Shwmae bawb - my final video of the term can be located here. I must warn you that I am wearing a pink tie AND pink shirt, as part of Pink Friday...

This morning's collective act of remembrance and appreciation for Mrs Lewis was an incredibly moving moment for everyone at school today. I know I will remember it for a long time, and it was wonderful to appreciate her in such an uplifting way together. Our thoughts are with Mrs Lewis' family. Please contribute, if you can, to the fundraising for St David's Hospice via Parent Pay.

Pasg Hapus/Happy Easter everyone; I hope that you get to enjoy a restful and restorative break with your family and friends.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

Wales representation

Millie Craxford 7SPA, played for Wales last weekend in the Badminton U14s Celtic Challenge. The event took place in Belfast from the 20th-22nd March.

The Welsh team is made up of 6 girls and 6 boys selected from across Wales. Millie played in singles, girls doubles and mixed doubles matches. They played matches against teams from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.  

Well done, Millie

Karate success

Congratulations to Year 11 student Elvie Pilkington on achieving their USKO, Sport Karate Black Belt last Sunday.

After a six-hour session at Chepstow Leisure Centre (which included a two-hour grading then a four-hour course where Elvie also achieved a gold medal for winning a Kata competition) Elvie came away with the Black belt that they have shown great commitment to over the last seven years to achieve.

Well done Elvie, a brilliant outcome.

The School Nursing Service will be visiting the school on Monday, 20th April 2026 to offer students in Year 8 the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

Having the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is important to prevent a range of cancers and genital warts. Getting the vaccine now protects your child against future risks. Protection from the vaccine is better when it is given at an earlier age. 

Your child will have brought home a consent form pack earlier this week.  If you wish your child to receive the HPV vaccination, please ensure you complete and return your child’s consent form to the school no later than Thursday 16th April.

For additional information, please contact the ABUHB team on 01633 431685.

There were strong performances from MCSBC at the WinTech Junior Sculling Head on March 23, where they demonstrated exceptional teamwork, determination, and racing spirit. 

Results:
WJ18 4x – 27th of 44 
J14 4x+ – 26th of 49
WJ14 4x+ – 28th of 56 
J18 4x – 32nd of 51 
J15 4x+ Kear – 32nd of 64 
J16 4x – 34th of 46
WJ15 4x+ Thomas – 41st of 65
J15 4x+ Fernandez – 62nd of 64
WJ15 4x+ Welsher – 57th of 65 
 

These results highlight the significant progress our athletes are making, competing fiercely in some of the largest and most challenging fields of the day.

We are incredibly proud of every junior who represented the Club. Their enthusiasm, mutual support, and determination were evident both on and off the water. 

A huge thank-you goes to our families for the early-morning travel, organisation, and constant encouragement. Your support plays a vital part in our athletes’ continued success. 

Here’s to an exciting and competitive regatta season ahead! 

T Male
MCSBC Coach

English Exhibition: Years 7 and 8 Thursday 16^th April

Since Christmas, Year 7 students have been on a journey through the evolution of literature in the UK in their English lessons, from Beddgelert, Beowulf and Gawain, through to Chaucer’s ‘The Pardoner’s Tale,’ and then onwards to modern retellings of the ‘Canterbury Tales’ with Patience Agbabi’s ‘Refugee’s Tale.’

Meanwhile, Year 8 students have been introduced to the history of slavery and emancipation in American literature, including Harriet Jacobs, Langston Hughes, Angela Gorman and, from a UK context, the case of Stephen Lawrence and Benjamin Zephaniah’s poetry, before moving on to the study of the play version of ‘Noughts and Crosses,’ about racial discrimination and its impact.

Both year groups have also had author events to inspire them further: Daniel Morden’s storytelling for Year 7, and Alex Wharton’s talk about his new book, ‘Bright Lives’ for Year 8. Students were then set the task of responding creatively to what they have learned and, following the success of our project exhibitions over the last two years, we are now exhibiting both year groups’ work simultaneously on Thursday 16^th April, 5-7pm in the Main Atrium of the school. We would love to see you there!

Book Sculpture Competition

Artists from 5 to 87, including members of our school community, took discarded books to create 50 sculptures to endorse the National Year of Reading.

The pieces can be seen in an exhibition at the Rolls Hall Monmouth Library/Community Hub until mid-April. 

More details of the exhibition may be found on this link: MONMOUTHSHIRE BEACON 

We are delighted to report that MCS won two out of the three prizes in our age category, including a one-to-one lesson with a local artist and art packs.  Every student who took part will receive a certificate, and we will be using the opportunity to launch our next competition – a 500-word writing competition that will be themed around refugees and coincide with Refugee Week and Empathy Week next term.

The Grange Project, Abergavenny, is working to inspire people with wilder nature through their 80-acre rewilding project in the heart of rural Monmouthshire. They want to demonstrate how they can transform a landscape of semi-improved grassland into something richer in every sense.

Last week, students from 7JBU visited the Project for a long walk and to plant some trees.

Monday saw post-16 students in NBO at The Grange where they discussed current relationships with nature, walked across the site, took part in sensory awareness activities and planted trees.

‘WALK THE WYE CHALLENGE’ on Sunday 10^th May is a fundraising walking event in the Wye Valley, organised by the Rotary Club of Monmouth to raise funds for the ‘Velindre’ breast cancer research team. The event is an adaptation of the long-running series of annual Walk the Wye events.

In response to requests from previous participants, the event now has a more varied and challenging format, rising to the ridges above the Wye, and taking in the infamous 365 steps, Eagles Nest view point, and the magnificent Cleddon Falls.  Instead of the six riverbank walks previously on offer, there will be four routes to choose from, each one consisting of a different degree of challenge. Something for everybody.

The event will be based at Monmouth Show Ground. There is free parking at the Show Ground and free buses will take walkers to the start of the Chepstow and Tintern to Monmouth walks. The other 2 walks are circular, starting and finishing at the Show Ground.

Entry forms and further details are available at www.walkthewye.com