Last month we received the very sad news of the passing of a much-loved member of staff, Mrs Ceri Lewis. Ceri had been a part of the MCS family for many years, nurturing two form groups and countless classes, not only with a passion for teaching and her subject, but with genuine warmth and care for all. Ceri made students feel at ease and welcome in her classroom. They were able to approach her with any problem, or simply just for a chat. She treated all with kindness and exuded positive energy. In the staff room, she was always laughing and a source of great fun. 

We have been deeply saddened as a school community and want to come together to remember Ceri for the cherished and respected person she was. We were so lucky to have her as a member of our community for so long and she will be greatly missed. 

Next Friday the whole school community will unite to remember and celebrate Ceri. We urge all staff and students wear a pink item of clothing and/or accessory to honour Ceri’s vibrant and bubbly personality. During registration, forms will have opportunity to reflect, and then unite in a collective act of respect and remembrance with a 1 minute clap.  

Students and staff will be able to make cash donations to St David’s Hospice on the day, and there will also be an opportunity to make donations via Parentpay. 

As a community, we will unite in a spirit of affection, gratitude and remembrance to honour Ceri, and collectively send our very warmest wishes to her family.

Meningitis Awareness: Important Update for Parents and Carers

We are sharing this information to keep our school community informed and vigilant following a recent health update from Public Health Wales.

The Current Situation

You may have seen news reports regarding a cluster of Meningitis B (MenB) cases in Kent, which has sadly resulted in two deaths. Public Health England (UKHSA) has identified a link between some of these cases and Club Chemistry in Canterbury, specifically between March 5 and March 7, 2026.

While there are currently no cases in Wales linked to this incident, public health officials are working closely with partners to limit the spread. We are sharing this as a precaution, especially for families whose children may have travelled or have older siblings at university in that area.

What to Look For: Signs and Symptoms

Meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning) can progress very quickly. It is vital to trust your instincts—do not wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical help.

Common symptoms include:

• A high temperature/fever
• Severe headache
• A stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Drowsiness, confusion, or irritability
• Muscle or joint pain
• A rash that does not fade under a glass (though this often appears late or not at all)

If you are worried about your child’s health, contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately. In an emergency, dial 999.

Helpful Resources

For more detailed information, you can access the following resources:

• Public Health Wales: Guidance for Students and Young People
• Meningitis Now: Signs and Symptoms Checklist
• Meningitis Research Foundation: Support and Information for Families

By staying informed and ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date, we can help keep our community safe.

What is the 'Population Needs Assessment'?

The Population Needs Assessment guides what health, social care and wellbeing needs there are across Torfaen, Newport, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent, and the range of support and services required to meet those needs. 

What are Health and Social Care needs? 

Health care supports the treating, diagnosing and managing of medical conditions. Social care provides practical support to help people live independently and maintain their quality of life.  Care and support services can include things like support with everyday tasks (washing, dressing, cooking, shopping), emotional support or support for carers and families.

Why take part?

We want to hear from people across Gwent about what matters most to them when it comes to their health and social care needs. We need to better understand the relationship between people and the services they use and make it easier for everyone to know what services they can access, and how to access them at the right time. 

This survey will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. 

Complete the survey here:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=eQBNLCzFs0uzytjq8ba31XZBIjHxriRAjwdDf4UAhFtUM003SVZJMTUzODZQQzgzN0lFNzRaSTQ1WSQlQCNjPTEu&route=shorturl

What we will do with what you tell us...

We will use what you tell us to share what improvements need to be made, or what is working well, with services and support in Gwent. We will also share our findings with Welsh Goverment. What you tell us will remain anonymous, so if you complete the survey, no one will know.  

If you would prefer to talk to someone, join us at one of our drop-in events!

Grab a cuppa and chat to us about your experiences. Book to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/gwent-regional-partnership-board-66627962663 

Our team would also be more than happy to talk to you by telephone if you would rather share your thoughts this way. This questionnaire is also available in different formats. You can find them on our website here: https://www.gwentrpb.wales/population-needs-assessment

Regional Partnership Team/Gwent Regional Partnership Board

Do you love reading, or taking part in fun activities, or perhaps studying with friends, or even just hanging out at your local library?  

However you use your library, we want to hear from you!  

If you’re aged 11-16, please take part in our quick and easy survey (link below) and tell us what you like, what could be better, and what you’d love to see in the future. 

 www.letstalkmonmouthshire.co.uk/libraries-cyp-survey

Your ideas can help make library even better - the space itself, the books, the activities, and the events that are available for young people across Monmouthshire.  

The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and doesn't ask any questions that will identify you in any way. 

The answers you give can really make a difference as we continue to improve your local library.