News from MCS

Annwyl pawb

I attended School Council today, and was once again struck by the quality of the discussion amongst student leaders. Councillors will report back to their respective Year Councils, who will then in turn debrief each form group. Amongst the items today: period poverty, and how we can help tackle this as a school; litter concerns and solutions; how to celebrate great attendance better; wellbeing lessons and further suggested improvements to them; the start of lessons, Do Nows and punctuality. Our Head Students, who chair the meetings, will provide an update on the work of the School Council in a future newsletter.

Can I also please draw everyone's attention to the Monmouth's Got Talent auditions - details are further down in this newsletter. This is a really enjoyable student-run event in our calendar, so if you have a budding stage star, musician, fire breather, sword juggler or performer of any kind at home, then please encourage them to apply. 

All the best for an enjoyable and restful weekend.

Hugo Hutchison
Headteacher

A space has become available on the Year 11 Maths trip to Paris.  The trip will run from Friday 9th February until Monday 12th February 2024.  Full payment of £575 will be due on sign up.

The space will be live on Parentpay at 4pm on Tuesday 12th December and will be on a first come, first served basis. 

If you have any questions or would like to be placed on a subsequent waiting list, please email trip leader Mrs L Buoy on Laura.buoy@monmouth.schoolsedu.org.uk

Just a reminder that if you give your child medication to bring to school for them to administer themselves, they must only bring enough for one day and must not share it with any other student.

Don't forget to buy your ticket !  Ticket sales close at midnight on Tuesday 12 with the draw taking place on Wednesday 13 December.  Good luck everyone.

Easy Fundraising is a great way for everyone in our school community to raise much needed funds to help support the life of Monmouth Comprehensive School. Through the Easy Fundraising, site we can raise free donations for the school, while we do our everyday online shopping.

Easy Fundraising has 4,100+ shops, retailers and internet services involved; including clothes, food, wine, household goods, holiday and utility companies, entertainment and financial and insurance services – even Etsy. Whatever you are planning to do, or whoever you are planning to buy from online, chances are your purchase can raise free funds for MCS. The donations are often small, but they soon add up. This is a really powerful way for us to raise funds for the school.

It’s easy and it’s free. 

Last year we raised £800 with only 41 families generating donations. Imagine what we can do if we can double or treble the number of families involved. Please consider registering with Easy Fundraising, downloading the donation reminder or the app and make a difference to the life of the school with your everyday online shopping.

Here is a link to a short video explaining how it works.

http://efraising.org/Go8ntD1b2u

 You can join in these easy ways: 

1. Logon and sign up at:  https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/monmouthcomp 

2. Click on the QR code, which will take you to the Easy Fundraising website and search for Monmouth Comprehensive Friends Association.

3. If you shop using a device (phone or tablet) then download the app here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/easyfundraising-app/   

4. Never miss a donation with The Donation Reminder: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/donation-reminder/

Even if you have already signed up but, like me, you forget to use the Easy Fundraising website or app then download the donation reminder and it will pop up when you are on a site that gives donations; that way you will never forget to activate your donation.

Thank you for all your support and Merry Christmas.

MCS Friends Association

Monmouth uniform is now available from Monkhouse Hereford - please see below for further details.

Stock will be available at Ross Labels until 15^th December, after which purchases may be made from the Monkhouse store or online from Trutex or Monkhouse.

Memorial bursary fund re-opens to help young people in Monmouth develop a career in business. 

Bursary applications are open for Sixth Form students at Monmouth Comprehensive School who wish to study a business studies course at university or through an apprenticeship.

The Roddy Thomson Memorial Bursary Fund offers long-term financial support to pupils who may need financial assistance to continue their education and develop a successful career in business.  

The bursary is offered by Roddy’s former colleagues at M&G plc in collaboration with his family to honour his memory and continue his commitment to bringing out the best in those around him.  

Roddy was Chief Operating Officer at M&G plc, and before that at Prudential UK and Europe. Prior to M&G, he was managing director at OpenReach. He was also a director at Ernst & Young and worked at Accenture earlier in his career.  

The bursary will support students studying at Monmouth Comprehensive School where Roddy was Head Boy and left a lasting impression.   

Two students from Monmouth Comprehensive School were successful in receiving an award last year. Both students are encouraging Sixth Formers to apply this year for financial support.

Boris Hale, former Head Boy, and now studying for an apprenticeship said:

“The bursary provides unimaginable support and helps students with potential to advance themselves in an ever-developing world. Continuing your studies after school is a big change, and support financially is a rare opportunity.

The support has given me peace of mind, allowing me to fully submerge myself into my role as well as my studies.

The Talent Foundry support also helped with professional interview practice to prepare for interviews with potential employers.”

Cain Legg is now studying at Swansea University and said:

"For anyone interested in pursuing further education but are considering the financial costs involved, then I would highly recommend you consider applying for the Roddy Thomson Bursary.

It has allowed me to pursue my interests, meet new people, and open the doors to a rewarding pathway at university. I am glad to hear that other students will be able to benefit from this bursary as it has been very beneficial to me while studying at university.”

Students who are interested in applying for the bursary of up to £2,000 per year of study for up to three years, should speak to Mrs Guest, Director of Sixth Form.

The application form is available here: https://zfrmz.com/PAA0AbZ1KYHPOfpv2ToT

The deadline for applications is Friday 2 February 2024.

Celebrating Success in the Performing and Expressive Arts Faculty

Ella Young, Rising Star of Musical Theatre

In the spotlight of our alumni success series, we proudly feature Ella Young, the leading lady of "Anything Goes" during her time at Monmouth Comprehensive School in 2018. Ella's journey from our school stage to becoming a musical theatre star is nothing short of inspiring.

After leaving Monmouth Comprehensive School, Ella embarked on a path to follow her dreams in the world of musical theatre. She started her journey at Cardiff Trinity St David's University, where she honed her skills and passion for the performing arts.

Ella's dedication and talent then took her to new heights as she recently completed a Masters in Musical Theatre at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Her commitment to excellence and artistic growth during her academic journey did not go unnoticed.

We are delighted to share the thrilling news that Ella has secured her first professional role as the lead vocalist for Andrew Lloyd Webber's gala European tour across Scandinavia. What makes this accomplishment even more extraordinary is that Ella was cast by Lord Lloyd Webber himself, a testament to her exceptional talent and the recognition she has garnered in the industry.

Rehearsals for this exciting opportunity are set to commence in January 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Ella's flourishing career.

Ella Young's success story is a source of pride for Monmouth Comprehensive School and a testament to the potential and talent fostered within our walls. As she prepares to grace stages across Scandinavia, we extend our warmest congratulations to Ella on this incredible achievement.

We look forward to following Ella's journey and witnessing the continued success of our talented alumni in the world of musical theatre. Monmouth Comprehensive School remains dedicated to nurturing the dreams and aspirations of students in the performing arts.

If you have a success story to share or know of an accomplished alum, please contact us as we continue to celebrate the achievements of our graduates.

Come and hear a live orchestra perform music from Mary Poppins to Star Wars in our Heroes and Villains children’s concert. This will be held at King Henry School in Abergavenny at 4pm this Sunday 10^th December and is free entry for all involved. There will be a choreographer and fancy dress is encouraged! We look forward to seeing you there.