnes,

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Student Success

Year 12 student Ruby Lewis-Atwell played in the WRU U18s Plate Final last Sunday for the Chargers at Llandovery RFC. The Chargers won the match vs the Ravens 27-14 and Ruby, who has played for the Chargers for a year, was awarded Player of the Match.

Congratulations, Ruby.

The Chargers are part of the WRU Female Hub which has more than 5000 women and girls actively registered for Female Hubs and clubs this season.

Congratulations to Year 7 student Lyra Swayne in her first tennis competition of 2025, last weekend.

Lyra came 3rd in her first 16U tennis tournament at Devizes (even though she’s only 11) and it was also a Grade 4 County Level Tournament. She won two out of three matches against girls who were two years older and bigger than her, winning tie breaks to clinch the wins.

Well done Lyra!

NHS Guidance

With so many winter illnesses about, we'd like to remind parents that NHS Wales guidance is that students can return to school 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Useful information may be found on the NHS website link below.

Should my child go to school?

Welsh Blood Service

We are teaming up with the Welsh Blood Service to help save lives in Wales.

Sixth Form students may join us on 24th March for a blood donation session at Monmouth Comprehensive School - 10.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2pm to 4 pm.

Did you know that hospitals in Wales require 350 blood donations a day to support patients in need? We can’t supply our hospitals in Wales without you! Giving blood is quick, simple, and entirely safe. And the best part? You’re saving lives.

We need blood donors from all backgrounds to give blood to meet the daily demand and ensure we have enough for hospital patients. Just one single blood donation can help up to three patients as it can be split into its different components and used in various ways to help patients recover.

Giving blood is one of the most selfless gifts you can give to another person. By giving blood, you are potentially saving lives and helping patients with specific conditions recover and lead a normal life.

Who can donate blood?

We encourage and welcome most adults to give blood. There are some reasons people can’t donate, but not as many as people think! Anyone who fits in with the criteria below may be able to give blood:

If you are:

  • Between the age of 17 and 66 (for your first donation)
  • Weigh over 7 stone 12 pounds (50kg)
  • Healthy and not subject to medical exclusions

Sixth Form students should use the link below to book:

https://forms.office.com/e/nNJSvSLheW

Shrek the Musical

Wednesday 29 January    7pm - good availability
Thursday 30 January        7pm - good availability
Friday 31 January             7pm - 16 tickets left
Saturday 01 February      2pm - 1 ticket left
Saturday 01 February      7pm - 1 ticket left

Concessions              £10  (students/children/Seniors)
General Admission  £12

Tickets may be purchased from:

TICKETSOURCE

Apprenticeship Open Events

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Roddy Thomson Memorial Bursary Fund -
closing date 7 February

Memorial bursary fund re-opens to help young people in Monmouth develop their career.

Bursary applications are open for Year 13 Sixth Form students at Monmouth Comprehensive School who wish to study a course at university or through an apprenticeship.

The Roddy Thomson Memorial Bursary Fund offers long-term financial support to pupils who may need financial assistance to continue their education and develop a successful career.  

The bursary is offered by Roddy’s former colleagues at M&G plc in collaboration with his family to honour his memory and continue his commitment to bringing out the best in those around him.  

Roddy was Chief Operating Officer at M&G plc, and before that at Prudential UK and Europe. Prior to M&G, he was Managing Director at OpenReach. He was also a director at Ernst & Young and worked at Accenture earlier in his career.  

The bursary supports students studying at Monmouth Comprehensive School where Roddy was Head Boy and left a lasting impression.   

Two students from Monmouth Comprehensive School who were successful in receiving an award are both encouraging Sixth Formers to apply this year for financial support.

Boris Hale, studying for an apprenticeship, said:

“The bursary provides unimaginable support and helps students with potential to advance themselves in an ever-developing world. Continuing your studies after school is a big change, and support financially is a rare opportunity.

The support has given me peace of mind, allowing me to fully submerge myself into my role as well as my studies.

The Talent Foundry support also helped with professional interview practice to prepare for interviews with potential employers.”

Cain Legg, studying at Swansea University, said:

"For anyone interested in pursuing further education but are considering the financial costs involved, then I would highly recommend you consider applying for the Roddy Thomson Bursary.

It has allowed me to pursue my interests, meet new people, and open the doors to a rewarding pathway at university. I am glad to hear that other students will be able to benefit from this bursary as it has been very beneficial to me while studying at university.”

Students who are interested in applying for the bursary of up to £2,000 per year of study for up to three years, should speak to Mrs Guest, Director of Sixth Form.  There will also be an assembly dedicated to this bursary when school returns in January.

The application form is available here:

https://zfrmz.com/NScssVHbXhoX6YSCBEOp

The deadline for applications is Friday 7 February 2025

Community

Dementia Aware Information Sessions

To celebrate the launch of their dementia hubs, Dementia Friendly Gwent are providing FREE training sessions for people living with dementia, their family, friends, carers, and professionals, or for anyone who would simply like to learn more about how we can improve the lives of those living with dementia.

Please scan the QR code below to book or look for the events on eventbrite.co.uk.

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Dates to Remember

Y9 Parents' Evening
All Day
23
January
School Production
All Day
29
January
School Production
All Day
30
January
School Production
All Day
31
January
School Production
All Day
01
February
Careers & Higher Education Fair
All Day
05
February
Y8 Parents' Evening
All Day
06
February
TERM ENDS
All Day
21
February

A Week in Pictures

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Website: www.monmouthcomprehensive.org.uk | Twitter: @LearnWithMCS