Dear all
As we embark on the summer break, I would like to congratulate students on a fantastic academic year. We have enjoyed some magnificent ‘big ticket’ items such as the fabulous school productions, summer learning adventures and projects, the art exhibitions, theatre trips, Eisteddford, sports days, fieldwork trips, our Estyn success, school awards evenings and so much more. Additionally, students have embraced the spirit of everyday excellence – applying themselves resolutely to their studies, making good choices, showing care and concern for others, and reflecting our collective school values. Even when there are additional challenges, or things are tough, the determination and positivity of our students shines through. I refer you to the ‘wettest fire evacuation known to humankind’ – in July! The student response was superb and a great illustration of their spirit.
Many staff have commented to me how much they have enjoyed summer learning and spending time with students in different scenarios in and out of school. A highlight for me was going with Year 9 along the beautiful Wye Valley to Biblins Bridge and back. It’s a real privilege to be able to spend time chatting to students and enjoying the beautiful area in which we all live.
Thank you to all MCS staff for their incredible efforts throughout the year – a wonderful group of professionals who do everything they can to support and challenge students to do their best and reach their potential. A particular thank you and farewell to departing staff as they head off to new adventures or promotions elsewhere. Amongst teachers we say goodbye to are Ms Burnside, Ms B. Smith, Ms Slade, Ms Sheen, Ms Stubbs, Ms Griffiths, Ms Harrington, Mr D. Jones, Ms Aylett, Mr Foley, Ms Ponsford, and Mr Sully. In addition we say hwyl am y tro to Ms Page as she moves to a 2 year secondment to Monmouthshire County Council. We will, of course, continue to work with her closely in her new role.
We are also very grateful to our support and administrative staff, who do so much to guide and support individual students and the wider school. Thank you and goodbye to Ms Mykhailyshyna, Mr Hucks, Mr Ford, Ms Williams, Ms H. Hopkins and Ms Breakwell-Cruwys.
I am also very grateful for the continued support and engagement of parents, carers and the wider community. Whether that is at school events, involvement with MCS Friends, volunteering at school, working as a governor or any of the other ways in which you give your time and focus to our school community, thank you for all that you do. The partnership between school and home is a vital one to support and challenge students to reach their potential, and we appreciate it hugely. I will write again following our recent parent and carer survey, outlining steps we will take following feedback from you all – thank you for contributing your views towards the continued improvement of the school.
Please click here for a video message from me.
All the best for a restful and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming students in September. Start dates are at the bottom of this newsletter, which is where you will always find upcoming key dates. We will write to you again before the start of the new academic year with all of the details that you will need to know for the new term.
Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher
