Annwyl bawb - I hope that you have had a good week. My video this week can be viewed here. 

It is, of course, May Fair this weekend, and I am sure that lots of our students are looking forward to attending. Unfortunately, we too often receive reports from the police and others regarding incidents in and around the fair, and have had in the past to take action as a school. To keep everyone safe, we recommend that children are accompanied by an adult, or check-in regularly whilst at the event, are collected directly from the event if possible, and encouraged to attend earlier in the day rather than later in the evening.

Many thanks to everyone who has participated in the uniform consultation survey so far - the survey is still open and can be accessed here.

Cofion cynnes

Hugo Hutchison|
Headteacher

Monmouth U13s Rugby Team recently returned from a memorable tour to Devon, where they competed in the exciting Barnstaple Rugby Festival. Despite battling injuries and exhaustion throughout the tournament, the team showed incredible determination and resilience to finish an impressive second overall.

Even more importantly, the squad was honoured with the sought-after  “Spirit of Rugby Award” in recognition of their outstanding teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship and camaraderie both on and off the pitch. The award was chosen by the referees, match officials and tour organisers, making the achievement especially meaningful and a reflection of the respect the team earned throughout the festival.

The players represented the school with pride, supporting one another throughout the tour and demonstrating the true values of rugby at every stage. The tour was a fantastic experience for all involved and a testament to the character, commitment and unity of this talented group of young players.

A huge congratulations to Josiah Watton, Ollie Lee, Harry Thomas, Dan Anderson, Roman Prichard, Ben Winterbourne, Charlie Kedward, Elijah Powell - looking forward to seeing their achievements next season!

Your child was recently offered a school-age vaccination appointment.  Whether they did or didn’t have the vaccine offered, could you please complete this Public Health Wales Survey to give your feedback.

There is one survey for a parent/ guardian of a young person, and one for the young person who was offered a vaccine appointment. Public Health Wales is interested to hear your views on the national school age vaccination programme; we value your feedback and your views on how things can be improved.

All your responses are anonymous and will only be used for the purpose of evaluating school-age vaccination programmes in Wales.

Parent/ guardian survey: https://ex.civicamysay.co.uk/EIfTjBbglod

Young person survey: https://ex.civicamysay.co.uk/P9Bz77iV

For more information on school-age vaccines visit: phw.nhs.wales/vaccines/youngpeople

As we are fast approaching the date when Year 11 and Year 13 students will finish at MCS, could we please ask that if students use a locker at school, they ensure the lock is removed and the locker is clear and clean before leaving on their last day.

Year 13 should also return their access cards to the Sixth Form Office before leaving.

If, after the last day of term, any lockers still have their locks on them, they will be removed and the contents disposed of in preparation for the new Academic year.  This ensures all lockers can be cleaned before students start the September term.

All Year Groups will be expected to remove padlocks and empty lockers before the last day of term in July.

Could you please ensure that Year 11 and Year 13 students have a positive balance for the remainder of the term and throughout the exam period.

If your child no longer uses the Food Hall, and they have an overdrawn balance, please arrange to settle this account either via ParentPay or by sending cash into Reception in an envelope with their name and form marked clearly.

The Food Hall staff will update their system to clear their overdrawn balance, which will result in you no longer receiving overdue balance reminders through ParentPay.

Please be aware that students in Year11/13 will not be permitted to go overdrawn or any further overdrawn during the summer term.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Finance Office.

Monmouthshire Show Committee are keen to promote the Young People's Section of the Home and Garden Schedule, which is open to young people up to the age of 15 years, with age-specific classes. 

The schedule, which may be found on the link below, covers a broad range of classes.

HOME AND GARDEN SCHEDULE

Entries close at 7pm on Saturday 8th August.   Entries submitted before the closing date are free of charge.  Late entries will incur a 50p fee per entry payable on the day of the Show as per the Regulations for Exhibitors, which can be found on the Home and Garden Schedule. 

ASH Wales is a national charity reducing the harm caused by smoking and preventing nicotine addiction in Wales. 

They have a short survey for parents and carers to help them better understand concerns around illegal tobacco and vaping among young people.

They would be grateful if you could share your views using the link below:

Parent survey link: https://forms.gle/ohDMPDdfYSYQ3Uw19

On Wednesday 6th May, 14 Post-16 students embarked on an exciting canoe expedition along the canal from Gilwern to Llanover as part of their qualifying Duke of Edinburgh Award. The day began with students learning how to safely lash canoes together to create rafts, developing practical skills and preparing for the journey ahead.

Working in teams of four or five, the students then set off along the canal, navigating their way carefully past canal boats, low-hanging branches, and the occasional bush — with plenty of laughter along the way! The expedition provided a fantastic opportunity for students to demonstrate teamwork, communication, resilience, and problem-solving skills as they supported one another throughout the challenge.

The adventure concluded in Llanover, where students were rewarded with a well-earned hot chocolate before working together once more to load the canoes and other equipment onto the trailer and head back to school. It was a brilliant day filled with challenge, teamwork, and memorable experiences, and all students should be extremely proud of their achievements.

Monmouth Comprehensive School Boat Club Shines at Evesham Regatta

MCSBC delivered a spirited performance at the recent Evesham Regatta, facing a full spectrum of British weather and a notoriously challenging bendy course. Despite the conditions, every crew rowed with pride and determination, showcasing the club’s commitment to excellence and teamwork.

The regatta was packed with nail-biting finishes and close contests. The J18 double scull (Barnaby Shaw, Sandy Kohler-Hoon, Evan Pardington and Lewys Baker) narrowly missed out on a place in the final, losing to the eventual winners by just two-thirds of a length. The WJ14 quad scull fought valiantly in their final, finishing a mere half-length behind their rivals. Meanwhile, the WJ15 quad scull engaged in a thrilling nip-and-tuck race, edged out by only a canvas.

Monmouth’s perseverance paid off with several notable victories, celebrated with presentations from the Mayor of Evesham. The J14 double sculls, featuring Phillips and Meyrick-Laud, carved their way to the final, where Danny Meyrick-Laud and Zach Bowen claimed their first pots in rowing—a proud milestone for these young athletes.

A particular highlight came from the J18 quad scull, who, despite being called straight back to the start for their final against well-rested opposition, demonstrated remarkable composure and skill. They powered through to win convincingly, earning their pots and the admiration of all in attendance.

Monmouth Comprehensive School Boat Club’s results at Evesham Regatta reflect not only sporting achievement but also the club’s enduring spirit and camaraderie. Congratulations to all rowers, coaches, and supporters for a memorable regatta. Special mention to Dan Grey’s dad for providing invaluable trailer assistance in the early morning.

‘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