Shwmae bawb - my video this week can be viewed here.

Students and staff alike are now fully back into the rhythm of school life - daily routines, earlier starts and being ready to learn with equipment and uniform are all a significant shift from the long summer break, and it can take a few days for things to settle. I am really pleased and impressed in particular with how our new students have got to grips with their new school, whether they have joined in Year 7, in Year 12, or perhaps partway through their secondary education from another school. 

Our information evenings have started this term with us welcoming parents and carers of Year 8 students into school yesterday. Many thanks to everyone for coming. As well as a presentation regarding the year ahead for the year group, there was an opportunity to discuss anything afterward with the Head of Year or other senior staff. The dates for other upcoming evenings are below in this newsletter; please endeavour to attend if you can. We will make key information available afterwards as well.

Finally, our annual Open Evening for Year 6 students and their parents/carers is coming up on Thursday 24th September, between 5-7pm. It is always an exceptionally busy but always really uplifting occasion - we are really proud of our school community, and this pride is evident in the multiplicity of conversations that students and staff have about all manner of aspects of school life throughout the evening.

All best wishes, and perhaps see some of you at the Usk Show this weekend.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

School photographs will take place next week on Tuesday 15th September and Wednesday 16th September. 

Years 7 to 10 will have their photographs taken on Tuesday with Years 11 to 13 on Wednesday.

Year 7 to 10 students who are not in on Tuesday will have the opportunity to have their photograph taken on Wednesday (12.00pm in School Hall) and anyone on Wednesday (Years 11 to 13) who has a pre-arranged absence, will be able to slot in on Tuesday (2.35pm in School Hall).

Sibling photographs will be taken at 3pm on Tuesday, in the School Hall.  Please use the google form link below to request a slot for your children.  Forms should be completed and submitted by 3pm on Monday 14th  September, to allow us to liaise with the photographer and supply a list of students.  Only students on this list will be able to have their photographs taken.  Please note that parents will be required to make arrangements for their children to get home after these photographs.  Photographs are for siblings in this school only.

SIBLING PHOTOGRAPH BOOKING FORM

As children and young people explore the digital world, staying up to date with the latest apps, games, and online platforms can feel like a full-time job for parents and carers. From social media and live-streaming to AI chatbots and online gaming, the digital landscape changes rapidly.

Our overall recommendation is to delay access to smartphones, apps, games and social media as long as possible, but we also appreciate that many students are already online. In these cases, we recommend use of the ‘In the Know’ online safety hub to help parents and carers navigate these platforms safely.

The In the Know series provides clear, practical guides designed specifically for parents and carers. Whether your child is building in Roblox, chatting on Discord, creating on TikTok, or exploring AI tools like ChatGPT, these guides give you the practical knowledge you need to keep them safe.

What’s covered?

• Online Gaming: Guides for games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC.

• Generative AI: Insights into AI tools integrated into smart devices and online services (such as ChatGPT, Character.AI, and Replika).

• Messaging & Social Media: Clear safety tips for Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, X (Twitter), Threads, and Wizz.

• Streaming & Microblogging: What to look out for on Twitch, YouTube, Reddit, and Wattpad.

• Conversations with Your Child: Expert guidance from CEOP Education and the NSPCC on how to start open, positive conversations about sensitive online issues.

Each guide breaks down:

• What the app or platform is and how it works

• Age restrictions and default privacy settings

• Potential risks (e.g., in-app purchases, stranger danger, content filters)

• Step-by-step instructions on setting up safety controls together with your child

Click here to access In The Know.

The Addams Family Launches at Monmouth Comprehensive

The Performing & Expressive Arts Faculty is delighted to announce the launch of this year's upper school production, The Addams Family.

We have been overwhelmed by the response from students, with over 90 students from Years 9-13 auditioning for this exciting production. The standard of auditions has been exceptional, and we have been incredibly impressed by the talent, enthusiasm and commitment shown by everyone involved.

Students arrived well prepared, demonstrating confidence, creativity and a real passion for performance. The audition panel faced some very difficult decisions due to the outstanding quality of performances throughout the process.

Callback auditions will take place next week, with casting to be confirmed shortly afterwards. We are looking forward to bringing together a talented cast and beginning work on what promises to be a fantastic production.

The first rehearsal will take place on Tuesday 22 September, and we cannot wait to get started on bringing the weird, wonderful and spooky world of the Addams Family to the stage.

A huge thank you to all students who auditioned. Your hard work, preparation and enthusiasm have made an excellent first impression, and we look forward to an exciting rehearsal period ahead.

Music Tuition

We are delighted to offer a wide range of instrumental and vocal tuition opportunities at Monmouth Comprehensive School this year. Lessons are available across woodwind, brass, strings, piano, guitar, voice, percussion and more, helping students develop their musical skills, confidence and creativity while becoming part of our vibrant musical community. 

Most tuition is provided through Gwent Music, with specialist instrumental teachers visiting the school throughout the week. Students benefit from lessons that rotate through the timetable, ensuring they do not miss the same curriculum lesson each week.

We strongly encourage all instrumentalists and singers to become involved in our extra-curricular music programme. School Orchestra rehearses every Friday after school in Room 246 and welcomes students of all abilities and instruments. Participation in ensembles provides valuable performance experience, builds confidence and helps students develop lifelong musical skills. School choir and other ensembles will be listed in the upcoming extra-curricular programme.

Families interested in arranging lessons can find registration information through Gwent Music or via the PEA Faculty pages on the school website. Throughout the year, students will also have opportunities to perform in concerts, showcases, the Christmas Carol Service and other exciting faculty events.  

For further information about music tuition, ensembles and upcoming opportunities, please visit the school website or contact the PEA Faculty.

MCS student becomes World Champion!

William McDonald travelled to Europe in the summer, competing successfully in various International Mounted Games competitions.

The pinnacle of this was at Luhmuhlen in Germany, where he competed against riders from all over the world, to become Individual Under 15 World Champion.

Will won all of his heats and his semi-final to reach the final, where he then raced against 7 other top class competitors in 10 individual races watched by around 7,000 spectators. Taking the overall win, he was then crowned World Individual Champion! Many congratulations to Will.

Will is trained by Iain Hopkins, who also coaches the Monmouthshire MGA team Will rides for.

Will was also part of the Welsh team that finished a very close 3rd, behind Italy and England, in the Team European Championships, which were held in France in August.

Another busy weekend for Max and Lyra Swayne. Firstly congratulations to Max for winning the Mens Grade 3 Doubles at Swansea on Sunday with his doubles partner Sam. Secondly to Lyra for coming Runner-up in the 14U Road to Wimbledon South Wales County Final held at Llandaff on Sunday.